She’s keeping fashion on its toes by keeping fashionistas off their tiptoes.
In Barbie’s world, real-life glamor girls on-the-go are kicking high heels to the curb, and stepping out in much cozier kicks instead, per a May 2025 report.
The shift is drastic — but it’s fantastic.
“[Barbie] made a transition from high heels (equinus foot posture) to flat shoes (flat foot posture), especially when employed,” study authors from Monash University said in a statement.
“We suggest this mirrors broader societal changes,” the investigators continued. “This includes how women choose footwear according to how much they have to move in the day, and away from only wearing high heels in some workplaces.”
Researchers examined the foot positions of 2,750 Barbies manufactured between 1959 and 2024, excluding collectible or limited edition dolls.
To track the changes to the mini diva’s feet, specialists applied a classification system known as “FEET” — Foot posture, Employment theme, Equity and Time period.
Analysts determined that the plastic pinup’s once-prominent foot arch — a haute hump famously mimicked by Margot Robbie amid the recent “Barbie” movie mania — has severely declined throughout the decades.
While 100% of the pretty playthings were made with the equinus foot posture (structured to stand on their tippy toes) in the 1960s, only 40% boast the propped-up look in the 2020s.
The authors attribute the softening of the icon’s stance to her ever-expanding résumé — which, since the mid-20th century, has included work experience as an astronaut, surgeon, firefighter and scientist.
And her professional prowess has influenced everyday go-getters, according to the findings.
“The change in workforce roles of Barbie mimics the change in women’s employment across the world,” insiders said.
“Barbie models her footwear choice based on task demands, being flat-footed and wearing flat shoes when she needs to work on her feet, be physically active or more stable,” they added. “Given Barbie is known to reflect societal norms, we contend this is most likely true for most high heel wearers.”
It’s a truth setting tired tootsie frees.
Kurt Geiger, a London-based footwear retailer, recently revealed a dip in sales for shoes with heels over 4 inches. In 2024, high heels only made up 17% of non-flat shoe sales, compared to 47% in 2014, per The Times.
The stylish swing away from stilettos and such has also become increasingly evident on the runway.
Haute fashion houses like Alaïa have, too, put flats on the map, making the heel-free wonders wardrobe staples for A-listers such as Jennifer Lawrence, Dakota Johnson and Dua Lipa.
Monash researchers say all the comfy shoe roads lead back to Barbie.
“The very strong correlation between flat foot posture and employment sits well with evidence observing Barbie ‘evolving’ away from prioritizing fashion over her career,” the examiners wrote.
“Just as her facial features and body shape have changed over time, her expanding workforce roles create a requirement for prolonged standing, increased walking speed, and greater postural stability,” they added.”
“As a role model to many young people, it is encouraging to see Barbie making foot posture and footwear choices that best enable her participation in employment and physical activity.”
Read the full article here
