For centuries, height-increasing shoes have been part of history. In medieval theater and early cinema, they were used to enhance actors’ height. It was around 1972 when an Italian designer had a lightbulb moment and created a modern model that maintained its main benefit: added height. Over the years, they have evolved from a tool used in the arts to a key accessory for men.

The 1970s marked a real turning point, as platform shoes gained popularity, largely driven by the music industry. Although their impact on fashion was undeniable, the use of thick soles and high heels raised orthopedic concerns due to poor weight distribution and effects on spinal alignment. Nowadays, height-increasing shoes no longer have those issues, as they have been refined over the years to offer style, comfort, and an undetectable aesthetic advantage.

Iconic figures have turned to this solution to project a more confident and powerful image. Celebrities like Tom Cruise and Robert Downey Jr. have been seen on red carpets and film sets wearing shoes that add up to 7 cm in height, helping them match the stature of their co-stars and enhance their on-screen presence. But this secret isn’t exclusive to Hollywood: leaders like Napoleon Bonaparte, José María Aznar, and Nicolas Sarkozy have also worn height-increasing shoes to present their best posture in public.

Film and television have cleverly used this trick to create harmonious shots and maintain visual consistency on screen. In The Lord of the Rings, height-increasing shoes, stilts, and forced perspectives were combined to accentuate height differences between characters. Television uses similar techniques to adjust actors’ height, proving that stature is a key element in audiovisual storytelling.

That’s why elevator shoes have moved beyond their functional origins to become a symbol of confidence. More than just footwear, they are a true statement of attitude—allowing you to act with determination and self-assurance. Like what you’re reading? Then today might be a good time to increase your height. Visit www.masaltos.com and find your true style at +7 cm.