All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Footwear News may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
With platform shoes dominating the fall ’19 runways there’s no doubt that the sky-high trend is here to stay.
Seen on the runways in Paris, London, Milan and New York, the trend is not only making a statement but packing more punch than usual.
The bold silhouette was seen at various runway shows during last month’s Fashion Weeks, including Givenchy and Rick Owens in Paris, and at the Gucci show in Milan. In addition to the platform being in style, our fashion editor declared the shoe a symbol of empowerment in 2019.
“Its return comes at a time when women have been gearing up and getting down to business in newly won government seats, winning more recognition in entrepreneurship, in sports, in activism, in making bids for the presidential election,” writes Shannon Adducci FN‘s fashion editor. “It’s easy to envision Michelle Obama, Serena Williams, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Oprah and even Elizabeth Warren wearing them.”
While the platform shoe has always made a statement throughout history, its comeback arrives at a time when the voices of women, people of color and the LGBTQ community, are amplified more than ever.
Whether you’re looking to feel empowered, or simply wanting to make a statement, the platform shoe will be one of the hottest items in seasons to come. So why not stay on trend and feel powerful while doing it?
To get ahead of the curve, here are 10 platform shoes you can buy right now.
1. Chinese Laundry Theresa Platform Sandal
With brown shoes projected to be another fall ’19 trend, these suede platforms are the perfect investment. The shoe features a chunky block heel and criss-cross buckle ankle strap, making it the ultimate staple shoe for seasons to come.
2. Boohoo Leopard Platform Boot
If you’re looking for a brown shoe with a bit more flair, take a walk on the wild side with a pair of leopard-print boots. The platform boots are on sale on the ultra-popular U.K.-based site Boohoo.
3. J. Adams Casey Platform Sandal
These sandals are the ideal platform to flaunt if you’re looking to rock the trend in warmer weather. A summer essential, the J. Adams Casey Platform Sandal is on the more practical side, with straps designed to hug your foot to give you a comfortable fit.
4. Michael Kors Palmer Platform Sandal
Rock on with these Michael Kors platforms complete with studded embellishments on the chunky heel. The “rock star shoe” features leather-lined footbeds and an adjustable buckle on the ankle strap.
5. M4D3 Priscilla Platform Sandal
A chunky heel, square toes and snakeskin, oh my! This M4D3 shoe packs three hot trends in one. The shoe’s crescent heel and crisscross straps add a detailed touch to the mega-trendy shoe.
6. Miu Miu Black Nylon Platform Sandals
These designer sandals are the perfect statement shoe. Simple in black and white, the Made in Italy shoe has a foam rubber midsole and logo webbing on the ankle strap, making the shoe a comfortable but chic choice.
7. Nine West Dempsey Platform Sandal
This classic platform is a new take on the strappy sandal style everyone loves. The Dempsey Platform Sandal comes in eight colors (including leopard).
8. Jeffery Campbell Widow Platform Boot
This glam rock shoe is coming in hot. The sky-high chunky heel and leather snakeskin print makes it an ideal shoe for a day on a rooftop or a night out.
9. Seychelles Forward Shoe
Another summer-to-fall shoe is the Seychelles Forward. The retro-inspired shoe has an elevated wood-wedge platform that makes it a comfortable but stylish shoe.
10. Maison Margiela Tabi Platform Leather Boot
Inspired by a traditional Japanese split-toe sock, the Tabi boot is getting major coverage on red carpets from both men and women. Elevated, the eccentric shoe is taken to even greater heights.
All products featured have been independently selected and curated by our editorial team. If you buy something through the links included on our site, FN may earn a commission.
Want more?
The Naked Sandal Will Be Trending for Spring, According to a Net-a-Porter Buyer
The Most Comfortable Designer Heels, According to a Podiatrist
Spring Must-Buys 2019: 11 Trendy Women’s Sandals
