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As a journalist, I’m supposed to be impartial, objective, and unbiased. But I have to keep it real with you, and the truth is that comfortable platform shoes hold a very special place in my heart. Favoritism? Maybe, but I don’t care.
No matter the style or silhouette, I think a few extra inches improve almost any shoe. A platform adds edge, gives you a bit of height, and makes the shoe’s pitch lower, which means you won’t be on your tippy toes. Whether it’s my go-to black boots or my everyday white leather sneakers, I wear platforms more often than not. Hell, I even have a pair of platform Crocs.
For further evidence to prove my point, I’ve found the best platform shoes women can buy—that also happen to be comfortable. From designer styles to office-friendly loafers and every variety between, find 13 of the coolest shoes that’ll elevate your style (in more than one way) and give you a reason to stomp around this season.
Platform white sneakers might be one of my desert island items. They go with absolutely everything, and like a good pair of black boots, they are one shoe style I can’t live without.
Sizes: 36-42
Colors: White
Platform height: N/A
Customer review: “What a fabulous shoe. These shoes are a fantastic style, high fashion, and high comfort...Great with so many outfits, and even on the first day of wearing them, I was asked four times where I bought them.”
The Espadrille
Alaïa La Wedge 140 Leather-Trimmed Raffia Platform Pumps
Although espadrilles are decidedly summery, closed toes and leather straps help make this statement wedge a bit more versatile.
Sizes: 35-41
Colors: Natural
Platform height: 3.1 inches
The Clog
The Drop Francine Clog
Come September, you’ll find these in my heavy rotation.
Sizes: 5-13
Colors: Cognac, Light Sand, Black
Platform height: 3.35 inches
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The Holy Grail
Versace Embellished Ankle Loop Pumps
The mother of all party shoes—and at 55 percent off? That’s nuts. I’ve never felt fiercer than I did the one time I wore these.
Sizes: 36-41
Colors: Acid Lime, Fuchsia, Purple, Red, Coral
Platform height: 2.5 inches
Customer review: “These shoes are everything and more!”
The Flip Flop
Coperni Logo-Appliquéd Webbing Wedge Flip Flops
I might be the only one in favor of this Y2K trend, but I stand by it. Bring back wedge sandals!
Sizes: 36-41
Colors: Black, White
Platform height: 4 inches
Carine Lavache, ELLE’s senior content strategist, adores these Tory Burch sandals.
Sizes: 5-12
Colors: 6 options
Platform height: 1.75 inches
ELLE editor review: “In the short time I’ve had the style, it’s already become a staple shoe. The molded footbed makes me feel like I’m walking on clouds.”—Carine Lavache, senior content strategist
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The Stacked Sneaker
Adidas Gazelle Bold Shoes
Adidas Sambas have been the shoe of 2024, but don’t neglect the brand’s other hero style: the Gazelle. I can’t get over this flatform version.
Sizes: 4.5-11
Colors: 14 colors
Platform height: N/A
Customer review: “A dream come true! No problems with these. I’m on my feet most of the day, and my feet don’t hurt at the end of the day with these shoes.”
The Supportive Slide
Papillio by Birkenstock Arizona Platform Sandal
You thought Birkenstock already had a hold on you? Just wait until you try on these bad boys.
Sizes: 5-11.5
Colors: Mocha, Black, Stone Coin, White
Platform height: 1.25 inches
The Combat Boot
Dr. Martens Jadon Platform Boot
I quite literally wrote a love letter to these boots. I wear them on repeat throughout the colder months. And honestly, I’m not sure what I’d do without them.
Sizes: 5-12
Colors: Black, White, Red
Platform height: 2 inches
Customer review: “I love the look and the side zipper makes it so easy to get on and off. I wear them all the time!”
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I have a lot of personal respect for the sustainable brand Melissa, and one of my fellow editors regularly wears these sweet Mary Janes to work. I admire them every time.
Sizes: 5-10
Colors: Black, Pink, Brown, Blue, Orange
Platform height: 1.5 inches
ELLE editor review: “These Mary Janes have become a go-to for me. They’re light, comfy, and easy to walk in, so they’re a great commuter-friendly choice that also looks cute in the office. I like to pair them with a skirt or jeans—with or without socks! I know ballet flats are all the rage right now but I have a soft spot for these platforms.”—Erica Gonzales, senior culture editor
Larroudé has been the fashion set’s favorite little secret for years. As of late, though, it’s become a total It brand.
Sizes: 5-13
Colors: Silver, Black, Gold, Mint Green
Platform height: 1.5 inches
Customer review: “So cute yet so comfy, I’m obsessed with these shoes, I wore them dancing all night long dancing at a wedding and couldn’t believe I could just keep going.”
Who would have thought that Bella Hadid eating pizza in her underwear would be such an advertisem*nt for these chunky booties?
Sizes: 5-12
Colors: 7 options
Platform height: 2 inches
Customer review: “I love everything about them! Stylish Comfort! The sizing is perfect! I would highly recommend!”
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These are on my forever wishlist. I have a few friends who religiously wear these to work and can’t say enough good things.
Sizes: 34-42
Colors: Black
Platform height: ~2 inches
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