You're currently on:

• Home
• ::
• Resources
• ::
• Definitions - Platform

Platform

A platform shoe is a shoe with a thick sole that extends the full length of the shoe from the toe to the heel. The height of the sole can vary and the heel does not have to be the same height as the rest of the shoe. The term platform refers to the thickness of the sole, so the term can refer to another style of footwear such as a boot or sandal as long as it has a thick sole made out of rubber, cork, plastic or wood.

Platform shoes have grown to be very popular as they have the ability to alter the height of any individual. Most platform shoes are anywhere from an inch and a half to four or more inches high. For this reason alone, people should be careful when wearing platforms as a fall could result in a broken ankle or leg. Today, the platform shoe can be found in a variety of styles but it gained popularity in the 1970s and 80s along with flared jeans, afros and hot pants.

Today, platform shoes are found as many different styles, including boots and sandals as well as espadrilles, flip-flops and dress shoes. In the 1970s and 80s, platform shoes were meant to draw attention, and many musicians worn them as a part of their act. Today, platform shoes are known for providing a unique style that is more about adding height to one's frame rather than creating a spectacle. Today, platforms can be categorized as both dressy and casual footwear depending on their make, color and material. Obviously, platform sandals should be reserved for the spring and summer months while close-toed shoes, sandals and boots could be worn all year long.