Why did people wear chopines?

Chopines were women's platform shoes that were popular in the 15th - 17th centuries. They were worn for 2 reasons:

1. The practicality of the shoe. The platform protected your shoes and dress from mud and street soil.
2. Fashion and status. The height of the platform was a symbol of the cultural and social standing of the chopine wearer. The higher the chopine, the higher the status of the wearer.