Men don't even notice women in high heels
Wearing high heels certainly makes women look taller and slimmer, but it seems they do nothing to grab the attention of men, as they don't even notice them, according to a new study.
Researchers at Northumbria University are studying the reactions of men to women walking while wearing high heels and others without heels.
But they say research has shown that men cannot even tell if a woman is wearing high heels when they walk.
It is part of a wider research project into attraction and the signals sent out by movement like walking and dancing.
Researchers have already used 3D motion-capture technology to identify the movement areas of a male dancer''s body that influence female perceptions of whether their dance skills are good or bad.
The study, led by evolutionary psychologist Dr Nick Neave and researcher Kristofor McCarty, for the first time identified potential biomechanical differences between "good" and "bad" male dancers.
Neave believes that such dance movements may act as signals of a man's reproductive quality, in terms of health, vigour or strength.
Now another study is looking at women between 18 and 35 and what signals are sent out when they walk with and without heels.
Male observers in the experiment cannot tell which figures are wearing heels.
"Women are spending money on high heels, which can be dangerous, presumably to make themselves look good and add to what nature has given them," the Telegraph quoted Neave as saying.
The study is investigating if the change in body posture brought about by wearing heels, such as the illusion of longer legs, tilting torso and more prominent rear, sends a signal which has an impact on men.
Researchers at Northumbria University are studying the reactions of men to women walking while wearing high heels and others without heels.
But they say research has shown that men cannot even tell if a woman is wearing high heels when they walk.
It is part of a wider research project into attraction and the signals sent out by movement like walking and dancing.
Researchers have already used 3D motion-capture technology to identify the movement areas of a male dancer''s body that influence female perceptions of whether their dance skills are good or bad.
The study, led by evolutionary psychologist Dr Nick Neave and researcher Kristofor McCarty, for the first time identified potential biomechanical differences between "good" and "bad" male dancers.
Neave believes that such dance movements may act as signals of a man's reproductive quality, in terms of health, vigour or strength.
Now another study is looking at women between 18 and 35 and what signals are sent out when they walk with and without heels.
Male observers in the experiment cannot tell which figures are wearing heels.
"Women are spending money on high heels, which can be dangerous, presumably to make themselves look good and add to what nature has given them," the Telegraph quoted Neave as saying.
The study is investigating if the change in body posture brought about by wearing heels, such as the illusion of longer legs, tilting torso and more prominent rear, sends a signal which has an impact on men.
