The same researchers at Northumbria University who taught you how not to dance are now studying the effect that a woman in heels has on a man. The study looks at women, ages 18 to 35, to attempt to discover what kind of signals they send out when they walk with heels and without.
“The study,” according to the Telegraph, “is investigating if the change in body posture brought about by wearing heels, such as the illusion of longer legs, tilting torso and more prominent rear, sends a signal which has an impact on men.”
It turns out we can’t tell the difference. Male observers in the study couldn’t differentiate between which figures were wearing heels and which ones weren’t.
“Women are spending money on high heels,” said Dr. Nick Neave, the study’s leader, “which can be dangerous, presumably to make themselves look good and add to what nature has given them.”
Apparently, all of that money is going to waste.
So, the next time your wife or girlfriend comes home with a new pair of heels, convince her to return them because you can’t even tell the difference.
Let us know how that works out for you.
I definitely notice because I notice details, but I definitely don’t care how high the heel is. Of course I notice if the shoe is classic and looks good with the outfit. I even liks elegant but unisex shoes like Oxfords.
I personally don’t wear heels for men. This comment might sound silly/stupid considering it’s coming from a 15 year old girl who is admittedly quite naive (as most are at such a young age), but I’d appreciate it if you took what I’m saying into account. Well, first of all, I hardly ever wear shoes that are so uncomfortable that it becomes unbearable because I find it’s simply absurd to put yourself through that much pain for a pair of shoes. So, yes, comfortable heels do exist. I own a few pairs and, while they might not be as comfortable… Read more »
Yeah. Women don’t wear heals for men. Heals are just so damn comfortable, like Chinese foot binding. I’ve never heard a single complaint. In fact, I know plenty of women who wear heals around the house, like slippers or Crocks. I feel the same way about ice skates. Anatomically fabulous.
We don’t wear them for men. Duh.
I can’t say I defend wearing of high heels AT ALL, but I do find it interesting that the researchers assume women wear high heels only to please men. The beauty industry convinces women to do all kinds of ridiculous things, not just to be attractive but as the basis of their self-esteem.
Interesting article. I definitely think they asked the guys the wrong question. Instead of asking if the guys noticed which women were wearing heels or not, they should’ve asked them to rate the women’s attractiveness. It’s possible that while they didn’t notice the heels specifically, the actual affects of wearing the heels (posture, longer legs, etc.) that may be too subtle for someone to pick up or articulate, actually lended to how attractive each woman was perceived to be. I’d guess the results would be pretty different than these findings.
One of my male colleagues definitely notices heels when people are wearing them. I’ve tested him a few times when we’ve all gone drinking by switching from flat shoes to heels, and I have consistently gotten “Oh, you’ve got heels!” in a “you have my attention” tone… depends on the guy if they notice or not, I guess.