You’ve heard of the mandigan – the man’s cardigan, now prepare for the meel, yes that’s right, the man’s heel. It seems that for the first time in three decades the elevated shoe for men is back, and this time it’s not glam rock that’s leading the way, but high fashion.

According to The Times man heels were spotted at the Paris shows this Spring in audiences including both Gareth Pugh and Rick Owens, as well as at Pam Hogg and Rodarte in New York. When it comes to the designers who are daring to take the man heel to new heights, look out for Jean-Michel Cazabat and Rick Owens himself, who are both producing heels in excess of four inches – proper heels then. The trend continued from the catwalk on to the sidewalk as the very stylish attendee pictured above proves with his super-high peep toes and fringed bag, captured by fashion blogger Peter Stigter.

We rather like the idea of man-heels, although there is the distinct possibility that they could transform even the most dapper man into a Frank-n-Furter wannabe. Saying that, Mr. Style himself Marc Jacobs admits to wearing heels that are featured in his shows during hours of long fittings, but added ‘I don’t wear them out on the street.’ So if you, like Jacobs, quite like the idea of a couple of extra inches in the shoe-department but aren’t quite ready to venture outside in them, there is a more discreet option available. James Taylor & Sons of London make ‘status shoes’ which appear much the same as a regular heel, but have a hidden 1 ½ inch lift inside the shoe. Sneaky.

Whether you’ll be stepping out in four inch meels or secretly bumping up the height chart with hidden status shoes is purely a matter of taste, but when it comes to embracing the trend for a man-heel then we’re pretty sure it’s going to be when rather than if. There’s a reason us girls love our heels, and once you’ve tried them there’ll be no going back – just as long as you don’t start stealing our favourite pair…