Best Elevator Shoes Reviewed & Rated

In a Hurry? Editors choice:
Chamaripa Leather Sneaker
Test Winner: Chamaripa Leather Sneaker
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Whether you're here because you're looking to add a few inches to your height, or your trusted pair of elevator shoes needs replacement, you've come to the right place. This is an awesome, discreet and comfortable method of gaining a bit in height, without having to sacrifice style or comfort. Nowadays made in a variety of models, ranging from boots to sneakers to dress shoes and semi-formal lace-ups, you can opt for a number of elevated shoe models that you'll love wearing.

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

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!
Amazon Link
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.
Amazon Link
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.
Amazon Link
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.
Amazon Link
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.
Amazon Link
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.
Amazon Link
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.
Amazon Link
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.
Amazon Link
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.
Amazon Link
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.
Amazon Link

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:

  • Curved Heel Box - a smoothly curved heel box will mimic the natural lines of a heel which fools the eye into seeing a normal, nothing-to-see-here, shoe rather than an elevator.
  • Smooth Rise - a smooth and even rise from the toe through the heel is far less noticeable than a sharp rise,  it is also much healthier for your feet and will give you a natural stand and gait.
  • Decorative Details - decorative features can also be used to direct the eye away from the heel and toward other aspects of the shoe - for example, brogue detailing, printed leathers and wingtips all do a good job of drawing the eye away from the back toward the front of the foot.
  • Elegant Stitching - Stitching is required to reinforce and strengthen most shoes that contain elevators. However, well-placed stitching placed in elegant lines will accomplish the reinforcement while appearing to be purposeful style details.
  • 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:

  • Heel & Ankle Support - Elevated heels can make heels and ankles unstable and can affect your balance. Look for shoes that have solid support around the ankle and a firm heel box to keep your heel in place and secure. Rubber soles will also take some of the shock-absorbing work from your heel reducing the risk of injury.
  • Midfoot Support - The midfoot is more important than many people realize in stabilizing the foot and it is the location of many serious injuries from wearing elevated shoes. The midfoot should be cushioned for comfort, but should also feel like shoes for arch support. If an elevator has no arch support, you are likely to suffer midfoot strain and injury.
  • Forefoot Room & Cushion - The forefoot should be wide enough to offer support to the balls of the feet and cushioned enough to not put pressure on the forefoot joints. Your forefoot should feel secure but never compressed at the front of the shoe.
  • Toes - a common problem with elevated heels is that toe boxes are often too narrow for your toes to lay naturally next to one another. If the toe box is too snug, you could develop bunions or fracturing of the small bones near the forefoot joints. You should have a snug (like a hug) fit but anything tighter than that could cause damage.
  • Comfort

    There are also a number of ways to cushion the foot, some of which have already been touched on but also include:

  • Cushioned Insoles - insole cushioning is extra important in an elevated heel that you will wear for extended periods of time. Insole cushioning make the feet comfortable but also help to distribute your weight more evenly. Look for insoles that are shaped to the natural lines of the feet and are thick enough to not break down easily.
  • Padded Collars - your upper feet take a lot of stress in an elevated heel, padded collars help to increase comfort while reducing the risk of sores and blisters around the most sensitive skin on your foot.
  • Ventilation - A cool, dry foot is comfortable and healthier than one that is overheated and damp. Not only does it keep the risk of microbial and fungal infection at bay, but a dry foot stays in place better, avoiding injury and stress.
  • Removable Insole - Removable insoles are important if you want to wear a custom insole or orthotic for personalized comfort.
  • Cushioned Midsole - the midsole should take some shock absorption but also should provide some cushioning for the feet, reducing stress and increasing comfort.
  • Shock-absorbing Outsole - the remainder of the shock absorption in a shoe should be taken by the outsole. It needs to be flexible enough to move but also elastic enough to take a beating for you.
  • 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:

  • Sneakers: although sneakers with an elevating insole should not be used for athletic activities (make sure you invest in running or training shoes suitable for your type of workout), they are a great option for casual outings and everyday wear. They will often use rubber or foam in the sole portion, which increases comfort through cushioning and flexibility, while the uppers tend to be more breathable than synthetic or leather footwear models.
  • Dress Shoes: the widest variety of footwear with hidden height increasers will be made for formal and semi-formal occasions. This means various types of Oxford and Derby shoes, as well as slip-on and monk strap models which will look best with a suit or slacks. The great thing about this type of footwear, however, is that it can easily be worn with your casual outfits as well, and offers a range of uses that are simply not an option with sneakers or boots. If this is your first time purchasing this type of footwear, you should definitely go with a pair of Oxfords which will offer you excellent value for money.
  • Hiking Boots: if you need something that will work in less than ideal weather conditions, you may want to invest in a hiking or winter model. These will usually include a higher level of temperature retention, keeping you warm in cold conditions, and may even include some level of water resistance, so they can be worn in rain and snow.
  • Top 10 Height Increasing Elevator Shoes

    1. Chamaripa Leather Sneaker

    Where to buy
    Amazon Link
    Chamaripa Leather Sneaker
    Best Elevator Shoes Chamaripa Leather Sneaker
    Best Elevator Shoes Chamaripa Leather Sneaker
    Amazon Link

    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.

    Amazon Link

    2. Calden K28802

    Where to buy
    Amazon Link
    Calden K28802
    Best Elevator Shoes Calden K28802
    Best Elevator Shoes Calden K28802
    Amazon Link

    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.

    Amazon Link

    3. Calto G65030

    Where to buy
    Amazon Link
    Calto G65030
    Best Elevator Shoes Calto G65030
    Best Elevator Shoes Calto G65030
    Amazon Link

    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.

    Amazon Link

    4. Chamaripa Oxford

    Where to buy
    Amazon Link
    Chamaripa Oxford
    Best Elevator Shoes Chamaripa Oxford
    Best Elevator Shoes Chamaripa Oxford
    Amazon Link

    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.

    Amazon Link

    5. Calto A329013

    Where to buy
    Amazon Link
    Calto A329013
    Best Elevator Shoes Calto A329013
    Best Elevator Shoes Calto A329013
    Amazon Link

    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.

    Amazon Link

    6. Calden K320021

    Where to buy
    Amazon Link
    Calden K320021
    Best Elevator Shoes Calden K320021
    Best Elevator Shoes Calden K320021
    Amazon Link

    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.

    Amazon Link

    7. Ailishabroy Invisible Elevator

    Where to buy
    Amazon Link
    Ailishabroy Invisible Elevator
    Best Elevator Shoes Ailishabroy Invisible Elevator
    Best Elevator Shoes Ailishabroy Invisible Elevator
    Amazon Link

    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.

    Amazon Link

    8. Calto G1823

    Where to buy
    Amazon Link
    Calto G1823
    Best Elevator Shoes Calto G1823
    Best Elevator Shoes Calto G1823
    Amazon Link

    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.

    Amazon Link

    9. Chamaripa Elevator X92H38

    Where to buy
    Amazon Link
    Chamaripa Elevator X92H38
    Best Elevator Shoes Chamaripa X92H38
    Best Elevator Shoes Chamaripa X92H38
    Amazon Link

    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.

    Amazon Link

    10. Chamaripa Casual Sport

    Where to buy
    Amazon Link
    Chamaripa Casual Sport
    Best Elevator Shoes Chamaripa Casual Sport
    Best Elevator Shoes Chamaripa Casual Sport
    Amazon Link

    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.

    Amazon Link