15 Unrealistic Representations Of Women In Heels

If we trusted everything on TV and in movies, we'd believe that aliens exist, Elijah Wood has a penchant for cursed jewelry, and women feel absolutely no pain in these crazy things called high heels...

1. Cinderella

Via thecarriagehouseinnbandb.com

The original trendsetter. Nothing sounds more painful than running those palace steps in glass shoes. If I was her, my last wish would have been for some Advil.

2. Charlie's Angels

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Bless this kick-ass female trio for reviving a TV classic. And, while they look good, there is nothing realistic about fighting the creepy "Thin Man" in four inch heels.

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3. Ginger Rogers

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She famously did everything Fred Astaire did, but backwards and in high heels. Having enjoyed four decades of consistent acclaim, I'll give her a pass. But I'd still advise against cha-cha-ing in your Jimmy Choos.

4. Sex in the City Girls

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Did they inspire a generation of women (and gay men) to tackle urban life in style? Did they make the Manolo Blahnik a household name? Did they create totally unrealistic expectations for women in heels? Yes on all counts!

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5. Barbie

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Where to begin with this iconic toy that colored the beauty standards of so many children? Barbie seems to have it all: the boyfriend, the job(s), and a waist-to-hip ratio that would topple a real person.

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6. Hedwig and the Angry Inch

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Currently playing on Broadway, this revival initially starred Neil Patrick Harris as a post-op war bride who makes gold platforms look way too good (while wailing rock ballads from the roof of a car).

7. "The Devil Wears Prada"

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The fashion industry is on full, insidious display in this breakout hit. But we don't get much redemption in the high heel department.

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8. Beyonce at The Superbowl (and Always)

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Beyonce's existence is essentially a raised bar for every human and animal on the planet. The fact that she danced, sang and basically ran a half marathon for 15 straight minutes during the 2013 Superbowl is no surprise. Do not try this at home. Well, except for you kid.

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9. Pam Anderson in "V.I.P."

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This turn of the century gem starred Pamela Anderson as a hot dog vendor (I know) turned expert assassin/bodyguard. This simultaneously gave women unrealistic perceptions about shooting bad guys in high heels, and also career advancement.

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So campy. So good.

10. Mae West

Via doctormacro.com

Born in 1893 in Bushwick, Brooklyn, Mae West was a famed vaudeville performer and later, film actress. She starred in 11 pictures during the 1930s and 1940s--each with a range of elaborate costumes and sets. She's also considered the queen of the one-liner...

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11. Lady Gaga

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Prior to this wholesome, Tony Bennett team-up, Lady Gaga was painting a much more unique picture of femininity. I wouldn't recommend hitting up the super market in these studded, monster heels.

12. Buffy

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Buffy tended to keep the footwear pretty tame. But, since the undead are constantly stirring up trouble, she's been known to visit the graveyard in a unpractical heel.

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13. RuPaul

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Entrepreneur, personality, author and full time Diva. RuPaul is an inspiration to many, and makes five inch heels look way too easy to strut around in.

14. Margot Robbie in "Wolf of Wall Street"

Via indieethos.wordpress.com

Ms. Robbie set a lot of unrealistic standards in this film. At least in this moment, she's taking the load of her tenuous heels (and putting it on DiCaprio's face).

Thankfully, some movies give us a realistic picture of women. Well, at least in terms of shoes. Black Widow knows the only way to take out a bad guy is in reasonable flats. Duh.

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