Height-increasing shoes have both functional and aesthetic origins. Initially, they were developed to correct issues such as mild leg length discrepancy, but they soon found their place in men’s fashion as a tool to gain height.
From a historical perspective, shoes that increase stature are not a recent invention. The idea of adding height through footwear dates back centuries. In ancient Greece and Rome, sandals and shoes with raised soles were used to signify social status or to stand out in theater performances.
During the Renaissance, especially in Venice, women wore “chopines,” tall wooden platforms that, although uncomfortable by today’s standards, were symbols of wealth and prestige. Men, on the other hand, began wearing boots and shoes with heels—popularized by figures such as King Louis XIV of France, who sought to project a more imposing image.
In the 1970s, Italian manufacturers began producing designs that combined elegance with discretion. Decades later, Masaltos.com, founded in Seville in 1993, brought this concept into the modern market. Thanks to technological innovation and evolving fashion trends, today’s height-increasing shoes are far more discreet and comfortable, incorporating hidden inner lifts that add up to 7 cm without altering the shoe’s appearance.
Over the years, footwear designed to make men look taller has evolved from a medical aid into a fashion accessory. Their popularity lies in the physical and psychological benefits they offer: improved posture, a more defined silhouette, and greater self-confidence. Many men wear them for special occasions—such as weddings, dates, or interviews—while others incorporate them into their everyday style. This type of footwear has become a true tool for personal confidence.
Masaltos.com has played a key role in this recent history, perfecting design and materials to make height increase both invisible and comfortable. Our range of elevator shoes includes everything from formal dress shoes to casual styles, sneakers, and loafers—adapting to every need.
Today, height-increasing shoes are not just a tool for those who want to look taller, but also a symbol of style and distinction.