STOMP AND SHOUT!
BY SABINE OBERMOLLER ILLUSTRATIONS BY HADLEY FAIN
Platform shoes have been around for centuries. They have evolved from being used by actors in ancient Greece to be taller on stage to the present-day “stompers.” They have gone through various transformations when it comes to both fashion and functionality. In the 1970s, platforms were a statement piece for music legends such as David Bowie and Elton John, who implemented them as part of their avant-garde styles. These stars are just two examples of celebrities who helped with more widespread adoption of the shoe.
Platforms were a staple of the disco era, adding style and flair to outfits that made them more eye-catching on the dance floor. While vintage platform boots and shoes dating back to the ‘70s are still sought out by many, the platform shoe has also evolved into a modern-day style and continues to be a relevant fashion statement.
Chunky footwear can be more than an extension of an outfit. It can elevate your look and even be the main focal point of the outfit, as well as a safer, more comfortable way to add some height. A platform heel, for instance, can offer a more comfortable option of wearing heels for formal events due to commonly having a lower arch than other heels, while a chunky sneaker can provide more stability and boldness to an everyday look. It’s 2024, there is no need to wear painful shoes to be in style. It’s the year of dressing to feel happy and in control, and that’s exactly what fun, colorful platform shoes can do.
Brands such as Converse, Nike, and Dolls Kill, among many others, have come out with chunky platform sneakers and shoes. Even brands like Ugg and Crocs have implemented platforms into their traditional styles to stay on trend and cater to the Gen Z audience. The fashion industry has fully embraced platform shoes and has given people the option to choose from both bold options and more classic models.
Whether embracing the ‘70s disco style or adding some more personality to everyday sneakers, platforms have had a big appeal through the ages. They have continued to combine comfort and style and are a fashion statement that will hopefully be around for years to come, allowing people to embrace both nostalgia and self-expression without sacrificing comfort.
