Origin of Everything

When Men Wore High Heels

When you think of high heels, your first thoughts almost certainly center around women. But for much of their history high heels were seen as a marker of an epic masculinity, worn by warriors, kings and noblemen as a sign of strength and virility. Which is bit awkward for the modern mind. So how did this style of shoe go from being for manly men to a fashion accessory exclusively for women?

When Men Wore High Heels

6m 27s

When you think of high heels, your first thoughts almost certainly center around women. But for much of their history high heels were seen as a marker of an epic masculinity, worn by warriors, kings and noblemen as a sign of strength and virility. Which is bit awkward for the modern mind. So how did this style of shoe go from being for manly men to a fashion accessory exclusively for women?

Similar Shows

WETA Passport

Stream tens of thousands of hours of your PBS and local favorites with WETA Passport whenever and wherever you want. Catch up on a single episode or binge-watch full seasons before they air on TV.