Not Your Old-Timey Elevator Shoes

Depending on the decade, a number of era icons come to mind when thinking of platform shoes. Cher and Stevie Nicks strutted stages in the ’60s and ’70s in their highest heels. The Spice Girls revived the platform in the early ’90s. And Lady Gaga donned them as her preferred shoe throughout the 2000s. The trend extends to men too — think David Bowie, KISS and Elton John.

These larger-than-life celebrities elevated their personas with footwear choice.

For nearly 2,000 years people have been wearing platforms to add a few extra inches. In medieval times, those of the higher class wore platforms to showcase their social status and avoid muck produced by the commoner class.

Grecian thespians donned platforms to give themselves a boost when performing and to designate their acting status — the higher the heel, the larger the part. These stage shoes could reach up to 7 inches in height.

Kayna Platform Sandal
by Sam Edelman. Photo courtesy of samedelman.com

While platforms are mostly a style choice these days, they still provide that confidence boost they’ve provided for centuries.

Today’s platform heels first gained popularity in Western countries in the 1930s thanks to designer Salvatore Ferragamo. The shoe reached its height in the ’60s and ’70s as both female and male wearers boogied down at the disco.

As we do with most trends, we see the good ones come back around. Platforms are back in style, and the owner of Sunset Shoes in Destin, Jim Monroe, has a theory about the rising popularity.

“Platform heels, as well as other styles of heels, are becoming popular again because everyone has been wearing sneakers and other comfort shoes for so long because of being stuck at home during COVID-19 lockdowns,” said Monroe.

Monroe further believes that platforms are particularly popular because they have versatility to be styled up or down, unlike other popular heels such as stilettos.

“Platforms are just one of those styles every woman needs in her collection because they are multipurpose,” said Monroe.

Monroe’s go-to platform designers include Dolce Vita, Donald Pliner, Chic Chemin, Bernardo and Sam Edelman.

Sunny Mitchell, owner of Kiss the Sky Boutique in Destin, encourages platforms because they give added height without added walking difficulty. This leads to better comfort when worn for extended periods of time versus other styles of heels.

Mitchell does urge customers to consider their comfort level walking in heeled shoes when investing in platforms.

For those on the petite side, platforms often eliminate the need to hem or alter maxi dresses or pants, which are also making a stylish comeback. Outside of maxi styles, Mitchell suggests styling platforms with a trouser pant or print skirt and blouse or dressed up with a formal evening dress.

CHUNKY CHUCKS
The Chuck 70 AT-CX cotton twill Chuck Taylor sneaker from Converse gives wearers ups like never before. Photo Courtesy of Converse.com

The ’90s first brought us the platform sneaker; Gen Z and their love for street style have brought them back. Today, chunky Chuck Taylors, Vans and Adidas are seen sported in almost every city.

Punk rock-inspired pumped-up Doc Martens, combat boots and thigh-high platform boots are favorites in cooler weather and can be styled in warmer months by mixing a feminine sundress with an edgy shoe.

Chuck Taylor All Star lift platform canvas shoes take the iconic Chucks loved for generations to a new level. Photo Courtesy of Converse.com.

Still, the most common form of the platform is the pump or sandal.

Whether seeking a small boost or to stand out among the crowd, there are a variety of platform options available to suit your style and comfort level. Begin with a boosted sneaker and work your way up.