Poulaines, the iconic pointy shoes of the Middle Ages, emerged around the late 14th century, becoming a fashionable item among both genders. Despite their popularity, especially among young aristocratic men, these shoes were uncomfortable and often painful, leading to serious foot issues such as bunions. The name 'poulaines' derives from their presumed Polish origins, and the exaggerated length of the shoe's toes, sometimes reaching five inches, was maintained using stuffing materials. Although they became unfashionable by the late 15th century, their impact on foot health, as demonstrated in a 2021 study, remains significant.
'Bunions - or hallux valgus - are bulges that appear on the side of the foot as the big toe leans in towards the other toes and the first metatarsal.'
'Both men and women wore them, although the aristocratic men's shoes tended to have the longest toes, sometimes as long as five inches, stuffed with moss, wool, or horsehair.'
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