Fads From The Past: Ridiculously Pointy Shoes In Medieval Europe

Summary

The website content discusses the peculiar fashion trend of wearing extremely pointy shoes, known as poulaines or crakows, among the European nobility during the 14th and 15th centuries, and the health implications these shoes had on their wearers.

Abstract

The article delves into the history of an unusual fashion statement prevalent in Medieval Europe, particularly during the 14th and 15th centuries, where members of the nobility wore shoes with extremely long, pointed toes. These shoes, referred to as poulaines or crakows, were a symbol of wealth and status, much like expensive designer brands today. The trend was so extreme that some shoes had toes up to 24 inches long, leading to foot deformities such as hallux valgus, commonly known as bunions. A recent study published in the International Journal of Paleopathology supports this, showing a significant increase in the condition among the late medieval population compared to earlier centuries, directly linking the trend to permanent foot damage. The article emphasizes the historical lengths to which people would go to adhere to fashion trends and display their social standing, despite the discomfort and long-term health consequences.

Opinions

The author finds the Medieval trend of pointy shoes to be a fascinating example of the extremes people will endure for fashion and social status.
The article suggests that the practice of wearing pointy shoes was analogous to modern-day displays of wealth through designer brands and jewelry.
The author expresses a personal interest in historical fashion and its societal implications, while acknowledging not being a history expert and inviting corrections from experts in the field.
There is an implication that the trend, while stylish at the time, was impractical and led to unnecessary suffering, as evidenced by the archaeological findings of foot deformities.
The author sees the historical trend as a testament to human creativity and the desire for social distinction, even at the cost of comfort and health.
The article concludes with a call to action for readers to support the author through platforms like Ko-fi or Medium membership, indicating the author's appreciation for reader engagement and contribution to their work.

An odd fashion trend from the 15th century.

Have you ever wondered why so many pieces of Medieval art feature nobility wearing pointy shoes?

I was going through the 15th century art section of Wikimedia Commons, and was reminded of this particularity. Piece after piece contained this weird looking shoe. Why is that?

Apparently, during this time period, pointed shoes were very popular amongst the noble classes. The shoe was deemed the poulaine or crakow. To achieve that ideal pointy shape, they would stuff the toes with moss, grass, hair, and some would even use whalebone

These were considered a flex. Much like in our age where people adorn themselves with expensive designer brands and jewellery that tends to be anything but practical, these silly looking shoes were a demonstration of the wearer’s social status.

Clearly, those wearing these long pointed shoes are meant to use them while partaking in leisurely activities, such as socializing and drinking with nobility, not out in the fields laboring like the common folk.

During the peak of this trend (14th-15th century), these funky looking shoes had toes up to 24 inches long; an exuberantly painful display of wealth. Imagine attempting to fit your foot in such a small crevice.

Not only was this trend very uncomfortable for them, but it actually ended up permanently damaging their feet. In a recent study published by the International Journal of Paleopathology, archaeologists examined the feet of over 200 skeletons from four different burials in Cambridge, England. These were their findings:

They reveal interesting trends about the pervasiveness of hallux valgus, the lateral deviation of the big toe that causes bunions. They looked at skeletons buried between the 11th and 13th centuries and compared them to skeletons from the 14th and 15th centuries. Only 6% of the earlier individuals had evidence of hallux valgus, while over a quarter of the late medieval group had it.

Once they looked at the fashion trends of the time, it became clear these pointed shoes were the culprits!

This tidbit of Medieval history is a fascinating display of the length people can go through to not only follow fashion trends, but to show off their status and fit in with their circles.

Thank you for reading! Just wanted to share these fun tidbits I found. I’m by no means a history expert, so if anyone in this field has any corrections to suggest I’ll happily apply them!

If you enjoyed it, you can support me through Ko-fi or become a Medium member with my referral code!

ARTICLE

Fads From The Past: Ridiculously Pointy Shoes In Medieval Europe

An odd fashion trend from the 15th century.

Ilusiones is looking for contributors!

A new publication for Caribbean and Latin-American creatives.

Be Open Says;

Medium Writers! Be Open Challenges you to create Be Open (More About Me)!

Readers love you as you are! Submitting your writer’s bio and pinned it is highly recommended.

In Memoriam

Tribute to Mr. George Floyd