- / Fashion
Put a Spring In Your Step With These Platform Sandals
- by Harry Archer
- Last Updated: Feb 16, 2022
Reach new fashion heights with these 16 platform sandals that will see you through spring—and beyond.
- by Harry Archer
- Last Updated: Feb 16, 2022
Whether you like it or not, warmer weather will soon be upon us, and that means parting ways with the beloved boots, or in our case slippers, which have defined the winter season, and welcoming in wanderlust options for sunnier days. In short, it’s time to break out the sandals. This season, Mother Nature is encouraging us to smell the roses, sip our iced tea, and bring out our best platform editions of our regular sandals—even if it’s only for us to see.
This isn’t the first time platform sandals have been at the front line of our wardrobes. Perhaps, you saw them last summer in the runway offerings of The Row or Clergerie, maybe you found a ’70s rendition creeping out of your mother’s wardrobe, or most notably, as the ’90s come back with a vengeance, you may remember a certain angsty teen sporting a pair in 10 Things I Hate About You. However they caught your eye, what remains true is platform sandals have somehow crept back onto the fashion scene, uninvited yet seemingly adored—like the Sex and the City reboot. And as a shoe with so many life cycles it begs the question, what makes platform sandals so popular?
Why Do You Need Platform Sandals?
It comes down to one of two things, the first being design. Platform sandals have a reputation for comfortability, with the thick sole providing a cushion for the hardships of everyday life, though we wouldn’t recommend wearing a pair of Burberry platforms for rock climbing. What’s more, platform sandals are equally versatile in design, meaning you could wear a canvas slip-on to your pedicure appointment (see Gucci’s platform sandals) and a leather silhouette to an alfresco dinner, all the while retaining a stylish sensibility. The combination of versatility and comfort is what leads to the second reason for its longevity; platform sandals are an anomaly.
As footwear stands, platform sandals exist in the grey area. They haven’t been fawned over like mules nor have they been kicked to the curb like a last-season sneaker. Instead, platform sandals live in the sweet spot between relevancy and overexposure, appearing on and off throughout the decades. And if the sprinkling of last summer’s silhouettes are anything to go by, we’re here to tell you that it’s on again. Big time.
From Spanish knotted styles to classic Prada iterations, here are the 16 best platform sandals for tuning into that spring feeling as well as how to style the stand-out shoe.
Shop Platform Sandals
Your poolside aesthetic just wouldn’t be complete without these functional (water resistant) slides set atop a two-inch platform sole. Complete with an embossed Balenciaga logo on the strap, these slip-ons are a trendy finishing touch to your favorite bathing suit and cover-up.
These simple platform slides are about to become your summer wardrobe staple. The white snakeskin textured straps contrast against the earthy cork sole, effortlessly striking Veronica Beard’s signature balance between classic and cool.
Chunky flip-flops are back, and this retro-looking pair is as versatile as they come. Laser-cut straps add visual interest while the platform sole trimmed with rubber provides superior comfort and traction.
It’s hard to believe that sandals, a word synonymous with socks, can also be deemed chic. But, The Row’s Ginza leather platforms make such things a reality. With its soft leather thong and polished look, these black platform sandals will become your ultimate go-to.
Elevate your style to cool-girl certified with these black leather sandals. Sported by Instagram’s most popular influencers, Jacquemus’s thong sandals give you an elegant finish cemented by the additional gold buckle detailing.
Crafted from canvas with monogrammed etching on the upper, these Gucci platform sandals are for the fashion few who are enamored with Alessandro Michelle’s ’70s infused world. We recommend pairing them with a pair of light wash denim jeans, the relaxed straight fit works in contrast with the platforms to create a fashion-forward look that is casual but refined.
Why not make a statement with Marni’s leather platform sandals? The stark contrast between the white straps and black sole creates a refined effect—ideal for the first party of the season.
Though they’re distinctly Spanish, these sandals have a So-Cal feeling to them. The knot fastening is a finish that’s fitting for festival season, but could also easily be paired with a classic black dress.
Give your spring outfits an earthy edge with these platform shoes—suitable for the beach and beyond. The adjustable straps keeps your style locked and loaded, while the ergonomic sole ensures everyday comfort.
Prada’s platform sandals are for the urban mind and fashionable heart; the Velcro touch-fastening on the shoe means your style is secure, no matter what comes your way.
Sometimes a simple platform doesn’t cut it, and an extra boost of height is required. That’s where these Woven Flatform sandals come into play.
Give the Greeks something to go to war over with these Dr. Marten sandals. Firm fitting and fashionable, these platform sandals would give Helen of Troy reason to worry.
Thanks to the braided bottom and leather edge, these sandals are for the person who wants the world to know they’re sure of their style.
Capture people’s attention with these black platform sandals. With their ultra-comfortable design, they’ll not only feel like you're walking on clouds, but they’ll also look like it.
Want a shoe that’s both sophisticated and comfortable? These platform wedge sandals are a perfect choice for whenever wedding season is able to resume.
Go bold with this classic Burberry design; these shoes are certainly not for the faint of heart. Though constructed with a thick sole, the adjustable grip-tape straps ensure stability in a sport chic manner.
How to Style Platform Sandals
With the arrival of spring comes the temptation to somewhat overdo it in the wardrobe department, to bring out the summer dresses preemptively in the hope of hotter days. We’re here to tell you that you don’t have to do that in order to wear platform sandals. While spring inspires reinvention, it’s important to remember it’s a period of transition, where the wrong turn of a cloud can send us back to the cold clutches of winter. So, why not try pairing black platform sandals with a simple pair of blue washed jeans? When accompanied by the right knitwear, you’re able to fashion a look that is casual, clean, and coherent.
Sometimes there’s no stopping our craving for cooler fabrics and easy-breezy silhouettes—even before the weather warms up. This is where the linen maxi skirt comes into play. With a black turtleneck as your ally, you can combat the season confidently and stylishly.
