The History of High Heels

High-heeled shoes have made women look better and better every day. With these shoes, women look sexier, chic and fashion forward. Though it poses much discomfort, women cannot seem to stay away from this irresistible footwear. High-heeled shoes have a very rich history; it even starts back from ancient Egypt. Greece and Rome have their fair share of high-heeled endeavors. Though there is a controversy to which the concept of high-heeled shoes was invented, such is not a hindrance in enriching the fashion industry.

History shows that women have already worn such shoes since ancient Egypt. During this era, wearing shoes is related to the class where the person belongs to. Those who are wearing shoes in this era are attributed to the higher class while those who walk bear foot are members of the lower class. Considering the Roman and Grecians, they were first to wear platform sandals. Such is called as kothorni. During the Renaissance, the kothorni shoes were named as buskins. This footwear is made with cork or wood soles, which are specifically made for actors who need boost in their height.

After the Renaissance, the Europeans have made innovations in footwear. Nobles made heels as an addition to shoes. These heels have a utilitarian purpose; it allows the foot to keep the feet in the stirrups. Some shoes are “well-heeled” pertaining to the more costly ones. This kind of fashion slowly developed in more sophisticated styles and designs. Fashion from Europe was innovated. In Italy, the high heels were revolutionized by the chapiney type of shoes. But later, this kind of shoes were banned in Venice.

Moving to the 17th century in England, some women who were believed to be witches and used high heels to seduce women were punished. On the other hand, one can remember the name Casanova. He preferred women wearing high heels since it shoes the legs. In France, it was believed the Marie Antoinette who as the queen was executed wearing two-inch heels. In the Victorian Era, sewing machines were invented which made increasing innovations in high-heeled shoes.

During the1930’s, the heels of the shoes were made wider and lower. In the 1960’s, stilettos were invented. The name “stiletto” was derived from the dagger; these shoes were the crazed items in the catwalks. However, during the 1980’s stiletto heels waned a bit in the fashion scene. Now, one can see different styles and colors of high-heeled shoes. Surely, a woman owns a pair of high-heeled shoes since it is considered a staple footwear in the wardrobe. Now, high heels surely made a distinct mark on the fashion industry. Women everywhere patronize this kind of footwear for its aesthetic function. Nevertheless, wearing heels is like wearing a piece of history.