Platform Shoes

1970s platform shoes are elevated footwear featuring thick soles and high heels that became iconic symbols of disco culture and the decade's bold fashion aesthetic, representing liberation from conservative styling and embrace of dramatic, statement footwear.

Quick Facts

• Era: 1970s (peak popularity 1973-1978)
• Origin: United States/Europe (disco and glam rock culture)
• Garment Type: High-heeled shoes with thick platform soles
• Key Identifiers: Thick platform soles, extreme heel heights, bold colors or metallic finishes
• Typical Resale Price: $60-$300 (authentic vintage pairs)
• Best For: Disco enthusiasts, 1970s fashion collectors, and statement footwear styling

History & Evolution

Platform shoes exploded in popularity during the early 1970s as part of the decade's rejection of conservative 1960s minimalism in favor of bold, expressive fashion statements. The style gained momentum through glam rock musicians like David Bowie and disco culture, where dramatic height and eye-catching designs complemented the era's flamboyant aesthetic and dance-focused nightlife.

The shoes became symbols of sexual liberation and personal expression during the women's liberation movement, allowing wearers to literally and figuratively stand taller while making bold fashion statements. Disco dance floors and nightclubs became showcases for increasingly elaborate platform designs featuring metallic finishes, bold colors, and extreme heights that complemented the decade's glamorous nightlife culture.

By the mid-1970s, platforms had evolved from subcultural statements to mainstream fashion, available in various styles from casual clogs to elegant evening shoes. The trend reached such extremes that safety concerns and changing fashion tastes led to their decline by the late 1970s. Today, authentic vintage platform shoes are prized by collectors for their superior construction, bold designs, and representation of 1970s fashion fearlessness.

Authentication Tips

Authentic 1970s Features:

• Solid wood or cork platform construction with substantial weight
• Quality leather or suede uppers with period-appropriate finishes
• Ankle straps or secure closure systems for stability
• Hand-finished details and quality hardware typical of 1970s manufacturing
• Designer labels from brands like Candies, Charles Jourdan, or Famolare

Common Reproductions/Modern Pieces:

• Lightweight foam or plastic platform construction instead of wood/cork
• Modern synthetic materials that lack vintage leather quality
• Contemporary safety features or comfort padding not found in vintage shoes
• Machine finishing that lacks hand-crafted details of vintage construction
• Modern sizing that differs from vintage shoe measurements

Styling & Use Cases

• Best for disco enthusiasts: Pair with wide-leg pants, metallic tops, and bold jewelry for authentic 1970s dance floor glamour
• Ideal for statement styling: Style with maxi dresses or flared jeans to complement the dramatic height and 1970s proportions
• Perfect for vintage collectors: Combine with period-appropriate accessories to showcase the shoes' cultural significance and craftsmanship

Modern styling tips:

• Wear with contemporary cropped pants to show off the dramatic platform design
• Pair with modern midi dresses for updated retro-inspired formal looks
• Style with fitted jeans and vintage band tees for casual 1970s rock-inspired outfits

FAQ

Q: How can I tell if platform shoes are authentic 1970s vintage?

A: Look for solid wood or cork platform construction, quality leather uppers, period-appropriate hardware and finishes, and substantial weight. Authentic pieces show hand-finished details and construction methods typical of 1970s luxury footwear.

Q: What's the typical price range for vintage 1970s platform shoes?

A: Authentic vintage platform shoes range from $60-$300 depending on designer, condition, and rarity. Designer pieces or exceptional examples in pristine condition command premium prices among vintage fashion collectors.

Q: How should I care for vintage 1970s platform shoes?

A: Condition leather regularly to prevent cracking, store with shoe trees to maintain shape, and avoid excessive moisture. Professional cobbler services may be needed to maintain or repair vintage platform construction.

Q: What makes 1970s platform shoes valuable to collectors?

A: Their representation of 1970s fashion boldness and disco culture, superior construction quality compared to modern platforms, association with women's liberation and self-expression, and embodiment of the decade's fearless approach to fashion and personal style.

📷: Unique Vintage