18th
c. & Pointes
In high heels (like those of the eighteenth century), the foot is propped up in perpetual demi-pointe (on the balls of the foot). Raised at this level, it is difficult to get the leverage one needs to jump to full point, as well as the fact that it might seem redundant since the foot is already more-or-less upright. The thicker sole required for high heels also would have inhibited the foot’s ability to arch, a necessity for balancing en pointe. The new flat-soled shoes, with slightly thinner and narrower leather soles, would have allowed for a greater range of foot motion (Personal Observation). As well, the longer skirts that were in fashion before the Revolution would have concealed such virtuosity on women. But what about men?