The thing about shoes and stairs...
In a previous role, I used to have to attend very formal functions on occasion (think tux or tails) and usually part of the evening was canapes down stairs followed by the formal meal upstairs. Moving between the two rooms was formal, with seniority and 'offering the arm' etc. Trouble was that the stairs were a U shape, so up, 90deg turn, straight, 90 deg turn and up. The trouble was there was no landing, so the stairs on the turn were wedged shape. Not only did the poor women have to deal with shoes in heals, they also had to deal with the fact there was barely any tread as they were on the inside. I used to go with a daughter of a colleague to these things where it was inappropriate to go alone, which was most of the time. (Looking back Im pretty sure he was trying to set us up, but anyway) and every time she would stumble just cause there was only cm's of tread. In the end we perfected this 'scoot', where she would have to press down on me and lift herself up on the other side with the handrail and leap a few steps to have a chance.
I tried walking up the same stairs one day and it was just impossible for me. So while I cant say I know what heels are like, I can kinda sympathize.
I understand theres more issues for ladies with clothing and fashion, but on the plus side women gets to wear skirts without being social pariahs, thats pretty nifty