When a travel blogger posted a video from a charming town in California, few thought her fashion advice would lead to a legal revelation.
“Did you know that in this Californian town, high heels are illegal?” asked Zory, who’s known as Zory Mori to her followers. Her videos, a mix of travel commentary and style tips, quickly captured attention, uncovering lesser-known regulations in one of America’s picturesque spots.
In Carmel-by-the-Sea, a fairy-tale village along California’s central coast, wearing heels taller than two inches is forbidden unless you have a special permit.
Though it sounds like a quirky fashion rule, these regulations were put in place for practical reasons. Established back in 1963, they came about in response to the town’s uneven sidewalks which can be hazardous, particularly for those wearing stilettos.
To prevent potential injuries, the city either restricted heels to a maximum height of two inches or stipulated that heels be designed with a base smaller than one square inch.
After a delightful walk through Carmel’s historic streets, Zory confirmed the seriousness of these rules, stating, “If you get a permit, it’s fine to stroll around town, but let’s hope there aren’t too many conditions attached to high heels.”
“But don’t worry, the process is simple, quick, and free. Plus, it makes for a great story,” she added.
Getting this license from City Hall has become somewhat of a rite of passage for visitors.
This rule isn’t often enforced, meaning police aren’t measuring heels, but it remains a part of local law. Residents refer to these unique regulations as “calmerisms,” which add character to the town, alongside other quirks like the absence of street numbers (with mail delivered at the post office) and the fact that Clint Eastwood served as mayor in the 1980s.
