History of Shoes during the 1600's

During the 1400's and 1600's the platform shoe was referred to as a "chopine" designed in Venice, Italy. It was an overshoe that fit over a more dainty shoe to protect it from dirt, mud or soil on the streets. The shoe became very popular during the 1500's. The shoes were made from wood or cork and then covered in velvet. The heels of these shoes could get to a height of 30 inches. Women who wore these shoes needed assistance when walking down the streets. Courtesans and patrician's mostly wore chopines. It was thought of during these times that the reason why Women wore these shoes was to rise them up from the rest, the higher the sole of the chopine the higher the status of the woman.