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16 Most Comfortable Platform Shoes for Every Occasion (Promise They Won't Let You Down!)

Go ahead, put yourself on a pedestal.

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One thing is for sure: I love shoes with height...but you won't catch me in just any ole' pair. I love a flat shoe as much as the next gal, but I prefer footwear that makes a statement, and I've been loving adding a lil oomph to my 'fits with comfortable platform shoes. To me, no heels are comfier than a pair of trusty platforms. Don't be intimidated by the height: they take the pressure off the top of your toes and feet, providing relief to the ball of your foot. Out of all the shoes in my closet (and I have a lot of them), my platform shoes get the most wear and are the most reliable for nights out on the town.

As someone who has routinely ended up hobbling around in painful shoes (Cue Taylor's "It's me, hi, I'm the problem, it's me" lyrics)—I've finally learned my lesson and now opt for heels I can actually walk in, no matter how long the wear (and, yes, that includes slippin' into comfy sneakers when it's absolutely necessary). So, I'm saying goodbye to long, painful nights in the skinniest heels. Thankfully, platforms are just as fun and way more secure than your standard stiletto. Ahead, you'll find the ones that are well worth your coin based on glowing online reviews and the recs of Cosmo editors.

Our top picks for the most comfortable platform shoes of 2024:

Trust me, swap a stiletto heel for a platform, and you’ll be amazed how much more at ease you’ll be—especially, if you decide to stay out for that extra dirty martini.

1
these metallic platform heels

Sam Edelman Kori Platform Heel

Kori Platform Heel
$160 at Sam Edelman$160 at Zappos$160 at Amazon

Metallic is having a major moment rn, and if you want an accessory that's sure to turn heads, look no further than these metallic platform heels. Don't let the height scare you, though. The two-inch platform may look intimidating, but it actually adds more support and makes walking/balancing/dancing way easier. Cosmo's Beauty editor Beth Gillette swears by these heels, "I wear these heels ALL. THE. TIME. because they're so comfortable. I could probably walk a mile in them (and probably have during NYFW)."

  • Sizes: 5-14
  • Colors: Soft Silver, Como Blue, Beechwood, Modern Ivory, Black Patent, Sunrise Blush Patent, Cuoio
  • Platform Height: 2 inches

Glowing Customer Review: "Beautiful shoe and comfortable. You can dance all night & not have to worry about your feet hurting."

2
these platform flip flops

Princess Polly Crawley Sandals

Crawley Sandals

The way flip-flops have made their way back into the limelight is astounding, but with two-toned platforms like these cuties, I totally get it. Now, how do I explain to everyone that I'll be wearing these elevated flip-flops in a minimalist luxury kind of way and not in a lazy, just threw-these-on kind of way?

  • Sizes: 5-10
  • Colors: Cream
  • Platform Height: 2.3 inches

Glowing Customer Review: "The perfect platform sandals for the summer! They are true to size and fit perfectly and are extremely comfy."

3
these platform mary janes

DREAM PAIRS Mary Jane Block Heels

Mary Jane Block Heels

Red is basically a neutral if it matches your lipstick, amirite? These Mary Jane shoes feel grown up enough to wear on date night and make a sky high statement. Plus, the padded block heel and cushioning around the heel area make them exceptionally comfortable.

  • Sizes: 6-11
  • Colors: Red, Black, Navy, White
  • Platform Height: 0.9 inches

Glowing Customer Review: "I’m a flight attendant, and these shoes are everything! I have gotten tons of compliments on them, and they are extremely comfortable after I wore them a few times! So sexy and fun!"

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4
these colorful platform sneakers

Adidas Gazelle Bold Shoes

Gazelle Bold Shoes

Adidas Sambas have had their moment, but it's time to give the Gazelle style some well-deserved hype, too. These triple-stacked platform sneakers come in a ton of fun color combos, so you not only have a fun pop of color for your outfit, but a pair of shoes that'll comfortably get you through the day.

  • Sizes: 5-11
  • Colors: 20
  • Platform Height: 1.75 inches

Glowing Customer Review: "What a super vibrant pair of Gazelles these are. I absolutely love them particularly with the platform which as a shorter person gives me that little extra height. Stylish and comfortable for anyone I’d say."

5
these platform slide sandals

Birkenstock Arizona Platform Sandal

Arizona Platform Sandal

Your fave Birks just got a fun upgrade. As my personal go-to sandals for the summer, whether it be running errands or bopping to the beach, Birkenstock Arizona sandals only get better with time. With every step, the contouring foot bed molds to your foot, and now this elevated pair needs a place on my shoe rack.

  • Sizes: 5-11.5
  • Colors: White, Black, Mocha, Stone Coin
  • Platform Height: 1 inch

Glowing Customer Review: "I typically don’t wear shoes marked as narrow but really wanted to give these a go. They fit great! Love the little boost provided by the platform sole. The platform isn’t really noticeable visually but I do feel the extra height. Super comfortable right from the start!"

6
these woven platform espadrilles

Dolce Vita Chavi Sandals

Chavi Sandals

Espadrille sandals? For summer? Groundbreaking. It may be a no brainer for your next vacation or outdoor activity, but let me be the thousandth person to tell you, these are not a want, but a need. Plus, the textured material will make you feel PTO ready at all times.

  • Sizes: 5-13 (also available in wide)
  • Colors: Natural Raffia, Sand Leather, Light Gold Metallic Leather, Honey Leather, Blue Denim, Black Leather
  • Platform Height: 1.4 inches

Glowing Customer Review: "I now own both the neutral and the black in this super comfortable slide. The comfort is instantaneous when you put the shoe on."

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7
these classic white sneakers

Dr. Scholl's Time Off Max Platform Sneaker

Time Off Max Platform Sneaker

Consider this your sign that it's time to retire those white sneakers that have seen better days (same, honestly). This chunky pair by Dr. Scholl's (hi, comfort!) that has been blowing up on TikTok will feel like an elevated upgrade with a twist.

  • Sizes: 6-11
  • Colors: White Synthetic, Beige Canvas, White/Black Synthetic
  • Platform Height: 2.25 inches

Glowing Customer Review: "I heard the hype about these shoes and was on the fence, but when they made a platform version I couldn’t resist. These are EVERYTHING. Safe to say the hype is real- if you want a comfortable sneaker that’s easy to clean and gives a subtle lift, these are it!"

There's a 99.9% chance that Polly Pocket Sabrina Carpenter would wear these cuties...if she doesn't already own them. The double-stacked platform, block heel, and ankle strap are the true stars of the show since they ensure you feel extra secure while you're strutting your stuff.

  • Sizes: 5-13 (also available in wide)
  • Colors: Natural Raffia, Sand Leather, Light Gold Metallic Leather, Honey Leather, Blue Denim, Black Leather
  • Platform Height: 1.4 inches

Glowing Customer Review: "Let me start by saying I wore these ALL night on my first time wearing them and they did not hurt my feet at all. The ankle strap is not very forgiving but it’s also not too tight, either. It would be nice if they were a bit bigger for those with larger ankles than my own. The toe box is not too tight which I was worried about because I do have pretty wide feet. I was pleasantly surprised at how comfortable these were. Definitely worth the money!"

9
these splurge-worthy platform sandals

Nomasei French Kiss Sandals

French Kiss Sandals

Sustainable French brand Nomasei is best known for its chic (and comfortable) loafers worn by countless celebs, from Bella and Gigi Hadid to Blake Lively and Nicole Kidman. And Cosmo Senior Editor Lauren Alexis Fisher confirms that the brand's v cute platform sandals (adorably named French Kiss) are just as comfortable. "The straps have adjustable buckles for a more tailored fit (as someone with wider feet, this is crucial for me for comfort), and the sturdy heel and platform make walking an aesthetically-pleasing breeze. I feel like a French Bratz doll in the best possible way," she says. Are they a splurge? Yes, but if you want to invest in platform heels, these are the ones.

  • Sizes: 5.5 - 11.5
  • Colors: Embossed White or Patent Black
  • Platform Height: 1.2 inches
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10
these leather platform sandals

Dr. Martens Voss Leather Strap Sandals

Voss Leather Strap Sandals

As a proud owner of these platform Doc Martens, I can truly say that these have been a staple in my shoe collection for years now. The leather gets super supple over time and the platform is so cushy that it literally puts a bounce in your stride. Let's just say that these cuties aren't going anywhere any time soon.

  • Sizes: 5-11
  • Colors: Black
  • Platform Height: 1.5 inches

Glowing Customer Review: "I’ve been wanting this pair for a very long time so I decided to finally buy some. Best decision ever! They are light weight, well made, and suuuuper comfy. I highly recommend these to all sandal lovers."

11
these denim platform heels

Aerosoles Crisscross Platform Slide Sandal

Crisscross Platform Slide Sandal

It's basically like your favorite pair of denim, but in a shoe! Whether you dress them up or down, these blue beauties will go with everything in your closet. The foam insoles add an extra layer of support that makes wearing these for long periods of time way more comfortable.

  • Sizes: 5-12 (also available in wide)
  • Colors: Denim, Silver Mirror Metallic Faux Leather, Doe Leather, Black Leather, Gingerbread Leather
  • Platform Height: 1.25 inches

Glowing Customer Review: "These sandals are great, very comfortable. Received lots of compliments."

12
these platform block heels

M. Gemi The Lizza Nuova

The Lizza Nuova

Whether you dress them up or down, these simple platform heels will go with everything in your closet. The block heel makes them sooo comfy that you can wear 'em straight from work to happy hour without a hitch. Cosmo editor Corinne Sullivan raves, "These platforms are just about the only heels I can wear for a night out without totally dying. They're incredibly walkable and comfy while still giving you plenty of height."

  • Sizes: 35-41
  • Colors: Black Suede, Navy Suede, Sandstone Suede, Black, Sand, Silver, Warm Gold
  • Platform Height: 1.25 inches

Glowing Customer Review: "Beautiful and functional platform sandal. My high heel days are long gone but these shoes are perfect for me these days. No break-in period required."

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13
these platform loafers

Steve Madden Lando Black

Lando Black

Okay, listen! As much as my heart yearns for the famous Prada loafers, my bank account just simply can't allow it. Luckily, these timeless platform loafers exist for gals just like me, and thank goodness they're comfy, cause they without a doubt deserve to be in my daily shoe rotation.

  • Sizes: 5-14
  • Colors: Black
  • Platform Height: 1.5 inches

Glowing Customer Review: "I love how comfortable these are- I wore them all day with a no show sock and did not experience any rubbing or irritation. They have a chunky sole, but also a slimming design on the top of the foot that makes the loafer look sleek and stylish. LOVE them!"

14
these high-top platform sneakers

Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Platform Canvas

Chuck Taylor All Star Platform Canvas

Fact: Converse are the bread and butter of any shoe collection. These timeless sneakers will never go out of style. And although I'm a sucker for the classic black and white color, I'm totally loving this cherry red for a pop of color this summer.

  • Sizes: 5-11
  • Colors: 9 (with options to customize)
  • Platform Height: 1 inch

Glowing Customer Review: "Converse can be worn with pretty much anything. They are classic yet stylish and on trend. The platform only gives them that extra edge. Def a staple in any closet."

15
these platform clogs

Cordani Camryn Flats

Camryn Flats

I didn't appreciate a good clog until recently. My Spanish teacher always wore them (literally, like every single day), and now I get it. Not only did they add a little height, but they're super comfy and versatile throughout the seasons.

  • Sizes: 5-10.5
  • Colors: Black Motif, Black, Oxford, Brown
  • Platform Height: 2 inches

Glowing Customer Review: "These shoes are incredibly comfortable, well-made, and easy to wear with all sorts of outfits. The platform is not too high to make them precarious - I could run in these! Love them!"

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16
these platform UGGs

UGG Classic Mini Platform Boot

Classic Mini Platform Boot

The iconic boot comes in a platform version? Say less! I wear mine everywhere from the grocery store to pilates. It’s the easiest slip-on ever, and it's wool-lined, so you'll be cozy no matter what you're doing.

  • Sizes: 5-12
  • Colors: Chestnut, Forest Night, Black, Matte White
  • Platform Height: 2 inches

Glowing Customer Review: "They have such a cute look and keep your feet warm and cozy. I wear them all the time - for walks, groceries, flights. I am obsessed with the style."

Why trust Cosmo:

shape, rectangle

Here at Cosmo, we take finding the latest fashion trends for our readers v-e-r-y seriously. Our lifestyle and shopping team spends all day, every day scouring the internet, testing products, and reading reviews so we can bring you the type of high-quality content we’d want for ourselves. Basically, we've curated a chic little corner of the internet for you like it’s our job (because it is, heh).

We have pretty high standards when it comes to clothing and accessory recommendations. And you better believe we read those product reviews (and test many of the brands IRL) so you don't have to. You're welcome!

Headshot of Belle Bakst
Belle Bakst

Belle Bakst is a NYC-based fashion editor and content creator. Her work has been featured in Cosmopolitan, InStyle, Harper’s Bazaar, Brides, and more. When she's not researching this season's best shoes, you can find her vlogging a sample sale, or thrifting in Manhattan. Follow @littlefashionstylist on Instagram and TikTok for outfit inspo, vintage jewelry hauls, and the occasional Bergdorf Goodman selfie.

Headshot of Chaise Sanders
Chaise Sanders
Associate Editor

Chaise Sanders is an Associate Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers anything from lifestyle and beauty to entertainment and style. Wanna upgrade your skincare game? She's got you covered with the best facial cleansing brushes. Or maybe you're in need of a new true crime show to binge? Got that covered too! Prior to joining the Cosmo team, Chaise was an editor at Country Living (also part of the Hearst fam) where she interviewed celebs like Dolly Parton, LeAnn Rimes and even Martha Stewart. Now, as one of the Big Apple's newest residents, there's a good chance that you can catch her checking out an Insta-worthy cafe or spending way to much $$$ in vintage stores.

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