There is something regal about a high heeled shoe. Without ever having to say a word, a woman wearing a stunning shoe shows up in the world in a certain way, commanding power and certain spaces that women are still trying to access today. In his documentary short, High On Heels, filmmaker Adelin Gasana explores the history of heels, which stretches back well into the 16th century. Their origins began in Persia on the feet of men who rode horseback. High On Heels also explores how modern-day women feel about the gorgeous and often painful footwear as we continue to navigate various spaces while shattering sexist practices and behaviors.
Most women know that heels aren't practical. As little girls, many of us admire the sleek stilettos and the women around us who effortlessly glide around in them. However, when the time comes for us to step into our own pair of shoes, pinched toes, painful heels, blisters, and ankle twists often follow. Still, despite the ramifications, many of us are continually drawn to this style of shoes.
Using historian Lisa Small's overview of the history of heels, Gasana also pulls in anecdotes from women of all walks of life, including dancers, models, anchors, actors, and a variety of others. Because of the film's rapid pace, there was little time to dive into the fashion industry or examine how heels have played a role in women's "professional" dress. Also, though the interviewees' title cards and professions eventually appear on-screen, it would have been more helpful for them to appear as soon as the interview began to give the film more authority and structure.
Nevertheless, Gasana paints an informative and well-rounded portrait of a polarizing shoe. He gathers quotes from doctors who have seen the damage that heels have on the feet, women who would much rather be wearing flats, and those who wouldn't be caught dead in anything less than a three-inch heel.
High On Heels is now streaming on Amazon Prime.