Courtesans in Venice
The courtesans of Venice , in the Renaissance era, to distinguish themselves from other women they adopted a look particular, with characteristic and distinctive features, studied in detail and deliberately showy ( see https://www.pilloledistoria.it/8060/storia-moderna/500-le-cure-estetici-intime-delle-cortigiane).
The shoes were probably what struck the eyes the most.
At the feet of these ladies it was possible to admire shoes that were nothing short of original, small architectural masterpieces up to 30-40 centimeters high, able to literally lift them from the ground as if they were steps.
The motivation for this extravagance, however, was more practical than aesthetic, as these rudimentary "wedges" had the main function of facilitating a peaceful walk on the muddy, uncomfortable and highly bumpy roads of the time.
Too bad that the height was so exaggerated that it itself constituted a danger for the courtesans, who were forced to go out in public to be accompanied and supported by two maids.