From a comfort standpoint, high heels aren't the first choice. Many women don't like wearing them; they prefer comfort. High heels elevate the feet, which isn't conducive to walking, and many medical studies tell us that high heels are harmful to foot health. But what this article wants to discuss is that girls must have a pair of high heels that belong to them. And girls need to know how to choose a pair of perfect high heels for themselves. High heels may not be comfortable, but every woman will become confident and charming when wearing them. Why is that?
1.History of High Heels
You may have heard this before: high heels weren't originally meant for women. But did you know why men wore high heels? Modern high heels began as a trend in men's footwear, originating in 15th century Persia. The elevated heels were practical for horseback riding, as they could hook onto stirrups to maintain balance, and while walking, they prevented the feet from stepping in horse manure - a perfect solution.
The breakthrough of high heels into the world of fashion is credited to a 16th-century French queen, Catherine de' Medici. She had craftsmen create a pair of high heels for herself, made of cork, unlike the thick-soled shoes of the time. These heels had a design where the heel was higher than the toes, creating an elegant curve on the foot - the prototype of modern high heels.
Thanks to the queen's endorsement, this style of high heels became popular among the nobility. Interestingly, it wasn't just women who favored them; many noblemen also had a special fondness for high heels. For instance, Louis XIV of France, known as the "Sun King" and standing at less than five feet four inches tall, had a passionate love for high heels.
In 1888, the first high-heel factory was established in the United States, marking the globalization of high heels. No longer exclusive to nobility, high heels became a symbol of beauty and fashion for women everywhere.
2.High Heels Change the Way Women Walk, Making Them Appear More Attractive
In 2013, British psychologist Morris and his team sought to explore the relationship between "gait" and high heels. A total of 12 women acted as walkers in the experiment. They wore shoes of the same height, both high heels and flat shoes, and walked on the same treadmill set at a speed of 4 kilometers per hour for 4 minutes. Researchers then recorded their gait using cameras.
Next, the foot's impact on gait was isolated using point-light displays, where videos of women walking were transformed into point-light videos. These videos were subjected to biomechanical analysis, including stride, frequency, hip joint rotation, and tilt degree.
A total of 120 male and female participants were asked to watch these videos and evaluate the walkers' grace, charm, and age (these variables were combined into one variable: personal attractiveness).
The results showed that women were significantly more attractive when wearing high heels compared to flat shoes. This attractiveness score was associated with stride, hip joint rotation, and tilt degree.
In other words, wearing high heels causes women to take smaller steps, increase their step frequency, and increase the rotation and tilt of their hips, all of which are key factors in enhancing attractiveness. It's quite remarkable how a pair of shoes can have such a profound impact, even beyond what their creators may have anticipated.
3.High Heels Have Been Evolving Towards Comfort and Health
When wearing high heels, people often exude more confidence and poise because these shoes naturally adjust their posture, maintaining an upright and poised image. However, high heels also raise concerns due to certain characteristics:
Lack of support: High heels typically only support body weight on the forefoot and heel, lacking sufficient support can lead to excessive tension and fatigue in foot muscles.
Posture issues: High heels alter the natural position of the feet, shifting body weight forward and increasing pressure on the feet and legs, which can easily lead to leg fatigue and discomfort.
Instability: The design of high heels reduces the body's sense of balance when walking, increasing the risk of sprains and falls.
Heel height: Excessively high heels can cause excessive bending of the feet, increasing pressure on ligaments and joints, potentially leading to foot problems such as bunions and plantar fasciitis.
However, in recent years, high-heel designs have aimed to enhance comfort and stability to alleviate these issues. Some brands use more comfortable materials and designs, such as adding cushioning, reducing heel height, and improving sole structure, to provide a better wearing experience. Additionally, there are specialized high heels designed for greater comfort, featuring added support, reduced weight, and improved foot posture.
For example, these pointed-toe block-heel sandals are a product under the specialized orthopedic footwear brand Dotmalls. They stabilize your foot and ankle in all three planes of motion and provide help for flat feet, plantar fasciitis, high arches, and other foot problems.
（Dotmalls Women's Comfy Orthotic Sandals）
Therefore, I encourage every female friend to choose a pair of high heels that suits them. Today's high heels offer both comfort and fashion, so there's no need to worry too much about compromising foot health. With a variety of materials available, we can enhance beauty while prioritizing comfort. If you're not fond of or haven't tried high heels before, it's worth giving them a try. Pair them with your favorite outfit for different occasions, and you'll see the transformation in yourself!
4.How High Should High Heels Be for Comfort?
3cm
This is the most suitable and comfortable height, perfect for beginners. You can walk and jump freely at this height, which is commonly seen in high heels worn by female detectives in TV dramas. It showcases femininity without hindering the pursuit of criminals.
5cm
This height is also quite comfortable and suitable for office workers or women who need to walk around in high heels. It elongates our legs and is favored by many. However, beginners may feel pressure after wearing this height for a few hours. If you're concerned about managing it but still prefer this height, consider opting for chunky heels.
7cm
This height is more suitable for girls who want to highlight their superior body proportions, such as attending parties, weddings, or modeling gigs.
10cm
This height is quite stressful for anyone, whether a professional model or not. Actors usually choose this height only for red-carpet events, as it enhances their charisma while making their leg lines appear longer and more straight. However, it's mainly for photo shoots and short-term glamour, not suitable for prolonged wear, as it can lead to bunions. Many models and actors in the fashion industry face this issue, like Victoria Beckham.
Fun Fact about High Heels:
Wearing high heels above 5cm for extended periods, or walking uncomfortably with improper posture, can lead to bunions. Therefore, if not necessary, try not to wear them for more than 5 hours.
In the workplace, especially among white-collar workers, wearing open-toed high heels is considered unprofessional. So, if recent graduates want to invest in a suitable pair of high heels, I recommend closed-toe high heels. They exude professionalism and enhance your presence.
The most foolproof colors for high heels are nude and black. These two colors are timeless, versatile, and suitable for any occasion.
Everyone wears high heels for different reasons: some for confidence, some due to professional requirements, and others for fashion. However, one thing remains constant: the undeniable boost in confidence when wearing high heels. High heels are a woman's lethal weapon in life. Everyone should have a pair of high heels that they are particularly satisfied with and fond of.
