Why Barbie dolls are less likely to be on their tip-toes today

By Stephen Beech

Barbie dolls are less likely to be on their tiptoes today than in previous years, according to new research.

Analysis of 2,750 of the popular figures produced since 1959 also found that “employed” versions of Barbie are much more likely to have a flat-foot posture than fashion-focused dolls.

The study, journal PLOS One, shows that the proportion of Barbie-brand dolls with the toy’s "iconic" tip-toe posture has steadily dropped over time.

Study leader Professor Cylie Williams said that, since introducing Barbie in 1959, American manufacturer Mattel has released many versions of the doll that appear to reflect societal shifts in women’s employment, empowerment, and body shape.

In 2023, a scene in the blockbuster movie Barbie drew attention to Barbie’s feet - which are often in tip-toe “equinus” posture to accommodate high heels, but may be flat for other footwear.

While previous academic studies have assessed Barbie’s body shape, few until now have focused on the doll’s tip-toe posture.

Dr. Williams and her colleagues at Monash University in Australia wondered how Barbie’s foot posture may have shifted over time as Mattel released new versions with different occupations, ethnicities, and disabilities.

The researchers developed a new system for categorizing certain characteristics for any version of Barbie, which they named FEET: Foot posture; Equity - diversity and inclusion; Employment - job-themed, such as Eye Doctor Barbie, or fashion-themed, such as Twirly curls Barbie; and Time - period of manufacture.

They used FEET to analyze 2,750 versions of Barbie-brand dolls made between 1959 and June 2024.

Dr. Williams said: "The analysis revealed that the percentage of Barbie dolls with tip-toe posture dropped over time, from 100% in the first decade of production, to 40% in 2020 through June 2024."

She says “employed” versions were "significantly" more likely to have flat feet, while fashion-focused dolls were more likely to have a tip-toe posture.

Dr. Williams said: "There were also strong statistical links between dolls representing people of color and the tip-toe posture."

Less strong links were also found between flat feet and diversity, as well as between flat feet and dolls with disabilities.

Dr. Williams said that “our observed strong relationship between flat foot posture and time, suggests "changing [workforce] roles and laws were reflected in Barbie’s foot posture.”

The researchers suggest that Barbie is "making foot posture and footwear choices that best enable her participation in employment and physical activity.”

The researchers noted that the study excluded special-collections Barbie dolls, which may have different foot-posture proportions.

And while Mattel’s Barbie design decisions might reflect trends and historical events, they are likely marketing-based.

But Dr. Williams said: “Barbie chooses her shoes based on what she’s doing - flats for function, heels for fashion - mirroring how many people wear high heels in real life.

"Since she reflects societal norms, it’s time health messaging caught up by focusing less on heel-shaming and more on empowering informed, body-autonomous choices.”

She added: “Who better to unpack Barbie’s high-heel habits than a team of podiatrists and a Barbie collector?

"We came for the biomechanics, stayed for the glitter.

"Research doesn't always have to be serious and we were surprised to see tiny feet can have interesting stories to tell about cultural shoe wearing practices.

"Hopefully we see a Podiatrist Barbie on the market soon, we're pretty sure we know what sort of shoes she'd wear.”