Let’s be honest, dating can be a bit daunting, and sometimes it's not nearly as fun as it should be. Then there’s the whole height thing. It pops up in jokes, on dating profiles, and if you’re not over six feet, it can start to mess with your head, adding unnecessary pressure to the already stressful business of making a good first impression.
But here’s the good news: most of what really matters on a date has absolutely nothing to do with your height. And the rest? You’ve got options.
Whether it’s a first Bumble meetup, a Friday night dinner with someone your friends swear you’ll hit it off with, or casual drinks after work, this is your guide to showing up with confidence - without stressing about the extra centimetres.
The 183cm Question. Is Height Really That Important?
Let’s not sugarcoat it. Everyone has preferences, and that’s completely normal. Some people might care about height, but they’ll also care about things like hair colour, physique, personal style, sense of humour, or whether you can survive a long road trip without controlling the playlist. The idea that you have to be tall to have a great dating life is a myth.
Time and again, research shows that while height might catch someone’s eye at first, it’s personality, style and confidence that make a lasting impression. So instead of worrying about what you can’t control, focus on what you can. Like how you present yourself, how you carry a conversation, and yes, how you style your look.
Confidence Is Built, Not Worn (But Great Shoes Help)
Confidence isn't about pretending to be someone you’re not. It’s about showing up as the best version of yourself, and backing yourself in the process.
What you wear plays a bigger role than you might think. When you feel good in your clothes, you act differently. You sit taller. You walk with more purpose. You’re more likely to engage, laugh, and enjoy the moment.
That’s where style steps in. A well-fitted outfit that you feel comfortable in for special occasions, clean grooming, and the right pair of date night elevator shoes can help you feel taller, stand more confidently, and project that relaxed, put-together energy people are drawn to.
Shoes That Make You Taller: A Smart, Subtle Move
Forget awkward-looking lifts or clunky soles from years ago. Modern shoes that make you taller are discreet, stylish, and - honestly - kind of brilliant.
At Levante Shoes, our elevator shoes are designed with built-in height boosts ranging from 6 to 10cm (that’s up to 4 inches), using clever construction and sleek silhouettes that blend in with everyday style. You’d never know by looking, but you’ll definitely feel the difference.
Whether it’s a minimal white elevator sneaker like the Rove, a sharp height boosting boot like the Domani, or something in between, our range of best shoes for short men are designed for style, comfort, and confidence—no gimmicks required.
Style Tips to Stand Taller on Date Night
Looking good isn’t about overdressing, it’s about dressing well for the occasion. Here’s how to elevate your look without overthinking it:
1. Dress for the setting
Heading out for a walk-and-talk coffee date? Keep it casual with a fitted tee, relaxed chinos or jeans, and clean low-top sneakers. Meeting at a wine bar or restaurant? Go for a button-up or knit polo with dark denim and leather boots. Match your vibe to the venue, but don’t dress like someone you’re not. The goal is to feel like the best version of yourself, not a stranger in borrowed clothes.
2. Nail the fit
The single biggest thing you can do to elevate your look and your silhouette is to make sure your clothes fit well. Tailored cuts, tapered trousers and fitted tops add structure and help elongate your frame. That said, if your style leans more relaxed or fashionably oversized, don’t feel like you have to ditch it. Just be mindful of balance. If your clothes are looser, a bit of added height can help keep your proportions in check and your outfit feeling intentional rather than swamped.
3. Play with proportions
If you're on the shorter side and want to create the illusion of height, avoid oversized layers that overwhelm your frame. Instead, try a cropped jacket, mid-rise trousers and shoes that give you a discreet boost without adding visual weight. A clean, streamlined elevator sneaker like the Novo fits the bill perfectly. It’s sleek, versatile and adds height without drawing attention to itself.
4. Keep it clean
Fresh hair, tidy beard, stubble or shave, and clean nails matter more than people admit. The same goes for shoes - scuffed kicks or worn-down boots don’t exactly scream “date-ready.”
5. Mind the details
A well-chosen belt, a watch, maybe a hint of fragrance, it all adds up. Keep accessories simple, and let your overall look do the talking.
Mindset Over Metrics
At the end of the day, dating isn’t a sport with a height requirement. If you’re showing up genuinely, holding a great conversation, and feeling good in your own skin, that’s what people remember.
But if adding a few centimetres helps you feel that bit more self-assured, then elevator shoes for men aren’t a cheat code - they’re a style tool. Like a tailored shirt or a good haircut, they help you feel your best so the parts of you that matter can shine
The TL;DR: What Actually Matters
-
Height might come up, but it’s rarely the dealbreaker people make it out to be. And if someone genuinely cares more about your height than everything else you bring to the table, then honestly, they’ve done you a favour. No need to waste time on someone who’s not looking beyond the surface.
-
Style, presence, and personality leave a bigger impression than centimetres ever could.
-
A pair of shoes that make you taller can help boost your confidence without anyone else knowing.
-
Feeling good in what you wear helps you feel more like yourself—and that’s what people connect with.
So next time you’re getting ready for a date, don’t worry about what’s on your profile. Focus on what you bring to the table. And maybe step into a little boost while you’re at it :)