High heels are a male invention designed to make women’s butts look smaller and make it harder for women to run away.

At least that’s how the shoes are described by Amanda Bynes as Viola in the 2006 film “She’s the Man.”

Yet despite the discomfort they cause and the stigma they carry as footwear utilized solely for sex appeal, women have worn them for generations.

Beginners, as well as some who have worn high heels for years, often find the balancing act a difficult one.

Kirsten Stack, an employee of Brown Shoe Fit Company, 829 Mass., says she began wearing high heels in eighth grade. Like others, she had a few problems.

“It took awhile to learn how to walk normally at first,” Stack says.

Physical therapist Jill Blomgren of Neu Physical Therapy says it is hard for first-timers to wear high heels because of the reduced surface area that body weight rests on.

“The main thing would be based on the heel of the shoe. If the heel is a stiletto that’s a very small area to balance on,” Blomgren says. “Let’s say somebody is wearing a wedge, it would be easier to walk on because you are relying on a larger surface area.”

In addition to the balancing act performed in high heels, another problem that faces both beginners and seasoned wearers is discomfort. From sore feet and tired legs to pinched toes and blistered heels, wearing high-heeled shoes can be painful. In addition to general soreness and discomfort, wearing high heels can be physically harmful.

“If you are a chronic wearer of high heels, that is someone who wears high heels to work every day, that puts the Achilles tendon in a shorter position every day,” Blomgren says. “Over time the Achilles tendon and calf muscle shorten and you can develop Achilles tendonitis.”

However, there are tips to keep rookies and veterans in top shape:

• When shopping for shoes, start with a low, wide heel and work your way up. “I would make sure the size fits right and it’s not too high of a heel when you first start out so you don’t trip or fall down stairs,” Stack advises.

• Make sure your shoes fit correctly. Laura Kelly, an employee of Famous Footwear, 3230 Iowa, suggests using shoe inserts to get the proper fit. “I use heel inserts and ball insert cushions, so that’s what I recommend to other people,” she says.

• Stretch before you put your shoes on and again when you take them off. “The main thing is to stretch your calves every day,” Blomgren says. “That will prevent any problems and keep structures from tightening up.”

• Practice, practice, practice! “Practice walking on carpet, practice on tile and practice going up stairs,” Kelly says. “People don’t usually think about that.”

• Avoid icy sidewalks, gravel and grassy areas. Stay away from places where you could slip or sink.