Guide to height-increasing shoes

Should you get elevator shoes?

Elevator shoes give you a small increase in height. This is achieved with a higher heel than is usual on men?s footwear. However, the additional heel is concealed inside the shoe, so others cannot tell that you are boosting your height.

The height increase given by elevator shoes is minimal, but it is one of your only options in appearing taller. A small height increase can give a giant boost to your self-confidence; if you are self-conscious about being short, it is certainly worth looking into elevator shoes. However, if you are going to wear elevator shoes, choose a style which looks as much like a regular pair of shoes as possible. Low-end tall shoes can look quite clunky, whereas you want to choose something approximating a sleek dress shoe.

How tall are elevator shoes?

The challenge with elevator shoes is that the increased heel height must be subtle. So, there are limits on how much height you can add with a pair of elevator shoes. Most styles add between two and three inches. Shoes which add on more than a couple of inches look very obviously like height-increasing shoes. Two inches may not be a lot, but it does make a huge difference to your general appearance.

Do height-increasing shoes make you look thinner?

The extra height afforded by elevator shoes will make you look slightly slimmer. This is a visual trick- your width has remained the same, but you have become taller and thus appear thinner. If you are a skinny guy who would like the height advantage of elevator shoes without appearing even thinner than you already are, you can employ other clothing tricks. Layering of cardigans and jackets or wearing a structured will make you appear bulkier. You can also add volume to your torso with a thick scarf.

A distracting design

A pair of plain black dress leather dress shoes with a boosted heel is not a good look. It becomes obvious that you are trying to cheat by wearing tall shoes, and they often look like something a schoolboy would wear. Instead, opt for shoes with a design element that draws the eye, such as prominent stitching or a gradient effect. For a sleeker look, choose a pair that is tan, brown or burgundy.

Shoe lifts as an alternative to elevator shoes

Specially made height-increasing shoes can be expensive. For a more economical option, you can try inserting shoe lifts into your existing regular footwear. This will not give you the huge boost that is inbuilt into elevator shoes, but it may give you a precious extra inch or so. You will also need generously sized shoes which will comfortably fit both your foot and the platform insert.

Elevator shoes and platform inserts are not the only options for adding to your height. Certain sneaker styles have quite a thick sole, which can add on an extra inch or so. Nike Air Force Ones are a prominent example.