Best Elevator Shoes Review | Shoes That Make You Taller Guide

The Top Premium Elevator Shoe Brand

Formal Wear

1: CHAMARIPA 3.15"- Occident Dress Shoes

Perfect for a wedding, public speech, and other types of formal events. These dress shoes from CHAMARIPA are stylish and well made!  There are a variety of color options available. 

The uppers are constructed of premium calf skin leather, which will mold to the shape of your feet over time, remaining sturdy and durable. The pigskin lining will also absorb moisture build-up, and the soft padded leather insole will ensure the perfect climate for your feet, and cushion them by protecting against excess pressure.

The outsole is made from premium rubber. This will provide enough traction support to keep your feet firmly on the ground as you go about daily activities. It also helps to absorb the pressure from steps and prevent your muscles from straining.

Summary: These are a slender design and will lengthen out shorter and wider feet. This model is available in a variety of style options. If you fall in love with them you will never be short of style for many smart/casual or formal outfits!

2: CHAMARIPA 2.76" Brown Leather Derby Dress Shoes

The cow leather uppers are thicker and less prone to cracking than other leather types. They are also known to be durable and to age like fine wine, meaning that with the proper care these shoes will look great for years to come. 

Inside there is a super-soft genuine leather lining that will perfectly conform to your foot shape, and allow airflow throughout, letting moisture evaporate from the shoe. These are ergonomically engineered to work harmoniously with your stride, and the cushioned, supportive insole will hold its shape and is both non-squish and lightweight, for a supportive, effortless walking experience and these will be easy to get used to walking in.  

The sole features rubber in the heel and a perforated rubber in the forefoot, providing slip resistance and added confidence whatever the weather! 

Summary: These Derby Oxfords are a popular choice for many, due to their classic styling, being easy to get used to walking in, and offering a discreet height increase. If you are serious about increasing your height with quality footwear, then these could be the choice for you. 

3: CALTO 3" Leather Dress Shoes

These classic-looking dress shoes are a very popular model by CALTO. They are well designed with Faux crocodile details, with rich earth tones. They are compliment-worthy without giving the impression of height-increasing footwear.

The sturdy leather is full grain and will conform to the shape of your feet, whilst aging nicely over time. If you have smaller feet these shoes will work wonders for your confidence! Similar to other designs of height-increasing footwear, these shoes have a regular-sized heel and an internal lift system.

They have a sturdy rubber sole which will ensure traction support as you walk on different surfaces. This will also absorb the pressures of your steps. These shoes also come in 2 color styles, which is a great option if you fall in love with wearing them! 

Summary: These shoes are widely praised, and look both discreet and elegant in person. They also fit to size. and are a great choice for those serious about increasing their height long-term. 

4: CHAMARIPA H91K65D221D - 2.76" Brown Wingtip Dress Shoes

Spring, Summer, Autumn, or Winter - these Oxford shoes will pair nicely with smart/casual and formal wear. Should you fall in love with these shoes then you can buy different variations that will work with a multitude of formal styles!

The full brogue wingtip design is compliment worthy and constructed of high-quality cow leather. This is strong and durable, and will be sure to keep your feet firmly inside the shoes, adapting to their shape!

The pigskin inner lining will remain spongy and breathable, which is ideal for easing yourself into walking around in height enhancing footwear. The rubberized sole will give enough traction support to grip most surfaces, and will also help absorb the pressure of your steps. This model will remain inconspicuous in design. The outer heel is 1 inch which is that of a regular shoe! The elevation is built internally with a sturdy insole, which will remain reliable.

Summary: These shoes provide a decent height boost, look great in person, and are ideal for those who want to strike a fine balance between added height, style, and comfort!

5: CALTO Y40551 - 3.2" Dark Brown Leather Formal Oxfords 

Sneakers/Trainers

CHAMARIPA is a respected brand when it comes to elevator footwear. These sneakers are another example of why. They feature a classic style that will blend into the crowd without causing a fuss and is suitable for all seasons. 

Sporting a lightweight design they feature waxed leather enabling water resistance, and elastic fabric that will adapt comfortably to the contours of the feet for a comfortable fit. The height raise is anatomically designed and will not cause stress and strain of cheaper brands, making getting used to them a breeze.  

Underneath there is a durable, distressed rubberized sole. This is perfect for feeling the bounce in your step and for walking hours at a time without discomfort.

Summary: These are great for everyday use. They have a lightweight and supportive nature, and also provide a modest height increase, making them a good all-round choice for beginners and also veterans of elevator-style footwear.

2: CHARARIPA H82H206-01 - 2.36" Sport Lifting Shoes

3: CHAMARIPA 2.36" Khaki Elevator Sneakers

These slip-on strap sneakers feature a modern stylish design and have been crafted with your ease of use in mind. So much so, you will soon forget that you are wearing elevator-style footwear! They feature 2 color designs of gray and khaki color.

They have suede leather uppers, soft to the touch and premium looking. They also feature a strapped design and being an elevator shoe, your feet will reap benefits as you will feel secure enough to run and jump in (see video below), which makes wearing these shoes a breeze. You should feel a reduced muscle strain compared with other bulky designs.

Inside you will find a comfortable pigskin inner lining, that is loose, spongy, and breathable. There is also a soft latex cushioned insole for additional comfort and foot support. Underneath there is also a rubber sole with pods placed in the heel and forefoot keeping your feet firmly planted on the floor. 

Summary: Suitable for all seasons, these are praised for their secure design and versatile, modern aesthetic. Like other lower-height boost designs, this shoe is a good starting point for you, striking a fine balance between quality and comfort!

4: CHAMARIPA H81C89K013D - 2.36" Genuine Leather Casual Shoes

These classic lacing sneakers are great looking shoes that give off a casual vibe. They are a style that will never go out of fashion and are of very high quality! They are also available in different and distinctive color schemes, so you like them you can build out a collection of them for different outfits!

Being genuine leather, your feet will stretch out until they feel the perfect, snug fit. They feature a hollow design, which will help with the breathability of your feet. This is important so your feet will not feel smothered and hot whilst wearing them. 

These white casual sneakers do a very good job of retaining the look of a regular shoe, and at the same time, the lifting height is not extreme. They have a white, premium natural rubber outsole. This ensures durable, functional footwear for walking day to day.

Summary: These sneakers are praised for their quality, being comparable to other high-level shoe brands, and also the compliments they receive, as with a converse-like appearance the height boost remains something nobody is going to detect! They are a fantastic choice for those looking for a smaller rise in stature.

5: CALTO T53120 - 2.6" Fashion Sneakers

These grey fashion sneakers are great looking and a popular model. They are fully supportive and will keep your feet firmly in place. 

They have a high-top style and padded collar for enhanced ankle support. The uppers are made from smooth Nubuck leather, and they feature pig-skin inner lining, providing breathability and moisture absorption capabilities. Standing or walking for many hours at a time will not cause your feet to feel hot and overused. 

They also sport a discreet design, with an outer heel height of 1 inch, and you can be confident in knowing they do not look like height-enhancing footwear to the outside world! The sole is a gum rubber. This will provide you with an enhanced grip and traction through daily activities.

Summary: These shoes are very comfortable and will pair with many types of clothing styles. They are bound to remain the staple of your elevator footwear collection while raising the standard you expect from an elevator shoe!

6: CHARARIPA 2.36" Casual Sports Shoes

If you want to look 2 inches taller, then these shoes will provide maximum comfort and you are bound to forget you are wearing height-enhancing footwear!

They feature a mesh and are made with genuine cow leather upper material. This will keep the shoes soft, sturdy, and abrasion-resistant, so they will be suitable for many different activities.

 Inside is a padded leather insole, ensuring a firm but comfortable user experience. They also sport a detailed hollow design, which will increase inner breathability, ensuring odor-free feet throughout the day.

There is a small raise, which is built into the shoe. It remains modest too, and you will appear taller without it being too noticeable. The outsole is constructed of soft rubber, easing the pressure off of every stride. Walking for long distances is not going to be a problem with these height-enhancing shoes! 

Summary: These are regarded as comfortable shoes and ideal for going about your day-to-day activities. They are available in different color variations - black and grey. The choice is yours...

Boots

1: CHAMARIPA 2.76" Height Increasing Shoes High Heel Boots

Suitable for formal events, the office, or daily casual wear, these are designed to keep your feet feeling safe inside, for a confident stride.

The cow leather uppers have the benefit of being thicker and less prone to cracking when compared to other leathers. They are also known to age nicely and will be easy to wipe clean and maintain. Once your feet are inside, the adjustable buckle will tighten them around the ankles and makes them one of the most secure designs on the list.

Falling in line with the classy upper design, there is a leather lining inside offering excellent breathability and will also absorb moisture, keeping your feet feeling fresh. Underneath there is a wooden-like base and a patterned rubber tread that will keep your feet firmly planted to the floor.

Summary: These boots are constructed with stability in mind, and if you are worried about the learning curve of elevator shoes, then give these a try, as they will make your feet feel at home once you get used to them.

2: Calto 3.2" Zipper Boot

4: Black Leather 3.15" Motorcycle Height Increase Boots

These soft genuine leather boots are ideal for those who will not sacrifice on style, as their design stays faithful to motorcycle-style boots.

The uppers are genuine cow leather that looks great, and inside your feet will stay snug and warm due to a soft Pigskin leather lining, that is also breathable, so you can be sure the comfort factor is well thought out here. There is a non-removable molded EVA footbed for all-day comfort, characterized by special cushioning properties to soften your steps, easing break-in aches and pains. 

Underneath there is a rubber sole with a patterned tread that will prevent slipping in them. These boots are inconspicuous in design and an effective boot for height increase and great for the Autumn/Winter seasons.

Summary: These boots are praised for their stylish design and for those wanting biker boots/work boots, and are best suited to the fall seasons. If you are searching for something to tie you over throughout the winter, these will serve you proud! 

5: CALTO T54021 - 2.8" Slip-on Chelsea Boots

These are well-balanced boots and a must-have for pairing with formal wear. They also rock over 2 extra inches of height, without sacrificing comfort. Their functionality also suits someone curious about trying elevator shoes.

They have soft leather uppers, which will stretch and adapt to the shape of your feet. They can be easily slipped on, and the hi-top design with elasticated side panels provides strong ankle support. Inside they are cloth inner lined for additional comfort.

Underneath the rubber sole will ensure your feet absorb the pressure from steps and help with comfort while you get used to walking in them.

Summary: These boots are praised by many for their looks, and how they fit. If you treat these shoes with the care they deserve, they are likely to set new standards for your height-increasing footwear collection!

Loafers

1: CHAMARIPA 2.76" Black Leather Slip-On Tall Loafers

3: CHAMARIPA 2.76" Height Increasing Khaki Slip On Penny Loafers

Designed in Italy, these penny loafers by CHAMARIPA are praised regularly and a popular choice for consumers. 

These are a joy for the eyes of loafer enthusiasts! Featuring classic loafer styling, the calfskin leather uppers provide a rich, velvet-like texture, and is known to be tougher than other leathers, maintaining their shape and fending off unwanted abrasion. They are constructed in a Khaki color (a lighter brown with a yellow tint), providing a sandy tan, complemented by a penny trim at the vamp, and in-person look fantastic! 

The inner lining is made from timeless genuine leather, that is breathable, moisture resistant, and will prevent unnecessary sores throughout the break-in period, keeping your feet calm and collected inside the shoes. The non-squish, lightweight height-increasing layer is ergonomically designed for foot health, and you will have no trouble wearing these from the get-go.

As can be expected from a top brand, underneath there is a fully rubberized sole that provides traction support and aids stability and confidence throughout many, many hours of wear.  

Summary: Spring, Summer, Autumn, or Winter, these shoes will suffice for your formal styles. Once you try them there will be no going back, and for those serious about wearing elevator footwear all year round, these will provide high value for your money. 

These are top-level and feature-packed penny loafer style shoes from CHAMARIPA feature an innovative aesthetic, lightweight design, and easy to slip on and go style.

These shoes are well stitched, adding elegance and extra durability. They are very beautiful to look at, with hand-made and hand-painted Italian full-grain leather, showcasing the natural beauty of top-quality animal hide and a dual-tone effect for a busy and original aesthetic. This type of leather will shape your feet perfectly to grip them in place, remain supple and durable, and is ideal for long-term use, lasting for many years.

The footbed has an advanced ergonomic design with comfortable padding and is slanted at the perfect angle to ensure your feet stay free from the aches and pains of lower-quality designs. Underneath you will find a busy patterned rubber tread that helps to absorb foot pressure while also keeping your feet planted to the floor.  

Summary: This style has a modern design aesthetic and houses top-quality features that will pair beautifully with clothing styles throughout all seasons, from formal to smart/casual wear, providing a lightweight and pain-free user experience. 

5: CALTO G63892 - 3" Navy Blue Leather Casual Loafers 

There is something internally pleasing about wearing a shoe that looks casual and regular on the outside, but significantly boosts your height on the inside! With their convenient lace-less design, these loafers are also slip-on and lightweight, making them great for the warmer months and relaxed environments.

They have synthetic uppers with a mesh-like appearance suited for casual outings! The elastic gore inside the shoe stretches to the size of your feet and keeps them secure, and the durable inner sole provides the height elevation and will remain sturdy, helping you to practice your walking form.

From their appearance, they appear like regular shoes. The outer heel is 1 inch which will help to keep these shoes looking chilled. Nobody is going to point out that these are height-increasing shoes. Underneath the gum rubber sole will help your feet stay firmly on the ground and maintain support while walking on different surfaces.

Summary: Available in 2 color options, black and blue, these shoes work well with a diverse range of casual clothing styles. They are said to be well made and are a great option for a casual outing to the supermarket, or just to keep your feet and body happy while your height is boosted!

Elevator Shoe Overview

A pair of elevator shoes are designed to increase height, with their design centered around the height increasing layer inside the shoe. So, if you are considering purchasing elevator footwear, then there are unique traits to be aware of.

Understanding this will give you an added boost in confidence before and after purchasing them.

Gradual Rise/Height Increasing Layer

Elevator shoes contain an internal height-increasing layer made of strong materials such as polyether to maintain form. The rise is generally slanted at a 15-degree angle, which is beneficial for your calf muscles, and foot health, and will create a body-shaping effect, raising the hips and contracting the abdominals, influencing a straighter spine, posture, and proper walking form. 

Additionally, the gradual rise ensures your feet will not give off a pressurized look around the lacing area, as due to a sudden rise some designs give a noticeable lump where the wedge ends and heel structure begins.

Without a supportive construction, the higher angle of the raised footbed can cause you to feel like you are walking in high heels, and your feet, muscles, and joints can suffer.

Insoles

Sitting on top of the height-increasing layer, elevator shoe insoles protect the height-increasing layer from breaking down, and provide comfortable cushioning, alleviating foot pressure from the angle they are slanted at. Some styles offer additional arch support and slope evenly for balanced weight distribution. 

Some insoles are removable so you can clean and freshen them up, or change them for ones that better suit your needs.

Support 

Given that height-increasing shoes have a built-in raise, this changes your foot position, and the construction needs to provide proper support to prevent foot and ankle issues. 

The insole of the best elevator shoe is one of the most important factors for stabilizing your feet and providing balance when walking.

Without the correct support in the midfoot, the added raise in the heel area can cause ankle problems, and you will feel like you are wearing high heels. So, the top-tier companies use innovative midsole technology, providing a balance of lift and flatness, providing similar comfort to a regular shoe.

Another thing to consider is proper arch support for your foot type, which will help to distribute pressure evenly and avoid unnecessary foot strain and fatigue often caused by flatter footpads.

Forefoot Room And Cushioning

Elevator shoes influence the foot to slope forwards, and additional pressure will be placed on the forefoot, so without proper support, this can cause inflammation. 

Therefore, this section of the shoe must be padded enough to help ease the strain on the forefoot joints by spreading the pressure over a wider area of the foot. 

Similar to the ankles, the forefoot area should always feel secure, but spacious enough to avoid painful compression.

Toe Box 

Your toes need room to move freely, with around ½” space between your big toe and the front of the shoe. If they are restricted this can lead to corns, neuromas, or deformed toes.

Discreet Design

Nobody wants to be caught out wearing shoes that are bulky and increasing height. 

This is why top-quality elevator shoe brands remain discreet with 'normal shoe-looking exteriors, raising confidence in your new-found stature. 

Heel Height

A well-designed pair of elevator shoes will have a similar-sized heel to a regular shoe, remaining discreet in design. The height raise is constructed through a durable insole. Therefore, the outer heel will be around 1-1.3” high and undetectable as elevator footwear.

Outer Design

It is surprising how many people report receiving compliments on their elevator shoes for their elegant design. Often inspired by top shoe brands, many outer designs of height-increasing shoes are busy, with elegant stitching and detailing.

Combined with beautiful aesthetics, durability is essential. This is why high-quality leather/suede materials are often used and will adapt to the shape of your feet, adding to a sense of security. They will remain durable, easy to clean, and keep your elevator shoes looking compliment-worthy for a long time!

Tips

When wearing elevator-style footwear it is important to understand that regardless of design quality, they will take time to get used to walking in. 

Your center of gravity will be shifted upwards, and your weight will be distributed differently, so correctly breaking them is a vital step to the happier, more confident you! 

Here are some tips to help you break into your new shoes.

Start Small

If you start with a lesser increase in height (2"-2.5") you are more likely to ease through the break-in period of the shoes. By starting small, your newfound height will not be as overwhelming to those who know you, and therefore less likely to be noticed. Your legs and feet will thank you too, as they will need time to adapt accordingly. 

Practice Walking Indoors

You will not be running to catch the bus when you first try on elevator shoes! There is an art to walking in them and you are going to need time to find your natural stride. 

When you first try them, practice walking in a straight line, taking smaller steps. Use a heel-to-toe style of walking, by placing the heels down first and purposely rolling through the foot in a forward motion towards the toes. Through this approach, you should be able to better center your balance and develop a natural walking style.

Walk With Confidence

A good pair of elevator shoes are designed to push your center of gravity forwards and upwards, improving your gait, and helping you to stand straighter.

This influences a confident stride. So keep your head held high and wear them as they are meant to be worn, exuding the confidence gained from your newfound height!

Maintenance

Height-increasing shoes are doing a special job for you and often use high-quality materials to do so. You will need to care for and maintain them frequently so they continue to work effectively and last for a long time. As a result, you will get value for your money.

Styles

Boots

For the colder months, boots remain a wardrobe staple footwear to protect the feet from hazardous weather conditions. Of course, when considering height-increasing boots, a rugged, good-looking exterior, and a firm tread underneath are essential.

Fortunately, there are many different styles of elevator boots, from casual, to formal, to hiking styles that are available in 2022. Remaining discreet, they offer a regular-sized heel, with a hidden raise inside, remaining hidden from the outside world.

Dress Shoes

Elevator dress shoes are a highly popular form of height-increasing footwear due to the added authority and confidence they inspire, for formal occasions such as weddings, or everyday wear at the workplace.

Fortunately, modern designs are inspired by fan favorites such as the Oxford, Brogue, and Wingtip, and have a 1-inch outer heel making sure the height increase stays hidden from prying eyes. 

Sneakers

Elevator sneakers are a good all-around choice. They are a diverse form of footwear being able to blend with casual and formal outfits.

You will usually be active in a pair of sneakers, and this has been taken into consideration by manufacturers. The materials used are often flexible and breathable. A comfortable layer of inner cushioning and a slip-resistant rubberized sole are common inclusions. Styles available range from slip-on, casual, hi-top, and sports sneakers. 

Loafers

Often used during the warmer months, loafers are comfortable, easy to wear, and adaptable to different scenarios. Often not overly fitted in the heel area, they are easy to slip on and off.

Styles available range from the classic Penny loafer to the Dress loafer, a casual loafer, or a slipper style for the indoors, and they all look fantastic!

Sandals

If you are concerned about trips to the beach and losing the inches your elevator shoes provide, then don’t be! A diverse range of height-increasing sandals is available, such as flip-flops, slide sandals, strappy sandals, and many more! 

Styles with a higher elevation support the feet and ankles with straps or buckles, securing them in place. Styles with lower elevation are often subtle, with busy exteriors and neutral coloring that disguise them from prying eyes. 

Closing Thoughts 

No one style of elevator shoe fits all.

Elevator footwear is special in design and varies in style, meaning they are suitable for different foot types, activities, events, and so on.  

For instance, some are designed for additional arch support, ankle support, extra cushioning, and so on. Therefore, it is important that you understand your shoe size, desired height increase, shoe type, etc, and purchase accordingly. 

Additional Questions

Are Elevator Shoes Bad For The Feet?

Elevator shoes are constructed to increase height and designed with foot physiology in mind and are anatomically designed to support the feet in key pressure areas and to minimize injury, meaning that the components used influence natural walking and are not going to be bad for your feet.

Yet it is important to remember that we have different anatomies, so naturally, a lower/higher height raise or a particular style of shoe will work better for you than others. Once you have found the right style to fit the shape of your feet they should work as intended and without discomfort. 

Are Elevator Shoes Comfortable?

Similar to a woman trying on high heels for the first time, elevator shoes will take time to get used to walking in, for the skin, muscles, and ligaments to adjust accordingly. 

Even with a perfect fit, initially, you might feel they are not comfortable, but if you persist with them, breaking them in slowly indoors before venturing outside, your body will adjust to them and they should feel comfortable thereafter. 

Which Celebs Wear Lifts in Their Shoes?

Some actors wear subtle lifts of 1/2-1 inch, that are less noticeable, such as Brad Pitt, whose height fluctuates depending on the footwear used. 

Yet, once you reach past 3 inches of lift, it becomes more obvious, and some celebs have been spotted wearing huge lifts! 

Celebs who wear large lifts include:

1. Vin Diesel 5'11" (180.3 cm) - Constant use of obvious shoe lifts
2. Burt Reynolds 5'11" (180.3 cm) - The high-heel king
3. Sylvester Stallone 5'9" (175.3 cm) - Constant use of lifts again
4. Simon Cowell 5'8" (172.8 cm) - Disguises high heels with jeans
5. Robert Downey JR 5'7.5" (171.5 cm) - the king of shoe lifts, and proud of it! 

Which Elevator Styles Give The Most Height?

Hi-top styles with higher ankle designs can support the ankle at a higher position, meaning they can provide security for a height increase of over 3 inches.

Listed in order of height increase:

1. Boots: Can range from 2-4+ inches depending on styles
2. Sneakers: Low/mid-top styles provide between 2-3 inches of height and high-top styles up to 4+ inches!
3. Loafers: Usually provide between 2-3 inches of height.
4. Dress Shoes: Usually provide between 2-3 inches of height.
5. Sandals: Open-toe styles provide around 2 inches of height, and closed-toe can add up to 3 inches in height.