Platform boots are boots that are characterized by their raised, thick outsoles that are generally there to provide both height and stylistic properties to the shoe. Platform boots and platform shoes typically are worn by people who show an interest in gothic apparel, 1970s fashion or other popular styles in which platform shoes are popular and trendy. Although these boots usually are worn for fashion purposes, certain people might choose to wear the boots for the sole purpose of adding height.
High boots and platform shoes come in a wide variety of styles, colors and heights. Seventies platform boots tend to be more colorful and tall in height, and gothic-inspired platform shoes normally are black in color and often feature laces or buckles that go all the way to the top of the boot. All platform shoes are recognized by their distinctive thick outsoles that make them different from other high boots or high-heeled shoes.
Both women and men can be seen wearing platform boots and shoes, and the shoes were extremely popular with both genders during the 1970s and during the era in which disco was popular. The popularity of high boots and stacked heels declined considerably in the late 20th century, but the platform shoe was still seen in the fashion world in the early 21st century, especially when worn by popular gothic bands and style icons.
Most platform boots can be worn with a variety of clothing items, and how someone chooses to wear the boots completely depends on his or her own style preferences. During the 1970s, it was popular for wearers to pair the boots with bell-bottom pants or mini-skirts. To achieve a more gothic look, modern wearers often sport the boots with fishnet tights, baggy black pants or other dark-colored clothing items. The boots often can be found in a wide variety of colors and styles, making the wearer even more unique in how he or she chooses to sport the look.
Most people who decide to wear platform shoes do so for style and fashion purposes or to achieve a certain look. There are some people who might wear the shoes for other reasons, however. For instance, a workman or laborer who needs the extra height at work might wear platform shoes solely for this purpose. Platform shoes are sometimes referred to as elevator shoes, because they add a desired amount of height to the wearer and feature thickened insoles that make the person wearing the shoe appear taller.