Academic

Women and High Heels

By Kathy Stanchi

Today’s WSJ reports that in response to demand from women, fashion designers are making heels higher and higher, some up to 7 inches (yes, you read that correctly).  The shoes can cost up to $1500.  Some of the shoes are so unstable that models (yes, models!) were crying backstage at fashion shows because they were so nervous about wearing them. Not surprisingly, women (including models, who walk in these things for a living) fall all the time in these shoes, often breaking or spraining their ankles.  Women also report back problems and other health issues. Yet the thrust of the article is clear: many women will pay for these shoes and want to wear these shoes.

I know the WSJ isn’t interested in portraying women in a good light, so they didn’t interview the zillions of women who wouldn’t be caught in shoes like this.  And yes, the fashion industry is misogynist (they want to make money off women hurting themselves, literally). But still. Some of this rings true and it is depressing. The article quotes mostly professional women defending their choice to wear very high skinny heels (often to business meetings).  I know I’m probably preaching to the choir here, but I truly can’t understand this.  I mean, 5, 6, 7 inches? Why would you cripple yourself like this? Why is being unable to walk (or run) “sexy” if you are a woman? Why is putting yourself at physical risk “sexy” if you are a woman?

–Bridget Crawford

ETA: See also this, this, this, this, this, this and this.

Full post as published by Feminist Law Professors on October 14, 2008 (boomark / email).