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Updated: Apr 20, 2026

Using Gold-standard Gait Analysis Methods to Assess Experience Effects on Lower-limb Mechanics During Moderate High-heeled Jogging and Running
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High Heels Increase Women's Attractiveness.

Nicolas Guéguen1

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Men are more likely to help women wearing higher heels. This study found that increased heel height significantly boosted men's helping behavior and approach speed towards women, suggesting a link between footwear and social interactions.

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Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary Psychology
  • Social Psychology
  • Human Behavior

Background:

  • Previous research indicates physical appearance influences perceived attractiveness, with men prioritizing physical traits in mates.
  • The impact of specific apparel, like footwear, on social interactions and helping behaviors remains under-explored scientifically.
  • Sartorial choices, particularly women's shoe heel height, may play a subtle yet significant role in interpersonal dynamics.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effect of women's shoe heel height on men's helping behavior and approach tendencies.
  • To determine if heel length influences social interactions differently between men and women.
  • To explore potential psychological mechanisms underlying the observed effects of heel height on social responses.

Main Methods:

  • A series of controlled experiments and observational studies were conducted using a female confederate.
  • The confederate varied her shoe heel height (0, 5, or 9 cm) while interacting with participants in different scenarios.
  • Scenarios included requesting survey participation and a simulated dropped-item situation to measure helping behavior and approach times.

Main Results:

  • Men's helping behavior significantly increased as the height of the woman's shoe heels increased.
  • Heel height did not influence women's helping behavior towards the female confederate.
  • Men approached the woman confederate more quickly when she wore higher heels, and this effect was independent of the task.

Conclusions:

  • Women's shoe heel height appears to be a significant factor influencing men's prosocial behavior and approach speed.
  • The findings suggest that higher heels may enhance perceived attractiveness or signal availability, prompting greater male assistance.
  • Further research is warranted to fully understand the complex interplay between footwear, perceived attractiveness, and social signaling in human interactions.