Platform shoes and wedge shoes are often confusing terms. People confuse platforms and wedges because many times the two styles are combined into a single shoe. When they are combined they are called "platform wedge shoes" Here is the difference explained:
Definition: Contrary to popular belief, the heel of a shoe has nothing to do with whether or not the shoe is a platform shoe. Rather it is the part of the sole sitting under the front of the foot that determines whether or not the shoes are platforms.
Platform shoes have thick soles sitting under the front part of the foot. This style comes with a variety of different heel types, including wedge heels, stiletto heels, chunky heels, etc.
While platform soles are often combined with wedge heels, they aren't always. When the two features are combined, they make what is called a "platform wedge."
Platform shoes are currently very popular with women, but in the past, have had great popularity with men as well.
Definition: On most shoes, the "heel" sits under only the heel of the foot, but a wedge heel runs under the foot, from the back of the shoe to the middle or front. As you've probably guessed, it has a somewhat triangular, wedge shape, but not all wedges are high heels. In fact, wedge heels range from low to high, it's the shape and the length of the heel that classify it as a wedge.
Many people confuse platforms and wedges. While shoes with wedge heels may have platform soles, the two features do not always appear together. When they do, they're considered "platform wedges."
