Cone, wedge, prism, kitten or puppy, whatever the style, high heels are a classic feature of women's fashion. As the struggle to combat foot pain, risk of falls and dodging racks and soft grass, did you ever stop to consider the history of these iconic pieces fit?
The origin of high heels is debatable, but many believe it originated in ancient Egypt, where the use of any shoe was a symbol of power and wealth. The precursors first in what is now called stilettos were discovered in an Egyptian tomb dating from around 1000 BC.
Legend has it that high heels were introduced to the European aristocracy in the 16th century by Catherine de Medici in Paris. Betrothed to the Duke of Orleans, who later became King of France, the diminutive of 15 years, Catherine put her shoes with two heels to enhance his stature and respect.
In 1850, men had arrived in the act, too, with noble and "off" in England and France, falling on the heels sometimes five inches high. It was past time fraught with danger for the French, however, as the heels are higher than those being used by the king could be thrown in jail or worse.
Fortunately, the heels of the forgotten man during the French Revolution and the ideals of equality took over the traditions of the aristocracy and privileged. Along with the disappearance of the heels of men, women also disappeared. Not everyone was happy with this, of course, the French queen Marie Antoinette supposedly went to the guillotine the use of two-inch heels.