Scientists Discover Why We Wear High Heels

January

Scientists Discover Why We Wear High Heels

Telegraph.co.uk reports that scientists may have found the formula for having perfect legs: they need to be long in proportion to your torso, but not too long.

Lusty looks for longer legs

In this study, researchers at Wroclaw University in Poland had male and female subjects evaluate the relative attractiveness of different silhouettes of a man and woman. They found that a person of average height (5ft 4in tall) was rated most attractive when their inside leg measurement was 30.5in, which is about 5% longer than the average leg measurement for a person that size. In other words, you could be more attractive if you could lengthen your legs by a few inches.

Feel like a heel

This study could provide a scientific basis for why some people think high heels makes a woman more attractive, because it makes our legs appear longer, getting us closer to that magic 5% number. Interestingly, the study showed that very long legs are not as sexy. The subjects rated women with legs that were 10% longer than average as less attractive. The study leader, Dr Boguslaw Pawlowski, also said that long legs may be an indication of good health because people with short legs tend to have a greater risk of cardiovascular disease and type II diabetes.

What do you think? Is this an excuse to run out and buy a new pair from Martinez Valero, Bruno Magli or Gabriella Rocha? Or are lusty legs not worth the hassle of high heels? Step up and leave a comment for the Beauty Brains community.

–Mid Brain

31 Responses to “Scientists Discover Why We Wear High Heels”

Leah Says:

Meh i don’t do heels.

I’m 6ft without them, and i would look titanic with anything over 2 inches.

But interesting, nonetheless.
Cate Says:

I love heels! I’m 5′3″ on a good day! That being said though I have ingrown toenails and somedays heels are unacceptable.

Fascinating article.
Alana Says:

High heels are a staple in my wardrobe. At 5′7 I wear high heels usually on a daily basis. My torso is a bit longer than my legs so when I wear heels I not only look more proportionate, but feel amazing. I feel sexy and more confident. Sound a bit shallow? I don’t think so. Every one of us has the right to and should find what works for them. A friend of mine who is at best 5′1, looks beautiful in her flats. She’s just as comfortable in her flats as I am in my stilettos and we both feel great in our respective shoes. As far as wearing them to be more attractive to the opposite sex…well that’s another story. I believe that we should wear whatever helps us feel like the beautiful, strong and sexy women that we are!

Thanks for the article!

~Alana
Tonya Says:

What’s the average length for the leg when you’re almost 6′4″? I’d want to know to see if I have a good excuse to go out and get a nice pair of heels!
stephinitely Says:

i LOVE heels. i figure while in my mid-thirties BRING THEM ON! at 5′4″ i’m in no danger of looking like i have REALLY long legs, regardless of the height of my shoes.
Caroline Says:

Well Ladies, at 5′0 you can pretty much guess heels are a must. Not sure they make heels high enough to make my legs look that long. Or at least not ones made from Lucite.
Christi Says:

Hmmm… You know, I’ve always liked wearing heels just because they automatically make you look dressier. The part about those with legs 10% longer than average being unattractive has me considering sticking to flats… or at least a 2″ limit on heels. I do agree with Alana, though, you should wear what makes you feel beautiful and sexy.

Very interesting article.
Gloria Says:

I’m 5′2 and a HALF (yes, I always emphasize that half an inch), and I used to wear heels in high school. Then off to college I went, and the heels came off, and the flip flops came on. I’m still dealing with flip flops-withdraw, but ballets flats and cute sneakers are there to help me deal.

It just takes too much effort to re-learn how to walk in heels. =D Oh well.. I’ll just let my legs be stumpy.
Dating S.O.S » Blog Archive » Why Women Wear Heals on a Date Says:

[...] SOS found a blog post discussing why women wear high heels. This post is also based on the recent study that reports in [...]
jack Says:

I am a male (transgendered). I wear, on occasion, heels because of this very reason. I am 5′4″ and am proportionate but would rather my legs be a bit longer. And even though flats are much more comfy, heels are oh so sexy.
Whats4dnnr Says:

No amount of beauty is worth the pain of high heels. High heels and an attractive calf do not show the world the beauty we should be judged by, which is inner beauty.
Cee Says:

Well, I’m 5′3 1/2 (don’t forget that 1/2) and my legs are 30.5 inches. Attractive?…actually it’s rather difficult because it means I am a “petite” size in pants in the rise but a regular for pants length. Pants are difficult to find!
The Beauty Brains » Blog Archive » Chic Clicks 1/25/08: The Best Of This Week’s Beauty Blogs Says:

[...] The Beauty Brains talk about the science of stilettos: why women wear high heels. [...]
This Week in Style Blogging » Smarter Fashion Blog Says:

[...] The Beauty Brains talk about the science of stilettos: why women wear high heels. [...]
Fashion.Youbi.Pl » This Week in Style Blogging Says:

[...] The Beauty Brains talk about the science of stilettos: why women wear high heels. [...]
lolol Says:

I’m rushing off to the mall tomorrow!!!! w00t!!!
Claudia Says:

It may be true that heels make your leg look longer but the fact is your leg is still your leg as is.

Actually I was looking in the mirror the other day with one of my never worn high heels on. I decided that actually I feel like a cripple and the shoe attached to my leg looked like a weird totrture instrument.

So what I have short legs then. It’s never stopped me from making new friends, flirting with men, meeting men and enjoying my life.

I guess beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
ellen Thompson Says:

the man I am with, has a bg with women;s shoes,stockings, and rubbers
what does this mean???Is he gay
ellen Thompson Says:

My husband had a bag of 20 to 30 womens High Heel shoes, rubbers,and stockings. What does this mean???Is he gay, or cross dresser,, I asked him, but will not tell me,,Help
jack Says:

no it doesn’t mean he is gay. it might mean he’s a crossdresser (like myself) and is embarrassed of it (hence why he is hiding it). but i wouldn’t worry. chances of him being gay are slim. most crossdressers are not gay - only attempting to express a side of themselves that can only be expressed via clothing.

oh - and on a side note (to try to ease your worries) most crossdresser are very faithful.
Pearl Says:

Hi ellen,

he might not be crossdresser either. Sit and talk to him in this regard. May be he loves them so much and wants to give them to someone, want to see them on someone. he might be a fetish. Did u see him wearing them ? if not don’t think about it, just try to speak with him and make him feel comfortale both you and him.

Enjoy
Marv Says:

Someone said: You dress your body with cloths,,,,, You dress your feet with shoes.
I believe some women think men never look below a womens knees.
Heels transforms a women from Casual
to Dresse in an instant.
It transforms the way she walks, her shape,her whole posture.
You turn more heads,wearing heels than with flats, or flip flops.
Flip Flops were created for the shower,
thats where they should have stayed.
If you think there healthy for your feet, you might check on that?
High heels are for women who want to look there very best, and sexy.
Gary Says:

High heels are torture for women, but I have to admit women do look better in them. It took me about 50 years to come to that conclusion. I used to look at heels and just see marketing, hype and vanity. Now, I see marketing, hype, vanity, and a more attractive pair of legs. I guess I’ve succumbed!
Cie Says:

I don’t believe we’re getting the whole story here. Longer legs ARE more attractive, period. The stat they used was incomplete. Were the longer-legged women also attractive elsewhere? Were the shorter-legged women more attractive elsewhere compared to the longer-legged women? I don’t buy any of it. I’m 5′8.5″ and I wear 4 - 5 inch heels. Hey, if you’re tall, flaunt it!
Vilhelm Black Says:

Here is why high heels make women more sexy. It has nothing to do with legs, and everything to so with the tilting of the pelvis. If a woman gets down on all fours (hands and feet on the floor, her genitals will be exposed from the rear. If she subsequently raises he feet and stands on her tiptoes, while keeping her hands on the ground, her genitals become more accessible. This is the posture our ancient animal ancestors would assume for mating. It’s all in the genes. The high heel posture is primitive instinct at work.
Rita Says:

I love high heels. They are sexy and I feel great and confident in them. I get compliment all the time that they like my boots. Also, I am a minister, when I am on the pulpit, I seem to get people’s attention all the more.
Jamie Says:

My boyfriend had tons of high heels when i met him. i stayed over when he was at work one day & got nosey i ended up finding all these different size heels in his closet. i assumed that he had many different women in his past which had worn these heels. That wasnt the case. He has a huge fetish with heels & boots he loves the sound they make & to watch me walk in them. we have so much fun role playing & incorporate heels in the bedroom. A slutty pair of heels or boots can spice up anyones sex life i recommend it! Anyway back to the topic, is he crose dressing? could be or maybe he’s starting to develop a fetish for heels & doesnt know wat to do besides collect them? try wearing heels every weekend look at the heels he has & try to get similar style cuzmen have different tastes with fetishes just like women. If he gets lovey dovey with u when ur wearing heels or cant keep his eyes off ur feet then he might just have a fetish with shoes and/or bo dont jump to conclusions he will relax & talk when u relax.
Jamie Says:

oh & anouther thing it doesnt matter how tall how big or how much ur feet hurt where them! i have plantar facitus in both feet which used to be extreemly painful. i never thought id be able to wear heels for my bf. i found this night splint that stretches ur foot & calf it helped alot, then i found arnica salve (anti inflamitory) that stuff is a miracle worker it works better then ibprofen. needless to say i have hardly any problems with my feet now as long as i take gud care of them. i can wear heels all day now, yes my feet hurt & the end of the day but not as bad as they used to by simply waking up & getting out of bed. so yes i believe anyone can wear heels if they take gud care of themselfs. so no excuses ladies! oh p.s. if u think heels are fun u should try corsets in the bedroom it intensifys the sensations lol have fun!
teri rees wang Says:

The discussion of heels, has lead me to believe that it is all in the arch. Flip flops for slapping the pavement, but I still tilt! Put me in a pair of 3 inches with a platform boost, and I am ready to pose and prance, with shoulders back. Posture stands, breath held, chest out, tummy tucked…let the night begin!
The Formula - High Heel Place Says:

[...] study leader, Dr Boguslaw Pawlowski, also said that long legs may be an indication of good health [COLOR=blue ! important][COLOR=blue ! important][/color][/color]because people with short legs tend to have a greater risk of cardiovascular disease[COLOR=blue ! [...]
Jolinar Says:

I think the pro-heels points are totally nuts. There is no way I would hurt myself for fashion. I’m 5′8″+ and definitely don’t need it for height, I’ve got long-ish legs, so I don’t need it for that. If someone is going to judge me not as stylish and classy because I wear flats, well, they’re not someone I really want to associate with.