The Best Platform Sneakers for Every Budget and Style

last updated 19 March 2021

Since I stand at 5'3" tall, heels became part of my daily uniform early in my teens, and, as such, they're now my identifier. While the rest of my wardrobe remains pared-back and neutral, heels present an opportunity to let my fashion freak flag fly—bejewelled, bright, and the more extra, the better.

My height is also the reason I avoided wearing trainers for so long—I felt stumpy enough, but add flat soles into the equation, and in my mind I looked akin to pocket-sized Michelin Man. Ridiculous I know, but that's how I felt all the same.

That was until I tried the latest trainer trend the style squad are loving: platform sneakers. Okay, so I know what you're thinking—isn't that what Tom Cruise supposedly wears? I can neither confirm or deny this; what I can clarify, however, is that they're perfect if you're on the petite side.

I often find my teeny feet look out of proportion with the rest of my body. Platform sneakers solve that, as they tend to be longer and chunkier than the likes of plimsoles or skater kicks. Then, of course, the stacked sole adds extra inches where I need it most. In short (pun unintended but very much welcomed), I honestly don't know how I lived without them—and it seems some of my favourite influencers don't either.

Instead of wearing them Spice Girls-style with miniskirts and popper-side trackies, look to Monikh, Hannah, Aude and Rikke for luxe inspiration. Then, keep scrolling to see and shop the best platform sneakers around.

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Aude pairs her Buffalo platform sneakers with chinos and a black tee.

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Hannah gives her Ash trainers a chic spin with the addition of a camel coat.

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Monikh effortlessly rolls up her jeans to allow her cult Eytys kicks to take centre stage.

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Rikke makes her Balenciaga trainers look grown-up with ivory tailoring and directional accessories.

SHOP: THE BEST PLATFORM SNEAKERS

ASOS White

Suede Trainers

Balenciaga

Triple-S Low-Top Sneakers

Eytys

Angel Patent-Leather Low-Top Trainers

FILA

94 Suede, Leather and Canvas Sneakers

Vans

Style 29 Mid DX Cow Print Trainers

Acne Studios

Manhattan Suede Sneakers

Gucci

Ace Embellished Leather Sneakers

Isabel Marant

Kindsay Leather and Suede Trainers

Zara

Hook and Loop Strap Sneakers

Marni

Multi-Coloured Suede Mesh Sneakers

Charles & Keith

Buckle Detail Sneakers

Miu Miu =

Glittered Leather Platform Sneakers

MM6 Maison Margiela

Logo-Jacquard Ribbed Stretch-Mesh Sneakers

Calvin Klein

Maya Trainers

Nike

Air Force 1 Sage Trainers in Violet Mist

FILA

Disruptor Core White Trainers

Ganni

Brown and Red Iris Leather Trainers

Buffalo

Classic Low Sneakers

Puma

Rs-X Toys Red Trainers

No Name

Flex Jogger Trainers

Stella McCartney

Eclypse Sneakers

Topshop

Chicago Bubble Platform Trainers

Topshop

Candy Lace-Up Trainers

Chloé

Sonnie Raised-Sole Low-Top Sneakers

Vince

Warren Suede Slip-On Trainers

Zara

Contrasting Trainers

Now you've found the perfect pair of trainers, it's time to work out how to style them. Here are 27 foolproof outfits to try.

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Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her own Who What Wear UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.

Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others.

Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.