The Most Comfortable Platform Sandals, According To A Stylist

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When it comes to summer-ready footwear, we recommend comfortable platform sandals. As a fashion stylist with more than a decade of experience, I know that the right platform sandal can elevate your fit, while providing enough support and comfort for your feet, especially if you plan to walk all day in it. I love that these slip-on shoes can give you height without the pain of high heels, and they range in style so they can match any occasion—whether you're dressing up for the office, or a weekend get together. But not all platform sandals are made equal. That's why we consulted with a podiatrist, and tested more than 50 (!!!) shoes to bring you the most comfortable sandals in a variety of styles.

According to podiatrist Bradley Schaeffer, DPM, the secret to finding a comfortable platform sandal: a slight heel-to-toe drop, which refers to the height difference between the heel and forefoot. "If you're having some achilles or heel pain, and you get a shoe with a little pump, it can decrease the line of pull on your achilles and really help our every step that you take," says Schaeffer, a foot and ankle surgeon at Central Park Sole in New York City. "If a platform is too high, it puts too much pressure on the ball of your foot."

Most Comfortable Platform Sandals

What to consider

Height

High heels can put excess pressure on the balls of your feet and cause pain. In fact, Shaeffer warns that high heels, "can elevate your achilles heel and arch a little too much that can cause added strain on your ankle." Opt for a platform height that allows for a comfortable stride and stability. Based on my testing, I found that a height of around 1.5 inches is the most comfortable.

Materials

We recommend quality materials that are breathable and gentle on your skin. Think: soft leathers and suedes that look better with age, rubbers for active lifestyles, and even well-made vegan leathers for an affordable alternative. The key is to balance soft, impact-reducing materials with supportive curves under your foot. This helps provide a better foundation that aims to reduce and prevent heel pain. "If the top coat is padded, then you cushion the ball of the foot,” Schaffer says.

Because platform sandals have added height, this excess elevation may result in an unstable foundation. That's especially true if a shoe's material is too plush. On the flip side, rigid materials can place excessive force on the foot and lower limbs, and may feel uncomfortable especially if you plan to wear them all day.

However, with the right sole design and materials, the added thickness typical of platform sandals can offer improved shock absorption and stability, enhancing overall comfort and support.

Proper fit

While it may seem obvious, it’s important to note that sandals that are too tight or too loose can cause foot health problems. Tight-fitting shoes can compress the toe causing discomfort and improper blood flow, while loose-fitting shoes can cause friction and rubbing that leads to blisters and abrasions. Furthermore, a proper fit is personal to your foot type. People with flat feet should seek shoes with arch support, cushioning and adjustability. The ideal footbed cradles and cushions the heel, while the arch support helps lower limb alignment. People with high arches should also seek shoes with arch support, although they may not need as much support as those with flat feet. Additionally, sandals with a wider toe box can be more comfortable for individuals with higher arches.

How we chose

While the hunt for the perfect platform sandals can cycle trial and error sessions with at-home try-ons, we’ve done most of the leg work for you by testing more than 50 of styles on the market, from comfortable dress shoes to comfortable heels. We considered materials, heel height, and comfort, and consulted with Schaefer to make sure our picks are follow proper foot health guidelines. Read on for our definitive list of the most comfortable sandals to shop now.

Bennett Bone Sandals

After testing a bunch of platform sandals, Frankie4's shoe came out on top for its near-perfect balance of comfort and support. This podiatrist-approved slip-on has a cork footbed that lifts, cradles, and cushions the heel. I also love its slight arch support, which offers lower limb alignment, and extra support. While we wouldn't recommend walking miles in any of the platform sandals we tested (use these comfortable walking shoes instead), we did find that this was the most comfortable option on our list. There are two-zones of cushioning to prevent pain points, especially compared to other sandals we tested.

Fashion-wise, this slide is perfect for pretty much any casual fit. The jute detailing, gold hardware paired, bone-colored straps pairs perfectly with just about any sundress, short, and swimsuit in my closet. After wearing this for a month, the adjustable straps become more comfortable with each wear.

Read more: Best Walking Shoes For Women

27 EDIT Zizi Sandals

I'm a big fan of the Naturalizer, since it makes a bunch of comfortable shoes in a variety of designs, including platform sandals. While the Zizi sandal comes in a variety of colors, the cappuccino faux croc leather makes a stylish statement to glam up any fit.

The grippy tread make this perfect for city exploring without looking like an active sandal, and the contoured footbed provides sufficient arch support. Some testers with narrow feet mention they wish the lower foot straps were adjustable, while others with medium to wide feet claimed they fit perfectly. The ankle strap keeps these babies locked and loaded to provide comfort and support to your entire body, starting with the feet.

Hurricane XLT2 Ampsole

This sandal checks off all of our our podiatrist's recommendations. It features a custom fit through multiple adjustable straps, an incredibly grippy outsole, and a footbed that strikes the perfect balance between cushy comfort and contoured arch support. I've used this on dozens of my hot Los Angeles hikes and found that it's comfortable enough to wear for hours on end.

Because its outsole is made for uneven surfaces, I recommend this style for light hikes. Plus its waterproof design also makes it grate for beachside strolls. Fashion-wise, I like to pair this with my daytime cotton dresses. It's also the perfect festival or concert footwear, providing day long comfort when you're packing in a ton of steps. One note, it's a very chunky style, so it might not pair well with more formal sundresses.

Getaway Platform Flip Flops

As a Croc stan, I was pleasantly surprised that its new Getaway collection is even more comfortable than the brand's OG styles. If you’re a Croc-wearer, you know that’s saying a lot. The seamless design is cushy and flexible. yet supportive with a strong return on every stride. After using this during a recent Cabo vacation, it felt like wearing invisible clouds on my feet, and I never wanted to take it off. It is extremely lightweight, complete with a soft footbed that's plush, but not wobbly.

If you have narrow feet, the straps can feel loose, but medium to wider-width people find this to be the perfect fit. The platform style makes this super stylish, right in line with the 2024 footwear trends.

Erin Slingback Sandals

This clean and simple pair of platform sandals features a two strap design in a chunky black leather. The insoles are ever so slightly molded to provide a supportive arch, while the thick straps help secure them to the feet with minimal digging. I find that it's a perfect fit if you have narrow feet. But if you're on the wider side, you may experience spillage.

If you're after the quiet luxury look, or if you're one to keep your closet simple simple wearing black on repeat, this style belongs in your closet. Vagabond shoes are known for high quality footwear at an affordable price, and these are just that.

Read more: Most Comfortable Slides

Wrenlie Grizzly Leather Fisherman Sandals

Fisherman sandals are a classic, and Dr. Martens’ version is a trendy, 90s-nod to an iconic style. Just like your favorite Dr. Martens boots, this chunky sandal requires a break-in period that is worth the wait. After using this for more than three months, I found that it's the type of sandal that gets better and comfier with each wear, as the leather softens up and the footbed molds to the natural form of your feet.

The heavyweight grainy leather adds texture and grit to an otherwise sleek style. I found that the cage-like upper protects your feet, making this more festival-friendly than similar sandals on the market. The gold hardware buckle dresses it up to be a versatile style taking you from the office to the park all summer long. Get ready for endless compliments when you’re wearing these babies.

Harper Slingback Sandals

Alohas’ Harper Slingback sandal perfectly marries feminine details and an edgy vibe. I love the shiny gold hardware buckle that contrasts with the masculine silhouette. The result: a dressy shoe that pairs well with just about any casual look. The combination of shiny smooth leather with a rubber platform feels super luxe for skirts, dresses, shorts, and more.

I like the contoured footbed, which provides enough arch support, and the adjustable straps have a custom fit. The heel strap is easier to adjust than the Dr. Martens sandal, and it's incredibly easy to slide off and on. While the Alohas Harper Slingback feels fancy, the rubber platform acts as protection for city walking, or poolside parties. While this pair can’t be submerged in water, it can handle slippery surfaces and small splashes.

Layla Featherweights

If you’re looking for a dressier sandal that offers height without sacrificing comfort, look no further. The footbed of this pair from André Assous is buttery soft with enough cushion to keep your feet lifted and happy. You get two and a half inches of height without the pressure on your knees. The leather lining is soft and smooth on the skin, while the overall weight of the shoe is shockingly light.

The straps are not adjustable, but as someone who has medium width feet (and a low tolerance for shoe pain), this is truly a perfect pair. As a self-proclaimed shoe hoarder, I admit this is one pair I find myself reaching for on repeat when I get dressed up during the summer.

Water Vista Platform Sandal

You wouldn’t typically expect a pair of platform sandals this tall to be water resistant, but Reef has defied the odds. The elevated (in style and height) platform sandals offer unexpected water-friendly features in an extremely lightweight pair of shoes. I've worn this during rainy summer outings and poolside parties and found that it held up with each use.

The back strap is adjustable for a custom fit, while the tread provides tons of traction on slippery surfaces. The molded footbed is lined with deep cushioned arch support and a springy return that holds up overtime. Plus, you get two inches of height without any uneasiness.

Manon Wish Leather Heeled Sandals

If you’re a high heel wearer seeking a more comfortable option, give Clarks’ Manon Wish sandals a spin. You’ll suddenly realize how great it is to have a chunky platform and a wedge behind the added height. The thick straps perfectly wrap around your foot, and its leather design is buttery soft. I also like that the footbed is cushioned, and almost feels like I'm walking on clouds. Who knew a heel this high could be this comfortable!?

Additional details include an adjustable side closure for a custom fit, and a flexible grippy sole for foot on the ground traction. I recommend this sandal for your office uniform, since it goes with just about any dressy summer fit.

Meet the Expert

• Brad Schaeffer, DPM, is a board-certified foot surgeon and owner of Central Park Sole in New York City.

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