Is there any real function to heels on shoes and boots?

Question

Other than making you slightly taller?

Answer 1

The original purpose of the heel of a shoe was to provide an easily replaceable wear surface. The heel of the shoe takes most of the wear in normal walking. Without heels, that portion of the sole of the shoe would wear away, requiring that the shoe be resoled. It is simpler (and cheaper) to remove the worn heel and replace it with a new heel than to replace the entire sole.

Once the heel was added for functionality, fashion took over and made the heel a fashion point, completely overtaking the heel's original function.

Of course, in today's throw-away economy, no-one replaces worn heels or soles, they just replace the whole shoe, which is why no one remembers the reason for a heel on the shoe in the first place.

Answer 2

Boots

Answer 3

Here's one very good safety reason:
When you climb a ladder your foot may slip forward. The heel will catch your foot and stop it from falling all the way through.

If you work on an industiral site (with ladders), they won't let you work unless you have heels on your boots/shoes (in addition to other safety clothing).

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Answer 4

Riding boots (which a lot of our boots today are derived from) had heels so that your feet would not completely slip through the stirrups while riding.

Answer 5

I think a good heel shifts the body's center of gravity slightly forward taking stress off of the lower back. It works good for people that are on their feet all day or who have to carry weight around.

Answer 6

Yes high heels make a women's legs look longer,,and sleeker,,,and softer,,,, and,,,,,,,,,wait I'm not sure your eighteen!! Can't think of a reason.

Answer 7

They enhance the appearance of the posterior regions of a women's anatomy.

Answer 8

well i personally think they were invented by a bunch of podiatrists and orthopaedicians. they give them good business!