High heels through the middle ages...

During the middle ages, high heels became more of a fashion statement although they started out being worn for practical reasons. Both men and women would wear wooden soles or 'pattens'. Pattens would attach to fragile and expensive shoes so as to keep them protected from the street 'debris' and mud in the outdoors.

A different high platform shoe was created in Turkey in the 1400s and were popular throughout Europe until the 1600s. They were known as 'Chopines.' These heels were HIGH! They were so high that women had to use canes or servants to help them move about! They were as tall as seven to eight or even thirty inches high!!!!! These shoes were exclusively worn only by women. They were overshoes and usually were designed with cork or wood stacked at the heel.


Chopines.

Chopines were also worn by the women in Venice, Italy. They wore them as a symbol of wealth and social status.
People coming to tour Venice would think these shoes looked ridiculous and hilarious. Tourists would find these shoes humorous and mock them.

info sources: http://www.randomhistory.com/1-50/036heels.html