After years of minimalist soles and naked straps, platform heels are back. And if the fashion set’s obsession with Versace and Valentino’s sky-high shoes are anything to go by, this trend is going to be sticking around for some time.
Back in their 1970s heyday, platform heels were mainly in boot form: ideal for disco dancing and much loved by pop icons (think ABBA, David Bowie, and Bianca Jagger). Two decades later they became higher, chunkier and strappier – cast your mind back to the Spice Girls’ distinctive looks and supermodels Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell's afterparty outfits.
Fast forward to 2023, and platforms have morphed into an ‘It girl’ essential thanks to the likes of Nodelato and Versace. Still very much inspired by decades past, there are now styles to suit all occasions – from clogs and 1970s sandals, to d'orsay party pumps and preppy Mary Janes.
But if you’re still reluctant to embrace heels after years of wearing comfy trainers and slides, look for smart/casual style inspiration from celebrities. Dua Lipa wears her platforms with a mini skirt and open cardi, while Hailey Bieber styles hers with a tailored blazer dress. Nicole Peltz even wore a pair of white Versace platform pumps for her wedding to Brooklyn Beckham – proving that you don’t have to wear traditional bridal shoes to walk down the aisle.
Before you dismiss the vertiginous height of platform heels as drastically impractical, remember that these shoes are actually comfier than stilettos; because the balls of your feet and heel are elevated to similar levels. Plus, nothing beats the leg-lengthening effect of these shoes – not to mention, they add instant drama to the simplest of wardrobe staples or LBDs. And as champions of sustainable shopping, we're aways looking for ways to re-wear party pieces.
From Nodaleto’s Mary Janes to Versace’s party pumps, here are 16 of the best platform heels to shop now.
Best Pink Platform Heels
The fashion set is going wild for Versace’s Medusa Aevitas that feature a layered six-inch platform and come in a variety of opulent satin shades. Dua Lipa has the lilac colour and Ariana Grande buttercup yellow, but the hot highlighter-fuchsia is our fave.
If you could even get your hands on a pair (they’ve sold out with every re-drop), you still have the thousand pound price tag to contend with – but thankfully the high street is now full of similar styles. Mango’s open-toe heel and Steve Madden’s triple-stacked platform both come in the same bold pink colourways, and Whistles’ option is a more wearable lookalike.
Versace
Whistles
Mango
Best Black Platform Heels
The best way to buy into the platform heels trend is with a black pair. That way your purchase is versatile enough to be dressed up or down and works all year round (adding tights is a nice retro touch). What's more, the simple colour lets the statement silhouette do all the talking.
While chunky Noughties platforms and 1970s-inspired sandals have been a mainstay for years, now d'orsay pumps and Mary Janes are the style set's preference. In fact, Nodelato's Bulla Babies doll design is everywhere at the moment. Bella Hadid has been wearing hers with neon socks and cropped tees for a Y2K vibe, while Dua Lipa keeps hers strictly 1990s with a Clueless-inspired pleated mini skirt. And everybody’s favourite Emily in Paris character, Camille, smartened hers up in the most recent series with a slip skirt and blazer.
Nodaleto
Charles & Keith
Reiss
Mango
Best Gold Platform Heels
If you’re already going all out with a statement platform, it wouldn’t hurt to add an extra shot of glam in the form of metallics. Loeffler Randall know how to make a bold-but-tasteful gold platform, but for anything more OTT look to British brand Terry de Havilland. Beloved by the likes of Bowie and Kate Moss, the late-designer is known for electric hues, snake-embossed leather and lightning bolt motifs. But if you’d rather keep things pared-back for summer weddings and dinner dates, Reformation's square-toe pair (with three-inch block heels and a 1/2 inch platform) is a more practical option.
Reformation
Boden
Best Platform Heel Sandals
The 1970s trend is still going strong this winter, and what better way to add a touch of retro to this season's party outfits than with a platform heel sandal? Nodaleto's sequinned design epitomises the Studio 54 aesthetic, but for a fresher take, fully lean into the Christmas spirit with velvet and metallic platform options from Mango and Malone Souliers.
Mango
Malone Souliers
Nodaleto
