Sky-high! Why the platform shoe will continue to reign in 2022

The platform is back, bringing an optimistic take on post-lockdown fashion and elevating us to new heights in the new year. Though we all know it better as a trend that emerged on the disco dance floors of the ’70s and as part of the ’90s punk movement, the higher-than-ever shoes actually originated in Greece around 600 BCE, where people wore them as a form of social standing. In the 16th century, the Venetians wore platforms to keep their dresses from dragging on the floor, before the 1930s came with designers like Salvatore Ferragamo bringing the shoe to the modern era via Judy Garland’s iconic rainbow platforms.

Then came the AW21 runways, where towering footwear was everywhere to be seen, from Versace’s unforgettable candy pink Bratz-doll heels (spotted on everyone from Beyonce and Ariana Grande to Chiara Ferragni) to the chunky, scalloped soles of Simone Rocha’s embellished ballet flats. Celebrities like Dua Lipa paid tribute to Vivienne Westwood in faux croc ghillie platforms for the 2021 Brits Awards, while Olivia Rodrigo’s White House outfit comprised of a vintage Chanel suit paired with white Giuseppe Zanotti pumps that caused an internet frenzy. Then came the reemergence of Marc Jacob’s lilac Kiki boots from the brand’s Fall 2016 show that was seemingly on everyone and everywhere (courtesy of Pechuga Vintage): appearing as part of Grimes’ Dune-inspired reptilian look at the Met Gala, worn by Blackpink’s Lisa in the opening shot of her ‘Lalisa’ music video and flaunted by Bella Hadid in a retro-inspired ‘gram.

Since then, the exaggerated silhouette continues to shoot through the roof with brands doling out a variety of their steepest iterations for the Spring/Summer 2022 season. It’s no surprise, as fashion history and revenge dressing informs us, that when things get bad, the heels get higher. And the best part of it all, from practical featherweight clogs, to chunky loafers and versatile mule sandals perfect for warm weather wardrobes, the options are endless.

Click through for our curated edit of the best platforms on the market: 

Discover more stories on the latest fashion trends here.