Platforms... cheating?

[Sangue16]

I find myself feeling a bit like a cheater when I wear high heels with a platform. In my head, they only count as the height of the heel minus the platform, because in actuality, one's foot is not as inclined.

Are platforms cheating? I do notice that a lot of high heel shoe selling sites have tons of "5 inch" heels that have at least a good inch to two inches of platform. The platform itself is not an integral part of the shoe, for the most part, but looks more like an after thought or a way to increase the heel height. Then there is the ease of walking in 4" with a platform versus 4" without... definitely feels like cheating to me!

:silly:Sangue

[jay jay]

I find myself feeling a bit like a cheater when I wear high heels with a platform. In my head, they only count as the height of the heel minus the platform, because in actuality, one's foot is not as inclined.

Are platforms cheating? I do notice that a lot of high heel shoe selling sites have tons of "5 inch" heels that have at least a good inch to two inches of platform. The platform itself is not an integral part of the shoe, for the most part, but looks more like an after thought or a way to increase the heel height. Then there is the ease of walking in 4" with a platform versus 4" without... definitely feels like cheating to me!

:silly:Sangue

You can say it is cheating a bit but I just loce the platforms I am wearing a pair of plats 6 and half at the moment with a 3 " plat. I love them so much that I even did some gardening in them, minding that they do not get dirty. I am wating for my pleaser candy 16.5 cm to arive.

[hiheellover23]

I wouldn't say not in my opinion I think the platform is more sturdy and adds more stability. I would also say they are more attention getting than a heel without a platform.

[Sangue16]

Interesting perspectives, thank you. Platforms are, for sure, very eye catching.

[ilikekicks]

I dont care for platforms myself. I dont mind them on other people but not the ' hooker ' or ' whore ' types. Half inch or an inch platform.. sure. But the ones the poll dancers wear.. out in the general public? Its a bad stereotype on my part but it just screams negativity. Higher platforms are becoming a trend as of late though.. I find it unfortunate and shoes are becoming uglier.

[eoneleg]

Maybe not cheating, but for some, this allows them to wear a higher heel without the discomfort sometimes associated with height. I have recently got into plats and mine have a higher heel. Fortunately, I have no problem at all with 4 or 5" heels, even though I use crutches. I do agree with your theory, good work. E

[Heelster]

In prefer a bit of a platform just because it seems more comfortable on the balls of my feet. Not as likely to feel every little walking surface defect like single soles. Granted, I'm not likely to where plats like my avatar (which I need to change) out and about.

[roniheels]

I don't own that many platforms, and I think "cheating" might be a little strong observation. The platforms I own are a little easier to walk in them. I just have more fun walking around in stiletto high heels without the platforms.

[Steve63130]

Cheating? This isn't an examination. Just wear what you want. If you like plats, great; if not, that's fine also. It's all a matter of personal taste. The concept of cheating here doesn't really apply. It's like asking if wearing flat shoes is cheating. Steve

[SleekHeels]

I know what you mean, I feel like I'm cheating a little when I'm able to wear higher heels than I could normally manage just because of the platform. I guess a "hidden platform" implies a bit of cheating too. In a way maybe all heels are "cheating" for the illusion of their leg-lengthening effect.

Personally I think a 4" rise is the most elegant and attractive angle for my foot, so I wouldn't wear 6" heels without a platform because there is such a thing as "too high" (or rather "too steep") for me... but if a 2" platform lets me "cheat" and wear 6" heels then that's cool and a lot of fun.

I don't think I'd go higher though, too high a platform can have a leg-shortening effect which I'd find very unflattering with my short legs. To illustrate the point, flat platforms (like flatplat.jpg the poll at http://mariankihogo.com/fashion-trends/what-say-thou-flat-plaform-sandals/ ) are really not my favourite style at all.

[BobHH]

I used to think 2" platforms and 6+" heels were great looking and comfortable. Higher platforms seemed definitely disproportionate, though, and not attractive. Nowadays, it seems like most mainstream designs are using 1.5 to 2 inch platforms, so categorizing them as stripper shoes is no longer appropriate, and what's wrong with shoes that are designed to be sexy? I still like platforms, but 1/2 to 1 inch preferably, since they have some padding and are more comfortable than none. The higher platforms tend to be less stable and can be treacherous on uneven ground, particularly when they are tapered down to a narrower sole. A lot of the higher heeled pumps and wedges tend to run about 1.5" platforms, and they are OK if the soles are wide. I hate flatforms.

[ilikekicks]

My apology to those whom are not involved in this.

Nowadays, it seems like most mainstream designs are using 1.5 to 2 inch platforms, so categorizing them as stripper shoes is no longer appropriate, and what's wrong with shoes that are designed to be sexy?

Platforms in the line of ' Pleasers ' are quite the choice of modern whores of the porn industry and Poll Dancing. I dunno about you, and not to gloat, but Im heterosexual and can testify, first hand, that I have seen this as a fact. Im sure many others COULD also testify to such, but might be a bit reluctant to do so in fear of their reputation.

Its quite modern AND appropriate to state what I have.

I sent you a private message in these regards as I dont feel the need to start a flaming war in a public forum.

If you have a problem with the terms I use or why I use them, its your issue, not mine. I would ask your consideration of keeping such a discussion to Private Messages so others might enjoy the conversation without our distractions.

Cheers!

-Ilk.

[ilikekicks]

Even Nikki Sims agrees with me and shes the one whom performs in them.

YES this has been posted on this site before..

[Nielle]

I'm also a little iffy about using the word "cheating" when talking about any type of shoe. The point of wearing heels is to feel sexy for YOU right? So as long as you feel good, think that you look good, etc. then there shouldn't be an issue! I think putting pressure on yourself to adhere to a certain heel standard kind of undermines the whole liberating feeling of just wearing what you want and being confident in that look.

[heelguy36]

For me I don't see a platform as cheating. I do however think its getting harder and harder to find a sexy 4+ inch pump that is both cost conscious and without a plat. I am currently trying to find a non platform 4-5in nude pump and i'll tell you the choices in the stores are definitely limited. I found a shoe by Jessica Simpson that i absolutely love, but unfortunately in my size it's not available in nude..... bummer!

[RonC]

I agree that "cheating" is a rather harsh word, but I also think that those that go around bragging about wearing five and six inch heels should take a close look at the extra inch or tow up front that definitely reduces the effective height of the heels. There are some that do wear single sole shoes with five and six inch heels, but likely don't spend too much time walking in them. Actually, I for one just appreciate a woman that wears heels, and also one that joins a discusssion here where us guys can post as well.

[RonC]

I know what you mean, I feel like I'm cheating a little when I'm able to wear higher heels than I could normally manage just because of the platform. I guess a "hidden platform" implies a bit of cheating too. In a way maybe all heels are "cheating" for the illusion of their leg-lengthening effect.

Personally I think a 4" rise is the most elegant and attractive angle for my foot, so I wouldn't wear 6" heels without a platform because there is such a thing as "too high" (or rather "too steep") for me... but if a 2" platform lets me "cheat" and wear 6" heels then that's cool and a lot of fun.

I don't think I'd go higher though, too high a platform can have a leg-shortening effect which I'd find very unflattering with my short legs. To illustrate the point, flat platforms (like flatplat.jpg the poll at http://mariankihogo.com/fashion-trends/what-say-thou-flat-plaform-sandals/ ) are really not my favourite style at all.

Those two pairs you pictured are about as bad as it gets in my eyes. How anyone can think that to be attractive is beyond my comprehension. But then, I'm probably pretty well limited in comprehension...lol

[Mike Hinch]

Cheating well I do not see it that way. To me it is just another style. Some time back I got a pair of black pumps with no platform and compared to the other pumps with the half inch platform the no plat is cheap. So for this reason I always try for some bit of a platform.

[maninpumps]

I wear plats and love to see anyone wear them. To me shoes are like personalities and that is why we have a choice of different styles. From some of the comments it would seem platforms are considered "substandard" this is simply not so. People should wear what they like be it a platform, wedge or stiletto closed toe or peep toe. High heels are candy for the feet in any style.

[hh&c fan]

Platforms are nice but only when the plateau/heel difference is big enough. A 3" heel with "attached" 4" plateau has a height of 7" - but looks really ugly. But if it's "high heel" - 5-7" plus plateau height, it will look beautiful!

[LovesHiHeels]

Platforms are nice but only when the plateau/heel difference is big enough. A 3" heel with "attached" 4" plateau has a height of 7" - but looks really ugly.

But if it's "high heel" - 5-7" plus plateau height, it will look beautiful!

I agree with you here. I seem to buy most heels now with a 0.5" to 1.0" platform but the full height of the heel being around 5". I find a small platform help make the shoe more comfortable when walking.

[HappyinHeels]

All, I agree with maninpumps on this one that shoes are an extension of one's personality. I love ultra high heels including platforms like those in my avatar. And when it comes to going to things like a Halloween party there is something EXCITING about freshly-polished toes smiling through strappy platform sandals with sky-high heels as you move your way across the floor. Other times nothing beats a classic pump, or a boot with a stiletto heel. Then there's the wonderful wedge sandals for a nice spring stroll. It's all in the heartof the wearer. HappyinHeels

[norm99]

Yes, in a way, platforms are "cheating". But I have found that it is much easier to keep my angles straight in heels with a platform, then in the more classic pumps. Also, it seems that platforms are "in" (whatever that means). - - Norma

[Roxyinheels]

Platforms are sexy, make me feel taller and confident, they are also fetish and typical of a "bad girl". My heels with platforms are deliciously sexy and amazing ...what more ??? And yes, we, platform -women, are often cheating .

[Walkonit]

Platforms are sexy, make me feel taller and confident, they are also fetish and typical of a "bad girl". My heels with platforms are deliciously sexy and amazing ...what more ???

.

Totally agree Roxy.

A well designed platform with a good stiletto is just soooo sexy.

[BoyLegs]

It's not about how much you have to stretch your foot. It's about what looks good -- which is in the eye of the beholder. Me, I like single-soled shoes, and I like platform pumps with separate heels (as opposed to wedge heels). A platform of up to 1" can look very sophisticated. Much more than that and they start looking like horse's hooves.

[w6ish]

what a waste of web space.

[hhboots]

what a waste of web space.

Ouch that's a bit harsh... Yes, this is sort of a silly discussion, and I like the way that Steve put it back on page one. This is not a quiz, everyone should wear what you want. Some of us like plats, some don't, and I like only mini platforms myself (less than an inch). Everyone has their own tastes, and who really cares what anyone else thinks, we shouldn't.

[crotchboots-m]

if u like em,wear em...if not...

[Shafted]

I think plats are cheating if one is trying to gather relevent data on ones ability to handle a steep instep angle. When a platform is thrown into the equation without knowledge it shows up as anomolous data in a bell curve. Plats skew the data badly if the platform is not taking into account. Believe me I do have respect for people who where them especially those sky high plats like w6ish wears. I personally don't find them attractive, but I can definitely respect their skill to stay atop them. It kind of reminds me of something Roxy told me as she is a plat fan and takes advantage of the extra height boosting. Beautiful women love to be put on a pedestal so why wouldn't some seek out a pedestal for their shoes. I think my personal frustration with plat wearers is strictly from a data gathering point of view. When someone asks for your maximum heel height, trust me, what they are really asking is for the amount of rise between the ball and the heel of the foot.