If you’re self-conscious about your height, there’s nothing wrong with trying to gain a couple of inches with boots that make you taller. Most boots already come with some sort of heel, but
many utilize a chunky sole that sneaks in some extra height.
As much as thick-soles shoes can help you appear taller, they can serve other purposes. Right now, chunky soles are very much on trend, giving you a literal leg up in the well-dressed game. They also add a hefty amount of tread, which is great for hiking, walking, or getting around in inclement weather.
Because of this, boots that make you taller can (and should) be a staple in your wardrobe, especially if you’re on the shorter side. But, as you might suspect, not all elevator boots are created equal. Fortunately, I’ve highlighted the cream of the crop, including all of the details to look out for when it comes to choosing the best of the best.
Key Takeaways
For this quest I began poring over hundreds of photos, customer reviews and even my own closet (and my partners) until I whittled it down to the 10 finalists you see on this list.
Overall, the best boots that make you taller are Dr. Marten’s Jadon Platform Boot because they’re sky-high, incredibly durable, and truly last for years. For a gorgeous, everyday wedge boot, consider Velasca Famej Wedge Boot.
Why they’re great: I didn’t choose the Jadon Docs as my overall pick because I’ve had my own pair for a decade, though that certainly helped. I chose these men’s shoes that make you taller because they’re wildly comfortable, exceptionally durable, and have the rare ability to get better with time. From the iconic yellow stitching and super chunky air-cushioned bouncy sole, you can’t go wrong with this smooth polished leather pair of Docs. Plus, they have added oil and slip-resistance so you can even wear them in the snow.
How they feel: Easily the most timeless footwear, throw on your docs with your favorite outfit for the ultimate touch of cool.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: As much as I love these boots, a combat boot can be specific and might be clean enough for the workplace.
Sizes Available: 4-14 | Material: 100% Leather | Colors: 10 | Style: Combat
Why they’re great: An easy wedge boot is a great way to incorporate shoes that make you taller into everyday footwear. Velasca makes gorgeous handmade shoes and the Famej is no exception. From the laced ankle construction to the smooth calf leather, every element is sophisticated and made with care. The Para rubber sole is highly flexible and comfortable while the single stitch blake construction ensures the ultimate durability.
How they feel: What makes a great everyday boot? A pair you can wear with your favorite denim.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: As much as you’ll want to slip on this pair the second you get them, keep in mind that some reviewers noted they take a little while to break in.
Sizes Available: 5-14 | Material: 100% Calf leather | Colors: 3 | Style: Wedge
Why they’re great: Every guy needs a solid Chelsea boot in their closet because it’s simple and clean, and it helps Closed makes a beautiful pair. It has all the right aspects, including gorgeous cowhide calf leather, goat skin, and a super chunky rubber sole with tons of grip. But my favorite feature? The small family business they utilize in Veneto, the center of shoe manufacturing in Milan.
How they feel: Thanks to an easy pull-on tan and stretch panels, they’re easy to slip off and on.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: Not everyone has a cool $600 to spend on shoes. If it’s within budget, they’re worth it, otherwise, there are plenty more affordable Chelsea boots on this list.
Sizes Available: 10-16 | Material: 100% cowhide calf leather, goat skin, rubber | Colors: 1 | Style: Chelsea
Why they’re great: Snow boots make some of the best boots that make you taller because they typically come with a thick, durable sole for gripping ice and snow. This beautiful pair is sky-high, but right on trend. Whether you’re in the country or the city, the thick natural rubber will give you resilience and stability, while the cash wool trim and calf leather linings keep you snuggly warm. Oh, I almost forgot—they’re waterproof, too, thanks to easy-to-wash technical fabric.
How they feel: They don’t have to come with a padded insole, but I’m sure glad they do, and you will be, too. Talk about stylish looks plus comfort.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: Unless you live in a snowy place, it might feel hard to justify the high price tag on a pair of snow boots. However, the quality is absolutely there and worth it if you can swing it.
Sizes Available: 10-15 | Material: 100% calf leather | Colors: 3 | Style: Chelsea
Why they’re great: Somewhat of a classic lace-up and hiking hybrid, these boots that make you taller fill several different needs. You can walk in them, thanks to a durable Vibram lug sole, but you can also wear them fashionably in your day-to-day. The beautiful craftsmanship will hold up for years to come, with high-quality elements like tanned unrefined leather that maintains its integrity and won’t lose flexibility. And don’t forget the solid single-blake construction.
How they feel: Whether you choose them in black, brown, or the gorgeous tobacco brown suede leather, you can wear them stylishly with khakis or jeans
Flaws but not dealbreakers: They might seem pricey, but when you compare them to having to buy a new $100 pair each year versus one pricey pair every five years at minimum, they’re worth it.
Sizes Available: 5-14 | Material: 100% Suede calf leather | Colors: 3 | Style: Laced
Why they’re great: As the truest hiking boots on this list, you best believe these are durable boots that make you taller. Just look at that thick, substantial sole. The Duved II is an update to their 2021 best-seller, so you know it’s good. The sole is perfect for hiking while the padded leather collar makes your mission comfortable and endurable. And if that gorgeous suede has you feeling precious, don’t worry—it’s water-repellent.
How they feel: I like this boot because as much as it’s for hiking, it also works as a fashion piece. Pair with crisp white jeans or dark denim and your favorite flannel shirt.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: Okay, so they aren’t cheap, but again, quality is often going to cost you.
Sizes Available: | Material: 100% Leather | Colors: 5 | Style: Hiking
Why they’re great: Sometimes you need a clean, versatile boot for slightly more formal occasions (although this can easily be an every day pair). Steve Madden makes pretty solid shoes for an affordable price point, including this Chelsea boot with a rugged lug sole for height and optimal grippage. Plus, it’s easy to slip off and on thanks to dual elastic gores.
How they feel: The cushioned footbed is nice and supportive on the foot. Easy to wear this pair all day long.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: The sole appears to be attached with glue, so don’t expect them to last a lifetime, unfortunately.
Sizes Available: 7-15 | Material: 100% leather, synthetic sole | Colors: 1 | Style: Chelsea
Why they’re great: This boot might be a bit of a wildcard, but I love how all the extra hardware and details it comes with, including a cross strap with buckle and logo metal eyelets, bring out your inner edge. And you know I love the 1.5 inches of height they add. Because they’re meant for riding, they stay comfy for hours on end. And because they’re reliable, you can have them for years. Goodyear welt construction makes them highly durable and unlikely to fall apart with time.
How they feel: A cushion sock lining means they’re solid and supportive on the feet.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: Reviewers have noted that the fit runs slightly wide, so keep that in mind when purchasing.
Sizes Available: 7-13 | Material: 100% Leather | Colors: 3 | Style: Ankle boot
Why they’re great: If you work on a construction site or in the great outdoors, you’re probably already familiar with work boots. I especially love this pair from Carhartt because it has a nice chunky sole for a height boost plus all the key safety features, including an impact and compression composite safety toe that meets ASTM electrical hazard standards. And with a cushion comfort insole, you’ll hardly feel like you’re wearing anything at all.
How they feel: You can wear them all year long, but you’ll especially love them in the winter, as the Thinsulation keeps feet warm by trapping air molecules inside. At the same time, the Storm Defender breathable protection is waterproof, keeping your feet dry and promoting airflow circulation.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: One reviewer noted that the tread material gets stiff in the cold and not as grippy, but it is possible to add a bit of oil to this area.
Sizes Available: 8-15, wide available | Material: 100% Leather | Colors: 3 | Style: Work boot
Why they’re great: How sleek are these Vagabond boots? The brand is known for making durable and stylish footwear at an excellent price point, and their Jeff boots tops my list if you’re looking for shoes that make you taller. You get an extra 1.8 trendy inches here, which provides enough lift without it looking noticeable. I do wish they were slip-on, but the lace-up fastening comes with a pull tab at the back, so they’re easy to get on. These boots will last for years, just don’t forget the shoe cream, which helps the leather stay supple.
How they feel: Wear back to a pair of sleek trousers, jeans, or even a cool cargo pant. When it comes to styling, these boots are truly versatile.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: Unfortunately, they don’t come in any more colors, though they have different hues in other styles available.
Sizes Available: | Material: 100% Leather | Colors: 3 | Style: Chelsea
Buying Considerations for Boots That Make You Taller
Material
Undoubtedly, your best bet for boots to make you taller is to find a pair made of high-quality materials. This will make them more attractive, and more durable, and make them last beyond a single season. Leather, especially calf, is an obvious place to start because it’s so supple and wears well over time (in fact, in most instances, it gets better). Natural rubber, either Para or Vibram, is a great choice for a sole because it’s extremely durable and safe.
Style
From Chelsea to lace-up and combat, there are several different styles of boots that can give you a boost in height. Chelsea boots are perfect for the workplace and dressing up because they have a totally sleek front. They’re also quite easy to chunk-ify. Combat boots are a personal favorite, but they tend to add an edge to whatever you’re wearing—something to keep in mind. Lace-ups are great for casual, everyday wear, and look great in your favorite pair of jeans.
Construction
Much like material, the construction of a boot has a big determining factor in how long it will last. To the trained eye, it also indicates the overall quality of the boot, which goes hand in hand with price according to value. Cheaper boots will use things like glue to fashion parts of the shoe together while more high-quality shoes use Goodyear welt construction and single-blake construction to ensure that the boots will not only make you taller but hold up well over time.
Why you should trust us
I’m a fashion and grooming writer at Fashionbeans, meaning it’s my job (and my passion) to compare, test, and research all things skincare, clothes, and grooming.
For this review, I researched a host of trusted sources and even reviewed my own closet to understand what makes a great quality product that meets the highest standards and latest trends. I started off with well over 50 considerations and narrowed it down to the top 10 that will best fit a range of discerning customers. Ultimately, I want to see everyone find their best boots to make you taller.
Final Verdict
Ultimately the best boots to make you taller should have a thick, chunky sole to give you at least an inch or two of added height. They should also be manufactured with high-quality materials for durability, much like Dr. Marten’s Jadon Platform Boot.
FAQ
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Any pair of boots with a chunky sole, including chelsea, lace-up, combat, and wedge, will help you appear taller.
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