“The study indicated one possible reason behind this undeniable attraction: lumbar curvature.”
When was the last time you wore a pair of heels? You probably thought nothing of it, right? It’s just a simple fashion statement; no harm done in being stylish.
High-heeled shoes are a classic symbol of female beauty. They’re a timeless staple in a woman’s wardrobe but also indicate sexual prowess. There’s something sleek and seductive about them.
Have you ever wondered why?
In 2015, Dr David Lewis and his colleagues at Australia’s Murdoch University studied the attraction behind high heels.
A large group of men were shown two selections of photographs of women. In the first series, the women wore high heels; in the second, they wore flat-soled shoes. Out of various photos of celebrities and consenting participants, results showed that the men preferred women who wore high heels.
The study indicated one possible reason behind the undeniable attraction: lumbar curvature, where the human back arches to a precise 45-degree angle. When a woman wears a pair of high-heeled shoes, her back naturally arches to this ‘lumbar curvature.’ Why is this precise angle so important — and so attractive?
Dr Lewis and his team’s reasoning came from the anthropological and evolutionary standpoint that the back arch, also known as lumbar curvature, created an ‘optimal angle’ for pregnancy and childbearing capabilities (https://www.researchgate.net/publication/321026056_Why_Women_Wear_High_Heels_Evolution_Lumbar_Curvature_and_Attractiveness). This 45-degree angle should be at exactly forty-five degrees — nothing less, nothing more — to appear physically attractive to men.
Although there is no definite reason as to why high heels increase heterosexual physical attraction toward women, this study points a foot in the right direction.
After investigating this study, I think it makes sense why the fashion industry profits off of the old saying ‘sex sells.’ Industry leaders have taken advantage of this notion by mass-producing a product that shapes the spine to an ideal procreation angle — how clever!
Furthermore, the history of high heels dates back to the 10th century. Has there always been a link between this particular pair of shoes and sex appeal? Or is this more recent? I would say that there has been a definite attempt in the last 100 years to enhance this sexualisation of women through clothing and accessories — high heels are just another object on that list.
I personally do not wear high heels as I find them uncomfortable. The closest thing I own is a pair of worn-out Doc Martens (and that’s quite a jump)! I consider myself a conservative dresser but notice when I wear something a little more revealing, I get unwanted attention. This is an issue that so many women face worldwide, and the spinal curve from high heels creates yet another opportunity for unwelcome attention.
I would be curious to ask some of our readers:
1. Does this change your stance on wearing high heels or confirm what you already know? If so, why?
2. Do you find high heels empowering or do you opt for another clothing item?
3. Have you noticed a bias toward women who wear high heels?
Disgraceful Magazine 