When it comes to fashion, height has always been a power move — and centuries before the Spice Girls strutted in sky-high platforms, the world already had a shoe that could make jaws drop: the chopine. These towering shoes, popular in 15th to 17th century Venice, were less about comfort and more about social status — and walking in them required the poise of a ballerina and, often, a lady-in-waiting to hold your hand.
Chopines were like stilts in disguise. Some reached heights of over 20 inches, and the higher they went, the wealthier (and more dramatic) the woman appeared. Originally worn to elevate women above the muck of the streets, they soon became a status symbol — an early example of fashion literally putting women on a pedestal. Ornately crafted from wood and covered in brocade, velvet, or leather, they weren’t just footwear — they were walking sculptures.
Fast-forward a few hundred years, and the platform made its disco-fueled comeback in the 1970s. No longer a sign of nobility, platforms became a unisex symbol of rebellion and fun. From David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust glam-rock boots to Studio 54’s roller girls, platforms weren’t just about gaining a few inches — they were about standing out. The shoe had jumped from the halls of palaces to the glow of the dancefloor, adding glitter and groove to every step.
By the late 1990s and early 2000s, platform shoes exploded into pop culture again — this time thanks to a certain British girl group with a thing for Union Jack dresses and leopard print. The Spice Girls practically stomped a generation into chunky platforms, making them synonymous with Y2K fashion. Even sneakers weren’t safe from the platform treatment, and a whole era was defined by bubble soles and mega midsoles.
More recently, platform shoes have entered their high-fashion renaissance. Designers like Vivienne Westwood, Marc Jacobs, and Versace have pushed platforms back to dramatic heights, proving they’re still a powerful symbol of bold femininity, queer fashion, and fearless self-expression. Meanwhile, sustainable brands are reimagining the platform with cork, raffia, and upcycled rubber — so you can strut responsibly.
From the muddy canals of Venice to the runways of Paris and sidewalks of TikTok, the chopine's DNA still runs through today’s platforms. Whether you’re stepping out in sky-high heels or rocking chunky loafers, remember: you’re part of a centuries-old tradition of elevating not just your look — but your whole vibe.
