Different Styles Of Heels For Men
Have you ever heard of “meels”? Men’s high heels, or meels, are the latest fashion trend sweeping through Europe and the United States. Male movie stars and celebrities have often used heels to add an inch or two in height, and there are many ways to incorporate them into different outfits for men.
No matter what your personal aesthetic is, heels are a way to spice up any outfit and add a touch of glamor to your everyday fashion. From platform boots to pumps, men can rock heels just like women can. Let’s take a look at the history of heels for men, the various types of heels available, and what it means for you.
More Than Just a Fashion Statement
Many men who choose to wear heels today remember growing up in a time when men were not able to wear heels in public, due to fear of harassment or physical violence. However, little do most people know that heels have actually been used for over a thousand years and were, at first, primarily worn by men.
As it turns out, high heels were invented in the 10th century in Iran, which was known as Persia at the time. The Persians were fearsome warriors, and not only did these men wear the first high heels, but they were actually worn by the most prodigious soldiers in the cavalry.
The Persians mastered the ability to stand up in the saddle and fire a bow while riding a horse, which is no easy task and could quickly devastate an enemy army. Their heels were used to keep them balanced and steady while doing so, similar to how cowboy boots also have a noticeable heel.
Heels for men rose in popularity again in the 16th century and spread throughout Asian and Indian calvaries as well. In the 17th century, French royalty and upper-class men adopted the fashion, creating a trend that spread throughout Europe for a time. King Louis XIV was especially fond of his heels, which he considered a symbol of power.
However, from there, heels for men gradually died off and they became what people generally think of today, a way for women to enhance their posture and sex appeal. In the 1950s, stars like Marylin Monroe and Audrey Hepburn cemented the legacy of high heels as one of the ultimate female markers of sexuality.
However, in the 1980s, male stars like David Bowie and Freddy Mercury began wearing heels on stage, much to the consternation and astonishment of the conservative power structures at the time. Originally, high heels on men were relegated to nightclubs or bedrooms, but gradually society began to be more accepting of men wearing what was considered women’s fashion at the time.
Today, with the explosion of the LGBT identity movement, heels on men are a much more common sight. Heel designer Henry Bae tells Vogue that “[wearing heels is] a natural desire that I used to hide from the world, but my goal now is to honor my queer fashion perspective. I’m not sure why wearing heels and feeling feminine is so important to me, but it feels like a part of who I am.”
Types of Men’s Heels
All that being said, the point of this article was to elucidate the different types of heels for men. I guess the real point here is that there are no rules! If you’re a man and you want to wear heels, feel free to wear whatever type you feel looks best on you.
Some prefer vibrant platform or stiletto boots that stand out, or some men prefer subtle heels that just give an inch or two of lift. Pumps are a classic choice with a tapering heel that stands out, and block heels are a choice that offers a lot of comfort and durability. Open-toed heels are a timeless choice, and sandal heels for men are a good choice for a sunny day.
No matter what aesthetic appeals to you, from lace-up boots, to flowery wrapped heels, to glittery pumps with a classic Hollywood red carpet look, there is a pair of heels for every man who wants them.
However, due to the larger size and strength of most men, it’s recommended to avoid wearing actual women’s heels. Wearing a skinny stiletto heel designed for women as a man can lead to the shoe breaking, which can lead to dangerous falls.
In addition, it’s important to take care of your podiatric health. Definitely purchase heels that are designed for men to wear, as you will need to distribute your weight naturally. Forcing yourself to walk in an unnatural manner because you are worried about putting too much weight on a woman’s heel can have adverse health effects down the line.
High heels are an ancient and beautiful fashion icon that appeal to both men and women. Find your personal aesthetic today by contacting a high heel retailer and they will be happy to help you find the perfect pair for you!