Footage

I'm often in pain. Some of the pain I feel is bone deep. They teach you that pain is good, pain is promising. Pain means that you are working hard, doing things right. It's when you aren't in pain that you have to worry.

– A ballet dancer

This has to be the male's idea of sexiness. They think with a high heel it elongates the leg and gives a better line, which it does. But at what cost. Because this puts the pressure on the ball of the foot. You're tilted forward, and basically there's not very many women who can walk well in a shoe like this.

– Shoe salesperson Stephanie Hutchinson examines a high heel shoe

In the 70s platforms became full-blooded fashion. Designers outdid themselves as as they scaled new heights of decorative vulgarity. Judgment was overridden by enthusiasm. Individual expression clashed with disciplined design, and came out victorious.

– Fashion commentator 'Miss Beaver' describes platform shoes

Comfort has to be the first thing in a shoe designer's mind, and style, basically. Put those two together, make a very good shoe.

– Shoe salesperson Stephanie Hutchinson