Wearing platform shoes

[softgrey]

OK-

platform shoes have been on (and off) the runways for several seasons now..

I expected it to be a short-lived trend because of how impractical platforms are and how difficult they are to walk in for any extended period of time...

but here we are at the F/W 2008 shows and it's still all about platforms!!!
...

I thought it was about time that we discussed this phenomenon on a practical level...

-do you wear platforms?
-do you wear them only at work and wear another shoe to get to and from?
-do you wear them only for parties?
-do you wear them only when you know you will be sitting the whole day/evening?
-are there some platforms that are easier to handle than others?
ie-booties vs. strappy sandals
-are wood platforms as comfortable as others?
-are wedges easier to maneuver in?
-is a thin heel (ie- louboutin) still stable?
-what is a good size platform (ie-how high is too high?)
-how much longer can this trend last?
-are very expensive platform shoes a good investment or are they too passe?

and the BIG QUESTION...
How do you keep from breaking your ankle?...



also...what kinds of clothes do you think work best with platforms...
AND any other comments or thoughts you'd like to add to the discussion

 

[papa_levante]

When I read about platform shoes anywhere, I always think of the Spice Girls.

I don't own any. I own some Oxfords and that's about it, but I only wear heels/platforms of any kind with skinny jeans to make my legs look longer.

 

[luckyme]

OK-

platform shoes have been on (and off) the runways for several seasons now..

I expected it to be a short-lived trend because of how impractical platforms are and how difficult they are to walk in for any extended period of time...

but here we are at the F/W 2008 shows and it's still all about platforms!!!
...

I thought it was about time that we discussed this phenomenon on a practical level...

-do you wear platforms?
-do you wear them only at work and wear another shoe to get to and from?
-do you wear them only for parties?
-do you wear them only when you know you will be sitting the whole day/evening?
-are there some platforms that are easier to handle than others?
ie-booties vs. strappy sandals
-are wood platforms as comfortable as others?
-are wedges easier to maneuver in?
-is a thin heel (ie- louboutin) still stable?
-what is a good size platform (ie-how high is too high?)
-how much longer can this trend last?
-are very expensive platform shoes a good investment or are they too passe?

and the BIG QUESTION...
How do you keep from breaking your ankle?...



also...what kinds of clothes do you think work best with platforms...
AND any other comments or thoughts you'd like to add to the discussion

Platforms, my Dream shoes

I wear them almost every day, prefer wood over covered because they don't show wear as much and tend to be more rustic and earthy, which is more my style. I also prefer the platform to be high enough to equal out the slant of the foot so I get the height but not the angle of extreme discomfort you get from traditional heels. wedges are more day shoes to me and thick heels can go both day or evening. the perfect wedge is the Chloe ones from spring 06, I think...and Marni has some fantastic platforms that are comfortable and seriously stylish. so the big deal for me is to get the extra height, make my legs longs but still be easy to walk in...the platform needs to level out the heel and I'm good to go for a long walk.

the day platforms came back into style was one of the best fashion moments of my life. long live the glorious PLATFORM

 

[softgrey]

does this mean that no one else here wears platforms???

..


it's funny...
because although i see TONS of platforms for sale everywhere i look..
i hardly ever see anyone wearing them...

 

[Meg]

softie - maybe there would be more notes on how to wear them in the How To Wear High Heeled Shoes Thread.

Personally I view platforms as slightly more comfortable than heels, for the slope issues that lucky me noted. Of course, there can still be the equivalent of a 4 inch difference still but it's just how I view it. Unless I am being driven somewhere, I always wear flats and change into heels/platforms. Falling on my face on slippery cobblestones doesn't fit into my vision of 'chic'. I usually wear flats that can be folded up and put into my bag. It depends how far you are going, being driven, etc. but with all the stairs and cobblestones of London or extensive walking I just can't do multiple blocks in heels or platforms.

 

[PrincessImp.]

I live in Southern CA, which is Car City, so I do wear platforms and wedges to work.
I feel that wedges are easier to maneuver in than platforms and for this reason I prefer not to buy any platforms with thin heels , except maybe for Louboutins just because I like how it makes my legs look
I am at my desk most of the time anyways except when I have meetings, so it's just a matter of coordinating when I wear platforms to work. Most of the time though, I tend to do wedges for day and platforms for when I know I am going out at night or for dinner dates.
Platform booties are definitely a better choice than strappy platforms - come to think of it I don't owe any of the latter, just platform heels or booties.
I don't particularly go for expensive shoes, my collection is a mix from several price ranges and some of my platforms from Zara are easier to wear than the designer ones.
I sure hope this trend lasts longer, I have too many pairs of wedges and booties now and need to make full use of them!

 

[justlooking]

I love platforms. They give me the extra height i like and as Meg said, they're comfortable. The extra cushioning is a huge plus for me. My feet die otherwise.
I'm not really into the platforms that are a different colour to the shoe (like the recent Jimmy Choos with pink platform) but like lucky, i love the wooden (like the older chloe ) effect. Currently i'm in love with the Lanvin platform peep toe. I figure, these will last forever because they don't scream platform.

but ehem, being a student, most of the time i'm in flats haha

 

[raj]

and the BIG QUESTION...
How do you keep from breaking your ankle?...

I'd like to know this as well....I keep buying 'em but I'm afraid to wear them

My lovelies will have to wait until I know how to manuever in them

 

[picnmix]

I wear them because it means I can wear a higher heel, without being completely on my tippy toes. I tend to opt for a chunkier version though, for stability (!) and also because I like the aesthetics of a chunky shoe contrasted with dainty clothing.

I grate the bottom of my shoes to give them some grip to prevent ankle breakages. Also, I don't think about walking too much, because I find when I think about trying to walk in 4+ inch heels is when I trip up.

 

[monoshade]

I really love platforms and need to make my first post finally...
i like wearing platform sandals with tall socks or tights....wedge platforms work well with sandals. I wear a lot of layers with short skirts or narrow pants so i feel like a platform balances me out. I actually prefer heels to have about .5 inch platform in the front and up to 3-4 inches in the heel. I walk/take public transport so walkability is a priority but i do have a high tolerance for a cute shoe. Platforms make heels much easier to wear and walk a lot. most of my shoes are chunkier, but not "too" chunky...i try to avoid looking too young! I work in a slightly corporate environment and look young for my age so this is my main concern with wearing platforms...do they look too young?

anyway...i need to start documenting what i actually wear so will post some photos soon! I want to hear/see other ideas also!

 

[Lite_Brite]

I mostly like wearing platforms in the warmer months, and I'm very eager for spring so I've started to wear them already. I tend to love extremely high heels and platforms are another means to that end. I think they're actually more practical than heels, but some podiatrists say they're bad for you. personally I don't expect any of my more extreme shoes to be ideal in that sense anyway! I have a pair of blue suede Kork Ease that are so comfortable, I could walk everywhere in them.

I would recommend paying for quality, well-balanced platforms, especially when it comes to shoes with a narrow base. it's too easy to break one's ankle otherwise.

 

[fashionista-ta]

I do wear platforms, but I've noticed that some are much better designed than others. I actually wish I had more platforms for the reason luckyme noted--the right ones are actually easier to wear than other heels--you get all the "power" factor and less of the pain Unfortunately lately the shoes that have appealed to me most didn't have platforms.

I remember several seasons ago trying on a pair of Kate Spade wicker platforms & commenting to the SA that they made me feel like I was on another planet--that's what the bad ones feel like, and I do think that poorly-designed platforms are quite dangerous.

I too was expecting this to fade, but I think women just love them too much ... and I guess designers do too

 

[Inaya]

I'll just answer in the quote as it's easier

-do you wear platforms? Yes.
-do you wear them only at work and wear another shoe to get to and from? No, not always. However, I do always carry someflimsy flats in my bag just in case.
-do you wear them only for parties? For me, it depends on what kind of party. If there is a night of standing ahead, then I wouldn't wear them. Oddly enough, for me, standing stagnantly in them is almost more uncomfortable than walking and dancing in them... I have no clue why, though.
-do you wear them only when you know you will be sitting the whole day/evening? No... once you've broken them in, most types are ok to walk around in. Not talking miles obviously I have a 10 block limit for them, because they can get very grating after a certain distance, depending on the cut of them and what type of heel it is.
-are there some platforms that are easier to handle than others?
ie-booties vs. strappy sandals Yes, definitely. I find chunky/wedge heeled platforms to be leagues more comfortable than a skinny, tall heel.
-are wood platforms as comfortable as others? No, not at all in my experience. That doesn't stop me from wearing them if I like the shoe enough, but a wood platform, I will treat more delicately than others (like only wear out when there isn't going to be mass amounts of walking involved).
-are wedges easier to maneuver in? Yes, in my opinion... they're the most comfortable type of platform.
-is a thin heel (ie- louboutin) still stable? Not as stable as a chunk or wedge for me... they can make you a bit wobbly because of the tiny size of the heel, which is where you draw most of the support from when it comes to standing/walking in platforms.
-what is a good size platform (ie-how high is too high?) 4-5" imo... I have tried on some 7"ers and I didn't feel I had as much control in them. I'd be too scared of tripping in them because of the dynamics.
-how much longer can this trend last? I am not sure... as you say, I see them more in shops than on the street. I have old platforms from the mid 90's, I think that was the last point when I purchased them. I also have a few of my mothers' old wooden platforms from the 70's... so maybe it'll always be a reoccuring trend.
-are very expensive platform shoes a good investment or are they too passe? I think yes, for the reasons stated in my last answer... and as long as they're not some super trendy style or color, that they can be a good staple.

and the BIG QUESTION...
How do you keep from breaking your ankle?...

I guess you just have to learn how to work with them. When I wear platforms, the timing is a bit different in certain things, like when I step up to a curb when crossing the street, I make sure the platform and heel are both on the curb before I step up with my other leg. I guess to sum it up, you just have to be mindful of what shoe you're wearing.

also...what kinds of clothes do you think work best with platforms...
AND any other comments or thoughts you'd like to add to the discussion

Honestly, lots of things. Platforms come in such a variety of styles and so they can fit many different looks. I like to wear cropped, rolled up pants with them, for instance. A lot of people pair them with short skirts, a la Carine Roitfeld. They can fit a lot of looks imo if it's all styled the right way... they can look equally as hideous or trashy if done wrong, though.

ETA - I totally agree about them being easier to wear than just plain, high heeled shoes. Which brings me to another point to mention... that the less difference in percentage between the heel and the platform, the better in terms of minimizing pain for long term wearing of the shoe. For instance, if you have a 5" heel, it's better to have a 2-3" platform, rather than say a 1", because it makes it much more level and strains the foot much less.

 

[snowqueen]

I never wear heals, i will wear them only say like once every few months, i dont dress up.. even out clubbing or whatever i dont wear heals .. but anyways on the very rare ocassion i do wear them its always platforms .. i dunno i i just find them easier to walk in.I will only wear them if i have to properly dress up ..

being only 5"1 i love the extra height,and as i have fat legs they slim them right down ..always a bonus.

chunky platforms are defantly confier, wooden ones are just as comfy,

thin healed and thick ones still as stable, you have padding under your actually foot so its all good

not massively high they remind me of stripper shoes haha but pritty high is good

I kinda dont walk veyr well in heals tbh haha i walk like a man, clinging to friends and very very slowly

Ialways wear dresses with them, never pants.. i think they look girly with baby doll ormini dresses

 

[jazspin]

I find that platforms are so much easier to wear than regular high heels! There is more cushioning and balance. Also, I'm only 5'2 so every little bit of height helps. Like Luckyme, I wear platforms almost every day.

If you are just getting started, boots or booties or something more closed will be probably be easier to walk in - more ankle support!

 

[Melisande]

I wear them because it means I can wear a higher heel, without being completely on my tippy toes. I tend to opt for a chunkier version though, for stability (!) and also because I like the aesthetics of a chunky shoe contrasted with dainty clothing.
.

I've always loved and worn platforms since the nineties, especially wedges, for these reasons. I like chunky wooden heeled platform wedges or black suede platform wedge sandals and wear them with long chiffon-y skirts, shorter dresses, or wide-leg jeans. I find most heels quite painful, but good platforms can be very comfy even when walking around. I make sure I have my cobbler attach a rubber layer to the soles, and am especially careful when descending stairs.

I would say they are a classic shoe style for those who want something different. I cannot remember a time when they didn't look stylish.

 

[blackpeace]

I love platform heels! But can only wear them when going out.

Otherwise, it's flats/boots/sandals for school.

 

[fashionista-ta]

Just thought I'd mention that if I wear heels or platforms one day, I try to wear flats the next. Not always possible, but I think it's good to give your little feet a chance to rest

 

[Jane Loves Marc]

I think most of my shoes are platforms...and in answer to one of the above questions, THERE IS NEVER TOO MUCH PLATFORM, see Marni last season! The buckle shoe is a masterpiece!
I wear mine almost everyday (badbadbad I know, I just love shoes too much) and I guess they feel perfectly comfortable to me, I rarely have problems. MUCH easier than walking in non-platform heels. Booties are the easiest, because your whole foot is stapped in tight and it's hard to fall out. I have these criss cross strap Marnis with a big lucite platform, and they're about 6 1/2 inches tall, but because my foot is strapped so firmly into them I can walk in them for hours.
Def. a good investment, particularly a good pair of Giusseppe Zannotis or a funky pair of Marnis.

 

[softgrey]

gonna do my best to wear my platform chloes this spring summer...
though i really don't see many people wearing them around town...

i think people just wear them in the office..
which is not exactly a challenge since you basically just sit around all day at work...