Platform Shoes

People often ask what platform shoes are, since it can sometimes be hard to tell in a high-heeled shoe, and sandals can really confuse the matter. Platforms are all about the bottom of the shoe or boot -- very thick soles from heel to toe let you tower above the ground as if you were on a platform. In a high-heeled shoe, look at the sole beneath the ball of the foot through the toe; for these, only the front of the shoe is elevated. Platform boots and sandals, on the other hand, have a platform across the entire bottom of the shoe.

For example, if you'd like to check out some flirty but dressy platform sandals, we recommend Stuart Weitzman. Several slingback styles are available as well as cute booties with cutout details in Nubuck leather. A good example is the Teasdale, also featuring cutouts and a peep toe, studded accents and a 4.5-inch heel. You'll find equally interesting styles in platform sandals from Report including the Madera, which showcases a layer of cork all over the shoe, including the buckled straps, or perhaps you'd prefer Report's Kass, a black patent leather sandal with all-over studs and a metallic stiletto heel.

We also love Miss Sixty platforms and heels, including the very dressy cork-heeled Dallas with flower-shaped cutouts and many silver accents, as well as the rocker-chic Tami which sports a stacked heel and riveted details. Chinese Laundry is another favorite brand -- and so nicely priced -- and their Multiple platform bootie is a good example of their creativity. A sleek patent leather strap crosses a stretchy matte suede-like material to make an unusually comfortable platform shoe. Check out the Kasha Python for a snakeskin finish in dramatic blood red or a natural tone.

If you're looking for something a bit more formal, we suggest Nine West for slip-on platform dress shoes in a variety of styles. Their Bonfire, Rocha or Eclairs designs are a good place to start, although don't overlook Nine West for sandals and boots, as well. Jessica Simpson does an excellent job of designing platform heels in sling-back, open-toed styles, although Candi is a fun example of retro-mod, while Tanealy is a superb example of cute and casual, with rectangular cutout detailing all over the leather shoe.