So, you’re short – don’t worry, you’re not alone. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the average height for American men is 5’10”. That means that if you’re under 5’5″, you’re one of about 15% of the population. And I’m here to help!
Being short can be a pain; you have to stand on your tippy-toes to reach things; you always get hidden in pictures; you never got picked first in basketball. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to make yourself look taller, starting with some proper shoes for short men.
Footwear with a slight height increase or platform can make you look taller without being too obvious. There are many types of height-increasing shoes across the market, so I’m here to wheel out options for different budgets and tastes.
Key Takeaways
On this journey, I whittled through dozens upon dozens of customer reviews, as well as my own closet, to see which offers a bit of a boost. Overall, buying shoes to make you look taller revolves around the apparent elements you should consider in any pair of shoes – comfortability, durability, and a suitable price – in addition to a platform.
After rummaging through the shoe game, the sustainably-made Lociwear ATOM is the best choice overall, offering a subtle, built-in height increase of 0.8 inches. If you’re looking to spend less, though, the iconic Vans Authentic remains a foolproof pick for short men, albeit not providing a height increase.
Our Top Picks
Why it’s Great: This minimalist sneaker is engineered for comfort and performance, making it the best pair of shoes for short men. It’s made from a blend of recycled materials and boasts a durable outsole. Overall, ATOM is a versatile shoe for people who want something sustainable and comfortable.
How it feels: The Lociwear ATOM provides solid cushioning and even better support. Plus, it’s easy to slip on and off for adjustments on the go.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: The Lociwear ATOM may not last as long as some other cool sneakers through this guide, but it makes up for a lack of durability with trusty comfort and sustainability.
Material: 100% leather | Height increase: 0.8” | Colors: White, Grey, Black | Sizes: 7-13
Why it’s Great: The Vans Authentic is a classic skate shoe that’s been around for over half a century. It’s an iconic, comfortable, and versatile shoe that’s perfect for its price.
How it feels: Vans’ classic silhouette is an everyday-ready design that requires no break-in period. It’s easy to walk in and can be worn alongside jeans, shorts, or just about anything.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: Sure, the Authentic isn’t the market’s most stylish show, and it’s far from durable. Still, it’s a timeless option for anyone who wants a comfortable, affordable sneaker.
Material: Canvas and rubber | Height increase: 0.7” | Colors: Black, White, Navy | Sizes: 4-13
Why it’s great: Though often touted as a dad shoe, the 574 is ageless. Known for its walkability and popularized by the likes of tech bros and CEOs, this versatile shoe from New Balance is ready for virtually anything — running, walking down the block, gym-going, and more.
How it feels: The New Balance 574 is a comfortable shoe made from a combination of mesh and suede, which sits atop a cushioned midsole and a durable outsole. This paves the way for premium cushioning and dependable durability.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: The New Balance 574 is not the most stylish shoe on the market. It’s also not the lightest shoe, so it may not be the best choice for long runs.
Material: Mesh and suede | Height increase: 1.14” | Colors: Grey, Navy, Red| Sizes: 4-14
Why it’s Great: Outside of basketball, the Air Max 90 is as iconic as any
How it feels: There are only so many ways to describe
Flaws but not dealbreakers: The
Material: Mesh, suede, and leather | Height increase: 1.1” | Colors: Black, White Red | Sizes: 6-15
Why it’s Great: The Converse All-Star Chuck 70 is a classic sneaker that’s been around for decades. Channel your inner grunge star or make your casual Friday ensemble easier than ever – no matter how tall you are, these are the best shoes for short men when it comes to keeping things cool.
How it feels: Crafted from canvas and equipped with that iconic, vulcanized rubber sole, the Converse All-Star Chuck 70 is a shoe that you should be familiar with if you’re even reading this. However, if you’ve never owned a pair, think of a standard pair of Chucks made even stronger.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: The Chuck 70s may not last forever, but they’ll hold up longer than a standard pair of All Stars, so you should take that with a grain of salt. And while they don’t offer much of a platform, they’re a staple for anyone
Material: Canvas and rubber | Height increase: 1” | Colors: Black, White, and Every Color You Can Imagine | Sizes: 3-16
Why it’s Great: Clarks’ Desert Boot is a classic that’s been around for decades. The shoe is crafted from 100% leather and placed atop a signature crepe sole for comfort and traction. Overall, it’s perfect for anything, whether running errands, going to work, or meeting friends for a drink.
How it feels: Buttery soft and ready for any scenario; there’s little room for error here. The shoes fit pretty tight, so you can consider sizing down a bit. Nevertheless, once you figure out the proper size, they’re as comfortable as any shoe here.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: Sadly, it’s not waterproof, so it’s not the best boot for rainy days. Plus, you can venture elsewhere for better durability compared to other boots.
Material: 100% leather | Height increase: 0.5” | Colors: Beeswax, Brown Suede, Tobacco | Sizes: 7-15
Why it’s Great: The On Cloudmonster is a relatively new, overnight icon known for its comfort and cushioning. It’s made from a combination of mesh and foam and features a unique CloudTec sole that provides a soft and bouncy ride. The Cloudmonster is an excellent choice for runners who want a supportive shoe that can handle long runs and want an extra boost of height.
How it feels: Few running shoes can rival the toe-to-heel comfort of On’s Cloudmonster, much in part to the Swiss performance brand’s unique outsole and tech. Additionally, its hefty height increase makes them one of the best shoes for short men.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: The On Cloudmonster’s chunky midsole is as polarizing as any pair of new-age running silhouettes on the market, up there with the Hokas of the world. That said, they may not suit your style.
Material: Mesh and foam | Height increase: 1.3” | Colors: Blue, White, Black | Sizes: 7-14
Why it’s great: These handcrafted boots offer durability and comfort, making them the perfect companion for traversing both city streets and untamed terrains. Their timeless design ensures a versatile pairing with various outfits, appealing to gentlemen with an eye for effortless chic and authenticity.
How it feels: The Captain Boot provides a comfortable fit right out of the box, with minimal break-in required. Its supple leather molds to the wearer’s feet, delivering a plush feel with every step, making it suitable for all-day wear in various settings.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: While the Thursday Boot Co. Captain Boot boasts impressive qualities, it might not be the best choice for those seeking a highly formal footwear option. The rugged charm of these boots may not align with strict black-tie dress codes, but they effortlessly elevate casual and smart-casual ensembles.
Material: Leather and cork | Height increase: 1” | Colors: Black, Brown, Tan | Sizes: 6-16
Why it’s Great: Tom Ford’s catalog is arguably the epitome of luxury and class, and these Chelsea boots embody that to a tee. Their impeccable design and construction are courtesy of finest high-quality leather, and can last a lifetime if you treat them well.
How it feels: There’s no way to describe how smooth this leather is when they’re not in your hand. On-foot, though, you should expect a steady break-in period before being able to rock them comfortably.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: Aside from that eye-popping price tag expected with anything from Tom Ford, the tight fit is something that can get in the way of wearing these often at first.
Material: 100% leather | Height increase: 1.2” | Colors: Black | Sizes: 6-14
Why it’s Great: Blackstock & Weber’s ever-so-stylish lineup of loafers embodies luxury with every step. They’re constructed from full-grain leather and feature a Goodyear-welt construction, making them sturdy and easy to repair. And, above all else, it never hurts to support a Black-owned brand.
How it feels: The smooth leather upper is perfect for rocking to black-tie events, and its cushioned sole promotes enduring comfort.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: They’re not the most affordable pair of dress shoes on the market, but they make up for a lofty price tag with premium quality and a sole that can take on anything.
Material: 100% leather | Height increase: 0.8” | Colors: Brown, Black, Green | Sizes: 4-15
Buying Considerations for Shoes with Height
Materials
Like most pairs of shoes, the materials come first and foremost. Typically, leather is a durable option that lasts for years; best of all, it’s breathable, so your feet won’t get too sweaty in the summertime.
On the contrary, canvas is an affordable option that’s still pretty durable. Plus, it’s more breathable than leather, so it’s usually an even better choice for warm weather. Lastly, suede is the most luxurious of all, adding a significant touch of style to any outfit.
Height Increase
We’ve reached the quintessential part of shoes for short men, so pay attention. More often than not, you will want to look for a shoe with a built-in heel. There are a variety of heel heights available, so you can find one that is walkable for you and that will give you the desired amount of height.
Comfort
Last, but certainly not least, cushioned soles provide your feet with all-day comfort. Consider pairs placed atop a thick, cushioned midsole that will absorb shock and provide support.
Additionally, more flexible soles allow your feet to move naturally, which is important for preventing pain and fatigue. Look for shoes with either of these elements that will bend and flex with your foot, not against it. Additionally, a wide toe box gives you plenty of room to stretch, which is important for preventing bunions.
Why You Should Trust Us
As a seasoned journalist and footwear enthusiast, you can trust my insights on shoes for short men because I’ve always had my ear to the ground when it comes to diverse fashion needs. Much like a basketball player who knows the best shoes for those with nimble footwork, my tall stature has allowed me to see the world from a different angle, quite literally.
Final Verdict
Overall, the key things for short men to consider when picking up new shoes are the three factors mentioned above. Just remember to have a good pair of socks on hand if you do buy any shoes that require a lengthy break-in period. That said, the best shoes to pick up to avoid any pain is the Lociwear ATOM.
FAQ
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If you’re still asking this question, odds are you didn’t read the list. There are several great height-increasing shoes on the market, including the aforementioned Air Max 90 and higher-end options like Tom Ford’s leather Chelsea boots. These shoes both have a slight height increase that can help you look taller without looking a little too obvious.
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If you’re trying to make your legs look longer, you should opt for some high boots over sneakers. This will be all the attention on your shoes rather than your height, all the while giving the illusion that your insanely tall shoes match your deceivingly long legs.
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