Heels are the hottest shoes of the summer – and not just for women. Male celebrities have been embracing extra height in their footwear, with stars like Bad Bunny, Harry Styles, and Timothée Chalamet leading the way.
Bad Bunny's Paris Couture Week Statement
This week, Bad Bunny stepped out at Paris Couture Week wearing a butter-coloured suit with mini heels. The six-time Grammy Award winner contrasted the soft yellow shade with masculine accessories, including a tie, chunky rings, and bold sunglasses, looking fabulous in the process.
Timothée Chalamet's Signature Style
Timothée Chalamet has made the stacked-heel Chelsea boot his red-carpet signature, pairing them with sharp, gender-fluid tailoring. When not wearing chunky boots, he opts for a subtle Cuban heel instead.
Harry Styles Pushing Boundaries
Harry Styles continues to push traditional footwear boundaries, sporting high-heeled Gucci loafers and making headlines in delicate ballet pumps at the 2026 Brit Awards. His choices have helped normalise height and heel structure in menswear.
Lil Nas X's Maximalist Approach
Lil Nas X takes the trend into thrilling, maximalist territory with towering statement heels. He commands attention in fuzzy platform stompers at fashion week and gravity-defying, bedazzled boots on red carpets.
A Historical Perspective
While male heels may seem new, they have been worn for centuries. Between the 10th and 16th centuries, raised heels helped horse riders stay in stirrups. In the late 1500s, they became fashionable among European elites, associated with rank, masculinity, and power, not femininity. Red heels, in particular, symbolised aristocratic privilege in some royal circles.
The trend faded in the 1700s as Western men's fashion shifted toward utility and restraint. However, heels have been periodically challenged as solely feminine, notably during the glam rock era of the 1960s-70s, the 1980s drag scene, and the 2020s emphasis on gender expression.
Future of Male Heels
With mainstream male celebrities championing heels in 2026, the footwear could make a permanent comeback. The trend shows no signs of slowing down, as more men embrace the style.
