Product of the week: the boot with a platform sole

What makes him special:

Platform boots have regained some cult status in recent years, having made their debut in the industry in the ’60s and ’70s, where they were worn by rock stars like David Bowie and Kiss. The recent resurgence of the boot model is partly due to the rise of the “gothcore” trend, a twist on the Y2K trend favored by Gen Z. This post-punk fashion aesthetic has been largely adopted by the younger generation, in keeping with their nostalgic way of regularly rediscovering trends from the past. A platform heel typically starts at three centimeters, and there are actually no upper limits in terms of height. It is intended as a simple shoe that brings a touch of grunge to any look. While some variations on the trend can be quite extreme, with exaggerated heights and eye-catching embellishments, others are more demure, with the platform simply serving to add some edge to a simple black ankle boot.

Why you want to order it:

The return of the platform boot into the focus of the fashion world has been influenced by many factors, mostly driven by young customers and their special interest in nostalgic trends. A large part of the shoe’s current popularity can also likely be attributed to it having been spotted on the feet of influential Gen Z celebrities such as Olivia Rodrigo, Dua Lipa and Bella Hadid. As pioneers of the Y2K trend, these women in the public eye are making a huge impact on younger, fashion-forward fans looking to personalize their wardrobes. The platform boot offers an alternative to the standard ankle boot that is still wearable and practical, but allows for a more daring take on the shoe model. It’s also a look that returns year after year, either as a high fashion shoe trend or in the form of Dr. Martens-esque streetwear styles.

Where we’ve seen him before:

Rick Owens revived the platform boot last year by making it a staple on his SS22 runway, which took the form of Chelsea boots and strappy thigh high boots. For the coming season, chunky boots have become a staple. The product formed a central part of Balmain’s FW22 looks, with heeled soles giving new meaning to the word ‘platform’. While the ankle boots remained simple in color and style, the exaggerated platform added a bohemian element to the looks. At Gucci’s retro-chic FW22 show, which caused a stir due to the unexpected collaboration with Adidas, the fashion house presented a range of cool ankle boots with buckle details and linear prints. While the shape and silhouette were reminiscent of the typical boot trends of the ’70s, the extreme platform was highlighted through the use of a reflective material – a not-so-subtle homage to glam rock. Altuzarra has also taken inspiration from retro footwear trends, presenting a simplified ankle boot that has appeared alongside platform sandals, further underscoring the brand’s commitment to the platform look.

How to style it:

As a chunky look, platform boots form a perfect contrast to dresses and tailoring looks and are therefore a casual alternative to other shoes such as sneakers. A suit is a particularly good choice with the platform boot trend because the look in this combination also works in an office environment and in a formal setting. Flowing skirts, whether satin or another lightweight material, also pair well with this boot silhouette. Pair it with an oversized sweater for a look you can wear every day. For the colder months, style the boot a little more casually with either a knit dress or a combination of light colored jeans and a chunky knit sweater, both of which will benefit from the grungy look. If you want to go all grunge, go for an all-black outfit. Pair the platform boots with dark skinny jeans and an oversized blazer for a monochrome look that’s twice as edgy.

The platform boot is a nostalgic product that has proven to be one of the most popular footwear trends for this season and next. Its connection to current trends and its permanent place in pop culture make it a look that not only goes down well with younger customers and is a chic alternative to other boots.

This article was previously published on FashionUnited.uk. Translation and editing: Barbara Russ