Footwear and the Harp: It Isn’t Only for Pedal Harpists

Do you have specific “harp shoes?” We usually think of harp shoes in conjunction with pedals. Harpists usually have preferences on heel height to optimize pedal changes. But it actually affects more than just the pedals. And yes, it’s applicable to lever harpists too!

Be consistent with your footwear.

The purpose of wearing heels maximizes the mobility of the foot when it comes to pedals. Most people have more flexibility going down (plantar flexion) versus going up (dorsiflexion). Having an elevated foot allows the harpist to utilize more of the natural plantar flexion instead of mostly dorsiflexion.

However, wearing a heel can require changing the optimal bench height. A heeled shoe essentially lengthens the distance between the knee and foot. Since the optimal bench height creates a 90° angle between the thigh and knee, a heeled shoe changes the variable.

Adjusting the bench height changes the optimal distance between the bench and harp. To determine the correct harp placement, 1. find the balance point of the harp (this is the point where the harp doesn’t fall forward or backward), then 2. go slightly beyond that point so that the harp doesn’t fall forward. Depending on your bench height, you may need to move the harp forward or backward to find that balance point.

Adjusting the bench height also changes the your arm height. Do you ever feel like you are playing lower on the strings for some reason? Or randomly having trouble hitting harmonics? Check your bench height!

Even if you are a lever harpist, changing your footwear can affect the rest of your harp position. You may have a little more flexibility between shoes, but if you go between no heel and a 2-3″ heel, you will probably notice a difference!

Looking for shoe recommendations? Here are the ones I like!