04Feb
High Heel Shoes For Men
High Heel Shoes For Men
Have we finally come to terms with men in high heels? According to Guardian, sales have been rising since 2017, and searches for “men’s heels” have increased by 30%.
High heels are shoes that have a heel that is much higher off the ground than the toes. Anything over 3.5 cm is considered high or raised heels and, in the case of ballet boots, up to 18 cm or more. High heels help the wearer appear taller, highlight their leg muscle tone, and make their legs appear longer.
History and association with musicality
Men in 10th-century Persia commonly wore high heels in combination with stirrups for riding. High heels have had a significant impact on shaping culture and fashion over the past thousand years. Particularly noteworthy is their profound impact on the way Western societies perceive gender. In the past, high heels were commonly linked to notions of masculinity, power, and social standing. Slim high heels are now seen as a strong symbol of femininity and allure in today’s world. They represent what is often called “erotic capital.” Nevertheless, it is worth noting that certain situations still call for the appropriateness of thick high heels, especially among men.
The connection between heels and power varies depending on the historical period and location. In reality, they were designed to portray masculinity in the first place. In the late 16th century, the heel arrived in Europe from Asia. It became important for horse-riding men because it provided stability in the stirrup. Originally, the heel was embraced with great enthusiasm by men and, eventually, by women and children. This was primarily due to its association with the formidable military prowess of Persia, which captivated the European imagination.
One of the first heel influencers was Louis XIV, who ruled France from 1643 to 1715. His ornate shoes were unsuitable for any type of physical activity, emphasizing his powerful status.
High heels and femininity?
There are some industries where women’s heels are required attire in the workplace. Nicola Thorp, a receptionist in the United Kingdom, was fired in 2016 after refusing to wear high heels to work. A nationwide scandal happened when more than 150,000 people signed a petition to have rules against unfair and restrictive footwear policies at work. The public outcry led to a parliamentary inquiry into sexist dress codes in the UK. The law has not been modified yet.
On the red carpet, women are still expected to wear heels. The Cannes Film Festival faced criticism in 2015 for not allowing women to enter if they chose to wear flat shoes instead of high heels on the red carpet. Celebrities such as Emily Blunt and Benicia Del Toro have bravely voiced their opposition towards the festival’s oppressive fashion regulations. Making a powerful statement in 2018, Kristen Stewart fearlessly defied the rule by confidently striding down the red carpet barefoot.
Material:
Men’s high-heeled shoes are readily available globally in various styles, colours, and materials, making them easy to find almost anywhere. Throughout history, high heels have been constructed out of a variety of materials. Leather and cowhide were popular in the beginning. As civilizations progressed, they embraced the elegance of silk and the luxury of patent leather. Meanwhile, in times of conflict, cork and wood emerged as cost-effective alternatives, proving their versatility and reliability. After the World Wars, steel production increased significantly, transforming the heel in an impressive way. It evolved into a resilient steel core that was seamlessly covered by various materials. Designers have made heels taller and thinner, showing a shift in society’s perception of heels as more than just a trend for runways and red carpets. Suggesting a shift in society’s perception of heels.
Men’s high heel shoes have evolved and now include different types like Chelsea, Jacquard, split-toe boots, and heeled loafers. Celebrities like Shawn Mendes, Harry Styles, and Timothée Chalamet are drawing attention on the red carpet with their confident choice of stack-heeled shoes. They are inspired by glam rock icons like the New York Dolls, Kiss, and David Bowie.
In 2018, luxury Italian designer Francesco Russo launched a genderless line of stilettos available in Italian sizes 35 to 45. The designer reportedly said, “It’s not a polemic, it’s not political. It’s simply how society is “It’s not a polemic, it’s not political.” It’s simply how society is evolving. I think it’s in our duty as people who produce products to respond to the world.” I think it’s in our duty as people who produce products to respond to the world.” The limited-edition collection was so well received that it was made a permanent part of the brand’s line-up.
Sam Smith bravely shared a photo wearing high-heeled boots to an important event. They expressed how they used to doubt their freedom to be themselves, especially in their industry. Men should embrace high heels instead of dismissing them. After all, men were the ones who wore them initially.
Even in today’s increasingly unisex fashion scene, less-enlightened gentlemen scoff at heels because of their feminine connection. Men should reclaim high heels since they were the first ones to wear them.
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