History of Heels

High heels have a long and varied history, originating in practical equestrian footwear (Persian riders' galesh) and later becoming a status symbol in 17th-century Europe. By the 18th century heels had gendered meanings: chunky heels for men (riding boots), slender heels for women (fashion and status). The 20th century saw heels become a widespread fashion item for women, with the stiletto invented in the 1950s and periodic revivals of varying heel shapes.

Why it matters to writers

• Use historical detail to set period scenes: heel height, shape and materials change across eras.
• Heels as status and gender signalling can be used thematically (power, performance, femininity).

Quick writing examples

"His boots bore the stacked heel of a cavalryman; she, by contrast, clicked past in slender red heels that caught the candlelight."

"During the ball the chopines made the guests tower above the tiled courtyard like statues gone slightly wrong."

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