the history of the high heel

Some of you may not know that men once wore high heels as a status symbol. They were not created to torture women, contrary to popular belief.

A Brief History

They were worn in Persia, 15th Century, worn by soldiers to help secure their feet to stirrups. Created for men. Read that sentence again. That's right, ladies, these were for men first. They weren't created to oppress women. This trend spread to Europe, where male aristocrats used them to look taller and more sophisticated.

Greek actors wore them 2000 years ago, and the higher the cork platform heel the more important the character on the stage. 

Now we get to women's heels. 15th-17th century heels made European women tall, to the point that maids were sometimes used as crutches. These were hidden under skirts. Higher heels meant more cloth to the dress, a status symbol. 

1673 was the year King Louis XIV introduced red sole and heels, then restricted their use to nobles.
The color, another status symbol (see the trend?). 

You may not realize it, but chinese foot binding creates a similar gait (walking pattern) to modern high heels. Foot binding didn't really die out until early 20th Century. 

The 1800's ended the high heel trend for men because loyalty to the crown ended during the french revolution. The Victorian era, late 1800 to 1900, was only the beginning of women and high heels, partly because of the sewing machine meant easy stitching for sewing uppers into shoes. Heels were now females only. Women were now pictured in heels and considered sexy.

WWII and 50's trends reinforced the feminine trend of glamour and feminine heels. Christian Dior created the stiletto. It was a growing trend for everyday women.

The feminist movement lowered the heel in the 60's and 70's. Mary Janes and platforms became popular again around this time. You aren't seeing stilettos in Austin Powers movies, for example, but you are seeing stilettos.

Today's Trends

Today we see lots of high heels, but lots of low heels, too. We can choose our own style. I, personally, will wear them for cosplay and on formal occasions, but seldom do I wear them daily. I usually bring flats with me when I do wear them. Others wear them every day (Ouch, let's call Dr. Scholls!) or not at all. Do what you want.

Look up Kinky Boots on broadway, Max Klinger from MASH, or Rocky Horror Picture Show and we see men wearing them, once again, but for different reasons. Max Klinger is wearing them to get a section 8 (translation, to appear crazy and get an army discharge) and the other two examples are wearing them for reasons of sexuality and breaking the mold. Some men have worn them as a joke or for stage roles.

Their Effect On The Body

 A word of caution to those who wear them often; Stilettos strain your knees and ankles. Heels age joints faster. Lower back, neck, and shoulder pain is common because your body is put out of alignment. They force you to arch your back, and while this was once considered or still considered sexy to some, it makes you hurt more. 

It is actually suggested to do certain stretches after long periods of wearing heels. This includes this routine below. 

1. lay a book (1 inch spined) on floor

2. While standing, place ball of right foot on book and rest heel on ground

3. bend forward at waist, then try to grab toes on book (okay to bend knees slightly)

4. hold for 30 seconds

5. switch feet, repeat 2 to 3 times

6. gradually add an inch per week up to 3 inches

Also, high heels should fit snugly and firmly hold your foot. If you slide in them, you can cause blisters, bleeding feet, and toenail trouble. All painful. I realistically suggest Dr. Scholls products, in all seriousness, when wearing heels for the sake of comfort and safety.

Pictures:
Messy Nessy Chic
macleans.ca
teen vogue
vintage dancer
vocal
tumblr



Sources:
https://www.teenvogue.com/story/heels-history-men
https://www.image.ie/life/history-high-heels-117052
https://osteopathic.org/what-is-osteopathic-medicine/the-real-harm-in-high-heels/