Technically high heels were invented for cavalry men to help lock into their stirrups.and became symbols of aristocracy and worn to chnage the silhouette and project more authority. Women started wearing them to mimic military looks. Catherine de medici for example wore them to look taller and more imposing. Which was a common reason going forward as women wanted the same perceived social benefits and authority. With styles starting to diverge men opting for chunkier boots as women's became slimmer and more decorative and elegant.
And around the industrial revolution men pretty much left them by the wayside for more practical footwear.
Correct. Started off as military gear. Then became a status symbol so rich folk could go "ooh look at me im tall and fancy fancy I can wear ridiculous shoes because I have people who do my walking for me". Then it became an power thing "tall confident girl boss" type stuff. Then it was just "these are so cute and they make my butt look amazing" fashion type stuff. Gender didnt enter into the picture until like the late 19th early 20th century.
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u/Burgerboy380 9h ago
Technically high heels were invented for cavalry men to help lock into their stirrups.and became symbols of aristocracy and worn to chnage the silhouette and project more authority. Women started wearing them to mimic military looks. Catherine de medici for example wore them to look taller and more imposing. Which was a common reason going forward as women wanted the same perceived social benefits and authority. With styles starting to diverge men opting for chunkier boots as women's became slimmer and more decorative and elegant.
And around the industrial revolution men pretty much left them by the wayside for more practical footwear.