Some trends seem to disappear without a trace in the fast-paced world of fashion, only to reappear years later with a twist.
However, there are certain items that quietly slipped into obscurity, and many were surprised: what happened to them? One such accessory that many may have forgotten about yet once played a key role in countless women’s lives, is the humble high mat.
While it may seem like a relic of the past, its impact has been far more significant than many realize. What if I told you that this little, often-overlooked history of footwear was once the key to surviving long days in heels?
Let’s take a deeper look into the high heel pad, its legacy, and how it connects to a forgotten era of fashion – and the brands that created it.
Fashion is constantly evolving and many trends come back over time. Still, some items, such as the high-content pad, have disappeared from memory.
Basic pad with a high heel
A high room item, once in many women’s wardrobes, was a small foam or gel insert placed inside the heel of a shoe to prevent blisters and offer more comfort during long hours or nights spent on your feet. It has become an invaluable accessory for women who often wear heels, making the experience of carrying them.
High heel impact
While today’s fashion is more reliant on casual and comfortable shoes, previous generations of women often relied on heels even as they entered the workforce for everyday tasks such as housework, child care,e or long-term work.
From past to present: the legacy of the high heel pad
Although still available today, the high room mat is just one example of a fashion tool that has endured. Many such accessories, once indispensable, have disappeared from the mainstream. However, the high room item continues to offer relief to those who prefer to dress up, as evidenced by its enduring relevance.
Forgotten fashion icons
Many vintage brands once at the forefront of fashion have now been forgotten like Gunne Sax. Gunne Sax was founded in San Francisco in 1967 and was known for its romantic Victorian-inspired designs. One of his best-known moments was when Hillary Clinton wore a Gunne Sax wedding dress. Although the brand is no longer around, its nostalgic patterns remain highly prized in the vintage world. Yet his name remains unknown to today’s fashion-savvy generation.
Caché: A name that disappeared
Another brand that many could remember is Caché, founded in Miami in 1976. Originally focused on formal wear, the brand expanded at times and became a major player in the 90s and early 2000s. The brands declined and the company filed for bankruptcy and filed for bankruptcy and filed for bankruptcy and filed for bankruptcy and filed for bankruptcy and filed for bankruptcy and filed for bankruptcy and eventually closed all of its retail locations.
Henri’s Fall Bandel of Fame
A fashion icon for over a century, Henri Bendel is another example of a once-popular brand that is no longer part of the mainstream. In 2019, the brand’s retail stores and website were closed, and today, Henri Bendel, such as wallets and accessories, sell for a fraction of their original price, some fetching $60 to several hundred.
Adapting to change
The younger generation may not even recognize Henri Bendel as a popular name, which highlights how fashion trends can move with each new era. While old styles often rise, they are usually reimagined to fit the preferences of current trends.
Timeless fashion
Despite the constant evolution of fashion, vintage pieces are always desirable and never go out of style. Interestingly, heels aren’t one of those timeless staples, which means fewer women rely on high-heeled mats these days. However, women’s fashion is huge and complex, and shoes are only a small part of it. Let’s take a quick look at the evolution of women’s shoes in history.
A brief history of women’s shoes
Shoes date back to 3500 BC, while ancient women wore sandals made of woven reeds or leather to protect their feet. These early shoes served a practical purpose in warmer climates, protecting their feet from sharp rocks or other hazards. In ancient Egypt, women wore shoes made of papyrus leaves and leather as symbols of their status. Heels had only just been introduced, leading to any need for a high-heel pad.
From practicality to fashion
Originally, heels served a practical purpose for riding horses and provided stability in the stirrups. Over time, heels became a symbol of aristocracy and remained a popular choice for women’s shoes well into the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Women’s shoes today come in countless styles, from formal high heels to casual sneakers and sandals.
From the pad to the heel to the comfort of innovation
Although there are more options than ever, not all of them require a comfortable pad to stay on all day. Today, shoes like gel or foam insoles help relieve tired feet, offering extra protection and comfort so you can go about your day without sacrificing style for comfort.
In conclusion, while fashion trends may evolve, certain accessories and tools, such as the high-top, have played an important role in providing comfort and practicality to women over the years. Although high heels may not be as prevalent today, the legacy of these innovations tolerates and reminds us of the ingenuity of the designs that were meant to improve our daily lives.
Looking back at forgotten vintage brands and the ever-changing shoe landscape, it’s clear that style will always be shaped by history and the future. Whether it’s rediscovering a beloved vintage or embracing modern comfort, the world of fashion continues to innovate and adapt, ensuring that the beauty of form and function remains at the heart of what we wear.