High Heels

Egypt

1500

These shoes were very impractical but were worn to show social standing. During this century, shoes in which the heel was higher than the toe became popular as a more wearable alternative.

High Heels Become Accessible to the Masses

1800

High heels did not return until the late nineteenth century, when industrialization led to a greater variety in clothing so that ‘high fashion’ was now available to everyone. This time, though, heels were almost exclusively worn by women. Heels gradually grew taller until the 1920s, but then grew shorter again during the austerity periods of the 1930s and 40s. In the 1950s the more feminine but less practical stiletto heels came into fashion.

Causing Quite the Stir

1900

In the late twentieth century high heels have been controversial. Feminists in the 1970s argued heels oppressed and stereotyped women, but by the 1980s and after women were still choosing to wear heels. High heels continue to be an indispensable fashion item in the 21st century.