Gaby
Researchers from Monash University in Australia have analyzed nearly three thousand Barbie dolls released over the past 65 years and found that high-heeled models are gradually giving way to those with flat-soled shoes.
The iconic doll made her debut in 1959 wearing high-heeled shoes. However, as Barbie’s career progressed, she increasingly opted for flat footwear, such as ballet flats. Among the reasons for this shift, scientists cite the relaxation of dress codes in workplaces observed over recent decades.
The study, led by Professor Silly Williams, revealed that the transition to practical flat shoes coincided with Barbie’s commendable pursuit of professional employment. The authors of the study emphasized, “Barbieland is a dynamic environment with changing employment models and social policies.”
What else did the researchers report?
The research, which also involved British orthopedic doctors, was inspired by a scene from Greta Gerwig’s 2023 film “Barbie.” In this scene, the legendary doll, portrayed by Margot Robbie, experiences an existential crisis, having a meltdown as her accustomed high-heeled feet suddenly become flat.
Using a goniometric measuring device, catalogs from Mattel (the maker of Barbie), and access to a private collection of hundreds of dolls, Professor Williams’ team analyzed the feet of 2,750 Barbies released from 1959 to June of last year.
During the first 30 years, Barbie was just beginning to explore various roles. She developed a modeling career, worked hard to qualify as an astronaut, sold ice cream at a café, and more. Throughout this time, the doll consistently wore high heels, with her feet angled at 40 degrees to the ground.
However, in 1990, the company released the first Barbies with flat feet, as reported by The Guardian. As the doll expanded her resume—taking orders at McDonald’s, hunting for fossils as a paleontologist, designing video games, or selling cheese at a farmer’s market—she increasingly favored functional ballet flats.
According to the study, by mid-2024, 60 percent of new Barbie dolls will have abandoned high heels.
Professor Williams noted that this trend reflects changes in labor laws and dress codes in workplaces. Over the past 30 years, much has changed in this area. Even women in professions such as flight attendants and bank clerks are no longer always required to wear high heels as part of their uniforms. They, along with Barbie, are choosing footwear that best suits them for their professional tasks.
Foot expert Dao Tunprasert, a senior lecturer in podiatry at the University of Brighton in the UK, remarked, “This study brilliantly highlights that even dolls reflect changing social norms. Most importantly, it reminds us that women should have the freedom to choose their footwear, whether it’s heels or not, without judgment. We should thank the researchers for conveying such an important message in such an impactful way.”
Meanwhile, Mattel stated, “After more than 65 years of innovation, the last decade has marked the most ambitious evolution of Barbie’s design with thoughtful changes that ensure every child sees themselves reflected in the doll.”
“In our efforts to create dolls that inspire children, we have increased the diversity of skin tones, hair colors and textures, body types, and abilities, as well as reimagined footwear options to support Barbie’s bold steps forward,” added the makers of the iconic toy.
The results of the study were published in the journal PLOS One.
