WHY DID MEN STOP WEARING HIGH HEELS?
posted: Jun. 02, 2015.
MOST PEOPLE DON'T REALIZE THAT MEN WORE HIGH HEELS IN RIDING FOOTWEAR FOR CENTURIES THROUGHOUT THE NEAR EAST (PERSIA). WHEN THE SOLDIER STOOD UP IN HIS STIRRUPS, THE HEEL HELPED TO SECURE HIS STANCE WHICH MADE HIM MORE EFFECT WHEN USING HIS BOW AND ARROW.
IN 1599, A WAVE OF INTEREST IN ALL THINGS PERSIAN PASSED THROUGH WESTERN EUROPE. PERSIAN STYLE SHOES WERE ADOPTED BY ARISTOCRATS. THEY FELT THAT HEELED SHOES SUPPLIED A VERILE, MASCULINE EDGE.