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 in 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.

Rivka leopard platform sandal by Loeffler Randall. Knotted, heeled sandal in leopard velvet has a covered leather platform, open toe, adjustable buckle ankle strap and 5-inch heel. Photo courtesy of loefflerrandall.com

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

Platforms as we know them today first gained popularity in the Western world thanks to designer Salvatore Ferragamo in the 1930s.

The shoe reached its height in the ’60s and ’70s as both female and male wearers boogied down at the disco.

“Platform heels were prominent during the ’60s and ’70s, and the good stuff always comes back around,” said Sarah Villella, manager and buyer of Narcissus Tallahassee. “Shoes that give you elevation create an instant boost of confidence, and platforms usually have added benefits of comfort and stability, all while being eye-catchingly cute.”

Elizabeth Kienzle, owner of Monkee’s of Tallahassee, agreed, saying that most customers tend to gravitate toward platforms because they present stability and can be worn for extended periods of time.

Kienzle also believes that the overall resurgence of trends has contributed to more platforms on shelves.

“With the popularity of maxi skirts and dresses still going strong, I believe the platform is making a comeback because it pairs so well with those styles,” she said.

For those on the petite side, platforms often eliminate the need to hem or alter longer dresses or pants.

Outside of maxi styles, Villella suggests styling platforms with a straight leg or flared denim, a tank and an oversized blazer or dressed up with a cocktail dress.

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

The Chuck 70 AT-CX cotton twill Chuck Taylor sneaker from Converse gives wearers ups like never before. Photos courtesy of Converse.com

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

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

Kienzle suggests Marc Fisher and Schutz brands for a traditional platform. At Narcissus, Villella said that customers love Loeffler Randall, Tory Burch, Dolce Vita and Jeffrey Campbell.

Whether you’re seeking a small boost or want to stand out amongst 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.