Following on from my previous
article on how to choose the ideal
pair of heels, today I would like to
focus on the comparison between
stiletto vs platform heels—two iconic
styles with distinct form and function.
Stiletto Heels
Among the most timeless footwear
choices, stiletto vs platform heels
continue to shape the way women
express elegance and strength.
This classic style features no
added platform under the sole
offering a silhouette that is at
once simple, sleek, and effortlessly
refined.
The absence of a platform allows
for more direct contact between
your sole and the ground, making
it easier to feel and engage the ball
of the big toe—a key point in
achieving proper balance and
graceful walking.
That said, because there is no
added sole height, you may directly
feel the chill of the pavement during
winter months or the heat of the
asphalt in summer, especially if the
shoes are made of thinner materials.
However, one of the major
advantages of stiletto heels
lies in their stability on stairs or
inclined surfaces.
Without the elevated front
the body’s axis remains better
aligned, making balance easier
to maintain—offering a sense
of control and security with
each step.
Platform Heels
Platform heels feature a thicker
sole beneath the forefoot, which
contributes to a more glamorous
and dramatic appearance compared
to stilettos.
For special occasions such as
elegant soirées or moments
when all eyes are on you, platform
heels offer a commanding presence
that draws admiration with every step.
At the same time, their distinctive
structure calls for a heightened
level of awareness and refined
technique.
The elevated sole subtly shifts
the body’s natural alignment
making it essential to walk with
greater intention and control to
preserve your grace and stability.
This is especially important
when descending stairs or walking
on uneven terrain, where the
incline of the platform can gently
encourage a forward pitch—
slightly increasing the risk of
imbalance or a misstep.
To avoid this, it is essential
to press powerfully through the
ball of the big toe with every step.
If this push is weak, the thickness
of the sole will prevent that point
of contact from properly engaging
with the ground, making it even
more crucial than in stilettos to press
down intentionally with the ball
of the big toe.
For safety and grace
I also recommend holding
onto a handrail or walking close
to a wall when descending stairs
in platform heels.
Additionally, due to the
forward-leaning design of
many platform shoes, the upper
body tends to tilt forward.
Therefore, it’s essential to
actively lift the abdominal
muscles upward—even more
so than with stilettos.
Think of this as a form of
internal resistance training
like using a precision sports
machine.
Incorporating exercises that
strengthen the core and train
the ball of the big toe will
dramatically improve your walk
and posture over time.
On the plus side, platform
soles provide added cushioning
absorbing shock from the ground.
This reduces strain on the
feet—much like performance
running shoes—making them
a practical choice for extended wear.
How I Personally Work with
Stiletto vs Platform Heels
Understanding the core differences
between stiletto vs platform heels
is not only valuable in teaching
but also essential in my own personal
practice.
In my daily high-heel routine
I primarily wear platform heels during
training or movement exercises.
Once my practice is complete
I transition into stiletto heels.
This transition allows me to refine
my awareness of both styles
and maintain fluency in their distinct
techniques—without favoring one
over the other.
In my teaching, I often advise
clients to alternate between both styles.
Why? Because the techniques for
walking in each are fundamentally
different—particularly in the
way the foot moves forward.
When walking in platform heels
you must calculate the additional
sole height in every step.
If this is not taken into account
the toe of the shoe may drag—
leading to a loss of elegance
or even damage to the shoe.
Conversely
if you are accustomed to
walking in platform heels and
then switch to stilettos, there’s a
tendency to exaggerate the foot
movement—resulting in a walk that
lacks subtlety and grace.
For this reason
I recommend alternating
between both types of heels
regularly so that your technique
remains well-balanced and your
walk does not develop a dominant
pattern that lacks versatility.
In my own practice
I observe my footwork in the
mirror each morning, making
small adjustments as needed.
This habit is one I encourage
for all who seek true refinement.
It would be a shame to allow
beautiful shoes to lose their
refinement due to unconscious
habits—or to let overly dramatic
footwork reduce the inherent elegance
of an exquisitely crafted pair of heels.
Final Thoughts on Choosing
Between Stiletto vs Platform Heels
As you explore stiletto vs platform
heels, remember that the perfect
choice reflects both your inner
elegance and your lifestyle.
When selecting your next
pair of high heels, I encourage
you to thoughtfully consider
the unique advantages and
nuances of both stiletto and
platform styles.
But more than anything else
let your heart lead the way.
Choose the pair that truly calls
to you— for no motivation is
more powerful, nor more elegant
than the desire to walk beautifully
in a shoe that moves your soul.
If you feel a spark—
the desire to walk beautifully in
that particular pair— that alone
becomes your greatest motivation
and ultimately, the purest expression
of your elegance.
Contact
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