I know what you’re probably thinking: “Why on earth would I want to wear those shoes?” But maybe your question should be, “Why not?” It might seem a little outdated to have your feet in such groovy shoes, but you’ll feel powerful and tall once you get them in. The high heels you wear nowadays are probably descendants of these 1970s platform heels, so you would just be honoring its origins.
These iconic platforms are not limited to the ‘70s– in fact, they’ve been worn throughout history. In Ancient Greece, they were used by actors during plays to elevate themselves on stage. Later on, they were given a more practical use in the Middle Ages during rainy days: they kept feet from getting wet. The first fashionable and modern pair of platform shoes appeared in the early 1930s, famously worn by Marlene Dietrich. They became popular among the elite but didn’t achieve popularity until four decades later.
Platform sandals showed up in 1938 by the name of “The Rainbow.” Salvatore Ferragamo created these shoes out of necessity rather than style since Rationing during World War II led Ferragamo to craft shoes with wood and cork for the sole. The platform disappeared for a while in the 50s but made a comeback by the end of the 60s. In this experimental era, platforms became a phenomenal sensation! They were featured in magazines, and influential and famous musicians wore them too, like The Beatles and even KISS. It was a shoe for everyone at any time.
The platform’s popularity decreased as time went on. They have shown up once in a while, even today, but it has never returned to the greatness that it had back in the 70s. Even so, we still wear a variety of shoes that have platforms and we owe it to this great era of fashion.
Platform shoes are incredibly versatile. You can wear them with dresses, pants, skirts, and more. they’re perfect for any and all types of outfits! Picture some platform Dr. Martens with a flowery flow dress. It’s a daydream.
Fashion comes and goes. It won’t be long until these platform shoes are back in style and start appearing everywhere again. The next time you wonder about wearing these shoes, it probably won’t take much thought. You’ll be rocking them in no time.