Platforms, whether in shoe, boot, or sandal form have been worn since ancient times. Usually characterized by a height of at least four inches, platforms have been in and out of style over the years for both the purposes of adding height and for simply making a fashion statement. Made from cork, plastic, rubber, or wood, the platform lifts the boot, shoe, or sandal to create more height for the wearer by elongating the leg. Platform sandals are a funky way to make a bold splash with footwear, while also allowing the wearer to add extreme height without the risks and discomfort of traditional high-heeled sandals.
This guide will help women learn how to find and purchase the best platform sandals for them by discussing the history of platforms, by taking a look at the various types of platform sandals that are available, and by presenting a number of options for where to buy platform sandals.
A Brief History of Platforms
Platform shoes add several inches to the height of the person who is wearing them. In Ancient Greece, actors who wore platforms did so to signify the importance of their character over the rest of the cast. High-born courtesans wore them in Venice in the 1600s, and in the 1800s, European women sported platform shoes to raise them above the filth of the streets. Platforms were also worn in several Asian countries by men as well as women, both in the performing arts and everyday life.
From the 1930s to the 1950s, platforms were popular in the United States as well as in Europe, but their real popularity came about between the 1960s and the 1980s. During this time, platforms were primarily a fashion statement, although wearing platforms was an added comfort that was not afforded to the wearer of spike heels. Disco enthusiasts wore platforms, as did glam rockers. The most widely-worn platform shoe, was a sandal known as the Kork - ease, which is still available today. The basic design, imitated by many, was a quarter-strap sandal made from water buffalo hide straps, with a beige suede-wrapped cork wedge-platform sole. Since the fashion industry seeks to constantly reinvent staples as well as push the envelope, several newer, higher, more outrageous styles were introduced. In the 1990s, the Spice Girls wore crazy platforms in their stage act, and this brought about a resurgence of the platform shoe. They continue to be popular, especially with young women.
How to Wear Platform Sandals
Since platform shoes are raised quite a bit from the ground, the wearer should be cautious while wearing them. They are a fashionable addition to any outfit, but no one will remember the outfit if the wearer ends up tripping and falling. Anyone attempting to wear platform sandals for the first time should first practice around the home before going out into the world of varying surfaces, inclines, and other obstacles. A person who is wearing platform sandals should take small, cautious steps and should keep their legs close together while walking. A platform sandal wearer should walk heel-to-toe and should practice good posture so as to take advantage of the height of platforms. While platform sandals are not as precarious as spike heels, wearers still should not expect to run, jump, or play sports while wearing them.
Wearing platform sandals, which can be a nod to 70s fashion, does not require the rest of the outfit to be from that era. Wearing a head-to-toe 70s-style can translate as a costume rather than as an outfit. There are several different types of platform shoes, and the wearer should be sure to match their shoes to their outfit by style rather than by era.
Types of Platform Sandals
There are several various types of platform sandals that range from everyday casual wear to glamorous night out-type shoes. With a variety of heel shapes and available embellishments, anyone seeking to purchase platform sandals can usually find any shoe design imaginable for sale. Choosing the right pair for the right occasion and for the right outfit is essential for making an outfit work. Those seeking to purchase platform sandals should consider what kind of outfit will be paired with the sandals, where the sandals will be worn, the time of day they will be worn, and any special occasion the wearer might attend wearing them. Three of the most popular styles of platform sandals include cork platform sandals, wood platform sandals, and patent leather platform sandals.
Cork Platform Sandals
The most well-recognized sandal of the 1970s, the Kork-ease, is still available today and can be considered the first iteration of what is now the staple platform sandal. Because of the nature of the material, cork platform sandals are lightweight, making them a very comfortable version of the platform sandal to wear. Since the platform requires a great deal of whatever material is used to make the platform section, lightweight material makes a big difference. Cork platform sandals can have leather uppers, which means that the top materials that attach to the foot are made from leather, or they may also be made from other, more vegan-friendly materials such as canvas or cotton.
Wood Platform Sandals
While heavier than their cork counterparts, wood platform sandals are a fashionable choice as well. These often come with part-rubber soles as well to add traction and comfort for the wearer. Wooden platform shoes can come with a variety of uppers, although due to their weight, leather is most common.
Another creative variation on the wooden platform sandal is a carved platform sandal. Not only is the intricate carving a stunning fashion statement, but it also cuts down considerably on the weight of the shoe.
Patent Leather Platform Sandals
To dress up an outfit for more evening occasions, patent leather platform sandals are a fancy choice. The shine of patent leather makes for a brighter, showier shoe for evening wear. Patent leather platform sandals are available with a variety of soles, with the patent leather sole and patent leather upper being the fanciest combination. They are also fun to pair with jeans for an added pop if the wearer is attending a more dressed down, but fun event such as a rock concert or a casual, more edgy cocktail party.
How to Buy Platform Sandals
To purchase platform sandals, buyers can visit a number of box stores, department stores, and other brick and mortar specialty stores. Selection may depend on the current season as well as on the current fashion trends, although platforms have enjoyed a long-standing popularity, especially among more youth-targeting retailers. Other stores that carry platform shoes include wholesalers as well as the boutiques of individual designers. For those who are shopping online, a wide variety of the above-mentioned stores also carry platform sandals on their websites. Another excellent resource for finding and purchasing platform sandals is online auction sites such as eBay, where people may bid on or purchase them at a fixed price.
How to Buy Platform Sandals on eBay
Platform sandals can be found and purchased on eBay with ease. First, select Fashion from the category menu. Once you have been directed to the Fashion options, select Shoes and then Sandals & Flip Flops. At this point, you can select Platforms & Wedges to further narrow your search. You may choose to also type "platforms" into the general search bar at this point since the search parameters include wedges.
Now that you have limited your search to the type of sandal you are looking for, you can choose to restrict your search based on other factors such as size, heel height, the condition of the sandals, the price, the brand name, the color, the material, the pattern, and even the width. Keep in mind, the more specifics you choose, the fewer the search results will be. At any time during your search, you can add information using the search bar as well. In addition, you can undo any search restrictions if you would like to show more results.
Once you have found a smaller number of possible matches for your search, make sure to read and familiarize yourself with all of the details of each listing. Click on the name of each seller to be taken to their feedback profile, where you can learn about their past transactions by reading the comments of previous buyers, as well as their seller rating. You should read through the entire listing, paying close attention to the item’s description as well as to the expectations for the transaction. This will include payment and shipping options. Examine any photos carefully for more accurate depictions that include color and material. If you have any questions or concerns, you should feel comfortable contacting the seller before placing a bid or making a purchase. Taking your time and being selective will make for a more positive and successful transaction on eBay, whether you are purchasing platform sandals or any other item.
Conclusion
Fashion trends are cyclical. While the different specifics may change and evolve, the basic structures of garments and footwear remain relatively unchanged. People are still wearing items that were made popular in ancient times by the likes of Socrates and Cleopatra. Platform sandals are no exception. Women wore them in ancient Greece, they have continued to reappear ever since, on the courtesans of the 1600s, to the disco dancers of the 1970s, and presently they are worn by women of all ages and walks of life. Whether buyers are looking for a basic cork platform sandal or an outrageous plastic statement sandal, women should feel confident and capable in finding the right platform sandal to meet their fashion and functional needs after learning about the various available types from this guide.
