Have we said goodbye to high heels?

 

By Orla Pentelow
August 2023

Once synonymous with elegance and sophistication, the towering symbols of “femininity” have been making a quiet exit from the limelight, replaced by a new wave of comfort-driven options. 

In the ever-shifting fashion sphere, where trends wax and wane with the changing seasons, one particular change has caught the eye of experts of late: a gradual decline in popularity of high heels. When was the last time you spotted a teetering stiletto? [And, not at a CD event?]

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My Note: I attended a wedding for a young 30's couple this weekend.  The full deal. Bridesmaids, all in elegant dresses, bride in a long drop shoulder low cut dress with train. Barley visible under her wedding gown, were the shoes - sneakers.  At the wedding party and reception there were a good mix of ages, predominately thirty to fifty. And, then the older family members, me included, in that group. Among the female fashions were many very elegant and colorful dresses that you would expect for a late spring outdoor wedding, country club reception.  Dresses, live and well! 

With my passion of people watching and shoe obsession, I studied extensively.  Not one pair of what I would call stiletto [high] heel pumps. Many ballet flats, low wedge heels, Espadrilles, Mary Janes, kitten heels, and block heels all under two inches. What alternate reality did just fall into?  

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CNN Style: Could the pandemic hold the masterstroke that led to high heels’ demise? The altered course of our lives undoubtedly played a role in the downturn of the striking style.

Before the world stood still, high heels reigned supreme. These marvels of design not only elevated one’s stature but also evoked a sense of elegance that transcended mere clothing. High heels were billed as not just footwear but a gateway to confidence, allure, and a dash of untamed glamor.

“High heels alter body posture and create a distinctive walking style which can affect the way individuals carry themselves, promoting a more upright posture and enhancing perceived attractiveness and admiration from others,” Dr Carolyn Mair, cognitive psychologist and fashion business consultant, author of The Psychology of Fashion told CNN over email. ”This can contribute to feelings of confidence and a sense of being noticed and appreciated as feminine, glamorous, or professional.”

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As we bid a temporary adieu to high heels, questions linger about their future trajectory. Will they stage a triumphant return, reaffirming their position as the epitome of allure?

“High heels are likely to remain a popular choice for special occasions such as parties and weddings,” says Mair. [not what I saw in generation "Z" event]

However, she adds, “the evolving societal perception of beauty and femininity has encouraged a broader acceptance of diverse body types, prioritized comfort and practicality, promoted self-expression and individuality, and challenged traditional gender norms.”

Without a doubt the pandemic rewrote the rules of fashion, ushering in an era where comfort seamlessly intertwines with elegance, but only time will illuminate the future path of high heels. For now, the style no longer is seen as an essential marker of femininity.

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Also see:   Outdated Heel Trends To Step Away From In 2026  

My afterthought:   

What do you think? I have not given up my tall heels although three inch or less are my go-to.  However, the heels are not as high as before and for casual, sneakers, and flats.