Let’s get one thing straight: high heels are nothing short of torture devices masquerading as fashion. In the U.K., it’s still legal for employers to require women to wear them to work. Yes, you read that right—some poor souls are forced to cram their feet into stilettos simply because their boss thinks they look spiffier than sensible flats.
While it’s absurd that this is even a legal requirement, a recent experiment by a stylist showcased just how ludicrous it is. They asked several men in the office to strap on some heels for a day. Spoiler alert: it didn’t end well.
Let’s be real—having a uterus doesn’t magically make walking in these contraptions any easier. It’s baffling how this expectation became a female-only ordeal, especially considering that heels were originally a male fashion statement. According to Mental Floss, back in 1599, a Persian shah sent a diplomatic mission to Europe, sparking a craze for high-heeled shoes among aristocratic men who wanted to flaunt their status. Higher heels meant less walking. If only it was that simple today.
As reported by the BBC, U.K. employers can terminate staff who don’t comply with “reasonable” dress codes, as long as they’ve had enough time to purchase appropriate footwear. They can also create different standards for men and women, provided there’s an “equivalent level of smartness.” What about a fair level of comfort?
High heels may elongate legs and add a few inches, but anyone who has spent a grueling eight hours in a pair of pointy shoes knows it’s pure agony. Your body might adjust, but that doesn’t negate the damage they cause. Research shows that heels can shorten muscle fibers, stiffen the Achilles tendon, and put immense pressure on your knees. For instance, a one-inch heel increases pressure on the ball of your foot by 22%, while a three-inch heel cranks it up to a staggering 76%. Ouch!
Sure, there are plenty of women who love their heels and choose to wear them every day. If someone wants to endure that pain for the sake of style, that’s their prerogative. But it’s a whole different ballgame when it’s a societal expectation. When foot pain is a constant distraction, how can anyone expect optimal work performance? Earlier this month, a viral image of a waitress’s bloody feet after a shift sparked outrage; she was compelled to wear heels. It took a social media uproar for her restaurant to reconsider its outdated policies.
While it might be amusing to watch a bunch of guys teetering around in heels for a day, the reality for many women forced into them is anything but funny.
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In summary, while high heels may be a fashion staple for some, the pain and pressure they inflict should not be a requirement for women in the workplace. As we’ve seen, even a day in heels can make grown men reconsider their stance on this absurd expectation, highlighting the need for a more comfortable approach to professional attire.