High heels date back to the 10th century. They’ve been a staple in women’s fashion for years, adding height to the female form.
Women wear high heels for various reasons, ranging from aesthetic appeal to feelings of empowerment. These popular shoes come in seemingly endless options, but do they actually add as much height as they say they do? Let’s discuss:
Understanding the Basics of High Heels
There are many types of heels, some of the most popular being wedges and stilettos. When purchasing a high heel, the height of the heel is advertised on the shoe. This typically ranges anywhere from 1 to 6 inches, but some heels reach as high as 8 inches.
High heels come in a variety of styles, typically ranging from 1 to 8 inches in height (Credit: Dina da / Shutterstock)
Classically, heels of 6 inches and higher are considered uncomfortable. They require the wearer to stand on their toes, and the pads of their feet, and many shoes do not offer much support to the foot.
Many wearers consider it worth it to put up with the pain if they can have a couple of extra inches, but are they getting as many inches as they think they are?
Key Factors That Influence Height Gain in High Heels
On average, high heels add 2 to 3 inches of height, but that, of course, depends on the heel and other factors. Other shoe features, such as a platform, can add a significant amount of height, and insoles can add some.
Platforms not only increase height but also make it easier to wear high heels
Every shoe has a sole, and a thick and pronounced sole is known as a platform.
Platform shoes will give you the most significant boost in height, and they’re typically more comfortable to wear as the extra inches are coming from the platform, not the heel. If a platform is 3 inches, you can expect to gain extra 3 inches in height.
Shoe lifts can boost height to up to two inches
Shoe insoles can also give you a small height boost. You can gain up to 2 inches in height when using elevator insoles.
For a basic heel, expect to gain 2 inches less than the height of the heel. For instance, if the heel height is 4 inches, you’ll only gain about 2 inches in height.
An elegant lineup of high heels featuring diverse designs, from classic pumps to strappy sandals and sleek boots, each offering a unique balance of style and elevation
The Mechanics Behind How High Heels Elevate Your Height
So, what’s happening with your feet in high heels to give you this extra height? Although they’re called high heels, the mechanics are actually in your ankle.
When you wear high heels, your foot engages in plantar flexion, which raises your ankle. While it may seem that the heel is responsible for the extra height, it is actually your ankle doing the lifting.
Wearing high heels exercises the plantar flexion, which then raises the ankles (Credit: Cunaplus / Shutterstock)
Keep in mind that high heels don’t add actual height; they merely lift your ankle, creating the illusion of added height. The only type of shoe that can genuinely make you taller is a platform, which can come with or without additional heels.
Assessing the Safety of Wearing High Heels: What You Need to Know
High heels have long been debated for their purpose, but studies show that they can cause damage to your body. They can negatively affect your knees, hips, ankles, toes, balance, posture, and spinal alignment and cause a variety of bodily ailments.
High heels can cause discomfort after prolonged wear, so consider using insoles or taking breaks to ease strain on your feet and ankles (Credit: Antoniodiaz / Shutterstock)
To safely wear these shoes, use insoles, reserve them for special occasions, break them in before wearing them, and choose heels that aren’t quite so high.