platform shoe: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

No. Both elevate the wearer, but a platform shoe has a thick, often horizontal sole under the ball of the foot, while a wedge has a sole that slopes upward from the toe to the heel in one solid piece.

They have had several waves of popularity, most notably in the 1930s (for women), the late 1960s and throughout the 1970s, and again in the 1990s with the rise of rave and alternative fashion.

Comfort varies widely. Some provide more stability than stilettos because weight is distributed across a larger area, but the height and weight of the sole can make walking awkward or tiring if not well-designed.

Yes. Historically, platform shoes have been worn by both genders (e.g., ancient Greek theater, 1970s glam rock). In modern fashion, platform boots and sneakers are common in menswear, particularly within alternative and streetwear styles.

A type of shoe characterized by a thick sole, often made of wood, cork, or synthetic materials, that raises the wearer's heel and toe to the same height or with a significant, uniform elevation.

Platform shoe is usually informal, fashion, commercial in register.

Platform shoe: in British English it is pronounced /ˈplætfɔːm ʃuː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈplætfɔːrm ʃuː/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.