In all honesty, I never thought I would be writing about elevator shoes. Mainly because I would never wear them myself. And the main reason is that while being considered short at 5’9, I am quite comfortable with my height. But when realizing that my self-given role is to highlight the best in the industry, and each sub-industry within the larger shoe industry, I realize that if someone wants to go that route, I prefer to steer them in the right direction. I am also at a point where I have written about nearly every shoe topic four times over (at least) so am attempting to branch out and hit some lesser-known topics that still exist and are sought out by more people than we sometimes can imagine. So, let us discuss elevator shoes and the brand that sits at the top of that industry: Don’s Footwear.
What Are Elevator Shoes?
An elevator shoe is a piece of footwear that has lifts built inside to give you added height. Usually, these lifts are built mainly in the heel region and not all the way around the sole, much as ‘Creeper Shoes’ are. Another topic for another day. This added lift will give you the height that you desire, usually adding 1 – 2.5 inches to your overall height. And believe it or not, this is a huge industry, especially for those that are on camera. I am sure we have all caught a glimpse of this. I have personally noticed Vin Diesel, Tom Cruise, Frank Grillo, Stallone, and many more using them in films when I see them wearing boots that have a super high lift in the heel block. If you look carefully at these actors, you will notice it too.
Who Uses Elevator Shoes?
Believe it or not, more men than we can imagine. In London, I did not come across guys that wanted higher heels than we offer but having had my own shop in NYC, I frequently have guys that ‘want to be taller.’ They ask if we can make the heels higher. It’s often strange too, as many of these men are not that short so I am always stumped at why they need more height? But they want it. Many men get elevator shoes for their wedding days to stand tall on those photos that will forever sit on their mantle place. Many bouncers also use them as an added intimidation factor. Lastly, the many men who often get in front of a camera or are going to an event that gets TV/Magazine coverage. And that is where a company like Don’s Footwear comes into play.
Why Don’s Footwear?
Well, the reality is that this is not an industry known for its quality. If you do a quick google search, you will find a bunch of shoes that look as if they are using plastic soles and plastic leather. Basically cheap shoes. But Don’s Footwear is trying to blend quality with this industry, adding pitched heels, fiddleback waists, and blind welts, to make these often wonky-looking shoes as elegant as they can be. They have a collection called ‘Echelon’ that offers handwelted footwear and therefore caters more to the gentleman that also cares about quality and not solely about height. On top of that, Don’s uses a stronger PU rubber for the midsole tech that is far more durable than your typical EVA foam that many other elevator shoe brands will use.
The Downside of Elevator Shoes
For me, the main issue of elevator shoes is the lack of pattern balance. Dress shoes are not built to have 2-inch lifts put inside them. So when they are, the problem is that I often see that the pattern is just heightened, but not balanced. If you heighten the pattern, the last should be elongated and the pattern pulled forward to balance the lines so that they do not look all bunched together and have this ‘squished’ effect. But I guess, one step at a time. Hopefully, with the desire to have the construction be top-notch, Don’s footwear will also start thinking about making the pattern top-notch as well. In boots, the elevator effect is not so drastic but often in shoes, they come out looking quite odd. It would be impressive to see someone changing that. The best-looking one I have seen is the model highlighted at the top of the page. If they all looked like that, it would be a great start!
Learn more here: https://donsfootwear.com/en/
***Don’s Footwear is a friend and sponsor of The Shoe Snob Blog and this is a sponsored yet informational post***
Elevator or not they are very nice shoes and boots.
Thank you for sharing Michael
Short at 5’9?? Well, so am I… even on this side of the pond… Life’s sad….lol!
All the best, Justin.
ahhahahaha this is what people tell me although I don’t consider myself short. But in the US it is on the shorter side
I’m fortunate to have a number of these shoes and they have been game changers for me.
A bit below average height I wouldn’t say I’m particularly self-conscious, but I like the idea of coming across a bit taller at social events and in the boardroom. The attention to detail on the ones I have is superb, the soles feel natural to me, and they have developed a wonderful patina over the time that I’ve owned them. Allan worked with me on some of the details and they bear many of the hallmarks of true handmade shoes -maybe not for everyone, but a preference of mine is to see the occasional mark of a vein from the animal the leather came from or some other detail that gives away the materials and handwork.
Thank you very much for sharing David, I do appreciate your input and glad to know that you have been given great treatment by Allan, which really comes at no surprise!
I’m certainly glad you finally got around to covering Don’s! Anyone who has not yet had the pleasure of ordering from Allan Donnelly – the incredibly skilled craftsman and namesake at Don’s Footwear – is missing out on a wonderful experience. It’s worth noting that, while he is hands down the finest elevator shoe craftsman on the planet, he also exquisitely handcrafts bespoke traditional (i.e., non-lifted) shoes as well. Don’s Footwear is quite incredible. Allan goes above and beyond to personally source any leather or other material you may desire to create truly original, wearable works of art.
Thank you Jay! I am glad that you enjoyed it and for your kind review. Allan indeed is a great guy and craftsman!
Dons are without doubt the best quality I have encountered. Always open to any customisation… great shoes.
Thank you for sharing Nathan
Just ordered my second pair of MST Engineering elevator boots from Don’s Footwear. Still wearing the first pair daily walking a mile or more every day on a hard factory floor. However the job requirements have changed, and I need steel toe caps, which Don is able to accommodate.
Also, I ordered both pairs with convenience side-zippers, which has saved literally hours of time over the years NOT tying my shoes. Just put this or any special requests in the ‘Additional Information’ box on your order, and Don (Allen) will be happy accommodate.
Thank you for sharing Brandon. I do appreciate it!
I have bought other elevated shoes in the past and your right the sacrifice is in the look and feel ; They never looked nor felt right and often times can hurt after long use. Don’s Footwear has been a total life changer for me because not only do they give me a few extra inches and very comfortable but they are the nicest shoes in my closet. They introduce my to the world of bespoke shoe wear and tbh they stand out in the crowd evidently b/c I constant get compliments.
Here is a funny side note – At work I have to dress business casual and often times people would say “wow those are really nice looking shoes what are they”?
Anyway, I’d tell them random stuff (they were a gift, got them online,) cuz I honestly didn’t want them to figure out i’m wearing lifts lol! Side not he offers other shoes that are not lifts but i’m paranoid…lol
Thank you for sharing Jamar!
Had purchased a shoe from Don, and the quality is fantastic. One of my favorite underrated shoe companyes
Thank you for sharing Max
I think Don ‘s shoes are the finest made on the market. Clearly he selected the best materials and components to be able to wear the product for extended hours without pain or suffering. His design and overall construction is top shelf. I’ve been very pleased and will be doing business in the future.
Thank you for sharing!
What initially pulled me toward Don’s Footwear was their transparency concerning the design and mechanics of their elevator shoes. While looking into other manufacturers, I often found vagueness about how the height increase is achieved. My main concern was that these shoes would have an uncomfortable arch and/or a weirdly designed ‘squished’ effect, as you’ve put it. As someone who has heard plenty about the discomfort of walking in high heels, especially ones above 5cm in height, I was intrigued by Don’s Footwear’s midsole tech. This feature aims to alleviate the arch discomfort by subtly raising the height at the front as well, while still maintaining coherent design and comfort.
Navigating Don’s Footwear website was seamless, and I was pleasantly surprised by the extensive customization options. From material and color to sole type and specific height increase, the variety offered was really nice. The site also included an order note section, where customers can provide additional details for their specific customization wishes.
The shoes arrived within the promised timeframe and exceeded my expectations in build quality. The shoes were surprisingly comfortable, taking into account the 7+ cm height increase. I had no problem wearing them in my daily activities, and even my family members who saw me often didn’t realize that they were height increasing shoes until I specifically pointed it out. Don’s company nailed my customization requests, delivering a shoe that perfectly balances business and casual aesthetics, making it versatile for a broad spectrum of events. The prices were also more than fair.
Overall, the shopping experience was very pleasant. I already have a few other fashionable models and designs in my mind that I could order from him in the near future.
Thanks for sharing
I just wanted to share some thoughts after reading this article. It is true that ego, status and well stature plays a role in our society; women have long been wearing platform shoes, heals – to highlight their calve muscles, “elevate” their height with a taller gentlemen or simply to stand taller than their peers. We live in a society where being shorter is somehow less – and of course it is about the ego. The artist Prince or actor Tom Cruise – both very confident and powerful individuals in their own way have had a desire to become elevated. I am not pontificating anything, other than to say that Allan makes a truly bespoke shoe, with or without elevation. Your craftsmanship is rarely seen these days (especially with the handwelted / english construction). With the overpriced Air Jordan mass produced synthetic junk and clones we’ve all seen, Don’s Footwear is breathing creativity and quality into the artform that seems to be fading away, often elusive to those outside of the circles of luxury couture. Don’t surrender to this world of mass production, find your own style, color and yes, a little height if you need some. Allan, you are breaking this trend and brought shoe couture or “Souter” to our state of mind, and your midsole technology approach is spot on. You make a gorgeous shoe, meticulous and high quality, and people need to notice and appreciate this.
Thank you for sharing Steven. I appreciate the feedback
Don’s shoes are phenomenal. I’m 180 cm (around 5 foot 11) and I also use them as much as I can. It’s not that I’m short, but I’m not tall either and sometimes being taller than the average guy is a HUGE confidence boost. I was always afraid of people being able to spot me, but honestly at 2 or 3 inches (6 to 8cm) no one really notices. Ever since I bought my first pair, I became addicted lol… would definitely recommend. It’s excellent quality for a very good price and an added height bonus^^
Thank you for sharing