Articles tagged with "Men Wear Heels"

All KPop reports on boy band 2AM's Jo Kwon's appearance in a Crop Top, Leggings and High Heels. It's a shame there isn't much substance to it other than a collection of photos from Jo Kwon, so I'm only sharing this article due to the fact that it's reporting on a man in heels, as I feel it's important to amplify the visibility of the subject.

It was rightly called-out by some of the people commenting about their reference in the headline to his "perfect figure". We're not even going to go there as it might just turn into a long rant, but feel free to add your comments on our Instagram post, linked above in the Icons.

Original URL: https://www.allkpop.com/article/2022/03/2ams-jo-kwon-rocks-a-crop-top-with-leggings-showing-off-his-perfect-figure

From 2021, Free Press Journal brings us this article covering the twitter-storm around Indian Actor, Ranveer Singh's heels which he wore for a photo shoot. It seems the trolls came out in force and once again demonstrated their lack of intolerance and engrained social conditioning.

From the article:

"If you ask someone why a man shouldn’t wear a skirt, there is no real reason. It’s just something we have learned from childhood and never questioned because we believed what was told to us by our parents/society was the rule. The conflict starts only when we see different things happening in another society and wonder why that is, because either they are not following the ‘rules’ or there are ‘no rules’. Now, if someone wants to break the norm, it becomes uncomfortable for others because it defies a longstanding belief system for a culture or a community."

"I just feel everybody has the freedom of wearing what they want. Nowadays, fashion has changed as per generational choices and we should also move with the times. I don’t feel it’s something that should be trolled."

"I think people feel threatened when others are confident about their sexuality and are able to express themselves freely. It is very sad to see such intolerance."

Thankfully, people are starting to open up to the idea that men can be more expressive with what they wear, whatever that is.

Original URL: https://www.freepressjournal.in/weekend/ranveer-singhs-heels-lead-to-twitter-meltdown

Collective Culture features this article on how the high heel is being re-imagined by men as a new symbol of empowerment, breaking down cultural norms in the process.

From the article:

"17th-century noblemen used to wear heels as a sign of power and virility. Little by little, these accessories are regaining that power!"

"We are talking about dresses and skirts embroidered with gold, details everywhere, exuberant wigs; nothing could be left empty. At this time, women also began to wear heels because the trend was to imitate men's fashion."

"Nowadays this is changing. Today clothes are getting a new branding, and that is that they have no gender. Under this ideal, fashion stigmas carried over from the last century are being broken one day at a time."

"In this genderless fashion initiative, heels have become more and more gender-neutral elements of empowerment."

Original URL: https://culturacolectiva.com/fashion/heels-history-masculinity-men-accessories/

Jo Kwon (@kwon_jo), South Korean KPop star from the band 2AM, often wears heels as part of his genderless look. Whether you're a 2AM fan or not, you may still be a fan of the fact that Jo Kwon is obliterating gender stereotypes and offering up a new narrative on how we dress.

Check out their Instagram page for many more shots of him in heels.

Original URL: https://www.allkpop.com/article/2022/04/jo-kwon-gives-an-update-on-his-genderless-look-on-instagram-and-fans-are-saying-he-looks-good

Women Working magazine website brings us another report on Mark Bryan (@MarkBryan911), the 61 year old American Robotics Engineer who is legendary for rocking high heels on Instagram. With over 660,000 followers, he conveys a firm sense of his own style for high heels, and certainly provides an inspirational fashion and style narrative which includes the mantra that "Clothes and shoes should not dictate a persons sexual orientation or gender".

Mark comments about how he feels he appears to other people - "You look up and see this person, your mind tells you it’s a person with green hair, you think to yourself, ‘That’s odd or interesting,’ then you go back to do what you were doing and don’t give it another thought"

To Mark, a man in heels and a skirt is normal, and we can all take some inspiration from him. If he can do it, we can all do it!

Original URL: https://her.womenworking.com/straight-married-dad-of-three-wears-skirts-to-prove-clothes-have-no-gender-helps-raise-money

See It Live reports on the exceptional performance of the Men in Heels group on the prime-time show "Britain's Got Talent". Men in Heels are three men from Paris, France by the names of Yanis Marshall, Arnaud and Mehd.

"It’s a rare occurrence to see men wearing high heels in the first place, but these men were about to change that by rocking their signature black stilettos into their audition and absolutely own every moment of it."

“That was 10 times better than any female dancer we’ve seen on stage tonight.” -Alesha Dixon

It's great to see representation in any form on mainstream media, so for that we applaud their efforts in making onto the show and for doing so well with their performance.

Original URL: https://seeitlive.co/men-heels-spice-girls-routine/

A short, but sweet article from Bellatory on places to find heels for men.

"Men have great legs; it's almost a crime not to show them off in a pair of high heels. There's a catch though. The problem with finding sexy high heels for men is that quite often it is impossible to find them in men's sizes. This goes doubly if you happen to be long and lanky or built on the larger side of the spectrum."

"men who love high heels don't have to suffer under the tyranny of the evil prince and that uppity little kitchen-maid anymore (who did she think she was anyway?) Your prayers are answered with this series of sites all offering pretty shoes for men in sizes they can wear."

It's great that people are writing about heels for men in this way, though I do feel that the research on this piece could have gone much deeper and it would have better reflected the fact that the men's heels renaissance is in fact in full swing.

You can of course find many, many more places for you to find heels via our Retailer Directory which has nearly 100 retailers and designers who sell heels and boots and in large sizes for men.

Original URL: https://bellatory.com/clothing/5-Places-To-Find-Super-Sexy-High-Heels-For-Men

Footwear News reports on Jared Leto's appearance on James Cordon's "The Late Late Show", while wearing a pair of White Patent stacked heel boots from Gucci, and talking about his role in the movie "The House of Gucci". It would have been odd if he'd been wearing anything else!

"The Thirty Seconds to Mars musician opted for the same shoe style when he attended the “Spider-Man: No Way Home” premiere in Los Angeles in December."

"When it comes to fashion, Leto could be considered a stylish savior as he continues to exemplify versatility. He is never one to shy away from risks. Hollywood’s Renaissance man continues to cycle through a lot of memorable style moments from his bleached eyebrows to his iconic Jesus-like locks, rock n’ roll stage style and extravagant Gucci ensembles."

Original URL: https://footwearnews.com/2022/fashion/celebrity-style/jared-leto-james-corden-star-suit-white-boots-gucci-1203236913/

Nigerian news website Legit reports on the male Pastor causing a stir with his high heel wearing style.

"Photos of a male pastor who is used to wearing high heels in the church have caused a commotion on the internet"

"The unidentified pastor is seen in one of the photos ministering on a lectern in his feminine footwear"

"Many people have wondered what may have inspired the man's fashion sense, while others found it weird"

Original URL: https://www.legit.ng/people/1454764-male-pastor-wears-high-heels-church-services-goes-viral-photos-spark-debate-social-media/

Zoom brings us another write-up of the history of men in heels.

"When one thinks of heels, all one can imagine is glamour, style, and elegance. However, even though this kind of footwear is now mainly associated with women and femininity, it was once the go-to footwear option for men."

"not many know that heels originally found their place on the feet of male soldiers, aristocrats, and even royals in different parts of the world, including Persia. Persian men in the 10th century wore heels not just as a style statement but mainly because of the 'practicality' factor"

Original URL: https://www.zoomtventertainment.com/lifestyle/fashion/did-you-know-high-heels-were-first-worn-by-men-in-persia-during-the-10th-century-article-90588269

Footwear news reports on Lenny Kravitz' multiple appearances at the 2022 Grammy Awards in two different pairs of heeled leather boots. Firstly on the Red Carpet in a pair of black knee length boots, then later on stage in a metallic silver pair. This of course is not a new thing for Lenny, who has been a fan of heeled footwear and boots for many years.

Original URL: https://footwearnews.com/2022/fashion/red-carpet/lenny-kravitz-mesh-top-heels-grammy-awards-2022-red-carpet-1203269896/

It may be true that people say that, but it’s certainly not true that any item of clothing or footwear can ever change your sexuality when you put it on. To even suggest that is ridiculous.

In talking to various people during my research for this answer it was by no means conclusive that gay men are more likely than anyone else to wear heels and boots. They don’t need anyone’s judgement any more than anyone of any other sexual orientation, straight, bi or otherwise who want to express themselves with their clothing choices, but one thing is certain it’s not clothes that determine any person’s sexual orientation.

Deconstructing gender stereotypes is the key to changing this situation. There are many on Instagram who are behind that movement and call it out. We all need to play a part if we want to freely express ourselves. Raising awareness via Instagram other social media and blogs will help, but we also need open and honest conversations with the people around us. While we may be comfortable, familiar and accepting of the notion that clothes have no gender and don’t dictate your sexual orientation, to most people that will be a new concept, so perhaps it's time for a coffee and a chat...

Thank you again to everyone who contacted me with their perspectives on this topic during my research. Much appreciated.

Comments from our readers

We had some great comments on this question posted on our Instagram page for previous posts of this Q&A issue...

"No, you’re a person who just happens to like them. Nothing about being gay or straight etc. Do women who dress like a man get called gay"

"As a pre op transgender wearing heels comes naturally to me, even driving in 3 inch block heels no problem"

"After all it is simply an item of clothing. And when you go back and look at the history of boots particularly over the knee boots and thigh high boots they were originally designed hundreds of years ago for men all of this stereotyping people has got to stop gender neutral fashions should be everywhere and we should just be allowed to wear what we want wearing a pair of boots that are marketed for women is not a sign of being gay it’s just a freedom of your own expression. I seriously wish all boot Manufacturers would start marketing to men there are so many of us out there they enjoy the pleasure of wearing a pair of boots design for women and are afraid to come out there is no reason to be afraid times are changing but they need to change quicker."

"Speaking as a heterosexual happily married man who has enjoyed a lifelong passion for wearing women’s boots primarily low heeled or up to an inch and a half out in public for many, many years under my jeans. I do not agree that you are a gay man who wears them. I simply feel complete and comfortable wearing boots over normal shoes but that does not make me gay at all I have no desire to make love to someone of the same sex. I am not against that. I believe everybody should have the right to live their life really and express themselves as long as they are not hurting anyone. You’re absolutely right the time has come to do away with a stereotype labels put on people."

"Only a few gay guys appreciate high heels. They even often hate them because it’s woman related."

"Of course everyone is free to wear whatever they like, and should! Speaking purely from my experience, I’d say it is more common to find straight guys who are into traditionally feminine shoes like high heels. Gay guys are often into traditionally masculine boots like motorcycle or combat boots. In other words, if you are attracted to women you like women’s shoes and if you are attracted to men you will prefer men’s shoes. So perhaps which kind of footwear one likes does have something to do with sexual orientation—just not in the way many people think."

Dazed magazine features the SS21 campaign for Amsterdam based fashion house Ninamounah which included Viral high heel wearing sensation, Mark Bryan (@MarkBryan911) as a "Special Species".

Original URL: https://www.dazeddigital.com/fashion/article/52137/1/mark-bryan-instagram-ninamounah-ss21-campaign-taxidermy-amsterdam

Footwear News reports on Jared Leto's red carpet style at the Spider-Man: No Way Home premiere.

Original URL: https://footwearnews.com/2021/fashion/celebrity-style/jared-leto-spider-man-sheer-top-red-pants-heeled-boots-1203220844/

Footwear News covers @HarryStyles editorial for Dazed magazine where Harry essentially breaks all the "rules" of masculinity and offers an alternative perspective in dresses and heels.

Original URL: https://footwearnews.com/2021/fashion/celebrity-style/harry-styles-pleasing-beauty-dazed-editorial-kitten-heels-1203210670/

Business Insider magazine reports on a general up-tick in high heel sales as pandemic restrictions lift and we start to socialise and visit the office more. There's a notable mention of how men's high heels sales are also rising.

Original URL: https://www.businessinsider.com/high-heels-history-covid-pandemic-dress-code-2021-12?r=US&IR=T

It's a good question and not as stereotypical an answer as you might expect...

There may be a number of reasons why men would want to wear high heels. To many women who regularly wear high heels and endure pain and discomfort from wearing heels, the idea may seem absurd, until you also consider the many women who still endure that pain and discomfort for the obvious attractions that heels bring. Many men have similar reasons for wanting to wear heels as women do.

A growing number of people believe that clothes and shoes should not dictate a persons sexual orientation or gender and for that reason alone they will wear whatever they want, regardless of which (usually binary) gender label has been attached to the clothing or shoes. It's a refreshing idea if you've always stuck to social norms around gender stereotypes. It ultimately means, if you like it, wear it and for many men, dressing like this is liberating and provides an outlet for self expression. More recently this idea has been expressed by high profile stars such as Harry Styles and Justin Bieber, though it has been the case for many years with stars such as Prince and David Bowie wearing clothes labelled for different genders.

For some men an extra height boost is one reason. This can bring additional confidence and especially when your partner is also wearing heels it can restore the height differential which male and female partners often desire.

For more fashion conscious men, the reason may be to be just be different from the crowd, more fashion forward, and they will often be more adventurous with the rest of their clothing choices, seeking more distinctive fabrics, colours, textures and patterns. Many men are simply bored with the same old re-cycled options on offer in the mens section and want something different. With this dissatisfaction often comes a desire to change the aesthetic of their outfits by mixing and matching from all the options on offer and higher heels can instantly change the look of an outfit.

Some men want to express outwardly how they feel about their gender. More recent publicity of gender and how it's expressed in almost limitless terms when you consider gender as non-binary, can help some men feel like they have way of explaining why they want to wear heels.

Sometimes men are simply just curious about what it's like to walk in heels and may capitalise on any suitable opportunity to try it out. We've often heard the expression "to walk a mile in someone else's shoes" as a metaphor for understanding someone's experience, however in literal terms, men can also fully experience a flavour of what it's like for a woman to wear heels.

Diversion is another reason why men wear heels. Some men enjoy playing with that taboo that comes with gender boundaries and the experience can either be a form of mockery or great reverence for women or social constructs around gender standards.

A more stereotypical view of a man in heels is the practice of cross-dressing. Where a man, typically heterosexual, will dress entirely in women's clothing. The same term also applies to women who dress in men's clothes, though the term is seldom used when women cross-dress. Cross-dressers may derive a sense of peace or euphoria from dressing entirely in women's clothing, some may also derive sexual pleasure from it. Synonymous with "cross-dresser" is the term "Transvestite" although this is outdated and often viewed as offensive, as is the "Tranny" slang version.

Transgender people may wear high heels for any of the reasons above, though more usually to help affirm their gender identity. Most transgender people seek to bring their bodies into alignment with their gender identity. This is called transition. Some men realise that their biological sex and gender are fundamentally misaligned and for them, this is a way for them to express their true gender. Like all people, many transgender women will want to wear high heels, though this is not always the case. Their gender is every bit as valid as everyone else's and is often reflected in how they express themselves.

In conclusion, there are many reasons why a man would want to wear high heels, or anything else for that matter. All are valid reasons and are perfectly fine. As awareness of this trend increases, you're likely to see more men expressing themselves in this way. For men's fashion, breaking these long-standing gender stereotypes is perhaps long over-due!

Comments from our readers

We had some great comments on this question posted on our Instagram page for previous posts of this Q&A issue, from both men and women...

"Totally agree with this! I think shoes and heels should be for anyone and everyone! Same with all types of clothing. On a basic level, it's just material that covers your body, on a complex level it's how you want to feel and for me wearing heels feels amazing!! And it's not necessarily about attraction... But I have to say a liberated confident man in heels is very sexy to me 😉 xox"

"Because they look so sexy"

"I like to wear high heels just because I love how they look, and I love how I look in them, so why not wear them. Besides fighting with toxic masculinity, I might say that I also find somehow challenging to find everything I like in my size (women's size 13). Things are much better than ten years ago, there are many brands that offer these sizes, but most common and commercial brands still have to realize that there is a growing demand they could serve. Hopefully soon."

"About 40 years ago Marks & Spencer actually sold riding boots for men, I bought a pair, the main part were ox-blood in colour with a black ridge at the top and a small wedge heel, sadly I sold them a few years later, I'm also at an age when platform boots were on trend, mine were red and yellow with a beautiful chunky heel, and also of course I had the multi coloured flowered shirt with same matching tie, and thin brown leather pants, oh to have that 28 inch waist again"

"In the animal world , especially birds, it is the male that has the brightest plumage, so why do guys have to be in dark and boring clothing, I always love to wear ladies coloured gloves, at first I was not confident, I always imagined that everyone would be staring at me, In most cases people just don't care what you wear"

"Why are we doing this? Because we do not only like to see high-heeled shoes on women, but also like to wear them ourselves. We feel good in high heels! They give us and our gait quite grace, but also strength. There is also a sense of self-confidence when we walk in high heels. As a man, in particular, you need more courage and skill, but also the strength and charisma to express this in a positive way."

"Hi, I just came across your page and I absolutely love that there are guys who enjoy wearing heels, flats, boots, etc... Me personally for some time have a strong belief that clothes/shoes have no gender and that it's for everyone! I am a 21 year old gay male who enjoys wearing heels and flats as well as makeup and accessories because I want to express my personality and be my own person that is different from everyone else."

"I have legs, feet and thighs that I would truly find hot in any woman but I am a man. Therefore I look better with nylons, skirts and heels. That’s just body and I accept it. Why can’t I show myself at my best without being labelled with a gender or sexual orientation that is really not correct?"

"I wear women’s boots because they make me feel complete"

"Because we can 🤷🏻‍♂️"

"When I go into a department store for men's gloves, the gloves are functional but lack any style or fit, so always head for the ladies gloves, so many colours and really a nice tight fit"

"I wear high heels 👠 and women’s clothes despite being 6’2” for a few reasons. One is because men’s clothes are (for the most part) boring and pedestrian. I’m a little different from a lot of Xdressers in that I don’t desire to be or impersonate a woman. I have no desire to appear female. I’m a straight man who is into fashion, and I look hot as hell in a miniskirt and heels. And lastly, there’s some internal drive, be it a past life remnant or a genetic punctuation, or anything, that gifts me the super power to live life outside the box. I exercise this super power to help other men learn that they too can grow this super power. As I say on my page, the first time a “Dude Bro” sees a man in heels and a skirt, he sees a gay alien 👽 who has come to abduct and convert him. By the third time he sees this, he sees a human being. That’s why I do it. It only takes three times to normalize it."

"You're absolutely right!! Men's everyday wear is so pedestrian and dull. I always bitch about how women's clothing has more color, style and design. I hate when I see a great shirt and its a women's small and they don't have it in men's sizes. And the shoes... I'm crazy about stiletto's and boots."

"It's very simple, have you seen them? They are just beautiful! 😁 My only reason haha."

"I would love to wear heels all the time I just feel more comfortable wearing them. Men’s shoes suck and I don’t own any"

"Never judge a book by it's cover, the same could equally be said when it comes to meeting other people, whatever their gender is"

"Wear what you want!"

"Because a pair of heels changes an average outfit to a much nicer one. So as not so many women still wear heels, then I do it myself."

The Irish Times reports on “The Beautiful Collection” and exhibition at Paisley Park which showcases many of Prince’s legendary high heeled shoes and boots.

“Constructing dangerously high heels that were embellished enough for Prince’s taste yet secure enough for his talent required ingenuity and engineering”

Original URL: https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/music/let-s-go-crazy-prince-s-most-eye-catching-custom-heels-from-his-3-000-pair-collection-1.4642904