Chopine was actually worn during the 15th, 16th and 17th century. As you can see on the picture on the left it's kinda weird if you have a modern prospective but it you will not only be fashionable when you wear a pair of these during those times.
Chopines were originally used as an overshoe to protect the shoes and dress from mud and other dirt acquired while walking along the streets. Considering the fashion during that time, wearing a chopine was actually a commodity during that time. The images below show some other variations of chopine.
(The white chopine was worn during the 15th century while the blue one was worn during the 16th century)
Chopine was popularly worn in Venice by both courtesans and patrician women. As you can see chopines have their decorations on it. Aside from the mere fact that the stones, strings and other designs in a chopine is used as an embellishment, they also signify the social status of the one wearing it. The higher the chopine, the higher you position in the society and the more popular you are. During the Renaissance Period, chopines became a fashion for women, literally outstanding others and were made increasingly taller. There was also an instance where a 20-inch chopine was made.
We have exactly the same chopines worn before and you will notice that they are made of wood or cork. Spanish chopines are mostly made of metal. Most often than not, the fabric of the chopine matches the dress of the wearer. It is covered with leather, brocades or jewel-embroidered velvet.
Women literally had a hard time wearing these shoes, especially if it's very high. They actually need at least two servants/helpers to help them wear their chopine. Given the fact that chopines are really hard to wear, some scholars argued that a woman can actually wear them easily, walk on them comfortably and even dance with grace while wearing them.
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