The surprising history of high heels: a deep dive

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CHAPTERS
00:00 Intro
02:49 Head’s up: history (and high heels) are political
04:46 Early heels in Ancient Egypt
06:42 Platforms to protect your shoes
09:05 Heels on horseback in Persia
10:53 High fashion in the French court
13:23 The heel evolves: practical or a symbol of power?
15:58 “Fashion is so frivolous and feminine!”
18:16 Cowboys boots have heels
20:20 Stilettos and suffering for beauty
23:28 Sexist social expectations
27:28 Outro

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Bibliography

Heights of Fashion: A history of the elevated shoe. (2008). Elizabeth Semmelhack. Bata Shoe Museum.

[jennifers]

I read the title of the video to my wife, and she said the answer is “Yes!”

[crustymcbastardsonplays]

I am surprised you didnt mention the absolute best music icon in heels, Prince! He wasn't masculine or feminine, he was just sexy! I love your work, keep it up!

[_maxgray]

I personally can't wear heels because of my joint issues, but my vote is that everyone who wants to wear heels should be able to without harassment, and everyone who doesn't should be able not to without harassment. Thanks for another great video!

[Lightspren]

Yes! Do the history of pockets! That sounds amazing!

[katwitanruna]

I know a disabled female lawyer who has literally had to bring in a note from her doctor to allow her to wear flat shoes in certain judge’s courtrooms. Same with pants. 🤯

[gawkthimm]

as a straight white male; "Respect my lbqt+ homies, Or I’m going to identify as a fvcking problem" - I enjoy the history and how it connects to politics, sociology, gender roles, class etc... thanks for being awesome and making great content.

In academia taking all into account, factoring in biases etc and not doing the "great man of history" -is called 'history from below'..

[FriendlyKitten]

My only critique is the echoy audio in the green chair, as a person with tinnitus, hard to hear, but I bet it was just gear hiccups :3 it happens.
Keep up the amazing work.
and yes, the shoes ARE fabulous <3

[DesOkun]

Definitely would love to hear about the history of pockets, or lack there of, in women's clothing.

[erin]

I'm so conservative. Men should wear long wigs, heels, long robes, stockings and use tons of make up. #MakeMenManlyAgain

[markmh]

Cisgender white male here who lives in the Great American West. (Love your channel Jessica! ❤) I see lots of cowboy boots on a daily basis, some worn by actual ranch hands, while others are worn by "urban cowboys" of short stature trying to increase their height. Some boots are very elaborate and expensive.

But when I refer to them as "male high heels, " you should see how the Boys get their hackles up. Them are fighting words! I have nearly engaged in fisticuffs with a drunken cowboy or two when mentioning that I like their "high heels." 😊

Keep up the good work Jessica! You have fans all over the world in all walks of life. ❤

[stantripleSmamamoo]

Contrary to the misogynistic comments, I enjoy the fact, you are talking about feminist topics with the actual basis formed of facts in a interesting manner! Also, I would like the deep dive in the history of the pockets, since it is pretty fun topic to discuss.

[zoelawrence]

Tbh it's not just that heels enable better riding. It's that riding without a heel is dangerous. Without a heel it is much easier for your foot to slip through the styrup. At best this means losing balance, which in itself can be risky, at worst it happens while you are falling off, and your foot, now hooked through the styrup, will be used to drag you ragdoll style across the field until you are far enough away that your horse calms down. Ironically far from the most lethal activity you can do on a horse, but it's still up there. Most stables won't let you ride in flats even if it's just a rein led joy ride.

[zoelawrence]

Them: stick to the fashion no politics
The rest of us: ....are you new here?

[MixedMel]

Here for the history, politics, style, activism, and parasocial rufflicious teaparty vibes! ☕️

Personally, it's massively encouraging to have the opportunity to engage with thoughtful content from a fellow 2SLGBTQIA+ and chronically ill/EDS with comorbitities person. Thank you for the work you do!

[PhoebeFayRuthLouise]

Please do a video about pockets! I wear “men’s” Levi jeans solely because they have much better pockets!

I enjoyed this deep dive into high heels!

[Bel_catlover]

Finding this channel was definitely one of the best things that happened to me in my history with the Internet, hugs from Brazil Jessica!

[victoriatucker]

Loved the video as always.
In answer to your question at the end of "should I look at the history of pockets..." Please do!

[---l---]

The production is good. Multiple setups, wardrobe changes, excellent script. just the friggin best.

[cbw]

I'm obsessed with 17th century European fashion for men, both before and after the justacorps and before the periwig started to get tall/unnatural, and yesss those Louis XIV heels. The time when crazy colors, high heels, petticoat breeches, and 10, 000 pounds of ribbon were the ultimate expression of virile aristocratic masculinity.

[Skittl]

If i even wear a small heel, i usually cant walk the next day due to chronic tendon problems. In my youth, i suffered through it to wear heels for important events, prom, night out dancing, wedding, etc, but now i just could not care less about style.