Let’s be honest. Many short guys, including myself, want to look taller. One way to add height without much effort is to wear shoes that actually make you taller.
Don’t worry, I’ve got your back. For those shorter in height, here are the top shoes and sneakers that add height, listed by how much height they give.
Tallest shoes and sneakers
Shoes that make you taller come in all shapes and sizes. This list includes regular shoes and sneakers that add more height, along with elevator shoes.
Elevator shoes have thick insoles, called shoe lifts, under the heels. These lifts make the wearer look taller.
Height-increasing shoes look like normal shoes but add several inches to your height inside. They are also made to be comfortable as you wear them.
I consider myself short (I’m around 5’7”) and I like trying out various height-increasing shoes. Here are the best shoes that make you taller:
10. Adidas Ultraboost (1.26 inches)
The Adidas Ultraboost has a heel height of 1.68 inches (4.26 cm). Fresh out of the box, it adds about 1.26 inches (3.2 cm) to your height.
Even if the height increase seems small, the Adidas Ultraboost is the tallest Adidas shoe right now. After all, the brand focuses on performance, not increasing height.
Most versions of the Adidas Ultraboost running shoes give a responsive feel with great cushioning.
For runners, the Ultraboost is ideal for easy miles, long runs, and those with tired legs or a ‘heavy’ stride. You can also wear them for daily activities, not just for running.
Many find the Adidas Ultraboost among the comfiest sneakers. It adds to your height as well.
9. Nike Air Max 720 (1.6 inches)
The Nike Air Max 720 has a sole height of about 2.13 inches (5.4 cm) near the heel, but will make you approximately 1.6 inches taller (4.1 cm) brand new out of the box.
Among all Air Max shoes, Nike’s 720 has the tallest Air Max Unit. It is currently the tallest Nike shoe, even taller than the bulkier Air Force One.
These shoes have a 2.13-inch heel height. They’re great if you want more height and style, as they come in many colors.
It felt awkward, yet pleasant when I first tried the Nike Air Max 720. Unlike other sneakers, wearing these Nikes felt like walking on a huge bubble, with my feet touching the ground.
Many find that walking in these Nikes requires some adjustment. This is due to Nike’s cushioning and the added height.
I enjoyed wearing the Nike Air Max 720 for the first few hours. But after about 4 hours of walking, my toes began to ache.
The Nike Air Max 720 is comfy at first but has a short lifespan. They aren’t ideal for daily wear.
The soles can be easily pierced by sharp objects. If a bubble pops, the shoes become useless. This design flaw is a missed opportunity.
The Nike Air Max 720 is one of the best shoes that make you taller, but it prioritizes style over practical use. If the soles were tougher, they’d be perfect.
8. New Balance 574+ (2.1 inches)
The New Balance 574+ has a heel height of 2.8 inches (7.1 cm). When new, it adds about 2.1 inches (5.3 cm) to your height.
Everyone who knows New Balance recognizes the 574. It’s iconic. The 574+ is the enhanced version of the New Balance 574 sneakers.
The 574s match many outfits, so the 574+ can be worn with jeans, sweatshirts, tees, and even blazers.
Among all New Balance shoes, the 574+ is the tallest. The New Balance CT302 is the closest competitor, but it only adds 1.5 inches to your height.
Overall, the New Balance 574+ is an easy way to appear taller. It’s a stylish unisex sneaker that also boosts your height and confidence.
7. Conzuri Cloud Runners V2 (2.4 inches)
The Conzuri Cloud Runners V2 will make you 2.4 inches (6 cm) taller.
Among Conzuri’s height-adding sneakers, the Cloud Runners V2 is the top pick. It has hundreds of good reviews on their official site.
While most height-lift shoes are dress shoes or boots, the Cloud Runners are different. They match both urban and professional styles.
The design reminds me of the Adidas Ultraboost, but the Cloud Runners come in six colors. I prefer gray, but black and white look sharp too.
Conzuri did well marketing these sneakers. They aim to boost your confidence with their shoes.
Each Conzuri shoe has subtle branding to keep its origin discreet. No one can easily identify the Conzuri brand on your shoes, so your secret stays safe.
So, for parties, job interviews, or just hanging out, these height-boosting sneakers for men fit any event.
6. CALTO Ultra Lightweight Sporty Sneakers (2.4 inches)
The CALTO Ultra Lightweight Sporty Sneakers will make you 2.4 inches (6 cm) taller.
I wasn’t sure about the description at first. Still, I ordered them in two colors: black and white, thinking I’d return one. But after trying them, I’m keeping both.
I never realized a few inches could make such a difference.
The truth is, I feel much more confident in these height-increasing sneakers. I love the shoes for their style, comfort, and built-in discreteness.
The shoes are slip-on, with decorative laces. They might not offer ankle support, but they’re made of great, breathable material.
It takes time to adjust to walking in them, especially on slopes, but overall, these sneakers are fantastic and fit true to size.
Given the price and quality, I’m very pleased.
5. CALTO Elevator Sporty Sneakers (2.6 inches)
The CALTO Elevator Sporty Sneakers will make you 2.6 inches (6.6 cm) taller.
The sneakers have a 1-inch heel and a 5-inch shaft. These measurements add to the height but don’t show the full elevation.
Because these shoes are low-top sneakers, the added height is discreet, unlike typical elevator shoes. No one will know you’re wearing height-increasing shoes.
Design-wise, these sneakers look like Skechers walking shoes, which are also stylish. They are ultra-lightweight with a breathable knit upper.
I’m 5’7”, but with these sneakers, I become 5’9” tall. Some say they’re uncomfortable, but I find them as comfy as most sneakers, if not more so.
When I began wearing these sneakers, taller friends would ask, “Did you grow?” I’d reply, “Absolutely!” Their reactions boosted my confidence.
These CALTO sneakers are not just stylish; they noticeably increase your height. You’ll find yourself at eye level with taller friends.
4. Guidomaggi Elevator Shoes
On average, Guidomaggi Elevator Shoes add between 2.6 inches and 3.15 inches of height. However, they offer one pair of boots that adds a full 6 inches.
Emanuele Briganti, a long-time menswear enthusiast, stands at 5’9″. He understands the desire to appear taller.
He noticed most elevator shoes were mass-produced in Asia. So, he aimed to craft top-quality shoes using the finest materials to make wearers taller.
Guidomaggi offers a variety of shoes, from dress shoes and loafers to boots and sneakers. While they’re pricey, they stand out for their superior quality and materials.
3. CHAMARIPA Men’s Oxford Elevator Shoes (3.15 inches)
The CHAMARIPA Oxford Elevator Shoes add 3.15 inches (8 cm) to your height.
For days when you need to dress formally, consider elevator dress shoes. The CHAMARIPA oxford shoes are a great choice that adds height.
I’m 5’7”, the same height as my girlfriend. At a wedding, I wore these shoes with a black tuxedo. Despite wearing them for 14 hours, no one noticed the hidden platform.
These Oxfords are very comfortable. Even with the added height, I danced with ease during the reception. I highly recommend them.
I looked sharp at the event. The added height boosted my confidence, helping me interact with friends. I believe you’ll enjoy these shoes too.
Undoubtedly, the CHAMARIPA Oxford Elevator Shoes are among the best for adding height, ideal for formal events or important dates.
Remember, if it’s your first time wearing elevator shoes, it might take 3 to 5 days to adjust. Try them at home first.
2. CALTO Elevator Fashion Sneakers (3.8 inches)
The CALTO Elevator Fashion Sneakers will make you 3.8 inches (9.65 cm) taller.
I would like to start by saying that these sneakers look great. I’m 5’7”, and with these sneakers, I reached 5’10”. The added height from these sneakers boosted my confidence.
The sneakers’ heel is 1 inch high, and the shaft is 6 inches. These dimensions add to the height but don’t show the full elevation.
In design, I appreciate that these sneakers resemble Puma high tops. Sneakers with a lower heel are more discreet. However, these CALTO sneakers still look good.
You can pick from 4 color options: black with a white stripe, white on white, white with a black stripe, and white with a red stripe. All these colors are versatile and match various outfits.
Compared to other elevator shoes, which can be clunky, these sneakers offer comfort, especially for high-tops.
I wore them for over 4 hours, even doing some light dancing. It proves that these CALTO elevator sneakers are a worthy investment.
1. Calden Men’s Elevator Leather Military Boots (5.2 inches)
The Calden Elevator Military Boots add 5.2 inches (13.2 cm) to your height.
If you want to be taller, consider the Calden Elevator Military Boots. These boots are designed to increase your height by 5 inches.
These boots will make you taller, but they won’t be comfortable for all-day wear. They can be hard on your feet.
I suggest wearing them for only 30 minutes at a time.
Wear long pants with these boots to hide that you are using height-increasing footwear.
In terms of fit, these boots run small. I normally wear a size 8, so I ordered a 9. However, they felt more like an 8.5 or even an 8.
Overall, buy these boots if you need extra height for specific events, like a photo shoot with a tall person. I used them for a shoot and it worked, but they’re not for daily wear.
The boots seem well-made and high-quality. However, they aren’t suitable for everyday use.