Long recognizable by her stereotypical measurements, her dazzling blondeness and her endless legs, Barbie has gradually freed herself from the physical standards that she has embodied since 1959. Becoming more inclusive, with a broader palette of silhouettes, skin colors and hair styles, the famous doll has also gradually abandoned an emblematic physical trait which has nevertheless largely shaped her image. This singularity aroused the curiosity of a group of podiatrists from Monash University, in Australia, who looked – with all the necessary scientific seriousness – into the evolution of the posture of Barbie’s feet over the last 65 years. Their study, published in the journal PLoS One, led to two observations: in her own way, Barbie is (almost) like all women, and she abandoned sky-high heels for flat shoes, more comfortable and better suited to an active life.
Barbie’s feet are lower
Scientists from Monash University examined the foot postures of 2,750 Barbies released between 1959 and 2024, comparing their inclination according to the year of production, the degree of inclusiveness of the model and the profession represented. Their conclusion is clear: over time, Barbie has abandoned stilettos for flat shoes and, while she once only wore high heels, she now adapts her choice of shoes to the roles she takes on. This transformation reflects the decline of the stiletto heel in the women’s wardrobe – supplanted first by sneakers, then by habits born from confinements from 2020 – and even results in an anatomical modification. The doll thus went from an extreme arch to an almost flat foot.
From high heels to practical shoes: Barbie’s everyday adaptation
“This reflects broader societal changes”explain the authors of this work. “This includes how women choose their shoes based on their daily movements, and moving away from exclusively wearing high heels in some workplaces”. The researchers also point out that during the 1960s, all Barbies were represented in high heels, compared to only 40% since the start of the 2020s. A significant development, which accompanies the gradual arrival of the doll in the world of work. Doctor, policewoman, astronaut, secret agent, teacher, veterinarian or even engineer… Barbie’s multiple careers have led her to adopt shoes more suited to a more concrete daily life. Here it is now aligned with the reality of most women.