Family Encyclopedia >> Beauty & Style

Wearing high heels increases women's attractiveness

If you're wearing high heels to work, prepare for some good news — and some bad news. British researchers say they have evidence to suggest that both women and men find the one in heels more attractive. Nearly two-thirds of business women believe that high heels make them more attractive – a boost to self-esteem, confidence and general well-being. Wearing high heels increases women's attractiveness to men, and can reward female wearers with other benefits in terms of male attention and their own image of their beauty. Men are almost twice as likely to smile at a woman in heels than one in flats, and they are more likely to help these women, too.

But the same academics also point out that the shoes can cause back pain, broken ankles and sprains, and more than double the risk of developing bunions. They add that women who wear heels can get injuries from their toes to their spine and are more likely to fall. The scientists go so far as to say tougher laws are needed to prevent women from being forced to wear high heels at work against their will. The findings track a high profile of complaints from women who have worn their heels as part of their job.