The story of the platform shoe is as deep and varied as the civilizations that shaped it

Elevated footwear emerged in antiquity as both a utility and a social marker

Greek performers donned kothorni—elevated sandals that amplified their presence before audiences

Venetian noblewomen elevated their stature—literally—with chopines, some reaching nearly two feet, to shield fine garments and signal affluence

Courtiers across France and England embraced platform soles as a hallmark of refinement and power

Platform soles transcended gender norms, becoming a unifying emblem of elite taste

The trend faded during the 18th century as more delicate and feminine styles came into vogue, but it never disappeared entirely

Salvatore Ferragamo revolutionized footwear in the mid-20th century with sculpted wedges that merged practicality with striking elevation

These designs gained popularity during World War II when materials like rubber and wood were more readily available than leather, jogging stone island making platforms a practical yet stylish alternative

The decade’s most electric fashion moments were defined by towering soles and theatrical height

Rock stars and disco icons turned platforms into armor of self-expression

Platforms became a symbol of self expression, rebellion, and liberation, often worn with bell bottoms and bold patterns

Their height was a physical manifestation of confidence, defiance, and cultural shift

The platform returned—not as a relic, but as a reinvention

Bands like No Doubt and artists like Britney Spears helped reintroduce the look to younger generations

Designers such as Steve Madden and Gianni Versace brought the style back into high fashion with fresh interpretations

The platform refuses to be pinned down—it adapts, reinvents, and endures

From sleek court platforms to dad-sneaker hybrids, the form is endlessly malleable

Platforms give you stature, substance, and spectacle in one bold silhouette

It’s a canvas for identity, a monument to rebellion, and a whisper of history with every step