Gen Z Would Be Clueless About This Tool, But It Was Invaluable Back in the Day

Fashion is always changing, and old trends often return. However, some items, like the high heel pad, are mostly forgotten.

What Is a High Heel Pad?
The high heel pad was a small foam or gel insert placed in the heel of a shoe. It was popular with older generations of women, as it prevented blisters and made wearing heels more comfortable for long hours. Women used them to ease the discomfort of daily life when high heels were a wardrobe staple.

How High Heel Pads Helped
While many women today wear casual shoes, women in the past often wore heels every day. Whether taking care of children, managing a home, or working long hours, high heels were a regular part of their outfits. The pads helped reduce the pain that came with wearing such shoes for extended periods.

Are High Heel Pads Still Relevant?
Though less common, high heel pads are still available for those who enjoy wearing heels. They’re just one example of vintage fashion tools that younger generations may not recognize.

Forgotten Fashion Brands
Many vintage brands have also faded into history. For instance, Gunne Sax, known for romantic prairie and Victorian-style dresses, was a big name in the 1970s. Hillary Clinton even wore a Gunne Sax wedding dress in 1975. Though the brand no longer exists, its pieces remain popular among vintage fashion collectors.

Another example is Caché, a brand famous in the 1990s and early 2000s for trendy casualwear. It went out of business in 2015. Similarly, Henri Bendel, a luxury brand known for accessories, closed in 2019 after over 100 years in the fashion world. Today, its products are collector’s items.

How Fashion Evolves
While some vintage items stay in demand, most are modernized for new trends. High-heel pads are less necessary today since women have many more shoe options, including casual styles that prioritize comfort. However, exploring vintage styles and tools gives insight into how people lived and dressed in the past.

A Look at Women’s Footwear Through History
Footwear has been around for thousands of years. Ancient sandals made of reeds and leather date back to 3500 BC, offering protection in warm climates. Egyptian women wore shoes made of papyrus and leather to show status. In medieval Europe, heels became popular, leading to tools like high heel pads to make them more comfortable.

The Purpose of Heels
Originally, heels were practical. They helped riders stay steady in stirrups. Over time, they became symbols of wealth and fashion, remaining popular until the late 20th century. Today, footwear options include everything from heels to sneakers, giving women more comfortable choices.

Comfort Today
Thankfully, most modern shoes don’t require high heel pads for all-day comfort. Alternatives like gel insoles offer similar relief for tired feet. With so many shoe styles now available, comfort and practicality are more accessible than ever.