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Whether your shoe closet is filled to the brim with heels or you are the kind of person who dreads having to don a pair, one thing is for certain, heels are not always the most user friendly. Enter the platform heel. We know, comfortable heels sound like an oxymoron, but platform heels really do offer a more enjoyable walking experience, thanks to the extra lift below the sole. The most comfortable platform heels provide leg lengthening results, with cushion and security, to better protect the whole foot.
“Platform heels are like the ideal life partner—steady, loving and always around to give you a lift,” Linda Cui Zhang, associate fashion director of Nordstrom, says. “They’re a comfortable style because of the lower pitch, the difference in the height of heel and forefoot, compared to a traditional single-sole heel.” Although this doesn’t seem like much, it really makes a world of difference, when it comes to longer time frames of wear and foot support.
Once you try a platform, you might never return to stilettos or even flats for that matter. Not only are they consistently fashion-forward, you can find options for every occasion—think satins and silks for evening, or more summer-appropriate styles like raffia and soft leather. Whatever your personal taste, Cui Zhang emphasizes finding a style that feels secure when walking. “I prefer a minimal upper design to wear with printed embellished dresses, and fun organic-shaped heels to add some flare to an outfit,” she says.
Below, shop the 12 best comfortable platform heels to give your tired soles a little lift.
Pros
- The heel and platform height are very walkable
Cons
- They only come in two color ways
Prada's walkable, platform heel can face anything and everything. Cui Zhang likes that this shoe is "the do-it-all style that goes from work to a casual dinner with friends." The 2.5" heel with a 1" platform is a friendly height for all, and the simple, crossed strap design makes it versatile for any occasion and even any season. "In cooler months, I pair with tights to extend the wearability!" Cui Zhang says.
Size Range: 35–41 EU
Colors: Black, light pink
What customers are saying: "Super comfortable. My new work shoe for events when i’m on my feet all day."
Pros
- The style is versatile for day and night
Cons
- There are not many variations in fabrics
A nude heel is always a wardrobe must. Stuart Weitzman's criss-cross, platform sandal is made from soft leather, and a style that can be worn endlessly. Whether you'll be pairing it with a floaty, floral dress or a slinky gown for a black tie wedding is what you had in mind, this shoe will keep you standing the whole night long, very comfortably thanks to a cushioned footbed.
Size Range: 35–42 EU
Colors: Adobe, seashell, black
What customers are saying: "I bought these shoes for a wedding and wore them all night with no discomfort. I love that they worked perfectly for the wedding but could equally be dressed down with jeans for the weekend."
Pros
- Ankle strap keeps shoe secure
- Platform is a comfortable height for walking long periods
Cons
- Leather takes a while to break in
"If you live in ballet flats but occasionally prefer a lift, Eledera's Rossana is a dream come true," says Michella Oré, Bazaar's fashion commerce editor. "The slim ankle strap feels dainty yet does what it needs to do, in keeping the foot stable, while the patent leather adds just the right amount of shine to polish up a look. When I need a pair of shoes that can take me from dinner to an evening event without a set end time, I grab these."
Sizes Range: 36-41
Colors: Black nalpak, burgundy, laminated blue navy
Pros
- It is sustainably made
Cons
- The closed toe shape might be hot in warmer months
The return of the Y2K boho girl at Chloé means the return of platform clogs. True to the brand's sustainable initiatives, this clog is made with an African padauk wood sole and a leather upper that has been certified by the Leather Working Group, which works with tanneries to ensure that leather is produced responsibly. The closed toe design makes it also easier to walk in. Pair with a baggy, blue jean or ruffly, chiffon dress to really channel the mood.
Size Range: 35–41 EU
Colors: Black, tan
Pros
- It's a simple, versatile style
Cons
- The heel might be too high for some
Another style on Cui Zhang's list is Christian Louboutin's bare, strappy sandal "that brings a boost to both height and confidence." This might be a micro-platform, but it adds just the right amount of lift to make the 4" heel actually wearable. "[It's] the essential platform heel solution to lift summer occasion dressing," Cui Zhang says. You needn't reserve these just for summer though. They work for all seasons.
Size Range: 35–42 EU
Colors: Black, nude
What customers are saying: "I absolutely LOVE these shoes! I got them in black and wore them for the first time to a wedding and they were SO comfortable. I was surprised I was able to stay in them all night with no issues."
Pros
- It has 5 mm of foam padding
- It comes in hard to find sizes and widths
Cons
- The crossed straps may rub a bit, according to reviews
Margaux was created with comfort in mind, so it is only fitting that their rendition of the platform heel is a must-try. Designed with 5 mm of plush, foam padding, your soles will thank you every time you take these out of their box. The best part? This shoe style extends up to a 45 EU (14 US) and is available in medium, narrow, and wide widths, so everyone can find a size to fit their unique foot shape. We love the silver for a metallic touch that works for day or evening.
Size Range: 33–45 EU
Colors: Silver mirror, gold nappa, midnight suede, rose nappa, black suede, ivory nappa
What customers are saying: "This is a unicorn. It truly is the most comfortable heel I have ever worn through hours of being on my feet and dancing! Looking forward to other styles."
Pros
- Chunky sole is lightweight according to reviewers
Cons
- Limited size range
"Jelly platform sandals, like this pair from Melissa, are a fun way to elevate the trend for occasions that skew more formal than casual," says Oré.
Size Range: 5-10
Colors: Red, beige, black, green
What customers are saying: "I got (3) colors in this sandal. I absolutely love them all. They are very comfortable and it feels like a platform not like a heel. My favorites shoe made by Melissa. I hope they never stop making them."
Larroudé Dolly Embroidered Raffia Platform Sandal
Pros
- The extra cushion is very comfortable
- The heel height is walkable
Cons
- The raffia fabrication can't be worn in all seasons
"Marina Larroudé has found the platform heel formula," says Cui Zhang. "The chunky heel balances the delicate, strappy eyelet for the perfect touch of femininity." True to the brand's signature DNA, this shoe also has a memory foam insole for even more added comfort. Choose from natural or black raffia for a summertime spin or a blue jean denim version that really shows off the eyelet detailing.
Size Range: 5–11 US
Colors: Natural raffia, black raffia, stone denim
What customers are saying: "These Dolly sandals are beyond beautiful. I am a sucker for a block heel and platform sandal. This is probably the 6th pair of Dolly’s I have purchased over the last year. For the heel hight they are so easy to walk in and beyond comfortable. Extremely well made and the raffia is beautiful and beyond neutral."
Pros
- There is an extensive size range available
Cons
- There is only one color way
For evening, why not go for something a little more daring? "[This] sensual, tonal style looks modern rendered in suede-trimmed mesh," Cui Zhang says, of this sexier pair from Aquazzura. This might be one of the highest heels on the list, measuring 5", but the ample platform will keep you walking tall and comfortably, no matter the number of hours you plan to wear.
Size Range: 33–42 EU
Colors: Black
Jeffrey Campbell Jeffrey Campbell On Deck Platform Sandal
Pros
- Soft straps
- Minimal pitch
Cons
- Limited color range
"Wedges are quickly making their comeback but if you're not ready to hop on board just yet, this platform sandal is a cute way to dip your toe in," says Oré. "The retro silhouette can easily be dressed up or down, pairing well with an embellished linen shift or denim baker pants and a white t-shirt."
Size Range: 5-11
Colors: Natural, red, navy
Pros
- The straps are very soft
Cons
- Suede can sometimes be harder to keep clean
"A cute style that grounds the flowy white skirts and ruffle floral dresses this summer," says Cui Zhang. Schutz's Keefa platform sandal is a beloved customer favorite, due to the walkable heel shape and stylish design. Find comfort in the classic, ankle strap silhouette that is extremely versatile. In soft, suede nubuck leather, it is even more buttery feeling.
Size Range: 5–11 US
Colors: Honey beige nubuck leather, prata nappa leather, natural light wood, platina
What customers are saying: "It is the first time I can walk in heels for more than a few hours. Beautiful, comfortable shoes."
Pros
- The satin is high quality
- It's a well made shoe
Cons
- It is a style best worn for evening only
"Hard to beat the Heloise!" Cui Zhang tells us. "The black satin version is the perfect go-with-everything dress shoe." Designed with a '70s, disco feel, this platform shape has a knotted vamp that is ultra elegant in black satin, with that touch of sheen. Pair with a wide-leg trouser pant and satin lapel, tuxedo blazer, for a modern way to do evening dressing.
Size Range: 35–43 EU
Colors: Black
What customers are saying: "This is by far the most comfortable platform I’ve ever had! I wore it for 8 straight hours and it felt like I’m walking in flats! I highly recommend this product if you want comfort, style and height."
Meet the Experts
- Linda Cui Zhang is the associate fashion director at Nordstrom.
- Michella Oré is the fashion commerce editor at Harper's Bazaar.
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