High Heels and Their Fatal Effect

Human beings have always wanted to stand taller, to see more than others, and to look down from a higher vantage point. Today, however, only women wear high heels, although in history men often did as well—yet today they would certainly look rather unusual in them.

Different Types of Heels

Stiletto Heel
A stiletto is a thin, pointed heel at least five centimetres high, named after the short dagger with a triangular blade (Latin: stilus). Thanks to technological advancements that made it possible to insert a steel support into the heel, stilettos became a fashion staple right after World War II. The modern version was designed in the 1950s by French designer Roger Vivier and reintroduced in 1974 by Manolo Blahnik, who called it the “needle” heel. Quality stilettos are reinforced with steel, although mass production today uses other materials.

Block Heel
Block-heeled shoes allow for a quicker stride. The heel has a square or rounded base.

 

French Heel (Louis XIV Heel or Pompadour Heel)
The heel narrows in the middle and widens again at the base. In the 17th century, both men and women wore high heels. King Louis XIV of France, who was short in stature, had special red shoes with uniquely shaped high heels made for him. Because of their elegant, slightly curved form, they became popular for women as well—and remain so today for their combination of elegance and comfort.

Wedge Heel
A perennial in fashion, wedge heels provide comfort and many design possibilities.

Kitten Heel (Sabrina Heel)
About 5 cm high and narrowing towards the bottom, the kitten heel gained its nickname “Sabrina” after the film of the same name starring Audrey Hepburn. Her costumes in the film, designed by Edith Head, who won an Oscar for them, remain iconic.

Advantages of High Heels

• Visually lengthen and slim the legs, while making the feet appear smaller.
• Add height (historically, a sign of wealth and high social status for women).
• Encourage a more upright posture.
• Strengthen leg muscles, especially the calves.
• Some studies suggest they can strengthen pelvic floor muscles (which is why Chinese women are thought to have bound their feet).
• Undoubtedly one of the greatest fashion fetishes.

Disadvantages of High Heels

• Regular wear can lead to muscle shortening, injuries, and damage to the Achilles tendon.
• Can cause poor circulation in the legs.
• Toes may deform, taking on a claw-like shape.
• May cause bunions.
• Walking in high heels prevents the knee from fully straightening, increasing strain on the spine.
• Stilettos can sink into soft ground.

High Heels and Graceful Walking

Strong abdominal muscles are key to walking elegantly in high heels. Lift your head and straighten your back—good posture will reduce pressure on your legs and ease discomfort. Take small steps so that your weight is distributed evenly between heel and toes. If the sole is longer and wide enough, your foot will be more stable. Add a slight sway to your hips—it helps with balance and makes your stride smoother (though it’s best avoided in a professional setting, which is why very high heels are not suitable for the office).

The Fatal Effect

Photographer Elmer Batters, who dedicated his life’s work to photographing his favourite fetish—women’s legs and feet in black nylon stockings and high heels—described the ideal proportions of a woman’s leg for maximum fatal impact:

“The thighs should not be bony, the knees should be dainty, and the calves well-defined. The heel must be rounded, the arch of the foot—always resting in a high-heeled shoe—long and powerful. The toes should be flexible and playful. Clothed in black nylon stockings, they will achieve their ultimate effect—one no man can resist.”