The Goth look in fashion experienced a resurgence in the mid 1980's, a dark look with a limited audience. In American culture, the Goth look encompasses all that brings tattoos, punk hairdos and elaborate face paint to mind. Inherent in the “look” is the Goth boot.

The term “Goth” derives from Germanic tribes of the Middle Ages. Elaborate costumes of the times were designed, quite successfully, to convey an imposing and frightening figure to overwhelm outsiders.   Richly woven fabrics and embossed designs are signature to the Goth look.

The Gothic warrior, riding in to camp on his horse, was equipped with heavy, almost platform boots. Made from leather and fur, they were often decorated with jewelry, metals, and precious stones. Today's popular Gothic boot mimics those of history.  

The definition of Gothic boots is elusive. Most popular with club hoppers, Gothic boots come in countless colors and heel widths. One thing is for sure. Today's boot has to have a heel of some substance.  Thigh-high platform PVC and vinyl boots are the standard for the Gothic boot enthusiast.  

In 2002, Marilyn Manson popularized Gothic boots with his album, AINT.  Never before in American culture had Gothic boots received as much attention. Following the release of the video “This is the new hit”, Goth devotees across America were clamoring to own a pair of the boots as seen in his video.  The thigh high platform boots with silver buckles climbing up the front were in immediate demand for both men and women. It was the first time since the 1970's that a man wearing a shiny platform shoe was still OK. 

These boots are fabulous, but use discretion! You might be a hit at a club like the Underscore in New York, but this boot walking through your local Walmart might look just a little bit cheesy. 

The Gothic boot enthusiast must own at least one one pair of thigh high platforms, shiny and ideally, with buckles or zippers. For the hard-core original look, go for black PVC. Black goes with everything.  It's your favorite color and you know it. The only reason you like black is because they haven't found a darker color. 

Maybe you're tempted by other colors. Colors are fine. Just because it's pink doesn't mean it isn't Goth! When choosing your Gothic boots, remember, shiny is good.

You may need to search out Gothic boots in specialty stores. It's not a mainstream item. The only good Gothic boot has a big fat raised rounded toe, is ultra shiny and just as intimidating as its Middle Ages counterpart.