© Pierre Bougie 2004

You know what these are, don't you? In fact they are just like regular shoes, pumps or sandals, except that the front portion of the sole has been blown up an inch or even a few inches! Of course, the spike heel has also been lengthened to balance the shoe.

Images are worth a thousand words, and my Lexicon pages aim at exactly that: provide you with images so you understand what we are talking about. So let's have a quick look at some models of platform footwear of all kinds so as to grasp what this type of shoes and boots are all about. Click on the thumbnails to see a larger photo of each style.

Regular shoes such as plain Mary-Janes exist in the platform version.

So does the ordinary loafer, which then becomes quite extraordinary…!

Some platforms also exist with a wedge sole, in which case the complete sole is thick, from the tip of the toe to the rear of the heel.

Many of the most exciting models around come with a plastic molded platform sole and heel that are translucent. Such as these sky scraper mules with vertiginous spike heels…!!

But they also come in full color upper and platform altogether such as this sexy pair of red sandals.

Then you have them in ankle high booties.

Or in popular knee-high boots.

And even in thigh-high boots such as these spectacular metallic finish pair.

And some variations between a shoe with a thigh-high sock attached, for a boot look but a sock and shoe feel…

And to complete the series we also have the funky style that will match any eccentric personality…

All of these examples are a courtesy of Flirt Catalog, where you can of course buy them for a very reasonable price. You will find them in popular sizes that will accommodate both women and men who want to experiment vertigo… Thanks to Flirt for helping us understand this wonderful world of platform footwear! You can visit their website by clicking on the banner. Once inside click on "shoes" at the top of the page to see many more models in a variety of shapes and colors. Enjoy yourselves in that store!

You will eventually see many more styles and colors as partner websites contribute their guest or sponsor galleries to the Lexicon definitions. So come back often to see the additions in these pages.