The Male Platform is Back

Debenhams launched shoes that are half an inch taller than the average men's heel last week, and sales have outstripped expectations by 85 per cent. The department store introduced a range of “platform” shoes for men in response to consumer demand. But even they were surprised when the heels leapt to the top of the bestseller list in the menswear department. Spokesperson for Debenhams, Lizzie Singleton, says: “This will come as welcome news to shorter men everywhere. Now there is a stylish way to boost your height whilst still being on trend, as opposed to opting for the dreaded Cuban heel. In recent years we have seen women’s heels go to extreme lengths and now men are finally able to measure up.” Celebrities such as Tom Cruise, Nicolas Sarkozy, Simon Cowell, Bono and Robert Downey Junior are rarely spotted on the red carpet without their height-boosting footwear.  And even average height Brad Pitt and 6' 4" David Hasselhoff have been spotted recentlywearing unusually high heels. The shoes on sale in Debenhams are significantly higher than the retailer’s average footwear and can boost a man’s height by a crucial 1.2 inches.