This Sneaker Style Peaked in 2010—Here's How Chic Women Are Making It Look Cool in 2026
And just like that, we're into it again.
In 2017, the Balenciaga Triple S, with its famously extra-chunky sole, seemed to alter people's perceptions of sneakers. Suddenly, they went from being more than just shoes you throw on to be a tourist or go to the gym. Within a couple of seasons, fashion editors were full-on embracing the "dad on vacation" look, popularizing casual styles by the likes of Nike and New Balance.
But there was something about platform sneakers that really seemed to resonate with fashion people everywhere. Finally, it was acceptable to go to a fashion show in sneakers. It felt revolutionary, in large part, because the shoes added the same kind of height one might turn to stilettos for without the sacrifice of comfort. Suddenly, fashion that allowed for ease instead of pain was trending.
Platform-Sneaker Street Style in 2026
We have the platform-sneaker frenzy to thank for other styles becoming accepted in typically selective and judgmental fashion circles. While we have seen plenty of sneaker styles, like the Samba and Mexico 66, really resonate among the fashion crowd, platform sneakers haven't been a thing in a while—which, of course, means they're ripe for a comeback.
While looking through recent street style from earlier this year, we noticed more and more of the large soles. It isn't quite 2017 level yet, but we're ready to give our recently trending kitten heels a break and welcome platform sneakers back into our wardrobes with open arms.
Shop the best platform sneakers below.
