Are platform sneakers comfortable?

It might take some time for platform sneakers to feel really broken in, but they’re not too difficult to walk in—as long as you know what kind of height you're comfortable with. Make sure you get the proper pair of socks to wear with them to avoid any rubbing and blisters. “Platform sneakers are a win-win in terms of trend; you get the comfort and versatility of a sneaker, with the bonus of an extra lift off the ground,” says Popp. “They are an easy run-around shoe, but pack a little more attitude with the additional height.”

What are some tips on how to wear platform sneakers with dresses?

You can turn any cute, fancy dress into a more casual look with a pair of platform sneakers. Depending on the color or heel height of the sneakers, they’d look great with a little black dress, a sundress, or even a midi or maxi dress—considering you’d be able to see the shoes because of the heel. “[Platform sneakers] also add a touch of street-worthy style flair when paired with dresses,” says Popp. “ Prairie dresses pair well with a platform court look (a la Reebok or Puma), while the lace-up Converse high-tops look great with a flirty mini dress. You can lace them up halfway, and then wrap them around for a stylish twist.”

Can you wash sneakers in the washing machine?

Depending on the material that the sneakers are made of, they could be washed in the washing machine—as long as it’s on a low, gentle cycle. However, if a pair of sneakers are made of a material that can’t sustain the washing machine, like leather, it’s recommended that hand-washing sneakers would be your best bet.

The 11 Best Platform Sneakers of 2023

If you’re looking for a pair of shoes that are durable and comfortable without sacrificing style, you should seriously consider platform sneakers. Available in various colors, sizes, and materials, they’re incredibly versatile in the ways that they can be styled; they’re great for walking around town, running errands, a Sunday brunch, or even for a night out.

We know it might be tough to figure out how to even look for the best platform sneakers out there, so we went ahead and scoured the internet to find the best options. We also tapped Regina Popp, the senior director of Fashion & Trend at Designer Brands, the parent company of DSW, for her footwear expertise.

Keep reading for the best pairs of platform sneakers that will satisfy all your comfort and styling needs, as well as shopping advice from Popp.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

adidas Originals Superstar Bonega Shoes at Adidas.com

Jump to Review

Best Designer:

Fendi Mesh Platform Sneakers at Neiman Marcus

Jump to Review

Best Value:

Soludos Ibiza Platform Sneakers at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Velcro:

Alexander McQueen Oversized Triple Strap Sneakers at Nordstrom

Jump to Review

Best Budget:

Lucky-Step Platform Sneakers at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best High-Top:

Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Move High-Top Sneaker at Nordstrom

Jump to Review

Best White:

Keds Triple Kick Leather Platform Sneakers at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best at DSW:

JLO Jennifer Lopez Espadrille Platform Sneaker at Dsw.com

Jump to Review

Best Canvas:

Superga 2790 Platform Sneakers at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Slip-On:

Vans Platform Slip-On Sneakers at Amazon

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
What To Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Byrdie

adidas

View On Adidas.com View On Footlocker.com View On Pacsun.com

These platform sneakers from Adidas are an elevated take on the classic Superstar sneaker—and they need to be added to your collection ASAP. They’re great for everyday wear and are even offered in four colorway options. This pick is also made with partially recycled materials, which helps make the earth a little happier.

Construction: Coated leather upper with 50% recycled content, textile lining, memory foam sockliner, EVA drop-in | Size Range: 5-11

Price at time of publish: $110

Neiman Marcus

View On Neiman Marcus View On Saks Fifth Avenue

Fendi is not messing around with these mesh platform sneakers; they’re comfortable and stylish, so you can go all day wearing them without worrying about your feet hurting. While they’re on the more expensive side, they’re worth every penny—especially if you’re looking to invest in a designer sneaker that will transcend the trends.

Construction: Polyamide, elastane, cotton, and viscose upper, leather lining, and rubber sole | Size Range: 5-11

Price at time of publish: $795

Nordstrom

View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Walmart

These stylish platform sneakers from Soludos are just what you need to truly complete your look. They look great paired with jeans or even a dress and come in four different colors to satisfy your wardrobe needs. They’re practically true to size, but it’s advised that you double-check the brand's size chart before ordering a pair.

Material: Leather or suede upper, rubber sole | Size Range: 5-11

Price at time of publish: $129

Alexander McQueen

View On Nordstrom View On Alexandermcqueen.com View On Bloomingdales

If you wanna kick off your shoes at the end of a long day without the hassle of having to untie (but also garnering major style points), then these Velcro platform sneakers are for you. They can be worn all day at work with a pair of jeans, slacks, or even dresses, thanks to Alexander McQueen's iconic oversized sole that's as versatile as it is recognizable. You'll get a lot of use out of these sneakers, which could ultimately justify the higher price tag.

Material: Leather and suede upper, leather lining, rubber sole | Size Range: 5-11

Price at time of publish: $650

Amazon

View On Amazon

For less than $35, you can snag this studded pair of platform sneakers on Amazon. Not only will you look good in these, but you (and your feet) will feel good, as they’re padded with memory foam on the insoles for all-day comfort. One reviewer mentions that these sneakers are "comfortable to wear all day, even five-plus hours at a retail job."

Construction: Faux suede upper, rubber sole, memory foam insole | Size Range: 6-10

Price at time of publish: $28

converse chuck taylor all star move high top sneaker

DSW

View On Nordstrom View On Converse.com View On Cruisefashion.com

Popp says that Converse are the perfect year-round platform sneakers at the moment. “[They’re] easy to wear with dresses in summer, jeans in the winter, and with a comfy knit sock when you need to cozy up," she tells Byrdie. "This style is lightweight, versatile, and gives you the platform look without ever feeling clunky. The beauty of Chuck Taylors is that the more worn-in they look, the better, so they are a good year-in, year-out iconic staple.” It's worth noting that the brand says these sneakers run slightly large, so order half a size down when buying.

Construction: Canvas upper with about 50% recycled cotton, OrthoLite insole, synthetic lining, rubber sole | Size Range: 5-11

Price at time of publish: $75

Keds Triple Kick Leather Platform Sneakers

Nordstrom

View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Keds.com

When it comes to platform sneakers, we couldn’t forget the classic, best-selling pair of white Keds. Keds are known for their simple white sneakers that go with any look. The inside sole is cushioned for additional comfort, and the leather exterior allows for easy cleaning if they happen to get dirty. You’ll want to add these to your shoe collection ASAP.

Construction: Leather upper and rubber sole | Size Range: 5-11

Price at time of publish: $70

jlo jennifer lopez lolan espadrille platform sneaker

DSW

View On Dsw.com

Add to your collection of summer shoes with this pair of platform sneakers from the JLO x DSW collection. If you're soaking up summer vibes or planning a warm weather getaway, a pair of espadrille sneakers may be calling you. These have a cushioned insole, so they're a great choice if you're wanting an elevated summer shoe but want to avoid an uncomfortable heel situation. They'd pair perfectly with everything from a floral sundress to jeans and a white tee. We love the black colorway, as they can easily take you into the early fall season, as well.

Construction: Canvas upper, fabric lining, espadrille midsole, synthetic treaded sole | Size Range: 6-11

Price at time of publish: $45

Superga

View On Amazon View On Lulus View On Revolve

You really can't go wrong with a pair of classic canvas sneakers by Superga. This platform version adds a bit of height to the timeless style that's known for its versatility and comfort. Plus, these sneakers come in literally dozens of colors, so you have lots of choices to pair with your style's aesthetic.

Material: Canvas upper and rubber sole | Size Range: 5-12

Price at time of publish: $45

Vans

View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Shopbop.com

We’ve come to realize (over the years, of course) that Vans aren’t just for skaters; they’re stylish and durable enough to be an everyday sneaker for anyone. Even more, these slip-on sneakers avoid the hassle of having to continuously tie and untie a pair of sneakers while you’re on the go. Nearly half of reviewers on the Vans site claim that this pair is incredibly comfortable, so you have no other choice but to try them out for yourself.

Construction: Canvas upper and rubber outsole | Size Range: 5-11.5

Price at time of publish: $65

Net-a-Porter

View On Nordstrom View On Asos View On Champssports.com

It’s no surprise that the Nike Air Force 1s have made a comeback from the early 2000s. These sneakers are comfortable, durable, and incredibly versatile. You could wear them with a pair of leggings and a T-shirt for a more casual look, or you could style them with a pair of jeans and a nice top for going out.

Construction: Leather upper and rubber sole | Size Range: 5-12

Price at time of publish: $130

Meet the Expert

Regina Popp is the Senior Director, Fashion & Trend at Designer Brands, the parent company of DSW.

What to Look for When Buying Platform Sneakers

Material

The material of platform sneakers varies; some could be made of a canvas exterior, while others might be made of leather. Keep an eye out on the type of material platform sneakers are made of based on how and when you’d want to wear a pair; some materials, like leather, should have more give and can stretch and mold to your feet, while others might be more stiff and fitted. You’ll want to make sure you (and your feet) are always comfortable in a pair of platform sneakers.

Function

Platform sneakers can be worn all day, or all night—depending on the occasion. If you want a pair to last you through the entire workday into a night out, then you’ll want to invest in a versatile yet durable pair. But, if you just want a pair for a special outing, such as brunch, a date, or even just to run errands, you’ll want to find a pair that’ll match the type of look you're going for, which can lean more trend-forward versus a classic style.

“A little extra height goes a long way with sneakers,” says Popp. “Platform [sneakers] give you a boost—via both lift and attitude. I am living in ribbed flare leggings this season, and a platform sneaker is the perfect pairing to keep them off the ground. With dresses, I am loving throwing on the iconic Converse high-tops in a platform version, with a blazer slung on top for a fun retro-prep look.”

FAQ

Are platform sneakers comfortable?

It might take some time for platform sneakers to feel really broken in, but they’re not too difficult to walk in—as long as you know what kind of height you're comfortable with. Make sure you get the proper pair of socks to wear with them to avoid any rubbing and blisters.
“Platform sneakers are a win-win in terms of trend; you get the comfort and versatility of a sneaker, with the bonus of an extra lift off the ground,” says Popp. “They are an easy run-around shoe, but pack a little more attitude with the additional height.”
What are some tips on how to wear platform sneakers with dresses?

You can turn any cute, fancy dress into a more casual look with a pair of platform sneakers. Depending on the color or heel height of the sneakers, they’d look great with a little black dress, a sundress, or even a midi or maxi dress—considering you’d be able to see the shoes because of the heel.
“[Platform sneakers] also add a touch of street-worthy style flair when paired with dresses,” says Popp. “Prairie dresses pair well with a platform court look (a la Reebok or Puma), while the lace-up Converse high-tops look great with a flirty mini dress. You can lace them up halfway, and then wrap them around for a stylish twist.”
Can you wash sneakers in the washing machine?

Depending on the material that the sneakers are made of, they could be washed in the washing machine—as long as it’s on a low, gentle cycle. However, if a pair of sneakers are made of a material that can’t sustain the washing machine, like leather, it’s recommended that hand-washing sneakers would be your best bet.

Why Trust Byrdie

Kylee McGuigan is a freelance fashion writer for Byrdie who knows a good pair of sneakers when she sees them. Considering she’d average two miles’ worth of walking during college, she always had to find a pair that was durable and comfortable (and stylish, of course).

The 9 Best Places to Buy Shoes Online of 2023