By Oh Young-jin
Staff Reporter
Men on high heels! If one visualizes this in one's head and decides to take it as something like a man biting a dog, don't. It is another outgrowth of a society that cherishes looks and forces men to steal this feminine thing.
According to the online open market, Auction, men's shoes with heels between 5 centimeters and 6 centimeters have this year sold 150 pairs, three times the record last year. Also on sale are men's shoes with 7 centimeter heels, the ``tallest'' heels on the market.
Auction said that shoes with elevated heels sell so well that there is a category devoted to them.
Men's shoes usually come with 2 to 3 centimeter heels. The shoes with elevated heels are nothing new but the latest that is gaining popularity are those that show high heels outside in plain view for others to see. Usually, the elevated shoes have their additional soles hidden inside so they look like a normal pair, simply giving additional height to those who wear them.
Of course, these men's high-heeled shoes have square soles and look anything but stilettos but showing high heels to others is a sign of boldness on the part of men. ``It is a coming-out of sorts for men,'' a social commentator said. ``Maybe, it is a sign of desperation for short men; maybe the boldness of today's men is showing ― laying a claim to the things that are long considered belonging to the opposite sex.''
Auction says that these elevated shoes are all hand-made with the price range of 50,000 won to 100,000 won. Some are more expensive due to special material or features. These shoes come in various shapes ― some enamel patent with embroidery or others in genuine fake crocodile leather.
``Elevated shoes are often associated with the entertainment industry with a few television personas wearing custom-made ones to look good on TV,'' Hong Sook, an Auction official, was quoted by Yonhap News as saying. ``Now ordinary consumers gain more access to them because they are produced in large quantity.''
Hong added that it was the latest area that is considered as women's domain that is being invaded by men in a changing consumption pattern, citing an increasing number of men wearing makeup or buying special underwear.
foolsdie@koreatimes.co.kr |
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