We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.
Best platform sandals to wear all summer long
The prettiest practical shoes we ever did see 😍
Platform sandals are basically a gift from God. Gone are the days where 'extra height' means stiletto heels, where you can’t get further than your driveway before the pain, and potential toppling, begins. Now you can add serious inches to an outfit with a big, sturdy sole instead. The result is not as orthopaedic as it sounds, but instead equal parts chic and comfortable, which is why this trend has prevailed summer after summer.
See ya blisters! These shoes will see you through those all important 10,000 steps and then on to a night of dancing, all in one weekend.
The technical velcro, so-called ‘Dad’ walking sandal and the cult fave flip-flop styles all have one thing in common: a chunky ass platform. But which one is best for you? If your style is more low-key, wedded to your simple slip dresses, go for something understated like a cross-strap slide or thong style. Prefer something a little more playful? If it’s bright colours you are after opt for Kurt Geiger's rainbow pair, while all of us obsessing over 00s nostalgia need look no further than Asos' yin and yang mules. But when push comes to shove and you just want a cool, chunky summer sandal, it has to be the classic Dr Martens.
If you're getting bored of the uneventful switch between running shoes and fashion trainers this summer, now is the time to explore another comfortable shoe option and expose those precious feet to some essential vitamin D. Since plans are swiftly flooding into the diary, you’ll want a pair of practical but oh-so-pretty platform sandals which you can rely on to get you from one social event to the next. Here are 15 pairs we are fully obsessed with to shop online.
The platform flip flop is the cool sandal of the summer. If you cant't afford The Row's cult Ginza style, check out Stories' perfect dupe. The square toe cements it firmly in the 00s nostalgia fest we are all deep within.
Chunky yet cute, our pick from Ganni has chunky ruched crossover straps and rubber soles. Want to inject a bit more colour into your spring/summer wardrobe? Opt for the pink pair instead.
Since the dad shoe trend kicked off a few years back, the OG comfy walking sandal from Teva has basically become a wardrobe staple.
More is more with Kurt Geiger’s rainbow sandals. The chunky cleated sole and strappy fastenings help to edge out the pretty daisy pattern. Style them with a bright summer dress for a funky, clashing look.
Looking for something a bit more minimalist and sensible? Opt for this khaki leather pair, which has adjustable ankle straps to stop them slipping off your feet.
Camper is one of the original platform sandal brands, and just happens to be the most comfortable option out there too. The brand is known for its beautifully bright colour options but our fave is this green gingham pair that is giving us alllll the picnic vibes.
H&M has created the flatform espadrille of the summer: with an embroidered canvas upper, buckled leather strap and raffia-trim sole, they're a classic with a cool twist. Style them with just about anything: we'll be starting with a floaty maxi and woven bag.
Still struggling to give up your slippers after lockdown? We feel you. Ugg’s fuzzy shearling pair is cute and cosy, but still has that cleated chunky sole for outdoor wear (so no funny looks in the supermarket). They are sustainable too – a BIG bonus point in our books.
When the real hot summer (finally) appears, loyal Dr Martens fans can retire their beloved boots in exchange for these perfect DM sandals, complete with a platform rubber sole and classic yellow stitching. We love this deep blackcurrant shade– consider it your summer black.
We’ve already got one pair of Dr Martens in this edit but these deserve an honourable mention for their edgy gladiator style – and just look at that chunky sole.
With their yin and yang embroidered motifs, these baby-blue sandals are '90s perfection. Styling inspo? Stay true to the era with a silky slip dress and some mini gold hoops.
Our second pick from ASOS is like your fave sliders, just with an amped-up super sole. If you’ve only got room in your suitcase for one pair of sandals, make it these: they’ll go with absolutely everything.
Topshop may have left the high street but it still has a dear place in our hearts. Thankfully, it is now stocked on ASOS (hooray). These platform mules, with a rubber and raffia layered sole, look sooo much more expensive than they actually are.
Cool-girl vegan leather brand, Stand Studio, has been seen on everyone from Megan Fox to Hailey Bieber. We love these lilac quilted sandals – pair with your denim and a tee for off-duty chic.
No platform edit would be complete without dropping in a pair of Crocs. The brand has done a full turnaround and is now the cool-girl shoe of choice. This white pair, with its cushioned sole and signature shape, will be the comfiest shoe in your wardrobe.
Abigail Southan is our Senior Fashion Ecommerce Editor and has five years' experience as a writer and editor in the industry. Abigail has a BA in History from the University of Bristol and an MA in Fashion Journalism from Central Saint Martins. Abigail currently covers all things style and shopping across titles including Harper’s Bazaar, ELLE, Esquire and Red. On a daily basis, she helps readers buy better with how-to-wear guides, first-person product reviews and deep dives into the latest trends. Previously, Abigail has worked for The Sunday Times’ Style and Fabulous magazine as their first ecommerce writer and was a founding editor of Sun Selects. She has also written for Net-a-Porter, I-D, Man About Town, Wonderland and 1 Granary, and has interviewed the likes of Paris Hilton, Dua Lipa and Christopher Bailey. You can follow Abigail on Instagram at @abigailsouthan.
Woven ballet flats are the spring shoe trend to wear now
The best LED face masks that aren't silly spenny
What we're shopping: M&S's lace cotton peplum top
10 best backless bras for low-back dresses
