Publication Date
2022
Description
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.
Journal
Personality and Individual Differences
Volume
188
Department
Psychology
Link to Published Version
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2021.111456
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2021.111456
Recommended Citation
Wade, T. Joel; Burch, Rebecca L.; Fisher, Maryanne L.; and Casper, Haley. "On a pedestal: High heels and the perceived attractiveness and evolutionary fitness of women." (2022) .