While modern high heels are almost exclusively associated with women’s fashion, historical evidence suggests their origins are far more complex and, in fact, trace back to men. Ancient Egypt, in particular, provides some of the earliest known examples of heeled footwear, which was worn by both men and women for very practical and symbolic reasons.
High heels in ancient Egypt were a far cry from the stilettos of today. They were elevated sandals, often made of leather, with a raised sole or heel. Their purpose was not to accentuate a figure but to serve a function. Murals dating back to 3500 B.C. depict members of the upper class—both men and women—wearing these elevated shoes, which symbolized their elevated social status and set them apart from the barefooted lower classes.
However, heels were also worn for a grittier purpose. Historians have found evidence suggesting that Egyptian butchers wore a form of heeled sandals to elevate their feet and keep them from stepping in blood and offal on the slaughterhouse floor. This practical use of elevated footwear for a specific, functional purpose marks a significant divergence from its later use as a fashion statement.
Beyond Egypt, the use of heels by men continued to evolve. In 10th-century Persia, cavalry soldiers wore heeled boots to help them secure their feet in the stirrups of their saddles while standing to fire bows and arrows. This practice was adopted by European aristocrats in the 17th century, where men wore heels not only for their military association but also to appear taller and more powerful. Famous figures like King Louis XIV of France were known for their elaborate, high-heeled shoes, with his red heels becoming a symbol of nobility and royal authority.
The shift of heels from a male to a female fashion staple did not occur until the 18th century, particularly around the time of the French Revolution when men’s fashion became more practical and less flamboyant. This historical journey of the high heel serves as a fascinating reminder that fashion, power, and utility have long been intertwined, with the shoes we wear often telling a much deeper story.
