Heels and Heritage: A Brief History of the High Heel’s Confidence-Building Power
At Walking in Heels, we know that slipping into a favourite pair of heels is about much more than fashion—it’s about feeling confident, bold, and completely yourself. But have you ever stopped to wonder where this confidence comes from, and why the act of donning heels feels so charged with history and power? Today, we’re stepping into the story behind the shoe: a journey through centuries, cultures, and social change that reveals why high heels remain unmatched in their ability to transform both posture and attitude.
Confidence, Craft, and Culture: The Origins of the High Heel
Heels didn’t originate in modern catwalks or red-carpet moments—they have roots reaching back to the 10th century. Persian horse riders wore heels for practical reasons: they kept feet secure in stirrups and signalled military prowess. As the trend galloped into European courts by the 1600s, wearing heels became a visual indicator of status. Men and women alike vied for attention in towering silhouettes, associating height with authority and refined taste.
But the heel wasn’t just a symbol of wealth; it also communicated a sense of style, daring, and command. To stride confidently (sometimes in seriously challenging footwear!) was to announce one’s presence in a world where visibility equalled influence.
From Royalty to Rebellion: The Evolution of Expression
The 17th and 18th centuries saw French royalty like Louis XIV reimagine the heel as a statement piece. His famed red heels and elaborate shoe designs declared, ‘I am here, and I deserve to be seen.’ For centuries afterward, heels have carried whispers of rebellion, self-expression, and aspiration. They became tools for individuals—across all backgrounds—to challenge conventions and claim their own space.
Fast-forward to the 20th century, and heels gained new associations through cinema, music, and pop culture. Hollywood icons like Marlene Dietrich and Marilyn Monroe turned high heels into emblems of both glamour and unapologetic confidence. Drag artists, burlesque stars, and countless everyday wearers have continued this tradition—using heels as a joyous way to play with identity, amplify personality, and rewrite rules of who belongs in what shoes.
Heels Today: Tools of Transformation for All
What makes the modern heel so uniquely powerful isn’t just its shape or materials—it’s the heritage carried with every step. Today, at Walking in Heels, we see every client as an inheritor of this legacy of self-expression. Heels are for everyone: all genders, sizes, backgrounds, and stories.
• For some, wearing heels means embracing a milestone—graduation, wedding, or stage debut.
• For others, it’s an act of self-affirmation, a way to celebrate new-found confidence or explore a fresh personal style.
• Many feel a direct connection to the icons who walked before them, drawing courage from decades (or centuries!) of proud heel-wearers who dared to stand tall and claim visibility.
The Confidence Connection: What History Teaches Us
When you slip into a pair of heels today, you’re not just altering your height—you’re tapping into a tradition of dignity, self-respect, and joy. Walking in heels has always been about more than balance; it’s about embodying the energy you wish to show the world. Every sassy strut or elegant glide is a small act of storytelling, echoing centuries of rebels, artists, leaders, and everyday heroes who’ve walked much the same path.
That’s why each Walking in Heels session focuses as much on mindset as on technical skills: because history shows us again and again that heels hold confidence-boosting magic for everyone willing to claim it.
Ways to Honour the Heel’s Story (and Make It Your Own)
Want to bring some of this rich heel heritage into your own life? Try a few of Maribel’s favourite ways to connect with the past and stride confidently toward the future:
- 1. **Learn the Legends** – Read or watch documentaries on the icons who made heels famous, from old-Hollywood greats to contemporary drag royalty. Take inspiration from the courage and flair in their stories.
- **Try a Vintage Style** – Play with shoes or outfits inspired by your favourite era. The simple act of choosing a retro silhouette can help you feel joyful, expressive, and connected to those before you.
- **Write Your Own Heel Diary** – Document your journey. Just a few sentences after each practice can help you celebrate progress and notice how you’re adding to this ongoing story.
- **Share Your Transformation** – Whether on social media or with friends, talk about how choosing heels has given you new confidence or changed how you see yourself. Your story might inspire someone else to take their first step.
Beyond the Shoe: Walking Proud Into Your Next Chapter
The magic of heel heritage is that it belongs to everyone. When you walk into a room—no matter the size of your heel or the style you choose—you bring with you centuries of resilience, fierceness, and fabulousness. Every client at Walking in Heels is invited to step proudly into their next chapter, honouring all that’s come before and all the confidence yet to be discovered.
Heels are for everyone. And so is the story they tell.
Ready to explore your own heel history? Book a VIP Heel-Walking Tuition session with Maribel for personalised, inclusive, and heritage-rich confidence coaching—available in-person in Brighton & Hove, across the UK, or virtually worldwide.
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Maribel is a Lucie Clayton Finishing School graduate and the founder of Walking in Heels, where every session is as much about celebrating history as it is about writing your own. Join the Heel Diaries for more inspiration, transformation stories, and confidence-building tips—one empowering step at a time.