Platform Shoes: A Complete Guide (With 8 Styling Tips)

Platforms are shoes that make you taller by lifting your whole foot, not just the back. They have thick soles under both your heel and your toes. That makes them easier to walk in than regular heels.

That’s not it. Platform shoes give you height without tipping you forward. Your foot stays flatter inside the shoe. That helps you feel more balanced. It also means your feet don’t hurt as quickly. 

We’ve worn platforms to weddings, concerts, grocery runs, and even on vacations. Some feel light and easy. Some feel strong and powerful. And some just look cool.

If you’ve never worn them before, don’t worry. We’ll show you what types to try and what to avoid. Keep reading because this guide will help you find the perfect pair.

Key Takeaways

• Platform shoes raise your whole foot to give you height and balance.

• They feel more stable and less painful than most high heels.

• Platform sneakers are great for everyday wear and walking.

• They not only have a bold style but also are great in cooler weather.

• Platform heels give you height for dressy events without crushing your toes.

• Cleaning and storing them the right way will help them last a long time.

What Are Platform Shoes?

Platform shoes have thick soles that lift your whole foot off the ground. Both the heel and the front part of the shoe are raised. That’s what makes them different from high heels. In heels, only your heel is high, and your toes are low. That puts a lot of pressure on your feet. But in platform shoes, your whole foot is higher and more balanced.

You still get the height, but it feels easier to walk. Your foot stays flatter inside the shoe. That makes walking feel more natural. You don’t feel like you’re tiptoeing.

And here’s the best part: Platform shoes come in many types. You’ll find them in:

• Boots

• Sneakers

• Sandals

• Loafers.

The only thing they all have in common is the thick sole.

We remember wearing platform sandals to a beach wedding once. The sand was soft, but the shoes didn’t sink in. They kept us steady.

Platform shoes also make your outfit stand out. The thick soles add height and shape. Your clothes also fall differently. You look more styled without trying too hard.

Also, note that people of all genders wear them. It’s not new. Back in history, men wore platform shoes too. In the 1600s, kings and nobles wore them to look taller and more powerful. Later in the 1970s, rock bands made them popular again.

Today, they’re back!

Why People Love Platform Shoes

Platform shoes are popular because they make you taller without hurting your feet. They are easier to walk in than heels. They also make your outfits look cooler. And they work for every gender and every style.

Let’s break down why people, including us, really love wearing platforms.

1. Adds Height Without Bending Your Foot Like a Ballerina in Pain

Platform shoes make you taller in a way that feels easy. You don’t have to bend your foot like you do in high heels. Your foot stays almost flat. That makes walking feel much more natural.

Important Point: You’re not standing on your toes. You’re standing on a thick, even base. That’s why it feels so different from heels.

We wore platform boots once for a full night out, and they felt stable. Our feet didn’t hurt, even after hours of walking and standing.

If you want extra height but hate how heels feel, platform shoes are the better option. You still look taller, but your feet stay relaxed.

2. More Comfortable Than Heels

Platform shoes spread your weight across your whole foot, which means no pressure on one small spot. In heels, most of your weight pushes onto your toes. That’s what causes pain and soreness. But platforms lift your whole foot, so the pressure is more balanced.

Some platform shoes also have soft insoles, while a few also have foam padding inside. That adds even more comfort when you walk.

3. Makes Outfits Look Bold

Platform shoes change the way your clothes look. For example, they make your legs look longer. They also give your outfit more shape and style. In our opinion, even simple outfits look better. A plain t-shirt and jeans suddenly look cool when you add platform sneakers.

It also doesn’t matter what your style is. Platforms can make almost any outfit look more put-together.

4. Works for All Genders

Here’s the deal: Platform shoes are for everyone. They’re not just for women. Men wore them first, hundreds of years ago. In the 1600s, men wore platforms to look taller. It was a sign of power. Then, in the 1970s, male rock stars wore them again. It became part of the music and fashion scene.

Today, anyone can wear them. You see platform sneakers, sandals, and boots on all kinds of people.

One of our friends wore platform sneakers to a concert. He had never tried them before. By the end of the night, he said they were the best shoes he’d worn in years.

4 Types of Platform Shoes

There are four main types of platform shoes, and it’s time you know about them:

Type 01: Platform Sneakers

Platform sneakers are made for everyday wear. They add height without making you feel dressed up. They are a favorite in streetwear and Korean fashion.

These are the kind of shoes you can wear all day. They feel like normal sneakers but look cooler. You’ll usually see thicker soles and a more chunky shape. That extra lift changes the way your legs look, even in simple outfits.

We’ve worn platform sneakers while running errands and even out for dinner. They’re super easy to style. They go well with:

• Jeans

• Shorts

• Skirts

• Trousers.

They don’t feel like a “loud” fashion choice, but they still stand out in the right way.

Some of the most popular ones we’ve seen and worn include:

• The Converse Run Star Hike

• Fila Disruptor

• The Nike Air Force 1 Pixel.

Each one gives a slightly different look, but they all do the same job: They give you a height boost.

Type 02: Platform Sandals

Platform sandals are a must-have for warm weather. They give you that extra height while still keeping your feet cool. They’re perfect for summer days, vacations, or even casual nights out.

Most of them are made with soft footbeds and adjustable straps. You don’t feel like you’re walking on something heavy. Instead, they feel like regular sandals, just lifted. We’ve worn them on trips where we had to walk for hours, and they held up great. No sore feet, no regrets.

Our suggestion: Look for styles like Chacos, Tevas, or thick slide-on sandals. Some come with foam soles, while others use cork or rubber. Either way, they’re built for comfort first.

Type 03: Platform Boots

Getting straight to the point: Platform boots are bold. They’re the kind of shoes that make people stop and look. They work with punk, goth, street style, minimal looks, or even high fashion. No other platform type brings this kind of presence.

They often come with thick rubber soles and strong uppers. Some feel heavy when you first try them, but once you break them in, they move with you.

One time, we paired Dr. Martens Jadon boots with a long black coat in winter. It was a full outfit moment.

If you want something even more dramatic, look at designer styles like Rick Owens’ Kiss boots. Those are runway-level bold.

Type 04: Platform Heels / Wedges

Platform heels and wedges are made for parties. They give you that tall, red-carpet feeling. But because of the thick sole at the front, they’re much easier on your feet than normal heels.

In regular heels, your foot bends hard, and your weight gets pushed forward. That hurts after just an hour. But in platform heels, the front part of your foot is also lifted. This means your foot stays flatter, and you feel more balanced.

Wedges are even easier to walk in. Since the sole runs under your whole foot, there’s no gap between heel and toe. It feels like a slope instead of a steep drop.

How Do Platform Shoes Fit?

Platform shoes usually fit true to size. The key is to look at how thick the front of the shoe is. The thicker the platform at the front, the easier it feels. That’s what gives your foot support and balance.

Here’s a simple rule to follow. Take the heel height and subtract the platform height at the front. The number you get is how steep the shoe actually feels.

Let’s say the heel is five inches, and the platform is two inches. That means your foot only feels like it’s in a three-inch heel. That’s much easier to walk in.

We always check those numbers when shopping for platform shoes. It helps us know right away if a pair will feel walkable or not. If the front platform is high, it’s a good sign. It means you’ll feel more stable, even if the heel looks tall.

How to Style Platform Shoes

Platform shoes are easy to style once you know what works. Here are 8 easy tips:

• Pair platform sneakers with wide-leg jeans. The chunky sole lifts the hem and gives your outfit a clean, stacked look. Great for casual street style.

• Wear platform boots with a midi skirt. This combo balances soft and bold. It works for both edgy and minimal outfits.

• Match platform sandals with linen pants or shorts. It’s the perfect summer look. It feels breezy but still styled.

• Use platform heels to dress up a simple outfit. Even a plain black dress can feel elevated (literally) with tall platform heels.

• Try matching the shoe color to your pants. This helps make your legs look longer and your silhouette more polished.

• Style platform loafers with ankle socks and trousers. This is a great everyday smart look, especially in cooler weather.

• Go bold with platform sneakers and oversized pieces. Hoodies, jackets, or big tees work well here. The shoes keep the look grounded.

• Let platforms shine with cropped pants. Show off the shoes. Cropped jeans, leggings, or wide slacks let the chunky sole stand out.

Should You Buy Platform Shoes?

If you’re thinking about platform shoes, the answer depends on three things:

1. Your style

2. Your comfort

3. Your needs.

Remember: They’re not for everyone, but they work really well for a lot of people. And when they do, they become a go-to choice.

Buy platforms if you like to add a little height. Platform shoes make you look taller, but they don’t force your foot into that sharp angle like heels do. That means they’re easier to walk in, even for long hours. They’re also perfect if you love clean outfits.

But skip platforms if you have chronic ankle problems. Thick soles can make balance harder for some people, especially on uneven ground. We wouldn’t recommend them if you’ve had issues with ankle rolls or sprains.

Also skip them if you prefer to feel close to the ground. If you like barefoot-style shoes, platforms might feel too bulky or stiff for your taste.

Platform Shoes Care Tips

Here are 10 tips to care for your platform shoes:

• Avoid soaking them in water. Thick soles can trap moisture inside, which can cause odors or warping.

• Store them standing up, not crushed in a pile. This helps the shape hold and keeps the soles from bending awkwardly.

• Wipe the outsole with a damp cloth and mild soap. This keeps the platform part clean without damaging the material.

• If they’re leather, use a conditioner every few months. It keeps the leather soft, shiny, and crack-free.

• Let them air out after wearing. Don’t just toss them in the closet right away. Give them time to dry inside.

• Use a soft brush to remove dirt from fabric platforms. This works well for canvas or mesh materials, like platform sneakers.

• Don’t machine wash them unless the label says it’s safe. The sole can break down or detach from the heat.

• Use sneaker cleaner on rubber soles. It helps remove stains that soap and water can’t.

• Avoid direct sunlight for long periods. It can fade colors or dry out materials like leather or suede.

• Rotate your shoes. Don’t wear the same pair every day. Let them rest so they last longer.

Does Nike Have Platform Shoes?

Nike makes several types of platform shoes. These are mostly platform versions of their classic sneaker styles. The Nike Air Force 1 Pixel is one of the most popular platform sneakers from Nike. It looks a lot like the classic Air Force 1, but the sole is thicker. You still get the same cushioned feel, but with extra height.

Nike also has the Air Max platforms, which combine the thick sole with visible air cushioning. We’ve worn both styles, and the fit feels just like regular Nikes.

Best Platform Shoes: Top 8 Picks to Boost Your Height

Final Words

Platform shoes can change how you feel in an outfit. They add style without hurting your feet like normal heels. But the best part about them is that they help you stand taller. You can also walk more easily if you wear them. We’ve tried all kinds of platform shoes, and we would recommend them to you.

If you like shoes that give you height and comfort, platforms are worth a try. Just make sure you pick the right type for your needs. And take care of them, so they last.