The real reason why women wear high-heeled shoes.

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The discussion centers around the evolutionary implications of women wearing high-heeled shoes, particularly in relation to height and attractiveness to men. One hypothesis suggests that high heels provide women with a deceptive advantage in height, making them more appealing to taller males, which could enhance reproductive success. Participants debate the aesthetic and social perceptions of high heels, noting that they can create a more shapely leg appearance and may invoke a sense of vulnerability that some men find attractive. However, there are also concerns about the physical harm high heels can cause, with anecdotes of injuries and discomfort. The conversation touches on cultural aspects, comparing high heels to traditional Japanese and Chinese practices that restrict women's movement. Additionally, there are humorous tangents about personal experiences and opinions on leg attractiveness, shoe preferences, and the social dynamics surrounding high heels in various settings. Overall, the thread reflects a blend of evolutionary theory, personal anecdotes, and cultural commentary on women's fashion choices.
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This thread is to honor the 200th birthday of the great Charles Darwin coming up this February.

Anyway, back to the topic at-hand. I hypothesize that the reason why female humans wear high-heeled shoes ("pumps") is to gain a deceptive advantage in their physical height. This will make them more appealing to the taller males of our species; thus, if the female can sucessfully have offspring with the taller male by deceiving him thus, her offspring may have a higher chance of reproductive sucess. This fits well within the framework of the progress of human evolution, and that framework is that the human species is evolving into a taller species, not a more intelligent one (this framework fails on small landmasses, where the 'island dwarfing' phonomena takes place).
If you're a male and you see a female wearing pumps, it would serve you best if you try to visually remove about three inches off the female's apparent height before engaging in conversation.
 
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Neo_Anderson said:
I hypothesize that the reason why female humans wear high-heeled shoes ("pumps") is to gain a deceptive advantage in their physical height.

Really?! Are you sure? I mean, I thought they just liked sore toes and risking spraining their ankles. :rolleyes:

Though, the funny thing is I work with some people who do wear heels to work, and they are actually taller than me or the same height, and everyone seems to assume I'm the taller one even though I don't wear heels. I really haven't quite figured it out. I could understand if they had bad posture making them seem shorter, but they don't. They must count my horns.
 
I know that this is going off on a tangent, but the title of the thread made me imagine a dog with red high heels.
 
Neo_Anderson said:
If you're a male and you see a female wearing pumps, it would serve you best if you try to visually remove about three inches off the female's apparent height before engaging in conversation.

If a male is so shallow that he actually needs to be told to look beyond the physical, the relationship is doomed from the start.
 
Classy high heeled shoes were invented in the 1600s by the French or Italians, and not that many women wear them. I doubt that most men look at shoes the same way women look at men's shoes. :cool:
 
I don't think it's just height. High heels make the leg look more shapely and toned by contracting the calf muscles. Light colored heels can also disguise thick ankles because the foot looks larger in contrast.
 
Few weeks ago my coworker was wearing high heels but didn't know how to walk in them .. :smile: she's an engineer
 
I have actually read a paper on why men find women in high heels attractive. Unfortunately, the main reason they found was that it made women vulnerable. When they are tetering on high heels, they have to take smaller, more careful steps. Supposedly this brings out the primal instinct in men to want to posses and/or protect them. This also ties into the Japanese Kimono thing where women are restricted to taking small steps and Chinese foot binding.
 
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I have a friend who wears heels probably 85% of the time. It's actually causing her damage but she refuses to wear normal shoes.
 
  • #10
Math Is Hard said:
I don't think it's just height. High heels make the leg look more shapely and toned by contracting the calf muscles.

They also push up the buttocks to make it look more, um, something. (And screw up the lower back in the process.)
 
  • #11
A co-worker just had foot surgery for injuries caused by her trendy shoes.
 
  • #12
Evo said:
I have actually read a paper on why men find women in high heels attractive. Unfortunately, the main reason they found was that it made women vulnerable. When they are tetering on high heels, they have to take smaller, more careful steps. Supposedly this brings out the primal instinct in men to want to posses and/or protect them. This also ties into the Japanese Kimono thing where women are restricfted to taking small steps and Chinese foot binding.

If you want a man's take on it, this is mine: I think women who wear high-heeled shoes "at the office" come off as bossy and bitchy. They are power-driven and assertive. They don't have a vulnerable bone in their body, and tend to show off their legs to the CEO.
On the street, the trend continues, with pump-wearing prostitutes chewing and smacking gum loudly in your face, then walk away fearlessly down the dark New York alley where the crack is liberally supplied.
Even when pumps are worn by a sophisticated woman in an upscale setting they can come off as somewhat intimidating, with the woman stopping by to browse the offerings in the Victoria's Secret store, or the Hustler store; there is something anti-sophisticated about those shoes she's wearing!

I'd agree, OTOH, that Geisha's are feminine and gracile--quite the polar opposite of the pump-wearing female. Geisha's to me seem the vulnerable ones, and arouse the primal instincts to posess and protect that you mentioned earlier. My $2.
 
  • #13
GeorginaS said:
They also push up the buttocks to make it look more, um, something. (And screw up the lower back in the process.)

So as we can see, the pump is indeed fulfilling its role as a means to gain the evolutionary advantage, if by deceptive means.
May you rest in peace, Sir Charles.
 
  • #14
Math Is Hard said:
Light colored heels can also disguise thick ankles because the foot looks larger in contrast.

Believe me - we aren't looking looking at your ankles :wink:
 
  • #15
To paraphrase mgb, light colored as well as dark colored heels accentuate the receding stroll.
 
  • #16
mgb_phys said:
Believe me - we aren't looking looking at your ankles :wink:

It may not always be men who do the inspecting and criticizing, but women do seek out plastic surgery for "cankles".
 
  • #17
Phrak said:
To paraphrase mgb, light colored as well as dark colored heels accentuate the receding stroll.

Light colored heels will accentuate the narrowness of the calf more than the dark ones.
 
  • #18
Math Is Hard said:
It may not always be men who do the inspecting and criticizing, but women do seek out plastic surgery for "cankles".
Cankles, and women in California have calf implants. So sad.

Having perfect legs, I pity those fools. :devil:

I learned awhile back that cute high heels were a thing of the past for me. Flat, practical shoes are all I wear now. Luckily I still have the hottest legs in the universe, even in orthopedic shoes.
 
  • #19
I am not deceived by high heels. I like thick shapely legs and not even a pair of pumps is going to make skinny little bird legs look sexy to me. And since shorter women tend to have thicker legs the hight change does not help matters any. Tall amazonians are sometimes attractive too though. They usually wear flats.
 
  • #20
Not sure what a woman's reason is for wearing heels but one result is that you can always hear them coming. Clip-clop. On second thought maybe that is one of the reasons, it attracts your attention.
 
  • #21
Evo said:
Having perfect legs, I pity those fools. :devil:

I learned awhile back that cute high heels were a thing of the past for me. Flat, practical shoes are all I wear now. Luckily I still have the hottest legs in the universe, even in orthopedic shoes.

Placing these legs at a 5.0 at some convenient scale,
mo.jpg

how would you rate your own?
 
  • #22
Phrak said:
Placing these legs at a 5.0 at some convenient scale,
Is the scale limited to humans or can we include other primates?
i'm just trying to fix an origin.
 
  • #23
My legs (old pics)

spawncomputer6hq.jpg


evolegs.jpg
 
  • #24
Well... A natural 10. But if you think I'm going to show you mine :shy:, forget about it. :smile:
 
  • #25
I thought I should also show my beautiful legs :)

http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/2649/legs.png
 
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  • #26
rootX said:
I thought I should also show my beautiful legs :)

http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/2649/legs.png
[/URL]

Looks like you're due for a wax. :biggrin: :devil:
 
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  • #27
mgb_phys said:
Is the scale limited to humans or can we include other primates?
i'm just trying to fix an origin.

And I was looking for a slope to the curve. Unfortunately I couldn't come up with an internet image of stringy treadmill calves, so was unable to manufacture a second datum.
 
  • #28
Moonbear said:
Looks like you're due for a wax. :biggrin: :devil:
Ahhhhhh! Noooooooooooo!
 
  • #29
Moonbear said:
Looks like you're due for a wax. :biggrin: :devil:

Haircuts every 3-4 months and shaving every single day are painful enough that I don't need any third thing .. :frown:
 
  • #30
Evo said:
I have actually read a paper on why men find women in high heels attractive. Unfortunately, the main reason they found was that it made women vulnerable. When they are tetering on high heels, they have to take smaller, more careful steps. .

How the heck did they determined this, Evo ?
 
  • #31
Math Is Hard said:
I don't think it's just height. High heels make the leg look more shapely and toned by contracting the calf muscles.
I've heard that too. But I think it just makes the leg look weird. I only remember one heel-wearing girl that I thought had nice legs -- and when I saw her without them they were even sexier.
 
  • #32
Evo said:
My legs (old pics)
spawncomputer6hq.jpg

Evo, what's that thing on the desk in front of you?
hahahaha
When I first saw the pic I thought it was a microwave. :-p nice legs though. :wink:
 
  • #33
I believe that VHI (volume height index) is a one of the more important factors in female attractiveness, and this seems to be supported by some studies.

It appeared to me that the main effect of wearing high heels, comes from a game of proportions. High heels add height artificially, but this can drastically change perception of VHI.

An illusion if you want, but an effective one.
 
  • #34
The longer the legs, the more they end with an a**.

Heels just add to the leg length...
 
  • #35
Evo said:
My legs (old pics)

Wow!

An original Compaq computer! And a copy of Lotus 1-2-3 Release 1A!

Um...what were we talking about again?
 
  • #36
Evo said:
My legs (old pics)

spawncomputer6hq.jpg

WooHoo! Is that really an old Compaq computer on the desk, or is it an Osborne?!? Mighty attractive! Still have it? :wink:

(edit: darn, Vandium beat me to it. But, FWIW, I had that exact same POS computer table.)
 
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  • #37
waht said:
Classy high heeled shoes were invented in the 1600s by the French or Italians, and not that many women wear them. I doubt that most men look at shoes the same way women look at men's shoes. :cool:

Just out of curiosity, what do women think about when looking at men's shoes? I always though to them as foot covers and made sure they matched my belt. Apart from that I was not aware that anyone was scrutinizing
rootX said:
Few weeks ago my coworker was wearing high heels but didn't know how to walk in them .. :smile: she's an engineer

That sounds like the cutest thing ever. I find the slight social awkwardness very appealing :blushing: you always have to give out points for trying.
 
  • #38
Sorry! said:
Evo, what's that thing on the desk in front of you?






hahahaha
When I first saw the pic I thought it was a microwave. :-p nice legs though. :wink:

It looks like an old photo.
Are you expecting in that picture?
Congratulations! :smile:
 
  • #39
Math Is Hard said:
Light colored heels will accentuate the narrowness of the calf more than the dark ones.

And I suppose the higher the heel "will accentuate the narrowness of the" woman's common sense.
 
  • #40
rootX said:
Few weeks ago my coworker was wearing high heels but didn't know how to walk in them .. :smile: she's an engineer



:smile::smile::smile:
 
  • #41
Nobody mentioned hip movement? I like to wear heels, but always comfortable ones. Wearing flat boots makes me feel like I'm a construction worker, I've never seen one that looks elegant.
 
  • #42
Vanadium 50 said:
Wow!

An original Compaq computer! And a copy of Lotus 1-2-3 Release 1A!

Um...what were we talking about again?
I had a Comodore 64 too. You have better eyes than I do Vanadium!

rolerbe said:
WooHoo! Is that really an old Compaq computer on the desk, or is it an Osborne?!? Mighty attractive! Still have it? :wink:

(edit: darn, Vandium beat me to it. But, FWIW, I had that exact same POS computer table.)
That computer closed up into what looked like a suitcase, it was a "portable" computer. :-p Yes, it's a Compaq.

Lacy33 said:
It looks like an old photo.
Are you expecting in that picture?
Congratulations! :smile:
I was 9 months pregnant.
 
  • #43
Evo said:
I was 9 months pregnant.

So you are 5 on the picture?!
 
  • #44
Borek said:
So you are 5 on the picture?!
Yes. <sticks 5 GOOBF cards into Borek's computer>
 
  • #45
Evo said:
Yes. <sticks 5 GOOBF cards into Borek's computer>

I thought the photo looked like a cropped picture of a pregie sitting in front of a fan begging for forgiveness.
I don't know about the shape or condition of your legs there but I'm sure they must not have been happy to be hung up in stirrups for the hull.
How long were you in labor?
And did you attack, mangle, or mess anybody up on the way from labor to delivery like I did? :devil:

I am mortified to ask what a GOOBF is... OK, what is it? :confused:
 
  • #46
Lacy33 said:
How long were you in labor?
42 hours, in the hospital.
And did you attack, mangle, or mess anybody up on the way from labor to delivery like I did? :devil:[/quote]I was in too, much pain to do anything to anyone.

I am mortified to ask what a GOOBF is... OK, what is it? :confused:
GOOBF=Get Out Of Banning Free. You get one for being nice to me or doing something nice for other members.

<puts GOOBF card in Lacy's computer>

(don't tell anyone that they don't really work)
 
  • #47
Oh Yeah! GOOBF cards Eve. They use to be called something else and trust me I know they DON'T work for beans! But thank you for thinking of me anyway.

Just between you and me. You are posting some pretty racy pics there. Don't do anything you will regret when we grow up. Like if you become a nun or something. Your Mother Superior might pin your legs n' computer picture in the dinning hall for all your Sisters to see and judge you by.
Or it could be used by some kids on a forum in the future as a joke for the first portable computer. :blushing:

Enjoy your Thanksgiving.
 
  • #48
Lacy33 said:
Just between you and me. You are posting some pretty racy pics there. Don't do anything you will regret when we grow up. Like if you become a nun or something. Your Mother Superior might pin your legs n' computer picture in the dinning hall for all your Sisters to see and judge you by.
Or it could be used by some kids on a forum in the future as a joke for the first portable computer. :blushing:

Dont listen to her, Evo. We do appreciate every picture you post, and we will continue to do so even if you become a nun. And then again, the "sisters" should no judge.

:devil:
 
  • #49
DanP said:
Dont listen to her, Evo. We do appreciate every picture you post, and we will continue to do so even if you become a nun. And then again, the "sisters" should no judge.

:devil:
LOL :smile: Try, Cry and Judge!
 
  • #50
Lacy33 said:
LOL :smile: Try, Cry and Judge!

Just to be clear, there are other faith versions of the Nun and we Sisters all go through ... I mean go to the same hell.
 

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