Platform shoes have a wide, high sole that elevates the feet by several inches, instead of the traditional thin sole that most shoes tend to have. Heel sections are generally quite wide. This style of shoe can range from the mini platform, which is about an inch in height, to the extreme platform which can be as high as 12 inches. While platform shoes are usually elevated in both the toe and heel, the heel of a shoe does not determine whether it's a platform. Instead, it's the part of the sole sitting under the front of the foot.

Platform shoes will never go out of fashion. Platforms can be worn just about anywhere including at work, at play, to a party, or for shopping. They are a more stable form of footwear than stiletto heels. No matter what your budget is or your sense of style, there's a great pair of these shoes out there for you. Some people wear these shoes as a fashion statement and their uniqueness will fit any lifestyle.

The thick soles of platform footwear are often made of cork, plastic, rubber, or wood. The entire sole of the platform shoe can be completely elevated or just the toes and heels can have a platform base. There are a variety of different heel types including wedge heels, stiletto heels, and chunky heels. While platform soles are often combined with wedge heels, they aren't always. When the two features are combined, they make what is called a "platform wedge. A slightly raised platform covering the whole sole is popular in casual loafers and sandals.

Concealed platform shoes, also called hidden platforms, have thick soles that are hidden by the upper of the shoes. Their popularity has migrated over to men’s shoes, including platform sneakers. Almost all major shoemakers are offering hidden platforms.

The platform shoe has a history dating back centuries and has been used by members of both sexes. The ancient Egyptians, Chinese, Turkish and Japanese cultures used heeled shoes for both men and women. In many, the platform style shoe was strictly the domain of the upper classes, such as the reigning classes and their courts. In Europe, wearing heeled platforms is recorded as far back as the male actors of the Greek stage over 2000 years ago.

In the 14th century women wore them to protect their long flowing dresses from getting soiled. During the Renaissance era the ability to afford the shoes, once reserved for the wealthiest, entered the bourgeois classes. The fashion suffered a set back with the French Revolution when the shoes were negatively associated the opulence of Louis XVI and his court. Native Americans have left traces of the shoes in North America.

In the 20th century platform boots and shoes reentered the fashion world, led by the Italian shoe designers. The 1970’s and specifically disco and glam rock allowed platforms to explode as hip and stylish for men and women. Many of the shoe styles then were recycled 1940s and early 1950s styles. In the early 1990’s the shoes came back for good.

Platform shoe walking can be sexy and trendy but one important rule to remember is to practice wearing platforms at home before you take them outside.

Platform Shoes: History & Mystery of High Heels

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