The 14 Best Platform Sneakers to Elevate Your Shoe Game This Spring, According to Experts
Olivia Cigliano
Commerce Writer & Producer at Footwear News and WWD
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Updated April 5, 2024: This article on the best platform sneakers for women was updated with editor-tested product picks and new releases for spring and summer. Our team is currently conducting platform sneaker product testing for consideration in this expert-approved guide.
Comfortable sneakers for women are a mainstay in every footwear rotation, but there’s always room for a little lift. The best platform sneakers for women are a street style trend that’s stacking high above the rest, with tons of celebs sporting them out and about, and top shoe brands from Adidas to Nike releasing elevated iterations of their most beloved silhouettes. The best part is you don’t have to sacrifice comfort with this high-style shoe, because we curated this guide with the most comfortable platform sneakers on the market to add an edgy boost to any ensemble.
While platform sneakers have become a major fashion trend in recent years, they’re far from new in the athleisure lexicon. Through the ‘90s and early aughts, style stars from the Spice Girls to Britney Spears and even Bratz dolls were constantly sporting platform sneakers with everything from luxe velour tracksuits, flared jeans, and itty-bitty mini skirts. With Y2K dominating today’s footwear trends, these chunky sneakers have only towered to new heights of design and comfort alike. While many of our finds call back to the early aughts trend, others feel uniquely modern and fresh, with luxe detailing and innovative comfort features.
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Contemporary platform sneakers first stomped the runways at Stella McCartney’s fall 2014 show, then made waves in rainbow stacked outsoles at Gucci’s Resort 2017 show. Michael Kors and R13 embraced the silhouette for fall 2019, Fendi models hovered over the runway in thick embossed gum soles ahead of spring 2020, and white platform sneakers shined in 2022 at Céline. Naturally, celeb street style is taking the stacked shoe in stride, and has been sported by the likes of Gigi Hadid, Camila Cabello, Vanessa Hudgens, and Katie Holmes — it’s safe to say the trend isn’t leaving anytime soon.
In spring and summer, platform sneakers are an especially stylish shoe choice, as shorter hems can reveal their bold profile and create the illusion of legs for days. Plus, platform sneakers offer a closed-toe swap for wedge sandals when you want to protect your pedicure. There’s a myriad of platform sneakers for women to shop right now from Adidas, Nike, Heydude, New Balance, Vans, and more. You can even buy them in your favorite sneaker styles, like the New Balance 574, adidas Samba, and Vans Old Skool shoes.
Whether you’re spring cleaning your sneaker rotation or looking to dip your toe into the towering platform sneaker trend, keep reading, because we’ve rounded up the hottest platform sneakers for women to shop now.
Editor’s Choice: Top 3 Platform Sneakers for Women of 2024
The best part about platform sneakers is that they’re just as comfortable and easy to style as your go-to walking shoes, with the style appeal and height of a heel. Their thick midsoles promise additional cushioning and underfoot support, too, and they come in a variety of materials from smooth leather to airy canvas shoe uppers. Since there are so many iterations of platform sneakers on the market that appeal to different style perspectives, we’ve highlighted our top three recommendations. We’ve rated these options based on essential criteria, such as timeless style, comfort cushioning, essential traction, and durability.
- Converse Run Star Hike Platform High Top Sneakers: This elevated take on Converse’s timeless high top sneaker ranks as our top statement-making canvas platform sneaker on the market. Besides a super thick, rubber midsole, this shoe brings edgy style, serious traction, and an extra-cushioned footbed you can’t enjoy in the original shoe, making it equipped to support feet from city streets to casual hikes.
- New Balance 574+ Platform Sneaker: Our pick for the best casual platform sneakers is none other than New Balance’s elevated take on the 574 sneaker. Fronting the same mixed suede and mesh uppers as the durable original, this silhouette is upgraded in inches, EVA cushioning, and rugged traction, and comes in especially chic and versatile colorways you can wear for work or play.
- adidas Sambae Shoes: The adidas Sambae came as a serendipitous surprise last year at the height of the Samba sneaker trend, making it the best platform sneaker for a luxury look on our list. While the platform gum midsoles don’t bode well for soccer strikes, it certainly carries the retro style in stride with the same smooth leather uppers and luxe suede toe touches.
Size range: 4.5 to 13
Colorways: Black, white, pink
Materials: Leather, textile, tubber
Heel height: 2″
Platform height: 1.5″
Special features: OrthoLite Eco footbed
Nordstrom Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Shopbop Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 5/5 stars
Converse Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.6/5 stars
What testers say: “These are so cool. I was a little concerned that I would not like the platform shoe sole, but these are so comfortable! You get support and softness that you do not always get with a Chuck. Plus, I am not sure I have ever received as many compliments on a shoe before. LOVED THEM SO MUCH… bought the pink pair also!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $110
Style: 5/5 rating | Comfort: 4.8/5 rating | Traction: 5/5 rating | Durability: 4.9/5 rating
Size range: 6 to 12
Colorways: Gray, light gray, black, beige, sage green, white
Materials: Mesh, suede, rubber
Platform height: 1.5″
Special features: EVA midsole
Zappos Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
New Balance Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Free People Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.6/5 stars
What testers say: “The moment I saw these shoes I had to buy them! The color is so cute! I typically wear between 7.5 to 8 and I went with the 8 and they fit perfectly. The platform is pretty tall which I love as well. Despite their thick sole, they’re so lightweight.”
Style: 4.8/5 rating | Comfort: 5/5 rating | Traction: 4.6/5 rating | Durability: 4.9/5 rating
Price upon publish date of this article: $99.95
Size range: 5 to 11
Colorways: White and red; blue an dwhite; yellow and white; white and black; black and white
Materials: Leather upper, rubber
Platform height: 1″
Special features: Translucent gum rubber platform outsole
adidas Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.7/5 stars
Editor testing and review notes: “This more refined Samba style is truly ideal for those days when your day transitions from office hours to cocktail hour with no time for a shoe change. The first thing you’ll notice about the adidas Sambae shoe is the platform gum rubber outsole. The height-boosting bottom is sturdy, durable, and will provide great traction on any surface. If you think about it, these premium Sambas are steal with the extended lifespan the outsole provides.”
What testers say: “Obsessed! I wear a true 9, but sized down to an 8.5 and these fit perfectly! They’re so comfortable and require less break in time than the original Samba. Definitely can’t wait to splurge on another pair.”
Style: 5/5 rating | Comfort: 4.8/5 rating | Traction: 4.7/5 rating | Durability: 5/5 rating
Price upon publish date of this article: $110
Colorways: White Sparkle, black
Materials: Textile
Special features: EVA outsole, removable and washable insole, slip-on style
Heydude Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.6/5 stars
What testers say: “I have had a pair of Wendy Rises for a little over a year now, and they are one of my favorite pairs of shoes. I live in Mississippi so they transition really well from warmer to cooler weather and from sunny to rainy weather. The little bit of lift helps keep your feet dry if you have to step through puddles, but even if your shoes get a bit wet, they dry fast and aren’t uncomfortable. I’ve worn them for long walks and travel and they’re still going strong, and more importantly have never given me blisters. They are a really one of the most comfortable and versatile shoes that I have ever owned.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $44.99
Colorways: White, gold, purple, white and black, white and blue
Materials: Leather, rubber
Special features: Padded collar, double-taped detailing, vulcanized construction, herringbone traction
Nike Top Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.6/5 stars
What testers say: “Absolutely perfect for what I was wanting them for — very comfortable, great quality, and super cute with leggings or jeans. Not too high of a platform.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $100
Colorways: White
Materials: Pebbled cowhide, rubber
Special features: Padded collar, EVA sole, leather footbed and lining, perforated toe box
Tory Burch Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.3/5 stars
Saks Fifth Avenue Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4/5 stars
Shopbop Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 5/5 stars
What testers say: “Love them! I can dress them up or down to wear with favorite jeans or sporty dress. They’re lightweight and so comfortable. The Ladybug sneakers are my best feel-good shoe that goes with any outfit of choice.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $288
Colorways: Pink, green, orange, red, black, blue, and more
Materials: Suede
Platform height: 1.5″
Special features: Removable insole
Adidas Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.7/5 stars
What testers say: “I love everything about these sneakers! They are so comfortable while looking good! I was originally drawn to the platform detail. I couldn’t believe how comfortable they are. I wore them to walk to and from work (almost two miles round trip) and had them on for my full eight-hour shift with no issues!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $120
Colorways: Black, white, checkerboard, blue, pink, purple, pastel multi
Materials: Leather suede, canvas, rubber
Platform height: 1.4″
Special features: Padded collar
Zappos Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Nordstrom Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Vans Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
What testers say: “I love these shoes! They’re probably one of my favorites! The platform is comfy and not heavy. I got so many compliments as they look amazing. I’ve had suede Old Skools before, and they made my heels bleed. These didn’t. I got them in the mail right before I went to work on my feet for eight hours and they were totally fine. I got them in my regular Vans size. 10 out of five stars — I’ll buy this style again and I recommend them to everyone. Don’t let them sell out, or you’ll be kicking yourself in the rear end with a much less attractive shoe.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $65
Colorways: White and black, white and beige
Materials: Leather, textile, rubber
Heel height: 1.75″
Platform height: 1″
Special features: Sustainable production
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Zappos Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
What testers say: “I love these shoes. I wore them on vacation and walked several miles a day in them. They are so comfortable. The platform is perfect! They give just the right amount of lift and they look great with everything from shorts to jeans to dresses.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $54
Colorways: White and navy, white and black, white and green, gray, and more
Materials: Faux leather, rubber
Platform height: 1.75″
Special features: At least 30% of the upper is made with recycled materials
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Asics Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.4/5 stars
What testers say: “I had a recent foot fracture so bought these for comfort and support when I was ready to start walking again. These are very comfortable and gave good support. I’ve now purchased several pair for daily walks and for upcoming travel. Highly recommend.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $59.95
Colorways: Denim, khaki, floral
Materials: Textile, rubber
Platform height: 1″
Special features: Padded footbed
Nordstrom Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
DSW Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.9/5 stars
Price upon publish date of this article: $79
Colorways: Black, white, gray, navy, beige
Materials: Cotton canvas, rubber
Platform height: 1.3″
Special features: Vulcanized outsole, padded footbed
Nordstrom Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Zappos Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
What testers say: “I really like these! I went a 1/2 size down as instructed by reviews and they fit comfortably. One thumb away from the tip is exactly what I have. I found that they didn’t rub my heel nor feel unbearable for some length wearing them, and I found them just as comfortable from the first time slipping into them. I will buy more from Superga most definitely!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $80
Colorways: Black snake, gray snake, white, off white microfiber
Materials: Faux leather, rubber
Heel height: 1.75″
Platform height: 1.5″
Special features: Slip-on style
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Zappos Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
What testers say: “Comfortable and stylish. I am a hairstylist and I’m on my feet all day. These are my favorite shoes!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $60
Colorways: White
Materials: Leather
Platform height: 2.75″
Nordstrom Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Saks Fifth Avenue Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4/5 stars
What testers say: “Zero complaints — I’m buying more pairs. These feel like you’re walking on clouds. I’ve owned other platform sneakers before and these are by far the most comfortable. Also, these aren’t blindingly white. The laces are, but the leather itself is more eggshell — which is perfect to me!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $199.95
What to Look for in Platform Sneakers
- Materials: There’s a wide variety of upper material construction across platform sneaker offerings. You can choose from easy-to-clean canvas, supple suede, luxe pebbled leather, stiff faux-leather, durable rubber, or airy mesh. Stitch Fix stylist Molly Roe says, “Rubber uppers not only offer durability, traction, and spring, but style-wise, they can come in various colors. In colder months, clients often prefer a sneaker made of leather or suede; however, as we transition to warmer weather, I recommend opting for a mesh or canvas fabric sneaker.” For those with common foot problems (i.e., those who need shoes for bunions, shoes for plantar fasciitis, or shoes for wide feet), opt for more flexible materials like mesh and canvas, as they’ll be easiest to break in.
- Midsole: The midsole of a platform sneaker is arguably the most significant element to pay attention to depending on your foot type. Platforms are not all equal, as some stack totally flat and others are feature a subtle heel-to-toe drop. Keep in mind that the taller and flatter the platform, the less control you have when walking. If you need shoes for flat feet or are prone to overpronation, look for platform sneakers with stiffer elements such as insoles and orthotics for greater control. New York-based podiatrist Dr. Parker M Gennett says, “the goal is not to create an arch” as you select a proper midsole, “it’s to support the foot, as to neutralize abnormal stresses and forces.” As for shoes for high arches, Dr. Jackie Sutera, fellow New York-based podiatrist and Vionic Innovation Lab member, says it’s best to avoid rigid, stiff, and flat sneakers. She adds, “high-arches are best treated with lightweight, softer, and more flexible midsoles.”
- Cushioning: Cushioning is essential to comfort, especially in tippy top platforms. Dr. Gennett explains that “the key to comfort is finding a pair with the balance between the right cushion and amount of control.” Platform shoes from Vans and Nike support stability with padded collars and tongues, while styles from HEYDUDE and New Balance offer plush EVA cushioning to soften your steps. While all feet will be happy with lots of cushioning, Dr. Gennett advises that those with high arches should especially look for a platform sneaker with elevated cushioning to absorb impact. This also applies to those who need walking shoes for plantar fasciitis or running shoes for plantar fasciitis.
How to Wear Platform Sneakers: Platform Sneaker Trend Outfit Ideas
Platform sneakers style just the same as your go-to pair of white sneakers for women or walking shoes for women, while adding an extra high-style flair of personality to any ensemble and occasion. Platform sneakers are already a bold and structured silhouette, so they make for a fun piece for playing with proportions. You can go all-out maximalist and pair them with your baggy jeans or oversized jackets, or balance out their chunky vibe with delicate garments that have short hemlines and sleek fits, like summer dresses and miniskirts.
- Platform sneakers with dresses or skirts: Platform sneakers will only make you look taller and your legs look longer. When you’re showing some leg in a dress or a skirt, a pair of platform sneakers will give you a towering illusion that is far comfier than any pair of pumps. Plus, they add an edgy, too-cool-for-school twist to any feminine silhouette. Whether you opt for a mini skirt and a crop top, a silky slip dress, or a chic midi skirt, platform sandals style beautifully with trendy socks or buttery-smooth hosiery.
- Platform sneakers with jeans: You don’t have to swap out your favorite pieces to style your new pair of platform sneakers. Timeless denim styles, whether straight-leg jeans, wide-leg jeans, high-waisted jeans, or cropped jeans are easy pairings with platforms — and they’ll allow the stacked sole to peak out as you step.
- Platform sneakers with trousers: Comfortable sneaker trends have strutted their way into casual Friday dressing in recent years, and while platform styles add a fashion-forward boost regardless of the ensemble, pairing them with trousers adds an extra layer of polish. Platform sneakers are especially savvy if you have a pair of professional pants that are in need of a hem, because they’ll drape beautifully over the shoe’s upper as if it were an intentional style choice — in line with low-hanging baggy pants trends. Whether you opt for pin-stripes or linen, balance out the wide leg and platform shapes with a form-fitting bodysuit and a blazer, or top the look with a sweet sweater vest and a button-down.
- Platform sneakers with athleisure: Lean into the sporty athleisure vibe of platform sneakers by wearing them with your comfiest lounge or activewear. They style seamlessly with your go-to “joggers and a sweatshirt” suggests Roe, who adds that “athleisure continues to be a dominant trend” in 2024. Elongate your legs with smooth biker shorts, à la Kim Kardashian and Hailey Bieber, or slip into platform sneakers to dress up a pair of your breezy balloon pants or cozy sweats.
How We Selected the Best Platform Sneakers for Women
For more than 75 years, Footwear News has been the shoe authority. Our coverage spans top industry news, retail trends, head-to-toe fashion, athletic and outdoor analysis and more. Footwear News’ global network of editors has carefully curated all product selections featured using our expansive brand knowledge and thorough research to find quality, long-lasting items.
In order to select the best platform sneakers for women, we conducted extensive research into brand new products currently on the market, as well as sifted through reviews to make sure we only included the most elevated and bestselling platform shoes. We included insight from Stitch Fix stylist Molly Roe, who provided platform sneaker styling expertise, and two certified podiatrist that weighed in on foot health-friendly shoe selections that don’t compromise on style. Learn more about us here.
Meet the Experts
Molly Roe is a stylist at Stitch Fix, an online personal styling service that picks clothing for you based on your needs and preferences. Roe is based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and works as styling team lead for Stitch Fix, where she keeps a keen eye on trends in order to best advise customers.
Dr. Parker M Gennett is Binghamton, NY- based podiatrist certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgeons and the American Podiatric Medical Specialties Board. With degrees from the University of Arizona, the Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine, and DVAMC Palo Alto/Stanford University Medical Center, he also serves as a diplomate of the American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons. He has over 25 years of well-rounded practice at the Foot & Ankle Care Center with full staff privileges at Lourdes Hospital and United Health Services.
Dr. Jacquelyn Sutera is an NYC-based surgically trained doctor of podiatric medicine specializing in the prevention and treatment of foot pathology. She graduated from Fordham University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Philosophy. She later attended the New York College of Podiatric Medicine, where she earned the degree of Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM). She is a proud member and spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical Association and the New York State Podiatric Medical Society.
Meet the Author
Olivia Cigliano is a Commerce Writer & Producer at Footwear News and WWD where she writes shopping content on the best-rated footwear, TikTok style trends, and more. Cigliano received her bachelor’s degree in journalism from Emerson College, and her byline can be found in publications including Elite Daily and CR Fashion Book. Cigliano updated this guide for the best platform sneakers for women in spring 2024 with new releases and bestselling shoes to style for spring, summer, and beyond.
