The 20 Best Platform Sandals to Elevate Your Look

Best Overall

Schutz Keefa Sandal

$148 at Amazon $148 at Nordstrom View on Schutz-shoes.com

Material: Synthetic, Cow Leather | Size Range: 5-11 | Heel Height: 4.1 inches

Here at Byrdie, we’re big Schutz fans, which is something we have in common with celebrities such as Miley Cyrus and Jennifer Lawrence. That’s because they’re always serving up something that's as practical as luxurious. And this ‘70s disco-inspired set balances the two oh-so-well: equipped with an elegant crisscross toe band, gorgeous shimmering neutral colors, and a 1.5-inch platform. These are the ultimate day-to-night shoe.

Best Budget

Wild Fable Women’s Astro Strappy Platform Heels

$30 at Target

Material: Polyurethane | Size Range: 5-14, W | Heel Height: 4 inches

A glorious girls' night out starts with a Barbie pink shoe. Sorry, we don’t make the rules. This strappy, twisty square-toe sandal from Target’s Wild Fable brand is the type of shoe in your closet, begging to be paired with a slip dress or a fun pair of pants. And while they make quite a statement—especially because of the metallic hue and buckle fastening—they don’t come with a hefty price tag. Instead, they’re relatively affordable. Not to mention, while they’re statement shoes, they are quite comfortable, offering a memory foam insole, so you can dance all night long without a blister to stop you.

Best Splurge

Larroude Vanessa Platform Sandal

View on Larroude.com

Material: Leather | Size Range: 5-11 | Heel Height: 4.8 inches

You've likely seen this female-led brand on your Instagram explore page. And that’s because Larroudé has quickly risen to the top of the shoe scene, becoming a fashion-girl cult favorite. All the hype is well deserved, too: Each pair is exceptionally crafted and made with a creative, signature spin with each style. Like these equestrian-inspired lofty sandals, these feel updated while remaining classic; they’re a shoe you reach for over and over again. They’re an ideal accessory for the warmer months with a cork base, summer prints, and materials like raffia. Plus the neutral shades empower these to become your next go-to nude heels.

Best Luxury Designer

Saint Laurent Jodie Platform Sandal

$1,150 at Nordstrom View on Ysl.com $1,090 at Net-a-Porter

Material: Lambskin Leather | Size Range: 6.5-12 | Heel Height: 5.7 inches

Kickstart party season the right way by sporting a pair of towering platforms from the fashion house Saint Laurent, a label all about slinky and statement-making pieces. If you want to invest in a pair of timeless and sexy shoes, this pair will stay in your arsenal for years. They feature a peep-toe platform with an almond toe and adjustable ankle straps for the ideal fit. Plus, they have a covered block heel, and if that 5.7-inch climb is steering you away, know that the chunky soles balance out that towering pitch, which plenty of reviewers say is quite easy to walk in.

Best for Walking

Naturalizer 27 Edit Jaime Dress Sandal

View on Naturalizer.com

Material: Leather | Size Range: 5-12 | Heel Height: 3.75 inches

If you want all-day walkability without wearing a sneaker, look to Naturalizer, the brand known for specifically designing its shoes to the contours of a woman's foot. These feature the label’s signature Comfort+Contour technology—which includes an added layer of luxe cushioning—as well as a rubber outsole design that provides enhanced flexibility and shock absorption. Coming in an array of hues, from cherry-colored suede to cognac leather, you’ll finally realize that a, quote, unquote, "occasion shoe" can be worn all day, every day, without a single blister or complaint in sight.

Best Fisherman

SOREL Dayspring Platform Sandal

View on Sorel.com $140 at Zappos View on Lyst.com

Material: Rubber | Size Range: 5-12 | Heel Height: 2.25 inches

When you think of fisherman sandals, a flat caged silhouette likely comes to mind. However, one thing that sets Sorel’s Dayspring Platform apart is its chunky platform heel. The brand claims to have literally given the style a boost, and we couldn’t agree more. They’re equally as stylish as they are utilitarian, making this pair a great summer sandal for outdoor activities and weekend festivities. Featuring a thick lug sole that’s surprisingly easy to walk in and available in three neutral colorways, these platforms give your warm-weather outfit a real lift without committing to a super high heel. Truly a win, win.

Best Black

Melissa Posh Platforms

$99 at Nordstrom $49 at Lulus View on Shopmelissa.com

Material: PVC MelFlex material | Size Range: 5-10 | Heel Height: 3.5 inches

If you've ever wondered what shoes Polly Pocket would wear in real life, the answer is the whimsical brand Melissa. Known for their jelly and plastic shoes, Melissa is a favorite among celebrities such as Taylor Swift and Anne Hathaway. These shoes are recyclable, vegan, consciously made, and absolutely adorable. They strike the right balance of feeling nostalgic without looking too childish, which can be seen in pairs like this classic clog style. Made with a robust heel and a minimalist design, these platforms are giving the posh ‘90s vibes we know and love—and miss very, very much.

Best Espadrille

Nine West Espadrille Cristy Wedge Sandals

View on Ninewest.com View on Dsw.com $86 at Kohls.com

Material: Synthetic Rubber  | Size Range: 5-12 | Heel Height: 2.76 inches

Step out in these wedge sandals from Nine West featuring a platform, slip-on design, and strappy detailing with elegant knots. They’re a great shoe for casual wear, so whether you’re stomping through the city or styling them with a sundress on vacation, these sandals will work hard in your summer wardrobe. And if you’re looking for something less neutral than the black and brown colorways, opt for a glistening gold to take your look to the next level—pun intended.

Best Strappy

Marc Fisher Godea Sandal

$99 at Amazon View on Dsw.com

Material: Synthetic Rubber Faux Leather | Size Range: 6-11 | Heel Height: 4 inches 

Everyone needs a strappy heel in their rotation for a night out, and these Marc Fisher platforms are begging to be accompanied by a dance floor. My bestie owns these and once joked they had everything her ex didn’t—height, stability, and longevity. But jokes aside, her recommendation is one that style experts agree on. Fashion influencer Brigette Pheloung can be caught wearing this asymmetrical pair of heels. Her way to wear? She likes to style these sandals with a matching set and statement necklace for a beach day, which shows how versatile they truly are: You can wear these anywhere and everywhere, including oceanside.

Best Slides

Labucq Floaty Sandal

View on Labucq.com

Material: Neoprene | Size Range: 4.5-12.5 | Heel Height: 1.5 inches 

For girls who want to fully embrace their comfy shoe era (without sacrificing style), Labucq’s floaty sandal is the way to go. Made with an Italian padded neoprene upper, foam mesh insole, rounded wedge midsole, these shoes feel as featherlight as they look. We especially love their oversized, bubble look, one that has been done by Bottega Veneta countless times, except these are at a much forgiving price point. Slide into these poolside or slip into them when you need to run some errands, but either way, we love this bright, poppy color they bring into your seasonal wardrobe.

Best on Amazon

Teva Women’s W Flatform Universal Sandal

$49 at Amazon View on Lyst.com View on Dsw.com

Material: Polyester | Size Range: 5-12 | Heel Height: 1.75 inches

Beloved by travel writer Merrell Readman, who says she wore these platforms around Italy and never got a single blister. They’re equipped with functional synthetic straps that—if you’re like Readman and have sensitive skin—will not irritate or rub against your ankles. Even straight out of the box, Readman says these never caused discomfort. They're even made with water-ready polyester webbing, perfect for being around water during the warmer months. Additionally, they have a rubber sole that provides plenty of grip on slippery surfaces, so you don't have to worry about slipping or falling.

Best Thong

Tony Bianco Ives Sandal

$120 at Revolve View on Tonybianco.com

Material: Leather Upper | Size Range: 5-10 | Heel Height: 3.5 cm

If you’re searching for a solid The Row dupe for the vacation months, this pair of Tony Bianco’s is for you. A brand beloved by fashion influencer Alex Davidson, who calls herself guilty of a “Tony Bianco obsession,” is one that has almost 5.7 million posts on TikTok. And there’s a reason the brand is praised by everyday wearers and celebs alike: they’re just that good. They’re exceptionally crafted, comfortable, and versatile. This style, in particular, is perhaps one of the most easy-to-pair styles, being that it is made of a stark black leather and a medium-width flip-flop inspired design.

Best With Ankle Buckles

Charlotte Stone Raf Platform Sandal

View on Charlotte-stone.com

Material: Leather | Size Range: 4-13 | Heel Height: 3.5 inches 

Charlotte Stone calls themselves your best friend, your attentive plus one, and the life of the party—and this is because they prioritize fun in a way sometimes unseen in the footwear space. Orange clogs? Check. Multicolored boots? Check. These platform sandals embrace the quirkiness; the edginess; the oh-my-god I would've never thought to pair those two colors together! of it all. Leave it upon the Stone Raf to be your next statement shoe, one that’s equipped with solid leather, adjustable ankle straps, decorative front buckles, and a 3.5-inch heel. Opt for a solid colored version but those mismatched uppers? Divine.

Best Suede

M. Gemi The Lizza Nuova

View on Mgemi.com

Material: Leather upper, synthetic | Size Range: 6-11 | Heel Height: 2.5 inches

One thing about investing in a pair of quality suede platform sandals is that you can wear them for seasons to come—if you take good care of them. Good thing these M. Gemi platforms are so pretty; you’ll want to.  Apart from having an adjustable fit (thank you, big buckles), they’re a versatile option that can be dressed up for more polished occasions and worn casually with jeans and a plain white tee. They come in a handful of colorways—think black, navy, orange—that will work for minimalists and maximalists alike.  

Best Leather

Massimo Dutti Platform Sandals

View on Massimodutti.com

Material: Leather | Size Range: 5-11 | Heel Height: 4.3 inches

A slinky, strappy leather sandal withstands the test of time in the same way a LBD does. And that’s because, if they’re excellently made like these Massimo stunners, they will last a lifetime of being paired with pops of colors, funky accessories, and interchanged bags. Dressed up or down, these elegant sandals feature a standout platform and comfortable heel, making them perfect for special occasions. Crafted from cowhide leather with a sheepskin lining, they include an adjustable buckle ankle strap, a 2.5 centimeters platform, and an 4.3-inch heel, along with an Airlift insole for added comfort—the kind you’ll be able to feel with one step.

Best Sporty

Tory Burch Kira Sport Sandal

$298 at Nordstrom View on Toryburch.com $298 at Saks Fifth Avenue

Material: Leather | Size Range: 4.5-13 | Heel Height: 35mm 

Tory Burch has done it once again, applying the label’s preppy routes to a flatform that can be worn from hiking to lounging poolside. While they are considered sports sandals, they have that day-to-night wearability that most athletic shoes do not. They also feature soft leather, an ultra-comfortable molded leather footbed, and a durable rubber sole, making them great for long strolls. Plus, they’re designed with utilitarian Velcro straps adorned with the brand’s signature logo.

Best for Wedding Guests

Reformation Maize Platform Sandal

$278 at Reformation

Material: Leather, silk | Size Range: 5-11 | Heel Height: 2.95 inches

The ideal wedding guest shoe should have a heel but be comfortable enough to walk, stand, and dance in—even after a few Aperol spritzes. Plus, they should have a foundation stable enough for the wedding venue (i.e., no stilettos that could sink into grass or buckle on cobblestones), and they should come in a color that pairs well with various hues. To us, Reformation’s Maize Platform ticks all those boxes. They’re chunky, with a 2.95-inch block heel, meaning they’re easy to walk in; they feature a thin ankle strap that still offers stability. They’re also available in different fabric options (think metallic leather or shiny silk) that pair well with any well-dressed wedding guest ‘fit.

Best Flatforms

Free People Flatform Sandals

$98 at Nordstrom $98 at Freepeople.com $98 at Zappos

Material: Leather | Size Range: 6-11 | Heel Height: 2.75 inches

We know and love Free People for their boho-inspired clothes, but don’t sleep on their shoes—they’re just as whimsical and dreamy as their flowy blouses and bellbottoms. We love this statement-making pair, which comes in 12 style varieties, from chrome to sky blue, and from fuchsia to subdued taupe. The 2.75-inch platform and molded cork footbed make them easy to stroll in, and the allover color gives them a modern feel.

Best Cushioned

Camper Misita 2-Strap Sandal

View on Camper.com

Material: Nylon, Polyurethane | Size Range: 5-10 | Heel Height: 5.7 cm 

Monochrome leather has been everywhere, so if you haven’t added a fun pop of color to your shoe rotation—think bright red, lime green, or tangerine—now is the time to do so. And if you insert quirky-colored sandals into your closet, they might as well be comfortable. Well, that’s not a problem for shoes made by Camper, a label known for its colorful boots, heels, sandals, and trainers, often in rounded “bubble” designs. These chunky flatforms feature a cushioned platform to provide stable height, so that walking can feel (and look!) like you’re walking on clouds every time you strap them on your feet.

Best Wedges

RAYE Dakota Wedge

$188 at Revolve

Material: Leather upper | Size Range: 5.5-10 | Heel Height: 5 inches 

In case you haven’t heard, wedges are back. But not in the way you think—the controversial early 2000s footwear trend plagued by a cork platform. Instead, this classic style feels more refined and minimalistic, like this one-toned slip-on style from Raye. These taupe-colored wedges feature an almond toe with a structural wedge, knotted detailing, and a fun, strappy design. Even with just a glance, you can tell these aren’t your middle-school-graduation espadrille. The feeling is quite different, too. These are luxuriously made with a leather footbed and lining, meaning they’re stacked to survive the ages, much like their timeless design.