chopine

A chopine is a type of shoe characterized by a thick sole, often made of cork or wood, that elevates the wearer's foot. These elevated shoes were popular in Venice during the 15th and 16th centuries, particularly among women of higher social standing. The height of chopines could vary significantly, with some reaching as much as twenty inches or more. The extreme height served as a display of wealth and status, as it made walking difficult and often required the assistance of servants.

The purpose of chopines was primarily to keep the wearer's feet from touching the ground, which in urban environments could be muddy, dirty, or otherwise unsanitary. They were worn over a stocking or a shoe and were designed to be visually striking. The materials used for the soles ranged from cork and wood to leather, and the uppers could be made from a variety of fabrics, often elaborately decorated.

Chopines were eventually seen as excessive and ostentatious, and their popularity waned. Sumptuary laws were enacted in some regions to restrict their use, partly due to the difficulties they presented in locomotion and the perceived vanity they represented. While the specific form of the chopine faded, the concept of elevated footwear has reappeared in various forms throughout fashion history, from platform shoes to modern heels.