Let's face it: we all have insecurities. And for many men, one of those insecurities is their height. Whether it's due to societal pressure, personal preference, or a desire to appear more dominant, some men turn to height boosting insoles to add a few extra inches to their stature. But aside from the obvious motivation behind the purchase, which is “I want to be taller,” let’s get more specific as to what benefits insoles really bring to the table.
First of all, let's talk about the different types of height boosting insoles that are available. There are a few different varieties, but the most common types are elevator insoles and shoe lifts. Elevator insoles are essentially a full-length insert that you place inside your shoe, while shoe lifts are smaller inserts that fit under the heel of your shoe. Both types can add anywhere from half an inch to three inches to your height, depending on the brand and style.
So, why would you want to add those inches? How do they really affect your life? Well, there are a few reasons.
To Appear More Dominant
One of the main reasons men wear height boosting insoles is to appear more dominant and powerful. In many social settings, height is equated with authority and respect. For example, in the workplace, a taller man may be seen as more competent and capable than a shorter man, regardless of their actual skills and experience. In our society, there's often a perception that taller men are more dominant and in control, while shorter men are seen as weaker and less assertive. By wearing insoles, men can temporarily alter their physical appearance and experience a sweet hit of social power.
To Boost Their Confidence
Height is, for many people, tied to confidence. For some men, wearing height boosting insoles can give them a psychological boost and make them feel more self-assured. The dominance and power in a larger stature that we mentioned earlier is a huge contributor to this. In a sense, it’s similar to the way that wearing a sharp suit or a nice watch can make you feel more confident and put-together. This is a particularly appealing idea for men who may struggle with feelings of inadequacy or inferiority due to their height. By adding a few inches, they can feel on par with their taller peers and more confident in their interactions with others.
To Attract Women
Height is often seen as an attractive quality in men, and is arguably the most important physical feature in a guy. This isn't to say that shorter men can't be attractive or successful, they absolutely can! But there's no denying that height can be a factor in how a good percentage of women perceive and judge men. Many men wear height boosting insoles in the hopes of attracting more romantic partners, in the same way that many women wear makeup to accomplish the same goal. Physical attractiveness aside, studies have shown that taller men tend to earn more money and have more successful careers than their shorter counterparts, largely due to the boost in charisma they receive from their increased height. This can also be a factor in dating, since there’s no denying that a financially successful man is more likely to be a suitable long-term partner. That raised confidence that we keep mentioning certainly doesn’t hurt in the dating scene either!
Now, you might be thinking: “Do insoles actually work for everyone?" The answer is yes and no.
On the one hand, wearing height boosting insoles certainly makes you taller. If you're looking to add a few extra inches to your height for a special occasion or to enhance your stature and composure, then insoles can be a quick and easy solution.
However, it's important to remember that wearing insoles obviously won't truly make you taller permanently. Once you take off your shoes, you’re on your own, and it seems rather doubtful that you can walk around on your tip-toes forever. They're essentially a temporary fix for when you’re out and about. And if you're wearing insoles that add a significant amount of height, you may run into some practical problems, such as difficulty walking or fitting into your regular shoes.
So, we've established that height boosting insoles are a thing and that many men wear them for a variety of reasons, both practical and psychological. But are those short-term benefits we listed worth it? And what are other potential downsides you may need to worry about? Well, let’s talk about that.
Benefits vs Drawbacks
Let's start with the positives, most of which we’ve already talked about. As previously mentioned, height boosting insoles can provide a quick and easy way to add a few extra inches to your height. This can be especially helpful for shorter men who feel self-conscious about their stature and want to feel more confident in social situations. The dating scene is generally also an easier ride when you’ve got a couple extra inches under your heel.
Beyond what we’ve already talked about though, a potential benefit of height boosting insoles is that they can be useful for certain professions, such as acting or modeling, where height is often seen as an advantage. Actors and models are often required to meet certain physical requirements, including height, in order to be successful in their careers. For those who don't naturally meet those requirements, height boosting insoles can be a valuable tool in their toolkit.
Another possible use for insoles is to wear them to help correct posture issues. Many people, especially those who sit at a desk all day, tend to slouch or hunch over, which can lead to back and neck pain. As mentioned earlier, long-term improvements to height can be pursued by correcting posture, so by adding a bit of extra height to your shoes, you may be able to straighten up and alleviate these types of discomfort while at the same time improving your future stature.
However, it's important to note that insoles on their own are not a long-term solution for poor posture, and they do not address the underlying causes of poor posture. In fact, relying too heavily on height boosting insoles can be counterproductive, as they can actually weaken the muscles that support good posture and contribute to further postural imbalances. Instead of solely relying on height boosting insoles, strive for good balance by including exercises that strengthen the core, back, and leg muscles, as well as improving overall flexibility and mobility through activities like yoga or Pilates.
Despite these benefits, as with any product, there are also some downsides to consider. Let’s move on to talking about the negatives of insoles.
One of the biggest concerns with height boosting insoles is that they can be uncomfortable to wear, especially if you're not used to wearing elevated shoes. They can also be difficult to walk in, as the added height can throw off your balance and make you more prone to stumbling or tripping. Adjusting them to fit your shoe properly is often essential to preserving stability while walking. Once you have them nicely fitted, get comfortable moving around in them. Practice makes perfect, so be sure to do some laps around the living room before you take on a stroll across the neighborhood.
Another potential issue is that cheaper and poorly crafted height boosting insoles will not always look natural to other people, which can be a source of embarrassment for many. Your shoe choice will also influence the possibility of this occurring. Depending on the type of shoe you're wearing, the insoles can be visible and obvious, which can be a dead giveaway that you're trying to appear taller. Make sure to check compatible shoes with the product you decide to invest in!
There are also other risks besides potential embarrassment with using lower quality insoles. While there are certainly plenty of cheap height boosting insoles available on the market, it's important to remember that you often get what you pay for. Cheaper insoles may be made from lower quality materials, which can lead to discomfort, pain, or even injury if you wear them for extended periods of time.
Well-made height boosting insoles, on the other hand, are designed with both comfort and durability in mind. They're often made from high-quality materials, which provide proper cushioning and support for your feet. This can be especially important if you're planning on wearing your insoles for long periods of time, as it can help prevent foot fatigue, pain, or injury.
Another benefit of investing in well-made height boosting insoles is that they're usually designed with a specific purpose in mind. For example, some insoles may be designed to provide arch support or correct overpronation, which can be beneficial for people with certain foot conditions. Other insoles may be designed specifically for athletic activities, such as running or basketball, and may be made with materials that provide extra shock absorption or stability.
Cheaper height boosting insoles, on the other hand, are often more generic in design and may not provide the same level of support or customization. This can be especially problematic if you have existing foot conditions or if you're using your insoles for a specific activity, as they may not be able to provide the support or protection you need.
Finally, it's worth noting that investing in well-made height boosting insoles can actually be more cost-effective in the long run. While they may be more expensive upfront, they're often more durable and longer-lasting than cheaper alternatives. This means that you won't have to replace them as frequently, which can save you money over time.
Conclusion
So, now that you know why people wear height boosting insoles, should you invest in a pair yourself? Ultimately, that's a decision that only you can make.If you're looking for a quick fix to boost your confidence or appear more dominant in certain social situations, then it might be worth trying out insoles to see if they make a difference for you. But if you're looking for a more permanent solution to increase your height, you're probably better off focusing on improving your posture, diet, and exercise habits. Or spend a couple of years floating in space for some of that bonus microgravity height astronauts enjoy. You know, whichever is easier for you.