High heels for men

Over the generations, high heels have always been a symbol of femininity and charm, but few know it was the essential item for an old gentleman.

Beautiful, provocative, sexy and more, but high heels have never been seen in practical terms. They are not convenient for climbing or cycling. Women wearing high shoes are advised to avoid stepping on grass, or walking on ice, gravel or slippery floors. For some people, wearing high heels is impossible, as if they were designed to be essential, not to walk on their feet. And that was actually the original purpose when high heels appeared. 'High-heeled shoes have been worn for centuries in the Near East when knights need to ride horses,' BBC quoted Elizabeth Semmelhack of Bata Shoe Museum in Toronto (Canada). Skillful horseback riding is a prerequisite for horsebackers in Persia, today Iran. When the soldier stood on the pedal, the heel of the shoe kept them in a position to shoot accurately, according to Ms Semmelhack.

King Louis 14 and French brand shoes - (Photo: Studyblue.com)

By the end of the 16th century, the Persian king Shah Abbas I was in the world's largest cavalry army. He pursued a policy of tightening relations with the West in the hope of defeating the powerful enemy, the Ottoman Empire. Therefore, in 1599, King Abbas sent his first envoy to Europe, namely Russia, Norway, Germany and Spain. Immediately the fancy shoes entered the eyes of the nobility of the fashion. Surprisingly, the high heels at that time were given the ability to bring a masculine, solid look to the men. When this fashion trend spreads to the mainstream, the aristocratic faction reacts by gradually increasing the height of the heel, regardless of the inconvenience of standing on a slippery shoe, or in the case of wading mud on the a muddy road in Europe in the 17th century.

A 'terrible' shoes of old men - (Photo: Bata Shoes Museum)

According to Semmelhack expert, one of the best ways to affirm the position of the aristocracy is to prefer clothes and shoes that are as inconvenient as possible. When it comes to the most famous shoe collector in history, it is not certain that the once Indonesian first lady was Imelda Marcos who surpassed King Louis 14 of France. Louis 14 is only about 1m63 tall and with high heels, he adds 10 cm. Instead of hiding like many men of the present day, the French king always wears a striking pair of shoes, with soles and heels always bright red. And this fashion trend quickly spreads to neighboring countries, regardless of height and age. The painting made in 1661 by King Charles II of England showed that he wore bright, French-style red shoes, although he was normally 1m85 tall. By the 1670s, Louis 14 issued only a statement that only members of the court could wear red heel shoes. Despite the ban, eye-catching shoes are still present everywhere, informally, and of course, under the feet of men.

By the end of the 18th century, the movement of men abandoning jewelry and matches was launched in England, and high heels turned into specials for women. Up to now, it seems that high loafers have returned to men. Just like in the past, the leader who started the trend of wearing high heels in men was also a Frenchman, former President Nicolas Sarkozy. He regularly wears shoes ranging from 5 to 7cm to improve his height, inspiring politicians, merchants and strong men who miss out on the boldness of using high heels. With 'Sarkozy effect', history is repeating.