Gwyneth works the red carpet in hers, while Posh and Mariah Carey regularly hit the shops in their hyper heels. But for the lesser mortal without a bodyguard to hold on to, just how do you go about daily life without ending up in A&E? Enter catwalk choreographer Lee Lapthorne and How To Walk In High Heels author Camilla Morton to give me a lesson in surviving fetish footwear.

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THE CHALLENGE: GETTING TO WORK

The lesson: Lee reassures me that if I can master the walk, running for the bus won’t be a problem. “It’s all about balance,” he says. “Imagine there’s a pole coming out of the top of your head pulling you upright. Don’t look down. And pretending there’s a photographer in front of you will help you focus.”

I run, well, hobble, for the bus, but it’s all in vain – it speeds off without me, splashing me in the process. Charming. It’s no wonder they’re called “limo shoes”. They should come with their own chauffeur!

THE CHALLENGE: COPING WITH ATTENTION

The lesson: “These shoes scream ‘look at me’ and will draw people’s eyes to your feet and legs,” says Camilla. “Be confident, sexy and enjoy the attention.”

There’s no point wearing the latest S&M-style shoes if you can’t handle men, erm, appreciating you. But thanks to the politically correct brigade, even builders are forbidden from giving the tamest of wolf whistles. As I strut past a group of burly construction workers, surely they won’t be able to resist commenting? After one lap, success is mine.

OK, so most of their remarks are unprintable, but rest assured the sight of my leather-clad hooves made their day, and sent them back up their scaffolding with more than just a spring in their step.

THE CHALLENGE: FOOD SHOPPING

The lesson: “A shiny supermarket floor is one of the hardest surfaces to wear high heels on and could leave you with more than your ego bruised if you get it wrong,” says Camilla. “Use your trolley or basket to your advantage to help you balance.”

If Victoria Beckham can shop for her groceries in a pair of sky-scraping stilettos, so can I, I tell myself as I wobble into my local supermarket in a pair of seven-inch bondage-style platforms. But as Camilla warned me, highly-polished floors are no friend of the fetish shoe-wearer. And toppling into the freezer compartment was not the look I was going for…

THE CHALLENGE: THE COBBLES

The lesson: “I tell all the models I coach to put their shoulders back, relax their arms, and push their chests out,” says Lee. “Do that, and cobbles will be a doddle.”

In my super-high stilettos I feel about as steady as a newborn lamb, but after following Lee’s advice, I’m soon sashaying over the uneven ground like a pro. I work that walk – next stop Milan, darling!

The verdict: I loved wearing the heels, but without a limo to ferry me about and an assistant to carry my gym kit, I can’t compete with Posh et al. Yes, I’ve mastered the walk but I won’t be investing in a pair of fetish shoes, style statement or not.

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5 STEPS TO HEEL HEAVEN

* Don’t buy cheap shoes. Quality high heels will last longer and won’t hurt your feet as much.

* Any heels – especially seven-inchers – will draw attention to your feet and legs, so make sure your toes are pedicured and your legs are smooth, shaven and moisturised.

* Give your pins a helping hand by drawing a line of Vaseline from your heel up the back of your leg to create the illusion of shine and length.

* Walking in high heels is all about posture – put your shoulders back, lift your chin up and elongate your body.

* Practise walking in your heels to music – you’ll walk better to funky, uplifting beats.

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Are you a seasoned hyper heel wearer or have we inspired you to give it go? Do high heels make men go crazy? And what shoes couldn't you live without?

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Photography: abbie trayler-smith, goffinf.com hair & make-up: soula henderson at jot goodman Lee Lapthorne and Camilla Morton are the Gillette Venus High Heel High School Experts Visit Gillettevenus.com/uk for details

Stockists: Eimear wears Red heels (main shot), from a selection at christian dior (020 7172 0172); red and pink heels (running for bus), £75, Topshop (0845 121 4519); black heels, £120, moda In Pelle (modainpelle.com)