The woman in high heels was perceived as being more sexually attractive, physically attractive, feminine, & of a higher status; were not rated as more or less warm, enthusiastic, trustworthy, socially competent, healthy, intelligent, affectionate, friendly, or successful

On a pedestal: High heels and the perceived attractiveness and evolutionary fitness of women. T. Joel Wade et al. Personality and Individual Differences, Volume 188, April 2022, 111456. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2021.111456

Abstract: We analyzed the responses of 448 participants who completed questions on attractiveness and other evolutionary fitness related traits, and long- and short-term mating potential, of a woman in either high heeled or flat shoes. We hypothesized that the woman in high heels would be rated as more attractive and evolutionarily fit by both men and women, and preferred for short-term mating by men. The hypothesis was partially supported. The woman in high heels was perceived as being more sexually attractive, physically attractive, feminine, and of a higher status. Additionally, women rated women as having a higher status regardless of the shoe, than men, while men rated women as having higher short- and long-term mating potential, than women did, regardless of the shoe. We discuss the implications of these findings.

Keywords: High heelsAttractivenessSilhouetteShoesFeminineStatus

---

positive effect maybe due to greater lumbar curve