Red high heels are an iconic item in any woman’s shoe collection. Their vibrant design and seductive appearance have long been associated with wealth and power.
Previously, only the wealthiest could afford shoes dyed red because it was considered a rare and costly dye.
The history of red heels
Red high heels have long been associated with beauty, power and privilege. Its history can be traced back to Medieval and Renaissance Europe, where they symbolised status, power and freedom.
The aristocracy, in particular, adopted this style to signify their superiority. Louis XIV, the most famous European monarch ever, was particularly fond of this look; he often donned them with bows and lace cravats.
Red high heels have been a fashion staple since the 17th century, though their history goes much deeper. These shoes, featuring vibrant red dye on the sole, were initially reserved for Louis XIV’s royal court members as an easy way to keep track of his aristocracy and differentiate those in his favour from those who weren’t.
Red was often associated with blood and enemies in history. To symbolise this, red stained shoes with cochineal dye derived from crushed dried bodies of a Mexican insect brought to France in the 16th century by the Spanish.
The red dye was expensive, so only those of means could afford to wear them. Thus, only those in Louis XIV’s good graces were permitted to do so; should they fall out of his favour, their shoes and status would also be removed.
The origins of “heel” remain uncertain, though historians believe it might have come from an Old English verb meaning to lift or carry something over. Alternatively, it could have been a nod to their popularity as military riding boots.
Styles of red heels
Red high heels have long been associated with power and strength. They were first popularised by French nobility during King Louis XIV’s reign, made from expensive dyes that those of noble bloodlines could only wear.
Red heels can be incredibly flattering when paired with the appropriate outfit, providing an air of sexiness. There are various styles of red high heels, such as pumps, stilettos and boots.
Try pairing your favourite dress with comfortable lace-up red heels for a romantic night out. These shoes will look stunning against the hue of your gown.
Another way to style your red heels is by pairing them with a printed outfit. For instance, if you own a black dress with floral patterns, pairing the shoes will look stunning.
any prom or semi-formal event.
The comfort of red heels
We all know how hard shoes can be on our feet – no one enjoys having red toes, blisters or welts! So when selecting the ideal pair of heels, make sure they look good and are comfortable enough for all-day wear.
Thankfully, there are plenty of stylish slingbacks and comfortable ballet flats. We’ve curated a list of the best options so that you can get your fashion fix without sacrificing your feet.
When shopping for shoes, comfort should always be your top priority. So whether you’re purchasing pumps or dressy sandals, look for features such as an ergonomically designed footbed, extra cushion and a well-crafted outsole. Furthermore, the ideal shoes have a softly padded innersole and air-cushioned heel to guarantee your feet remain happy and dry throughout the day.
Outfits to wear with red heels
Red high heels are the perfect complement to any outfit. Pair them with skirts, pants and dresses, and winter coats for an effortlessly stylish look.
When wearing red pumps, it’s essential not to go overboard with the colour. A burgundy dress or bright red skirt may look great with your shoes, but only wear them for formal events like weddings or cocktail parties.
Another stylish outfit to pair with red heels is a tulle skirt. This feminine and sultry combination creates a stunning winter wedding or unique event ensemble.
When pairing red shoes with a skirt, selecting comfortable and lightweight fabric is essential. Doing this will prevent your feet from getting sore when wearing heels for extended periods.
A tulle skirt is an ideal option to pair with red heels during the warmer months. On the other hand, you could pair it with a short-sleeved blouse for a casual aesthetic.