80s Vintage Platform Shoes

Styles of 80s Platform Shoes

80s shoes didn’t have as much disco chic as 70s shoes, but they were still unquestionably unique. While huge rubber wedges were popular in platforms, cork was also often used to give wearers a lift. Wedge sandal platforms were popular for women, while men could wear closed-toe shoes for a little lift.

Rock Bands in Platforms

If you remember any heavy metal rock bands from the 80s era, you probably recall seeing a fair number of guitarists and lead singers dancing their way across stages in platform shoes. These shoes were generally more extreme than what you saw walking down the street. They were certainly impressive on bands like KISS or singers like David Bowie. The platform shoes and boots worn by these acts crossed gender lines.

Where to Find 80s Vintage Platform Shoes

This is not one of those items that is going to be easy to find, but part of the fun is unearthing some nostalgia. Look for 80s platform shoes at:

• Garage sales – One person’s trash can indeed be your treasure if you’re looking for vintage items. You never know what you will find at garage sales, so if you’re willing to wake up early on weekends and comb through someone else’s old items, you may find exactly what you’re looking for.
• eBay – It may not be as good as finding shoes in person, but if you can view photos and get a feel for measurements, you'll find a lot of offerings at this auction site.
• Friends’ and family’s closets – If you’re too young to remember when Prince was with the Revolution, but you have older siblings who do, rummage around in their closets and see what you can find.
• Vintage shops in your area – In most cities and towns, there are stores that specialize in selling vintage clothing and accessories. These are usually great places to find items that are no longer deemed fashionable.

Where to Wear Your Platform Shoes

You don’t have to wait for an 80s party invitation to land in your mailbox to wear your platform shoes. Host your own party. Better yet, wear them whenever you feel like it. If you have a quirky style that craves individuality, chances are you dress the way you want and you are comfortable with it. An 80s party could be fun, so what would you need to bring back that decade in style?

80s Party Gear

These are just several items to have on hand that will ensure everyone has an 80s experience:

• Neon clothing
• Albums by bands like Duran Duran, Culture Club, Prince and the Revolution, Tears for Fears, WHAM!, Journey, and Men at Work
• Legwarmers
• Asymmetrical haircuts
• Your 80s vintage platform shoes

The Allure of Platforms

Platforms are great for giving inches of height while not handicapping the wearer like stilettos can. It takes a certain comfort level to stride confidently in spiked heels, but walking in platform shoes is almost like walking on flat shoes because the height is spread evenly under the foot.

Wearing Platforms Today

It’s not as difficult to wear vintage as some people might believe. The trick is not to go all the way retro. Choose one item and build around it. If you want to sport your 80s platforms, a nice pair of jeans will go well with them. A modern, casual top can finish off your look nicely. You want to look nostalgic, but not like you just walked off the set of Flashdance.

Fashion trends come and go, so if you were smart and saved your 80s shoes, you can slip them on right now and be just as stylish today as you were when The Police were still together.