Men wearing high heels have been around for centuries, with the first records dating back to the 10th-century Persian cavalry.
Back then, high heels for men were used to showcase military prowess and high social status.
Nowadays, with the rise of androgynous fashion, men are reclaiming their space in the world of high heels in fashion by making profound statements of confidence and style.
In this article, I will provide a guide to buying high heels for men so that you can find the perfect pair to suit your style.
Ankle High Heels Boots
Ankle High heels boots are no longer worn for practical reasons but for the look.
A well-designed pair of men’s high heels boots exudes stylishness and matches most spring outfits in your wardrobe.
Whether crafted from suede, leather, or a textured faux croc, these men’s high heels boots vary from minimal and sleek to sturdy and weather-proof, with one essential thing in common: versatility.
Leopard Ankle Boots
RANDOM IDENTITIES
Transparent Heel Platform
RICK OWENS
Patent Leather Chunky Heel Boots
ONLYMAKER
Tabi-toe Ankle Heel Boots
MAISON MARGIELA
High Heels Rhinestone Boots
ONLYMAKER
Platform Heels
Everything old is new again, and that’s always true for fashion trends, with nostalgic aesthetics returning in full force.
When it comes to the trendies men’s platform heels of 2023, we see a return to the platforms inspired by the 60s fashion in various styles and colors.
Sky-high platforms are taking over sandals, pumps, and boots, and we’re all for it.
If you’re looking to get out of your slippers and add something fun to your collection, these men’s platform heels curated below are the best out there right now.
Platform Sole Boots
RICK OWENS
Amazon Platform Boots
SWEAR
Black Suede Ankle Boots
ONLYMAKER
Canvas High Heel Sneaker Boots
ONLYMAKER
Drag Queen Platform Heels
DRAG UNIVERSE
Dress Heeled Shoes
There’s much to love about comfortable sneakers or supportive sandals that complement an entire closet’s worth of trendy outfits.
Moreover, returning to the office and elaborate dinner dates and events means you’ll also need formal and elegant footwear.
Above all, there are no specific dress shoes for men of a particular silhouette, color, or heel height.
Men with classic and unfussy styles should consider a penny loafer, while more daring men could choose a strappy sandal with a unique heel shape.
With both these types — and many more — in mind, see below the best dress shoes for men with heels right now, in 2023.
Slip-On Heeled Loafer
COMME DES GARCONS HOMME PLUS
2 Inch Heel Patent Dress Shoes
PLEASER PINK LABEL
Daily Short Heel Pumps
ONLYMAKER
Pointed Leather Stiletto Pumps
ONLYMAKER
Large Size Low Heel Pumps
MAIERNISI JESSI
Cut-out Heeled Sandals
COMEMORE
Stilettos
There’s a time for sneakers, sandals, and espadrilles.
But there’s also a time to climb the heights of fashion and style with a towering four-inch heel.
Take your cue from Balenciaga’s men’s stilettos and fire up your laziest sportswear pieces or slouchy tailoring with an uncompromisingly glamorous pump.
Stiletto Pumps
ONLYMAKER
Ankle Strap Stiletto
MAIERNISI JESSI
5 Inch Heel Stilettos
PLEASER
Rainbow Stilettos
ONLYMAKER
Golden Metallic Platform Stiletto
ONLYMAKER
Jessi Pointed Toe High Heels
MAIERNISI JESSI
Open Toe Feather Heel Sandals
ONLYMAKER
High Heel Sandals
While most men’s high-heel sandals look stylish and can elevate any outfit, wearing them often comes at a price; the sacrifice of your precious toes, arches, and ankles.
Of course, you can always buy extra inserts to relieve the pain and stock up on bandaids.
However, it is not impossible to find a heeled sandal for men that’s chic and comfy, just that it takes days of internet browsing to stumble across them.
Lucky for you, we’ve already done the work and compiled a list of the most comfortable high heel sandals for me in 2023.
In a wide variety of silhouettes, textures, and heights – from one-inch heels to classic Asian heels, you’re sure to find at least one that matches your sparkling personality.
Black 3-Inch Heel Slippers
FABULICIOUS
Square Toe Chunky Heel Mules
ONLYMAKER
Open-Toe Platform Sandals
ONLYMAKER
Transparent Heel Sandals
ONLYMAKER
Strappy High Heel Sandals
MAIERNISI JESSI
Square Toe Low Heel Sandals
ONLYMAKER
Plus Size Chunky Block Platform
TORRID
Men’s Summer Sandal High Heels
AUIMANK
Men’s Thigh High Heels
Every season, a list of trends floods the fashion world and defines the path for the entire season.
This winter, in particular, thigh-high boots is in vogue.
Trickling down from London and NYC’s runways, thigh-high heels for men are dominating this year.
With sleek silhouettes and bonafide chic appeal, thigh-high heels for men are the perfect match with coats.
White Tight High 10CM Heel Boots
ONLYMAKER
Lace-Up Over The Knee Heel Boot
ONLYMAKER
Over The Knee Leather Platform
ONLYMAKER
Pointed Toe Knee High Heel Boots
ONLYMAKER
FAQs
Were High Heels Invented for a Man?
Heels were invented and worn initially by men in the 10th – 11th century by Persian riders for functional purposes.
The heels for men had nothing to do with female sexuality but to keep the rider’s feet in stirrups and remain steady on the horse while using weapons.
Why Do Men Wear Women’s High Heels?
While there’s a stigma attached to men wearing women’s high heels, men wear them because it changes their stance and the way they walk.
High heels for men also emphasize their buttocks, making them feel more sensual and attractive.
Nowadays, in the 21st century, there’s a general feeling that men wearing women’s heels is wrong.
This idea emerged from the 17th century to the 20th century, when high heels were seen as a type of shoe conforming to a generic female style.
However, men have worn high heels before women, but given the scarcity of brands making high heels for men, those who enjoy wearing heels shop from women’s high heels stores.
Is It Normal for Guys to Wear Heels?
A recent study on gender norms revealed that 87% of men are okay with other men wearing heels, and 69% stated that they would wear heels themselves as long as it does not cause them pain.
As long as they feel comfortable and look great, men should wear whatever they want.
What Type of Heels Do Guys Like?
According to the same study, most men are attracted to block-heel pumps from black patent leather, ankle strap heels, and tall leather boots.
Another boot style for men that matches those into non-binary fashion is the bar style 2-inch (5 cm) heel or a maximum of 60-plus millimeter heels.
Conclusion
I hope you’ve enjoyed my article covering the best high heels for men in 2023.
I have included a wide range of sizes and an array of sizes, from ballet flats to black chunky-heel sandals and ballroom dancing shoes; we’ve got them all.
Wearing my first pair of high-heeled shoes gave me such a refreshing feeling of confidence, something every man should feel at least once in a lifetime.
For those bypassing the binary gender norms but new to wearing heels for men, it takes a lot of practice to walk without falling, but mastery comes with practice.
Another piece of advice I can give to the next wearer of heels reading this article is to select a size up if buying heels for men from a women’s high-heel store.
That’s because, in general, a pair of heels for men in size ten is eleven in the women’s section.
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Now it’s your turn…
Which one of these high heels for men is your favorite and why?
Are there any other heels for men you’ve tried and want to add to this list?
Comments below, please!
Aidan Russell is a fashion writer with a keen interest in inclusivity and LGBTQIA+. As an associate publisher with 8 years of expertise and coverage for WWD, Forbes, and Digital Trends, Aidan has a deep understanding of past, current, and emerging fashion trends, influenced by political and social movements.
