Platform Shoes: The Glorious Return

The platform shoe is back! Once upon a time people associated this style with disco floors and the 1970s-for better or worse. Today the platform shoe has made a serious comeback, and there are more styles and colors to choose from than ever. The platform has truly evolved from its humble beginnings.

Consider the Steve Madden Lezlie platform pump , for example. These platform shoes let you strut with just the right amount of flash. The alternating light/dark pattern on the exterior is definitely eye candy- but not glaring. The stiletto heels and peep toes gives this platform shoe plenty of attitude.

The Jessica Simpson Heron platform pump combines all the glamour of the pop diva with some fiery color options. The stiletto heel works well with the squared toe design of these platform shoes, but the color scheme is the real draw. Try the blue combo multifloral for a more daring look, scarlet for something to match the other red tones in your wardrobe, or you can try a test drive with the more conservative black. This platform pump has a color for many moods.

The BCBG Max Azria Nadette2 platform shoes are designed for anyone who loves combining soft leather, metallic shine and snakeskin looks combined with the fun of a platform pump. The peep toe only hints at the comfort the leather lining will give, the four-inch stacked heel is the icing on the cake. These platform shoes are definitely worth a try. Platform shoes are back and they have been given a makeover for 2008 and beyond. If you haven't tried them yet, the time is right for a new addition to your shoe collection.

All the Rage: Baby Phat Platforms
Platform shoes go to a whole new level with Baby Phat foot fashions. No serious platform shoes lover would feel complete without the Regal High. This platform shoe is made with a metallic gold upper featuring soft pony hair and metallic straps that wind up and around the shaft. At the very top sits a gold kitty pendant adorned with crystals for that unique Baby Phat look. It's a daring style that should definitely be tried, especially if you want to make an impression with your platform shoes.

If you like your platform shoes with a more exposed foot, try Baby Phat Gia platform shoes. These are constructed with quilted patent leather and feature a cone-shaped heel. An adjustable buckled ankle strap goes with a hidden elastic gore to give more comfort and a secure fit. These platform shoes sport a four-inch heel and weigh only 13 ounces.

The Zaria platform shoe by Baby Phat is a black calf and patent leather design with a peep toe and "iced" buckle that commands attention. The heel and platform of this shoe is accented with patent leather plus a series of studs. This sassy presentation combines just the right amount of flash with the comfort of a suede footbed. Zaria platform shoes have a three-inch heel and a sole embossed with the instantly recognizable kitty logo. If you have any doubts about a place for platform shoes in your wardrobe, give a few of these Baby Phat designs a try and you'll soon see how they fit right in with your other choices.

Standing Tall in Platform Sandals and Flip-Flops
Platform shoe options include simple and straightforward designs like the Juicy Couture Paradise Cove . With its one-and-a-half-inch heel and fun detailing on the thong, this colorful rubber platform sandal is great for beach and boat wear and anyplace in between. Another great platform shoe you can wear for the warm spring and summer months is the Yellow Box Zebra platform. Made of leather with a cloth toe strap, with an EVA sole for comfort on sidewalks and stairs, the Zebra look gives you taller fun everywhere you go.

Another sandal option in your platform shoes collection should be the Donald J Pliner Fifi . The two-inch heel on these platform shoes lets you stand taller, and a leather-lined contoured footbed offers all the comfort you want from a platform sandal. These platform shoes also feature a non-skid sole and are made with white Vachetta leather upper. White leather, or even the sassy turquoise, are a great contrast with the insole and offers a quite dressy look for such a casual platform shoe. This one looks great for summer evenings strolling along the boardwalk or taking it easy in your favorite café.

Platform shoes are definitely here to stay and with these ultra-casual styles, you can build a collection to suit your every indoor/outdoor need, but don't forget the thigh highs and knee highs too!