The History of the High Heel

Egypt 3500 BC

Dec 1, 1000

The history of high heels can be traced back to Egypt, 3500BC

Turkey, 1400s

Dec 16, 1400

Chopines, or platform shoes, were created in Turkey in the 1400s

1533

Dec 16, 1533

It wasn't until the 16th century when it is said that high heels were properly invented. It in 1533, Catherine de Medici decided to wear heels on her wedding day to Henry II, a Duke and the future King of France. She was 14 and quite short (not more than 5 foot), so asked a cobbler to make her shoes that would make her appear much taller on her wedding day.
She wore 2 inch heels to make her appear taller, It is claimed that she is the origin or the high heel as we know it.

The 1600s

Dec 16, 1550

Heels were popular throughout Europe until the mid-1600s

France, Early 1700s

Dec 16, 1700

In the early 1700s, France's King Louis XIV proclaimed that only nobility could wear heels that were colored red and that no one's heels could be higher than his own

18th Century in America

Dec 16, 1750

The 18th Century saw heels becoming very controversial in America.

France, 1791

Dec 16, 1791

In 1791, the King Louis high heels disappeared along with the revolution, and Napoleon banished high heels in an attempt to create equality between men and women.

1860s

Dec 16, 1860

In the 1860s, heels as fashion became popular again

1930-1940

Dec 16, 1930

Both the 30's and 40's were tough times, so the heel became more moderate, with lower and wider heels.

1950-1960

Dec 16, 1950

The 50's and 60's revisited really high heels. Christian Dior invented the stiletto. Woo Hoo!!
Interesting fact: Stiletto in Italian means small dagger, with a slender, tapering blade.

The 21st Century

Dec 16, 2012

The modern high heel.