Platform shoes: how to choose

How to choose platform shoes

Start with where you will wear them. A platform sneaker with a 3-5 cm lift, such as our leather round-toe pair or the thick sole lace-up style, keeps the stride close to the ground while adding a little height. A chunky 6-8 cm platform, as on the mesh-lined chunky sneakers, gives a taller line and a more grounded step; it suits days when you are not walking long distances or when you want the shoe to carry more of the outfit.

Think about the shape around the ankle. Low-top and low-cut styles leave the ankle free and sit neatly under straight-leg trousers or midi skirts. A high-top canvas flatform covers more of the foot and brings a sportier line, while chunky-heel ankle boots give warmth and height in cooler months. Lace-up fronts let you adjust the fit, and a side zip on a boot makes the shaft easier to open over tights or jeans.

The sole is the part that changes how a platform feels. Thick rubber and polyurethane soles give a stable base, while a flat chunky sole on the chain-detail flats keeps the foot level rather than pitched forward. If you are choosing your first pair, a 3-5 cm lift is a practical starting point; if you already wear platforms, the 6-8 cm chunky sole is a clear step up.

Materials, details and fit

Our platform shoes bring together several upper materials: cowhide and leather film, denim, suede, canvas with a PVC finish and smooth PU. Each gives a different surface and weight, so consider how the shoe will sit with the rest of your wardrobe. Suede has a velvety matte nap, denim brings a soft matte texture, and leather and PU give a cleaner, more structured line.

Inside, you will find cotton, cloth, mesh, microfiber, artificial short plush and imitation leather linings, depending on the style. A mesh lining brings a lighter feel on warm days, while a plush or cloth lining sits softly against the foot. Lace-up fronts are adjustable, side zips open a boot shaft cleanly, and slip-on or low-cut shapes are easy to step into.

Fit starts with the size range and the shape of the toe box. Some styles run from EU 34 to 40, others from 35 to 40 or 36 to 43, so check the product page for the pair you are considering. A round toe and a deep or shallow opening change how much room the foot has; choose your usual European size where the page gives that guidance, and pay attention to whether the upper sits below the ankle or higher up.

How to style them

Platform shoes work best when the hem and the sole are in balance. A low-top sneaker with a 3-5 cm lift sits neatly under straight-leg jeans, tailored trousers or a cotton midi skirt. The denim platform low-top has a soft matte upper that pairs easily with faded denim, while the chain-detail flats bring a polished note to the same trousers and skirts for a commute or a late dinner.

For a chunkier sole, keep the ankle visible. Cropped trousers, a midi skirt or a shorter hem let the 6-8 cm platform do its work without crowding the line. The mesh-lined chunky sneakers are an easy match for summer dresses and denim, and the high-top canvas flatform can take a slim jean or a short skirt with its T-strap and high collar.

Ankle boots change the mood. Wear the suede chunky-heel boots with thick tights and straight-leg jeans, or with tailored trousers and a long coat. The lace-up chunky-heel boots have a smooth PU upper that catches the light; let them sit under a midi skirt or over close-fitting trousers so the lace-up front stays visible. Keep the rest of the outfit simple when the shoe has a chain, a T-strap or a deep sole.

Care and storage

Give the upper the care its material asks for. Brush suede when it is dry with a soft brush, and wipe leather or PU with a soft dry cloth. Denim and canvas are best spot-cleaned with a barely damp cloth, then left to air away from direct heat. Mesh linings benefit from air and a light wipe rather than a soaking.

The sole needs less attention but benefits from a routine. Wipe rubber and polyurethane soles with a damp cloth to lift pavement dust, and use a soft brush around the tread. Avoid leaving platform shoes in direct sun or near a radiator, as heat can change the shape of the upper and the sole over time.

Store shoes with a little paper stuffed into the toe to hold the round shape, and keep pairs apart so a chain, zip or lace does not press into a suede or leather surface. Rotate your platform pairs through the week rather than wearing the same sole every day, and let them air after a long walk before they go back into the cupboard.

Standout pieces

• Mesh-Lined Chunky Platform Sneakers: A chunky 6-8 cm polyurethane platform and a low-cut upper with mesh lining give this pair a taller line while keeping the ankle free.
• Chunky Heel Suede-Look Ankle Boots: Soft suede, a rounded toe and a 3-5 cm chunky heel meet a side zip that opens the shaft cleanly over thick tights or straight-leg jeans.
• Chain-Detail Chunky Sole Flats: A slim chain across the vamp and a thick flat rubber sole make these round-toe flats a polished option for long days on your feet.
• Denim Platform Low-Top Sneaker: A denim upper and raised rubber sole give this low-top sneaker a soft matte texture with a subtle lift and a cloth lining.