The History of Feet: Renaissance & Baroque. When Shoes Became Art

Just like your Spotify Wrapped today, during the Renaissance & Baroque periods shoe trends could reveal a lot about you and became the ultimate flex. Shoes weren’t just functional—they were wearable masterpieces.

High Heels: A Royal Elevation

Let’s give a quick shout-out to Louis XIV, the OG short king who popularized high heels to add a few extra inches of royal swagger. Back then, high heels weren’t gender-specific—everyone rocked them to showcase status and power. Think Harry Styles rocking Gucci pumps—boundary-breaking and utterly iconic.

Chopines: Venice’s Original Platforms

Meanwhile, Venice introduced chopines, platform shoes so tall they made walking look like an extreme sport. Reaching heights of up to 20 inches, these shoes made navigating Venetian streets feel like balancing on a tightrope.

Shoes as Social Currency

During this era, your footwear was a clear marker of wealth and class—decked out in luxurious velvet, silk, and pearls. Shoes weren’t just something to walk in; they were statement pieces demanding attention and respect, much like today's obsession with luxury sneakers (we see you, hypebeasts!).

Next time you slip into your Groovs, remember you’re continuing a tradition of turning shoes into art—just way more comfortable and significantly less dangerous.

Stay Groovy,

Santiago

Resident Groover