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Platform mules are the comfiest heels around – shop the 13 best pairs you'll reach for all summer long
Hate wedges? This is the summer shoe trend for you
There's no shortage of sandal trends around this summer, from gladiators to classic black designs, but it does feel like there's a distinct lack of formal styles. Flip flops may have broken out from the beach and taken to the city streets, but they hardly feel office-appropriate. Heeled iterations do elevate the look in more ways than one, but even kitten heels can leave our feet feeling sore and achy at the end of a long day.
That leaves us with wedge sandals. Sure, they might be comfortable, but a poll in the Cosmopolitan UK office proved they are incredibly divisive. The marmite equivalent of SS25 sandal trends, you either love ’em or hate ’em. Luckily, if you find yourself in the latter camp, we have the shoe for you.
Introducing: the platform mule. Just as comfy as your wedges, but arguably more stylish and cool.
Our top picks for the most comfortable wedges in 2025:
Whether you opt for a platform or a flatform – the difference being platforms feature a separate heel, whereas flatforms have a solid, thick flat sole extending the full length of the shoe – these shoes are a guaranteed height booster. But the best part is, they don't have the discomfort associated with other heels thanks to the fact your weight is more evenly distributed across your entire foot. With no steep heel angle putting pressure on the balls of your feet and your toes, platforms are also less strenuous on your ankles, too, as they're easier to walk in. Pro tip: look for platforms with a rocker bottom, a slight curve up at the front of the sole, to help create a natural walking motion with every step.
Practicalities aside, how are we wearing our platform mule sandals right now? In short, with everything... Pretty blouses and jeans when it's hot but raining, the chunky soles keeping our toes out of the puddles. To toughen up floaty summer dresses in every and any silhouette. And with our linen trousers too, because platform mules really do go with our entire wardrobe. So, keep scrolling to shop the best and most comfortable platform mules.
Alexandria Dale is the Digital Fashion Writer at Cosmopolitan UK. Covering everything from the celebrity style moments worth knowing about to the latest fashion news, there’s nothing she loves more than finding a high street dupe of a must-have designer item. As well as discovering new brands, she’s passionate about sustainable fashion and establishing the trends that are actually worth investing in. Having worked in fashion journalism for six years, she has experience at both digital and print publications including Glamour and Ok!

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