The History of High Heels

High heels have been around for centuries. In the stories of Cinderella and Dorothy, no princess was complete without her glass slippers. Likewise, Dorothy wouldn’t have left OZ without her ruby red pumps. Lady Imelda Marcos once said she owned more than one thousand pairs of shoes, and Carrie Bradshaw once estimated that she owned more than $40,000 in footwear. Men have also worn high heels throughout history, though men have long since stopped wearing four-inch heels and wigs. For quality high heels, check out at wildfireshoes.com.au/categories/shoes/high-heels.html now. 

Historical context

high heelsHigh heels first became prominent when Catherine de Medici, the wife of King Louis XIV of France, travelled from Italy to marry the Duke of Orleans. As a small woman, she was deemed unattractive and needed to wear high heels to look her future husband in the eye. In the 17th century, European aristocrats took notice of this new fashion statement and quickly made high heels a symbol of wealth. These shoes also helped bridge the gender gap, with Italian courtesans adopting the shoes as a symbol of irreverent sexuality.

In the eighteenth century, the French Revolution brought turmoil to Europe. After the revolution, high heels were associated with power, pride, and royalty, all things people didn’t want to associate with. Moreover, high heels were considered licentious, and women caught wearing them were thrown into prison or burned at stake. But in the late nineteenth century, high heels began to see a renaissance and became associated with women again.

Common styles

To make a fashion statement, you can opt for high heel designs made from various materials, including leather, paper, and patent leather. There are many high heels types, including the kitten, stiletto, and Cuban. The main difference between these styles is the height. Those with high heels are considered comfortable but give the wearer a feminine touch. Listed below are some of the most popular high heel styles.

Platforms are chunky heels with a raised sole. They typically have high block heels, but their raised sole compensates for their intimidating height. Slingback heels are also high heel styles, and they feature an open back and an elastic or buckle. Nothing is more attractive than a pair of high heel sandals on a sunny day. If you’re not into high heels, consider purchasing a pair of flat sandals.

Origins

The history of high heels begins with a small pair of shoes designed by Catherine de Medici. She was planning to marry the Duke of Orleans, but as she was a small, unattractive woman, she needed to heighten her appearance to meet his expectations. As a result, her fashion statement became a fashion trend, and high heels soon became associated with the upper class and the rich. The term “well heeled” was born to define the social status of those wearing them. For quality high heels, check out at wildfireshoes.com.au/categories/shoes/high-heels.html now. 

The heel idea took some time to come to life but eventually gained popularity among rich European patrons. During the 16th century, the European aristocracy began wearing high heels. At this time, men were believed to have a higher status, and wearing high heels was viewed as a sign of masculinity. In the nineteenth century, the Manchu people in China adopted high heels and made them out of cotton and embroidered satin-weave silk.

Pain associated with wearing them

Women who wear high heels frequently may experience foot pain. This condition occurs because the toes are crammed into a small space with little room to move. High heels also can cause corns, calluses, and bunions, unsightly lumps on the side of the big toe. Pain associated with wearing high heels can be extremely distressing and requires treatment to prevent further damage. Below are some of the most common symptoms and causes of foot pain associated with high heels.

The first symptom of pain associated with high heels is inflammation. High heels can cause foot inflammation and may even lead to foot fractures. A recent American Podiatric Medical Association survey revealed that nearly half of women admit to wearing shoes that cause foot pain and discomfort. In addition, about seventy per cent of women suffer from some form of foot pain. Fortunately, there are many treatment options for high heels. Proper care of your shoes can help prevent many problems associated with wearing high heels. Proper care can also make your time in spikes much more comfortable for your feet.

Alternatives

Ankle boots are a great alternative to high heels. They can be worn during all seasons, give you the illusion of being taller, and look good with any type of clothing. Ankle boots also offer comfort and are comfortable to wear while walking or standing. Here are several examples of stylish ankle boots to wear instead of high heels. These are also great for travelling. Using one or several of these shoes combined with a high-heeled shoe can give you a great-looking outfit.

Although high heels are considered the height of elegance, many other types of footwear can help you look great without suffering from pain and discomfort. So whether you’re travelling for business or pleasure, plenty of comfortable alternatives still look fashionable. You don’t need to give up your high-heeled shoes to achieve a stunning look. Besides, the comfort of your feet is just as important as the appearance of your shoes, so try out the many styles that complement high-heeled shoes. For quality high heels, check out at wildfireshoes.com.au/categories/shoes/high-heels.html now.