Heeled shoes are trending this summer, not only for women but also for male celebrities who are embracing extra height in their footwear choices. This week, Bad Bunny turned heads at Paris Couture Week in a butter-colored suit paired with mini heels, accessorized with masculine touches like a tie, chunky rings, and bold sunglasses.

Joining the movement, actor Timothée Chalamet has made stacked-heel Chelsea boots his signature on the red carpet, effortlessly combining them with sharp, gender-fluid tailoring. When opting for a different look, he sometimes opts for Cuban heels instead.

Harry Styles is another trendsetter pushing the boundaries of traditional footwear by donning high-heeled Gucci loafers and delicate ballet pumps at events like the 2026 Brit Awards, contributing to the normalization of height and heel diversity in men’s fashion.

Lil Nas X adds a maximalist twist to the trend, making bold statements in towering heels, from fuzzy platform stompers to bedazzled boots that defy gravity on red carpets and fashion week front rows.

While male heels may seem like a recent phenomenon, they have a long history. From the 10th to the 16th centuries, raised heels were practical for horse-riders to stay secure in their stirrups. By the late 1500s, they became a fashionable symbol of rank, masculinity, and power among European elites, particularly associated with aristocratic privilege.

Although the trend waned in the 1700s with Western men’s fashion leaning towards simplicity and utility, there have been periods, like the glam rock era of the 60s-70s and the drag scene in the 1980s, challenging the association of heels solely with women.

With prominent male celebrities embracing heels in 2026, the resurgence of this trend seems imminent, marking a potential lasting comeback. Exciting times ahead for fashion enthusiasts!