Platform shoes are shoes, boots, or sandals with a thick sole that is usually 3–10 cm thick. Platform shoes can also be high heels, which have a heel that is much higher than the ball of the foot. The soles and heels of fetish footwear, such as ballet boots, can be up to 20 cm high and the heels up to 40 cm or more. A platform shoe’s sole can be a single continuous thickness, a wedge, a separate block, or a stiletto heel. A sprained ankle is more likely when the ankle is raised. Platforms have gone in and out of style over the years, but the present forecast says they’re back in style. They are a more relaxed alternative to high heels that force your foot into an awkward position. They give you height without the teetering.
History of Platform
When people seem to think of platform shoes, they might think of those worn by rockers and disco freaks in the 1960s and 1970s. So, it is better to know the history of platform shoes. Kiss, David Bowie, Cher, and others are among the famous platform wearers. However, the history of the shoe goes back much further. Many people believe they originated in Ancient Greek theater when the main characters would appear in elevated shoes to demonstrate their status in the play. However, thick-soled shoes have been in and out of fashion throughout history, and any of these styles could be said to have influenced modern fashion. Geishas wore thick-soled shoes called maikos to give them extra height in the 14th and 17th centuries, and Lebanese women wore bulky-heeled Kabkabs in the 14th and 17th centuries. Moshe Kimel, who designed platforms for Marlene Dietrich in the 1930s, was the first to design them. They became popular among the Beverly Hills elite, but not commercially until 20-30 years later. In addition, people love to bring back the 90s with platform shoes.
Types of Platforms
Platform shoes are divided into two categories. The following are some of them:
1. Wedge
The shoe will have a wedge heel to add height, but it will be mainly flat throughout. Flatforms are wedge shoes with a flat wedge. Some wedges raise the foot slightly, making the heel higher.
2. High-Low Platforms
A wedge under the front of the foot and a completely separate heel in the back distinguish these platforms. Heels could be chunky or stiletto.
Shoes That Are Bad For Your Feet
1. Platform Wedge
The most common type of injury they cause is a ballet break. A stress fracture occurs when you fall off a wedge onto the side of your foot. Because the large platform has no flexibility, your foot is trapped into falling in the direction dictated by the platform heel.
2. Pencil Heel
Because the heel is so thin, people with spiked or pencil heels have trouble keeping their balance. A narrow heel also puts strain on the Achilles tendon, which can cause problems not only in the foot but also in the back and knee.
3. Heels higher than 3 Inches
People lose their footing and invert their ankles as a result of the higher heel, resulting in fractures or torn ligaments.
4. High Heels and Pumps
As heels become higher and higher, more women are experiencing chronic pain. Heels have the disadvantage of forcing the foot into an unnatural position, putting stress on the bones in the feet. Pumps have also been known to cause a knot behind the heel. This knot can be painful, and the more you wear heels, the more uncomfortable it becomes. The rigid material in heels presses against a bone deformity, increasing your likelihood of developing blisters, swelling, and bursitis. Although pain relief is possible, the bone protrusion is a long-term side effect
5. Ballet Flats
Ballet flats are one of the worst shoes for your feet because they lack arch support. Wearing these shoes can cause a variety of knee, hip, and back problems. Plantar fasciitis can develop as a result of poor arch support. Ballet flats do not do a good job of supporting your body weight and don’t provide enough cushioning for aching heels. When wearing ballet flats for an extended period of time without proper support, you are more likely to experience pain and discomfort.
6. Platform Shoes
Platform shoes disrupt the biomechanics of walking because of their shape, making every step a risk to your feet. Your foot tries to bend in a certain way as you walk, but the rigidity of the shoe prevents them from doing so. There is significant damage, particularly if the heel platform is higher than the toe arena. As you walk, these shoes put far too much tension on your metatarsal bones. Although a flattened platform may reduce foot strain, it is still not recommended.
7. Pointed Shoes
Although stuffing your toes into these shoes may appear fashionable, your feet are unlikely to appreciate the tight fit. Bunions, blisters, nerve pain, and hammertoes can develop as a result of frequent and extended wear. Bunions are caused by the displacement of tissue or bone at the base joint. Pointy shoes are notorious for causing this shift, and women who wear them frequently are more likely to develop bunions as a result.
8. Minimal Footwear
This is a relatively new type of shoe that claims to mimic the natural dynamics of barefoot walking. However, the majority of these shoes do not provide adequate heel or arch support. Because of the uneven distribution of pressure in the feet, a lack of care can cause problems and pain. Many of these brands separate the toes, which can cause the feet to lose their natural walking position.
9. Stilettos
Although all high heels can cause problems, stilettos’ ultra-narrow heels are especially dangerous because the weight is concentrated in a small area. You may feel as if you’re walking on stilts as a result of this. It is more likely that you will trip and sprain your ankle.
10. Flipflops
Your feet will get very little protection, so cuts, splinters, and other foot injuries are a risk. Plus, many flip-flops provide no arch support. Like ballet flats, they can worsen plantar fasciitis and cause problems with the knees, hips, or back.