/u/colevintage and /u/LocalWomanComplains have written something about the history of footwear in Heeled shoes. There is a little piece on pattens:

Pattens were a platformed overshoe worn for outdoor use by both men and women beginning in the Middle Ages. Since they were intended to protect shoes and clothing from dirty streets, they were often rather high and continued to be worn by women as outwear up until the 19th century.