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The 16 Best Platform Sneakers Will Make You Swear Off Heels Forever

A little lift—and plenty of comfort.

Three platform sneakers on the floor

Byrdie / Alexander Huang

If your instinct is to reach for a pair of sneakers every morning, there's a good reason. They’re comfortable, durable, and stylish. But if you want to take your daily style up a notch, why not try adding a little lift with a platform sneaker? The best platform sneakers not only lift you a few inches, but they offer a fun spin on a classic silhouette and one of this year's sneaker trends. Also, if you tend to shy away from heels, these sneakers can provide the height you desire.

To help you choose your best pair, we researched dozens of platform sneakers and enlisted the help of our experts for recommendations and shopping tips. We evaluated them based on style, material, wearability, and overall quality of design—here are our picks.

Size Range: EU36–EU42 | Upper Material: Leather and textile | Colors: White/khaki

Equal parts trendy and comfortable, Veja’s Venturi sneaker is a runner silhouette with an extra-tall sole. The brand focuses on sustainable practices, which is why the shoe is made with materials like rice waste, recycled plastic bottles, and sugar cane.

Size Range: 6–10.5 | Upper Material: Cotton | Colors: White, Grey Sage, Navy, Pink

Superga’s classic sneaker silhouette gets some added height thanks to the addition of a four-centimeter-tall rubber platform sole. The low-top silhouette is a favorite of celebrities like Jessica Alba and Kate Middleton, thanks to its timeless design that can be easily styled with dresses or jeans.

Size Range: 5–12 | Upper Material: Textile made partly with recycled materials | Colors: Black, Black/White, Bellwether Blue/Evening Sky

Found: a running sneaker that can also double as a fashion-forward platform. Hoka’s all-black sneaker is the ideal style for applying stylist Allison Bornstein’s wrong shoe theory—which challenges you to style a sporty sneaker with unexpected clothes, like a voluminous dress or a sharply-tailored pantsuit. Plus, it has the APMA Seal of Acceptance, which is only awarded to products that promote good foot health.

Size Range: 5–12 | Upper Material: Recycled polyester, nylon, and cotton | Colors: Obscure Purple, Multicolor Red, Pop Orange +more

Do you ever put your outfit together starting with your shoes? If not, you’ll want to reconsider with these Chloé sneakers. The Nama’s bold, colorful design is a great starting place for a look that incorporates bright hues and rich textures. Since they also come in a range of color options, you can pick the one that best suits your style. 

Size Range: 4–13 | Upper Material: Leather | Colors: White

From far away, Tory Burch’s sneakers are simple, minimalist platforms, but zoom in and you'll see that the brand's signature logo has been stamped onto the platform sole—a subtle but standout detail we love that's highlighted in many of the offered colorways. The classic sneaker silhouette is versatile enough to wear year-round.

Size Range: 6–11 | Upper Material: Leather | Colors: Black, Taupe Suede

This Tik-Tok-approved sneaker is beloved for how comfortable it is running errands or even to work. You may want to consider purchasing the black iteration which can be easier to keep looking fresh and clean than a white sneaker. You’ll still be able to style it with both neutral and colorful outfits, but it has the look of a black leather dress shoe, perfect for fancy occasions.

Taylor Augustin | Writer

"They didn’t feel like cardboard against my ankles, and the insoles themselves felt magical. I’m super picky when it comes to comfort and shoes, but these ones absolutely passed the test."

Size Range: 5–13 | Upper Material: Leather | Colors: 12

Cariuma sneakers have stolen our hearts and those of celebrities for being extremely comfortable and supportive. Yet we also love how the brand integrates sustainable practices in each design. The Salvas sneaker is made from premium leather from LWG-certified Gold Rated tanneries. The memory foam insole—which makes them so comfortable—is made from cork and mamona oil. Plus, the laces are made from recycled plastic and organic cotton. The shoe itself has a moderate platform and timeless look that goes with everything.

Size Range: 5–12 | Upper Material: Leather | Colors: White/Pink Glaze/White, Sail/Indigo/White, White/Metallic/Copper/Black +more

A classic sneaker silhouette gets the platform treatment with Nike’s ‘70s-era Blazer, a leather and suede design that comes in white and black, along with a handful of sleek seasonal colors that are only available temporarily. If you’re looking for a sneaker that will remain stylish for years to come, this is the one.

Size Range: 5–11 | Upper Material: Suede and leather | Colors: Evergreen, Midnight, Straw

The soft touch of suede is just what you need as the seasons change, while the swipe of white leather adds a slick contrast. Try layering it with lush fabrics like wool and cashmere, and you’ll be equally comfortable and stylish as you ease into a new season. 

Size Range: 5.5–11 | Upper Material: Leather | Colors: White/Gold, White/Black, White/Cool Light Gray

The rich tone of a gum sole strikes an eye-catching contrast to the white leather uppers of these sneakers from Puma. The classic round-toe silhouette is great for everyday simplicity when you want a shoe that you know can fit both casual and semi-dressy situations. 

Best Non-Traditional Sneaker

Marni Pablo Nappa Leather Sneaker

Net-a-Porter Marni Pablo Nappa Leather Mary Jane Sneaker
PHOTO:

Net-a-Porter

Size Range: 4–12 | Upper Material: Leather | Colors: White, Dark Olive, Camel +more

Is it a sneaker? Is it a Mary Jane? Marni’s Pablo is somewhere in between. The Velcro-strap upper is cute for styling with uniform-inspired pieces such as a checkered midi skirt or cropped jeans and a polo. If you’re feeling particularly inspired, style the sneakers with a colorful head-to-toe Marni look.

Size Range: 4–14 | Upper Material: Canvas | Colors: Optical White, Black, Navy, Red +more

Converse’s Chuck Taylor All Star has been around since 1957, a clear sign of the silhouette’s staying power. “It's a simple classic high-top that's versatile enough to style with your entire wardrobe,” says Shannan Allen, a personal stylist based in Philadelphia. The high-top canvas sneakers comes in a handful of color options, or you can build a custom pair with a mix of those colors and prints, so even if black or white isn’t right for you, there’s something to fit your fancy. 

Size Range: 5–11 | Upper Material: Leather and nylon | Colors: Retro Yellow/Ftwr White/Pale Yellow, Radiant Aqua/Ftwr White/Fresh Blue

Take a trip back to the ’80s with Reebok’s classic sneakers, updated with a platform for a modern twist. Available in 16 color options, you can opt for the style that best fits your wardrobe and fill in any missing holes in your current sneaker collection. 

Size Range: 5–13 | Upper Material: Leather | Colors: White

With a 2-inch, stripped platform sole, these sneakers resemble creeper shoes, making them ideal when you want to add a vintage touch to your outfit. Not to mention that they come in blue suede and metallic gold to further stand out.

Size Range: 5–11 | Upper Material: Canvas | Colors: Core Black/Cloud White, Cloud White, Core Black/Solar Yellow/Bliss Pink +more

Another option inspired by the simple silhouettes of the ‘70s is Adidas’ Nizza canvas platform. It mixes simplicity and playfulness and comes in a range of colors and bold prints for the sneaker enthusiast who’s looking for something with a bit of attitude.

Size Range: 5–14.5 | Upper Material: Canvas | Colors: Black/Classic White, Checkerboard Black/Classic White, White/White, Black/Black

Grab them and go—these easy sneakers don’t require fumbling with any laces or straps. Also worth noting: Sizes run up to 14.5, making this one of the most inclusive sizing options on this list. Classic black will always be a stylish choice, but if you’re feeling bold, go for Vans’ signature checkerboard print instead.

What to Look for in Platform Sneakers

  • Material: Leather is the de facto option for sneakers, but depending on your needs, you can consider other options, too. Suede has a texture that plays nicely with lightweight summer pieces and rich fall fabrics alike—though they'll take more effort to keep clean. Sportier sneakers are often made from canvas or mesh, which will be more breathable. 
  • Cost Per Wear: Smart shoppers may want to do a little bit of calculating before buying a new pair of sneakers. An inexpensive pair of shoes that falls apart after a few wears may end up costing more per wear than a more expensive pair that lasts you many years. The same goes for the style you select. Your cost per wear will go down with simple shoes that are wearable every day, while a more unique pair that you only reach for once or twice a season ends up costing more per wear.
  • Occasion: Not all platform sneakers are created equal. Sporty silhouettes are great for everyday strolls and easy weekend style. Simple sneaker silhouettes that have simply been lifted a few inches are perfect for work occasions when you may want to keep your trouser hem from dragging on the ground or you want to walk into your big meeting with confidence. 
FAQ
  • Are platform sneakers comfortable?

    “I find platform sneakers to be quite comfortable because they have that extra cushioning within the platform,” says Allen. Still, certain styles may be better suited to your feet, so don’t be afraid to test out different options. Look for styles with features like a comfortable insole and high-quality materials. Because a platform sneaker has a taller silhouette, make sure the fit is snug to avoid the risk of rolling your ankle. 

Why Trust Byrdie

Aemilia Madden is a writer and editor who has spent the last decade covering the latest trends and advancements in the fashion space. She is an editor and brand consultant and her latest work can be found in Harper’s Bazaar, L’Officiel, Fashionista, Vogue, and more. As a fashion editor and sneaker collector, she has tested many platform styles. As a part of her research for this roundup, she spoke to the following experts:

  • Shannan Allen is a personal stylist based in Philadelphia

According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find enough platform sneakers from Black-owned and/or Black-founded businesses to meet this percentage. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.com, and we will evaluate the product ASAP.

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