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3mo ago

Barbie’s Flat Feet Reflect Workplace Evolution and Diversity Gains

A new study shows 60% of Barbies made by mid-2024 feature flat feet, marking a shift tied to professional roles and broader representation.

The Barbie Team (from left to right): Barbie Fashionista (#171) wears a high heel white ankle boot, Barbie Fashionista (#197) wears an amazing yellow platform heel with ankle straps, Barbie Interior Designer wears ballet flats on both her foot and prosthetic limb, Barbie Paramedic has her workboots ready to go, Barbie Fashionista (#208) has Down Syndrome and uses sneakers to accommodate her ankle foot orthoses, and Barbie Fashionista (#210) models comfy yellow slides. (Dredit: Cylie Williams, CC-BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/))
Image
Margot Robbie's foot on tip-toe with a pink glistening and furry high heel next to the raised foot

Overview

  • The study analyzed 2,750 Barbies manufactured from 1959 to mid-2024, revealing a rise in flat-footed models from 0% in the 1960s to 60% by 2024.
  • Barbies with flat feet are strongly associated with professional roles, while fashion-oriented dolls predominantly retain high-heeled, tip-toed feet.
  • Diversity in Barbie dolls has significantly increased, with non-white representation growing from 5% in the 1960s to 46% by 2024, alongside greater inclusion of dolls with disabilities.
  • Mattel confirmed deliberate design changes over the past decade to reflect evolving societal norms, including expanded foot postures and reimagined footwear options.
  • Researchers suggest high heels may not be inherently harmful in the long term, emphasizing that footwear choices are often task-driven and reflect personal autonomy.