Calm

Contrary to popular belief that European royalty began wearing high heels in the 16th century to make them taller, hence the term “wealthy,” elevated shoes date back to Persian warriors. The heels gave them better stability on horseback and allowed them to be more precise when shooting arrows.

The high heels of the men of that time generally measured about 3.8 cm. Think of cowboy boots and you get an idea.

As heels evolved, the trend was chunky heels for men and thin heels for women. As always, the elite tried to maintain their status with higher shoes when the poor and the workers began to imitate them. Eventually, men, except those who want a small increase in height, stopped wearing high heels, but that doesn’t mean they won’t come back into fashion at some point.

The Updown

High heels have been out of style for centuries, but since World War II, they have become a staple on the runway and in the women’s office. A low heel is classified as one that measures between 2.5 cm and 6.4 cm; Height is 6.4cm to 8.9cm. Anything above that is virtually impossible to break into and slides into fetish or jewelry categories.

According to The Spine Health Institute, 72 percent of women wear high heels at one time or another: special occasions, parties, and dances. And 31 percent of women wear heels to work every day.

Types of heels

Like everything else geared towards fashion, heels have their seasons. Names like Jimmy Choo, Christian Louboutin, and Manolo Blahnik are shoe gurus for those in the know and their fans eagerly await their next collections.

The heels can be pumps, or pumps, stilettos or platforms. The colors, shapes, and shapes of heels may come and go, but the basics remain the same. One-year platforms may be all the rage, only to be ditched the following year in favor of pumps.

Why do women wear heels?

The easy answer is that they are sexy. The higher the heel, the more it bends forward at the hips. As a result of this imbalance, the calf, hip, and back muscles must tighten to compensate.

Heels also ensure that a woman walks slower and moves her body more provocatively. Heels are sexy, sneakers are not.

Shoe fetishes

The Urban Dictionary defines a parphilla, the technical term for the shoe fetish, as an unusual fixation on high-heeled shoes and / or boots. Some men develop a shoe fetish and may visit a Dominatrix to live out their high heel fantasies.

The average woman has about 20 pairs of shoes. Others, however, develop an obsession and own hundreds of pairs of shoes that may never come out of the box or closet. One theory is that while women may gain weight and have to buy larger clothes, their feet generally remain the same size, hence the compulsion to buy shoes.

Crossing the sexual divide

One group of men who wear high heels as part of their ensemble are transvestites and transgenders.

Carmen Rupe, a well-known drag queen in the antipodes, always wore heels when working as a snake and belly dancer in the 1960s and ’70s. Later in life, however, she had to abandon her precious shoes for more sensible footwear.

Similarly, Bob / bi, a transvestite in New Zealand, wouldn’t think of going out without her heels, although she goes with low to medium heels, rather than stilettos. “Wearing heels is a very important part of feeling feminine. And without them it just doesn’t work. The only thing tragic transvestites have to learn is how to walk in heels. Women start when they are young and it becomes natural to be able to balance. For men, however, it is a skill that has to be practiced. “

Heels in the developing world

High heels in Africa and Asia are status symbols. Remember that Imelda Marcos from the Philippines, for example, is rumored to have over 3,000 pairs of shoes?

Unless women are rich enough to own a car and driver, heels are totally impractical where there are no good sidewalks. When riding a small motorcycle or taking public transportation, some third world women carry their heels in a bag to wear on the spot. That way they can still look stylish. The quality of the high heel tends to be inexpensive plastic, rather than leather.

Heel damage

Dr. Natalie Nevins, an osteopathic physician, warns that prolonged use of high heels can cause damage. This rubric includes falls, low back pain, nerve damage, bunions, and sciatica.

Pregnant women may also want to wear flat shoes, as the altered position of having the hips trusting forward is not good for the fetus.

Sexy or sensitive?

Ultimately, it is up to each woman to make an informed decision about her appearance. A good balance can be sensible during the day and sexy for special occasions.