I'm a moderately short guy who'd like to look taller, but I would die
if someone caught me wearing lifts in my shoes. Fashion these days
doesn't seem to allow guys to wear platform shoes or anything. What's
the best kind of shoe to wear if I want to look a little bit taller
but don't want my friends to realize what I'm trying to do? Can you
recommend any specific brand? I'd rather not spend a fortune on the
shoes.

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Clarification of Question by gremlin-ga on 25 Dec 2002 15:20 PST

I'm not looking for elevator shoes or other shoes specifically
marketed for height gain, for the same reason I'm avoiding lifts. I'm
just trying to find some regular, mass-market shoes which'll make me
look maybe 1/2 inch taller than I do in most shoes. For instance,
maybe hiking boots are good for gaining height. Or maybe Nike shoes
make you look taller. That sort of thing.

I'm a rather short woman with no particular desire to change my
height, but I have been told (by my equally-short mother) that many of
the casual shoes manufactured by Skechers have the effect of making me
look taller. I would not be surprised if this held true in men's
sizes, as well.

One sure-fire way to look taller is to wear boots rather than shoes.
The heels of most boots are higher than the typical shoe heel. A
heavy-duty sole also adds height. There are dress-style short boots
that look quite spiffy, or you can go for the rugged look with
workboots. And, of course, cowboy boots are noted for their high,
stacked heels.

While I was looking into your request, you posted the clarification
saying you didn't want shoes specially made for height gain. Too late
- I already found a company in London that sells some decent looking
shoes for just that purpose. If you're interested, here's a link:
http://www.shirlina.co.uk/fram.htm

Other than cowboy boots, and some sneakers (like Nike MAX), many
fashionable shoes made in Europe (specifically Italy) and Latin
America have some height.

I tend to see gay men wearing shoes with height. You should consider
asking someone you know for brands.  I figure that they shop Italian,
though.

Claudietta