Vacuuming in Heels: Tips for Comfort & Safety

High heels are problematic because they essentially force you to walk on your tiptoes with only a narrow rod for support, according to Dr. Marlene Reid, a fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. Unless you're playing a housewife from 1954 on television, you probably don't do much housework in your high heels. Still, it happens. You're late for work and your child spills a bottle of green glitter on the carpet, causing you to lunge for the vacuum in your stilettos before your dog can ingest the tiny sparkles. If you have to vacuum in high heels, you should take some precautions to avoid injury.

Instructions

• 1

  Stand on the carpet while vacuuming. Lack of cushioning in high heels can cause pain in the ball of your foot according to Reid, and high heels on hardwood increase your discomfort.

• 2

  Spread your feet in a broad stance as you move the vacuum back and forth. Standing with your legs apart creates a stronger support structure for your body than standing with your feet together.

• 3

  Avoid leaning over the vacuum for support. High heels are already unstable, and relying on a piece of large, rolling equipment for support adds another risk.

• 4

  Move the vacuum, not your body back and forth. It is much safer and easier to push and pull the vacuum while you remain stationary. Attempting to step backward while bringing the vacuum with you in high heels could lead to a sprained ankle.