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In Japan, women have been wearing high heels as a part of their daily wardrobe for centuries. Check out this blog post to learn more about the history of this Japanese fashion trend and why it is still popular today.
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The History of High Heels in Japan
The origin of high heels is difficult to trace, but we do know that they were worn by both men and women in ancient times. In Japan, heels were originally worn by men of the samurai class. Samurai needed to be able to walk and run quickly, and the heels helped them to do this. Women began to wear heels in the Edo period.
How high heels became popular in Japan
In Japan, high heels became popular among women during the Edo period (1603-1868). At that time, the kimono was the main type of clothing worn by women and it was important to be able to walk gracefully in them. High heels were seen as a way to help with this.
During the Meiji period (1868-1912), Western clothing became more common and high heels were no longer worn as often. They started to become popular again in the Taisho period (1912-1926) and this trend has continued since then.
Today, high heels are seen as a fashion item and are worn by women of all ages. They are also seen as a way to make oneself look more attractive and elegant.
The different types of high heels worn in Japan
There are many different types of high heels worn in Japan. Some women wear them for fashion, while others wear them for work or special occasions.
The most common type of high heel worn in Japan is the stiletto. Stilettos are thin, pointy heels that are typically 3-4 inches (7.6-10.2 cm) tall. They can be made from a variety of materials, including metal, wood, or plastic.
Other popular types of high heels worn in Japan include wedges, pumps, and platform heels. Wedges are chunkier than stilettos and have a wide heel that extends partway up the back of the shoe. Pumps are similar to wedges but have a narrower heel. Platform heels have a raised sole under the front part of the foot and can be either wedge-shaped or stiletto-shaped.
High heels are not just for women! Men also wear high heels in Japan, although it is not as common as it is for women. Men typically only wear high heels for special occasions, such as weddings or parties.
The Different Occasions for Wearing High Heels
Japanese women often wear high heels in a variety of different settings. Heels are worn at work, on dates, and even at funerals. There are many different reasons for why Japanese women might choose to wear heels in any given situation.
Formal occasions
High heels are generally considered appropriate for more formal occasions, such as a wedding or a job interview. In addition, many women feel that high heels make them look more professional and confident in the workplace. However, there is no hard and fast rule about when to wear high heels. Ultimately, it is up to the individual woman to decide when and where she feels comfortable wearing them.
Casual occasions
In Japan, high heels are not just for special occasions. You can see women wearing them for casual days out, at the office, and even when doing some light shopping. While heels are not as versatile as flats, there are still many different styles of heels that can be worn for different occasions. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular types of heels that Japanese women wear.
Pumps: These are the classic high heels that most people think of when they hear the word “heels.” Pumps typically have a closed toe and heel, and they can be worn with both casual and dressy outfits.
Sandals: Sandals are a type of heel that is open-toed and often has straps that go around the ankle or up the leg. They can be casual or dressy, depending on the style.
Wedges: Wedges are a type of heel that is thicker in the back than it is in the front. They offer more support than other types of heels and can be worn for both casual and dressy occasions.
strappy heels: Strappy heels are a type of heel that has multiple thin straps going around the foot or ankle. They are often dressier than other types of heels and are typically worn with formal or semi-formal attire.
The Health Risks of Wearing High Heels
Many women love wearing high heels because they make them look taller and feel more confident. However, high heels can also cause a number of health problems. They can cause bunions, calluses, and hammertoes. Wearing high heels can also lead to back pain, knee pain, and ankle pain.
Short-term risks
When you wear high heels, it changes the way you walk — causing you to take shorter steps and putting more pressure on the balls of your feet. This can lead to a number of short-term problems, such as:
– Bunions
– Blisters
– Calluses
– Corns
– Hammertoe
– Ingrown toenails
– Achilles tendonitis
Long-term risks
When it comes to the risks associated with wearing high heels, most of the focus is on the immediate injuries that can occur. But there are also some long-term risks to consider, particularly for women who wear high heels on a daily basis.
One of the most common long-term concerns is arthritis in the knees. Because wearing high heels changes the alignment of your knees, it puts extra stress on the joints, which can lead to arthritis over time. This is especially true for women who are already predisposed to arthritis or other joint problems.
Another potential long-term risk is damage to the Achilles tendon. This tendon connects your calf muscle to your heel bone, and it’s what allows you to raise up on your toes. When you wear high heels, you shorten the Achilles tendon, which makes it tighter and puts extra strain on it. This can eventually lead to pain and even rupture of the tendon.
There are also some risks associated with wearing high heels that are not specifically medical in nature. For example, high heels can make it more difficult to walk, which can lead to falls and other accidents. And because they change the way you walk, they can also cause back pain and other problems with your posture.
The Benefits of Wearing High Heels
There are many benefits to wearing high heels, such as increased confidence, better posture, and more. Wearing high heels can also make your legs look longer and slimmer. If you’re thinking about giving high heels a try, make sure to read this guide first.
They make you look taller
Wearing high heels can make you look taller and more slender. If you’re short, this can be a real advantage. Japanese women are often on the shorter side, so many of them opt to wear high heels to give themselves a little extra height.
They make you look thinner
In addition to making your legs look longer and your silhouette more slender, high heels also make your waist look smaller. Wearing high heels creates the illusion of a smaller waist by accentuating the curve of your back and making your hips look wider.
They make you look more confident
One of the most immediately noticeable benefits of wearing high heels is that they make you look more confident. There is something about the way they make you stand and carry yourself that just oozes confidence, and this can be a great asset in both your personal and professional life. If you need a boost of confidence, slip on a pair of high heels and strut your stuff!
How to Wear High Heels Comfortably
Japanese women are known for their elegant sense of style, and a big part of that is due to their high heels. Not only do high heels look good, but they also help to make the legs look longer and thinner. Wearing high heels can be a bit of a challenge, but there are a few tips that can help you to wear them more comfortably.
Choose the right shoes
It is important to choose the right shoes if you want to wear high heels comfortably. The wrong shoes can cause bunions, calluses, blisters, and other problems. Look for shoes that fit well and support your feet. Avoid shoes with narrow toe boxes or high heels that are more than two inches tall.
Wear the right socks. When you wear high heels, you might want to consider wearing socks or hosiery to protect your feet from blisters. Choose socks that are made of a soft material, such as cotton.
Take breaks. If you are going to be wearing high heels for an extended period of time, take breaks often to give your feet a rest. remove your shoes and walk around barefoot or in flats for a few minutes every hour or so.
Break in your shoes
The best way to break in your shoes is to actually walk around in them at home. Put on a pair of socks, and walk around your carpeted floors for 20 minutes or so. This will help to mold the shoes to the shape of your feet and make them more comfortable. You can also try wearing them for short periods of time throughout the day, gradually increasing the amount of time you spend in them.
Wear the right socks
One of the best ways to make high heels more comfortable is to wear the right socks. Avoid socks that are too thick or too thin. Instead, opt for a pair of no-show socks that will help protect your feet without adding bulk to your shoes. You can also try wearing two pairs of socks at once. This may seem like overkill, but it can actually help keep your feet warm and dry while you wear your high heels.
