Gender locked race?

[Iscah]

Concept art shows that the males don't actually have the heel. So it might be less about support and more regards to their culture.

Actually, concept art shows them with digitigrade feet (heel off the ground), just not wearing heeled shoes to "support" it - which makes much more sense to me anyway, for both genders. They shouldn't have evolved that foot shape if they can't naturally support themselves on it.

I also suspect heels would interfere with a proper digitigrade gait rather than support it. From trying it out, it feels like your heels need to be able to move up and down, not have a heel spike keeping it X distance off the ground.

[Nihility]

Actually, concept art shows them with digitigrade feet (heel off the ground), just not wearing heeled shoes to "support" it - which makes much more sense to me anyway, for both genders. They shouldn't have evolved that foot shape if they can't naturally support themselves on it.

I also suspect heels would interfere with a proper digitigrade gait rather than support it. From trying it out, it feels like your heels need to be able to move up and down, not have a heel spike keeping it X distance off the ground.

Aside from 12 the official viera concept art shows them wearing standard boots and shoes just as often as barefoot or the heel-spike which would lead to the conclusion that it's simply a fashion choice

and you are correct if they had feet like an actual rabbit or kangaroo or whatnot. The heel would actually severely hinder their movement rather than offer support

[Gwenorai]

Actually, concept art shows them with digitigrade feet (heel off the ground), just not wearing heeled shoes to "support" it - which makes much more sense to me anyway, for both genders. They shouldn't have evolved that foot shape if they can't naturally support themselves on it.

I also suspect heels would interfere with a proper digitigrade gait rather than support it. From trying it out, it feels like your heels need to be able to move up and down, not have a heel spike keeping it X distance off the ground.

xD That's what I meant, they still have the digi feet, but they're not wearing heels.

[Fredco191]

it’s March.

i’m gonna make it

[Canadane]

The females do because that's how their feet are structured, similar to a bunny standing on its hind legs. Because, you know, Viera are bunnies. Going by That Concept Art™, the males have the same foot structure, so it stands to reason that any footwear they'll come with should offer similar support.
Namely, high heels.

Is it high heels at that point, or just normal shoes?

[BillyKaplan]

Is it high heels at that point, or just normal shoes?

Still high heels. Whether or not the wearer's feet naturally support that structure is a different matter

[Lacan]

And to be fair, not all Viera wear the heels in FF XII. If they go barefoot they don't need them. But since Fran is out and about she wears them for protection I'm assuming. :v

It looks to me like the Viera in XIV might have normal feet though. They might just have high heels as their racial gear.

[Allegor]

It looks to me like the Viera in XIV might have normal feet though. They might just have high heels as their racial gear.

I really hope they don't tbh. The beastly feet are of the few traits that truly separates them from being literally "a hyur with-" so the less they have in common, the better.

[Nestama]

I really hope they don't tbh. The beastly feet are of the few traits that truly separates them from being literally "a hyur with-" so the less they have in common, the better.

Well they did mention they were working on redesigning head gear for Viera (though I feel they said the same for Au Ra?), but made no mention on feet. So the high heels will likely be exclusive to RSE.