Sign in Pro
Best Elevator Shoes Reviewed & Rated
However, finding the right pair for you may be difficult, especially considering that not many brands make this type of specialized footwear, and even less of them make it well. That's why we've collected the best elevator shoes in an easy to follow list, with detailed pros and cons for each style, along with descriptions of their best features.
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Features
There are so many ways to add height through footwear - heels, wedges, inserts, platforms, for example. Because you are here considering height-increasing shoes we are taking an educated guess that you want the additional height that is discreet.
We have evaluated a number of these shoes and while many offer discretion, many others are quite obvious - with lines or extended heels and midsoles that are very visible. Each of the models on our list is designed with a disguised lift for discretion. In every case, the upper for the shoe is designed in such a way to make the elevated heel less noticeable so what people will notice is your height and how great your shoes look and that’s it.
There are several ways to disguise an elevator in a shoe:
Support
Elevated heels are not a natural position for the feet and can cause damage over the long-term. An elevated foot needs both support and cushion to remain healthy and strong.
There are several important things to look for when choosing an elevator, including the following support aspects:
Comfort
There are also a number of ways to cushion the foot, some of which have already been touched on but also include:
Brand
Very few brands make shoes meant for gaining height. You'll find that most are difficult to find, and you'll often be left to ordering online and hoping that you chose the correct size, style, and color. Add to that the fact that you have no previous way of checking the quality of materials and construction; the entire process can be rather frustrating.
Some people will find that purchasing footwear by well-known brands featuring higher heels or chunkier midsoles is easier than looking for the perfect elevator shoe, but this doesn't have to be the case. All you need to do, to ensure a successful purchase, is do a little bit of research and read a bit about the products that have caught your eye.
If you're shopping online, you can make use of the review features on most websites and look at what other customers had to say about a particular model. If it runs small or large, if it's poorly constructed or isn't durable, you can count on people expressing their opinion. After all, nobody wants to invest their hard-earned money and get a sub-par product or service in return.
If you're unsure of where to start, we'd recommend looking into brands such as Calto, Calden, and Chamaripa. These make great quality footwear and offer a wide variety of styles that are sure to suit everyone's preferences. From there on, you'll easily find similar items by less known manufacturers that may offer the same (or even better) quality.
Style
When shopping for footwear, you will want to make sure you’re getting the correct style for the intended use. Sneakers are everyone’s favorite shoes to wear, but they won’t exactly be appropriate at the office or at a formal event. Luckily, finding a stylish pair of elevator shoes shouldn’t pose a problem, no matter what you’re after. Most often, you will find the following styles of this type of footwear:
Top 10 Height Increasing Elevator Shoes
1. Chamaripa Leather Sneaker
If you’re in search of something that keeps a rich look but wears as comfortable as your favorite pair of casual shoes, the Chamaripa Leather Sneaker checks all the style boxes. Leather sneakers are one of the hotter trends this year, and with perforations to help keep this sneaker breathable, it’s quite functional, as well as posh. With an increase of almost 2.5 inches, it’s worth a look, even if you’ve never considered wearing an elevator-style pair of shoes!
Uppers of the Chamaripa Leather Sneaker keep a luxe look with full calfskin leather uppers and pigskin linings, making them durable and comfortable. Soft flex in the leather allows for a unique fit over time, and perforations in the uppers allow for increased airflow, keeping your feet ventilated and cool. Perfect for casual outings, date night, or even work attire, you’re sure to gain some compliments from this pair!
A thick rubber sole helps keep comfort in your stride, while a textured base allows for firm grip and traction, even on slick surfaces. A Polyether whole pad increases vertical height by almost 2.5 inches while keeping good support in areas where you need it most. Lace-up closure gives a snug yet adjustable fit, and its lightweight construction helps reduce foot fatigue for bouts of longer wear.
2. Calden K28802
These wingtip Chelsea boots by Calden were made for elegant wear during the colder months. Made to look just like regular Chelsea boots, they’re a great choice for those who want a stylish ankle style that is easy to dress up or down, depending on the occasion. They are only available in a single color option - black, but it’s quite versatile and shouldn’t clash with your favorite fall outfits.
The upper of the K28802 is made with full-grain quality leather that is sure to offer you the comfort and temperature retention you require, without causing your feet to sweat, even if you tend to walk a lot. The broguing on the and heel add to an overall sophisticated look, while the elastic goring ensures easy on and off, as well as a secure fit around the ankle. You’ll also find that the heel pull tab makes it easier to put these on.
The rubber outsole is lightweight and includes a slight traction pattern. Though it won’t provide much in terms of grip on icy and very slippery surfaces, it should be enough for regular everyday wear. The almond toe is a great touch, ensuring that your toes aren’t squashed together while wearing.
The price of these Chelseas is higher than most other items on this list, but considering their versatility and beautiful design, they are a great investment for anyone who wishes to gain in height easily.
3. Calto G65030
This Derby model by Calto is ideal for those looking for casual footwear that can easily be dressed up as needed. Made with quality materials and a construction method that is tried and tested, you’re sure to shine in these lace-ups, regardless of whether you wear them to work or a weekend outing. They are only available in one color option that combines a grey upper with tan piping and a red rubber sole, but it’s quite versatile and should look just as good with slacks as it will with your favorite smart jeans.
The materials used in the G65030 include genuine leather. For the upper, a Nubuck was used which has a number of great properties, including a supple feel, breathable construction, as well as high resistance to wear. The leather laces offer an elegant touch. It should be noted that these Derbys come in a thoughtful package, that includes a shoe bag, as well as a horn for a premium shopping experience.
The height increase offered by the G65030 is 3.2, which is average for this brand. Although it is a noticeable difference if you don’t often wear this type of footwear. One of the best things about Calto, however, is that their footwear is designed in a way that allows for maximum comfort, without bearing too much pressure on the knee or metatarsal joints.
The cost association of these shoes is around average, which is a great deal considering the genuine leather uppers, the Goodyear welted construction and the shock-absorbing rubber outsole.
4. Chamaripa Oxford
Chamaripa is a leading name in elevator footwear. This oxford is very breathable and features a high-quality leather upper, padded leather insole and arch support. It has a very simple design that will suit both business and formal occasions and you will also appreciate the comfort that Chamaripa builds into its shoes.
The premium leather outsole is low-odor, flexible and very wear-resistant. This lightly patterned outsole will last and provide decent traction on most surfaces.
The insole in this oxford conforms well to the natural curves of the foot and the arch. It is durable and padded for additional comfort. The shoe is also very breathable which keeps your feet cool, dry and comfortable. This shoe falls into the higher price range relative to the other elevators on our list. However, you are getting a lot with this shoe which will increase your height by a little more than 3” while providing stability, security and great comfort. You can work all day in this oxford and still feel great at the end of it.
5. Calto A329013
Another model by this popular brand that makes height increasing shoes, the A329013 is perfect for those in need of a pair of tan dress shoes. There are great for work, as well as for special occasions, and will look great with grey, blue and other lighter colored summer suits. If needed, they can also be dressed down for a business casual event, making them a definite necessity in any professional person’s wardrobe.
The upper is made with full-grain, high-quality leather which is highly resistant to wear, and which will feel like a second skin once broken in. The flaps feature a moc-croc design for a touch of elegance, giving you a look that’s fancy, without being too loud.
The outsole of the A329013 is made with rubber and features a studded traction pattern that will ensure plenty of grip on a variety of surfaces. You can also expect it to last quite some time. With the heel and invisible insert, these ensure a 3-inch increase in height, which is average for this manufacturer.
As for cost, they rank average compared to the other models on this list, but you might be able to find them on sale, ensuring excellent value for money.
6. Calden K320021
This lightweight oxford dress shoe from Calden features unique brogue accent details with two tones of leather upper - smooth and pebble grain. This shoe will move easily from the office to the boardroom, to formal occasions in a well-disguised elevator. It is also very light compared to many other elevators and it is designed with a number of features to make your foot comfortable while increasing your height.
You want the height but you also want to look good and this shoe will do it with brogue accent details all over the upper and two-tone full-grain leather - pebbled across the vamp and smooth at the toe and heel. Beautiful!
Calden pays attention to detail and quality in the shoes that they make. The leather in this upper is high quality and will feel soft against your feet while being resistant to weather and durable. This shoe is priced in the mid-range which is quite a good value for a shoe with a well-disguised lift and versatile style. You will also appreciate the high-quality leather in this shoe and the multi-functioning soles that are designed to keep you comfortable all day.
7. Ailishabroy Invisible Elevator
The shoes made by this manufacturer offer a wide variety of styles and colors, allowing you to choose the model which is ideal for you. Their most popular models include Derby cut shoes with rubber outsoles, such as those found on sneakers, providing wearers with excellent casual options that can be dressed up or down. Depending on your preferences, you can choose from a variety of colors as well as cuts, which means you’ll be able to make the most of your new pair of footwear.
The invisible insert which is included in these Ailishabroy sneakers offers a height increase of 2.36 inches, which is less than some of the other models on this list, but still a good amount for most people. You’ll find that the rubber sole is quite durable, and works well for most surfaces you may find yourself walking on.
The uppers found on the shoes made by this manufacturer are made with synthetic leather which looks polished and should be appropriate for all types of wear. With a variety of color options, you’ll find it easy to pair these with your daily outfits, while maintenance shouldn’t pose a problem, with minimal requirements. All the shoes are lined with breathable canvas, which is great news for those who prefer to invest in breathable footwear.
The price of the Ailishabroy is considerably lower than all other models on this list, making it a great choice for those who have never owned this type of footwear. Do note, however, that the lower price means lesser quality materials, as well as a shorter lifespan.
8. Calto G1823
This elevator shoe is a slip-on loafer from Calto that features hidden elastic gore and pebble grain accents. Elegant stitching has been added to the upper to increase both durability and style. Calto is an expert at this type of footwear, which they have been making for more than 20 years.
The insole is a shock-absorbing leather that has a hidden increaser in it. Other aspects of the sole take on traditional aspects of the footbed and insole in a Cato elevator so the height increaser can remain discrete
The loafer has elegant moc stitching in the forefoot and is made of the finest, soft and supple leather. This looks like a shoe from an upscale menswear boutique for a reasonable price.
9. Chamaripa Elevator X92H38
A sleek, simply designed elevator oxford. These are heavy shoe but they are also warm and weather-resistant. It is engineered to ensure the health and comfort of your feet. This Chamaripa will fit well wherever you go - work, business meetings, banquets, weddings. Business casual or formal, the shoe will go with you.
Chamaripa is committed to designing lifts that will not collapse and they do a great job of making that commitment. This shoe will stand up to whatever you throw at it without sinking.
This oxford has a polyether insole layer that is light, conforms to the shape of your arch and the natural lines of your feet, making it secure and comfortable - healthy for your feet.
10. Chamaripa Casual Sport
Casual doesn’t have to mean your footwear can’t have a great look about it. The Chamaripa Casual Sport is a sneaker made from soft leather, beautifully designed to give it a pleasing aesthetic. Boosting height by 2.76 inches, it still takes the appearance of a regular sneaker, and hides an extremely comfortable soft pad insole for cushioning. This insole is the key to the hidden rise in the Casual Sport, allowing you to step confidently out with friends for parties, errands, or weekend events.
The Chamaripa Casual Sport keeps its height hidden, taking on the appearance of an average pair of sneakers. Whole Insole Elevator Layer will add 2.76 inches of height but also functions to keep you comfortable with every step. This insole conforms to the shape of the foot, with supportive arch features, so you’ll not just feel confident in your steps, you’ll be supported along the way as well.
The Casual Sport is created from soft leather, giving it a luxe look compared to other sneakers, and a stretch fabric, which helps keep some flexibility for fit and movement. The sole is ample for cushioning your walk, and a speed lace closure makes them easy to put on and remove. Padded collar and a heel tab help with comfort and fit, and it comes in a couple of choice colors to choose one best for your tastes.