Fashion trends are always evolving, and it is thrilling to see the continued; exploration of breaking down gender barriers that has led to men wearing high heels! While the history of men's high heels is rich in cultural and social experiences, in more recent years there has been a change in how men wear these tall styles.
From high fashion to casual wear, what started in the 1970's as a gender-bending fashion moment has continued into today's men feeling more comfortable exploring outside of their usual fashion confines. Leading the way both in the past and now are fashion icons including many male celebrities, who are continuing to close the gap in gendered fashion and footwear! Let's take a look at a few of our fave high-heel wearing male celebs!
Male Celebrities Who Loves to Wear Heels
David Bowie
Ziggy Stardust himself, David Bowie, was a pioneer in fashion as well as music. Often utilising interesting fashion in the creation of his on-stage personas, David Bowie was one of the first male celebrities to take to wearing high heels both on and off the stage. Often called an artistic chameleon for his ability to transform musical and visual styles, the incorporation of high heels to his look amplified his androgyny and made him a standout.
With the 1970's came glam rockers and Bowie was the most famous; often found wearing chunky high heels, high heel boots, women's platform sandals, and other traditionally feminine shoe styles, Bowie was a musician never afraid to take a style risk! This also continued well into his career, with the musician rocking kitten high heels at the 1996 Brit Awards and looking amazing!
Dee Snider
Twisted Sisters gained fame as an American band very open to pushing the boundaries, and lead singer Dee Snider is the first to say he fully immersed himself in all aspects of glam rock! A glitter band inspired by New York dolls, the members of Twisted Sisters were always seen with styled make-up, extreme hair, and interesting fashion!
Most recently seen on stage in high heels when he was revealed as the Masked Singer on the US reality show, Dee Snider was famous for rocking high heels on stage! Confident and sexy in his chunky heeled boots, Snider embraced the fabulous 1980's fem fashion inspiration and made a huge impact on ongoing stage style!
Elton John
A fellow 1970's pop rocker, Elton John is as famous for his flamboyant style as he is for his incredible music! Capturing the world's attention as he stepped onto the global stage with catchy tunes and expressive clothing, Elton John continually incorporated his epic platform high heels into his shoes!
Using them to play the piano, dancing, and strutting in ornate outfits, high heels were a massive part of Elton John's style. Never one to shy away from an attention-grabbing shoe, proof of the musician's love for high heels are seen in many promotional, on stage, and relaxed images!
Eddie Izzard
Now also known as Suzi Izzard, comedian, actor, and activist Eddie Izzard has long impressed the importance of dressing to suit your personal style! Expressively beautiful, Izzard has built a reputation for believing that clothes are not gendered, and acting as such!
Very frequently found wearing amazing high heels that pair perfectly with a tailored suit on stag, but also rocking casual looks with cute heel styles, Suzi Izzard has fully embraced the idea that clothing does not have to be gendered and can be enjoyed by all!
Ezra Miller
Since 2018, Ezra Miller has been seen wearing high heels in high fashion photo shoots, on red carpets, and in many other situations! A popular non-binary actor, Miller is famed for closing the divide between men and women's clothing, incorporating both into incredible looks that demand attention.
From their first foray into high heel photoshoots with 2018's Playboy spread to Paper Magazine's 2012 issue, the actor has been styled with high heels as a focus in many different scenarios. Loving the mix of feminine high heels and masculine clothing, Miller's style has also been seen on the Met Gala's red carpet!
Adam Lambert
Stepping into the incredible legacy of the late Freddie Mercury, the now front-man for celebrated band Queen has well and truly cemented himself as a fashion and musical force to be reckoned with!
While the band was one at the forefront of the high heels for men style in the 1970's and beyond, Adam Lambert has curated his own incredible style that often incorporated high heel shoes and platform boots! On stage with Queen, on the red carpet for the 2023 LA LGBT Gala, and while running errands; no matter the occasion, Adam Lambert has a reputation for making his mark!
Prince
His royal purpleness himself, Prince, was a true high heel aficionado! having over 3000 pairs of high heels made to his specific measurements, Prince added height to his stature and let his confidence and sexy aura shine!
From heeled boots studded with rhinestones that he wore to his 2004 induction to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame to the bespoke gold metallic boots with a chunky heel that he wore on tour in 2011, Prince had a massive collection of heels that he wore with style!
Considered one of the sexiest musicians of the last 50 years, Prince defied gender norms and consistently infused his style with personalised high heel boots that were displayed at an exhibit at his former home. Originally wearing heels at around 10cm high before transitioning to 8cm in later years, Prince's heels were an intrinsic part of his performing identity.
Jared Leto
Taking inspiration from 1970's fashion, Jared Leto is known for his fantastic red carpet style paired with high heel boots! Always on trend, Leto is a musician that dresses to impress on stage, on the red carpet, and in casual settings.
With a huge collection of heeled boots at his disposal, the actor does not at all shy away from exploring the continued blurring of the line between men and women's fashion! Favouring a white block heel boot, Jared Leto has incorporated heels into his Met Gala, interview, red carpet, and stage outfits perfectly!
Lil Nas X
Bursting onto the music scene with a bold fashion sense, Lil Nas X has made a huge name for himself as an artist who loves to push boundaries and dress in dramatic styles!
From his incredible video for his song Montero (Call Me By Your Name) where he wore insanely high platform heels, to stage outfits and appearances, Lil Nas X has not only said that he would like to represent the LGBT Community of which he is a member, but has continued to show his support for breaking down gender norms through his love of avant garde fashion.
Final Words!
With every new fashion season comes new photos of modern celebrities rocking high heels for men and looking amazing while they do so! From subtle heel styles to dramatic shoes that make a huge cultural impact, famous fellas in heels are paving the way for more acceptance of breaking down traditional gendered clothing and shoes! Who is your favourite famous bloke that rocks a high-heel?
As a Cis or straightI just started this year, and the look has been a huge hit!
Now, I’ll admit, I took a leap of faith right away. I started with the stiletto platforms.
But, I do have my limits. I don’t do skirts, dresses, or makeup. I’m not against them, though. Everyone has their own style, and not everyone tastes the same.
The look I usually go with is black boots, usually with skinny jeans, usually black or blue, and some nice jewelry and a nice scent. Other than the jeans, I’ll go with leather for the “BADASS” look, and it works really well. I only regret being so late in life to be so brave!
I’ve definitely caught the eye of women when I’m out. I’ve had 3 or 4 women stop and compliment the outfit I’m wearing, which was a huge compliment. It made me feel really good about myself. But I was also surprised to learn that a lot of women can’t wear heels. They’re amazed that I can pull them off so well. And those aren’t my words, that is the word of a passerby.
I’ve even gotten some thumbs up from guys too.
I suggest Rock that This!!!
Rock it like a Rockstar!
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