Please note: This post contains affiliate links. You can learn more about my product selection process here.
Every so often, a shoe rises up that seems to overshadow all others. In 2021, it was the dad shoe. In 2022, the esteemed honor went to the Chelsea boot. And in fall 2023, the ballet flat was resurrected from its 2010s grave to have its moment in the sun once more. Now, on the eve of spring 2024, luxury fashion house Chloé has declared that yet another throwback is poised to make its mark on your closet: platform wedges.
The footwear, which was a staple in both the ‘70s and the 2010s, made its grand reentry to society during the designer’s fall/winter 2024 show in Paris on Feb. 29. Ironically, it wasn’t spotted on the runway, but rather on the feet of guests in the front row, who included Sienna Miller and Kiernan Shipka.
Featuring a triangular-shaped heel with a raised platform sole that spans its full length, the shoe’s rebirth has been a long time coming: Sex and the City-turned-Emily in Paris costume designer Patricia Field began peppering platforms into season 3 of the latter show way back in 2022. Now that the image of fashion’s it-girls wearing Chloé’s matching design has all but taken over our Instagram feeds, however, the platform’s marriage to the wedge has been fully consummated.
The catch? Chloé’s version, dubbed Maxime, won’t debut in stores for us mere mortals to try until June 2024 and costs roughly $1,086.
If you, like me, can’t wait that long to shop, I’ve compiled a list of 23 of the best platform wedges to buy in the meantime, from a pair of brightly colored Cole Haan stunners ($150) to these budget-friendly buys that are reportedly as comfy as they are cute. Check out all my faves below!
The Best Platform Wedges to Buy in 2024
1. See by Chloé Glyn Platform Wedges
If we can’t have the *exact* shoes Sienna and co. are flaunting, at least we can wear this pair from the brand’s little sister, See by Chloé. A cross between a cutesy wedge espadrille and an athletic platform sandal, this suede design is one part Baby Spice, one part Sporty. The lining is made of a nice, luxurious leather and the ankle strap is adjustable—a good thing, since these only come in whole sizes. (Hint, hint: Size up.)
- Sizes: 36 to 41
- Height: 4.3 inches
2. Cult Gaia Leather Denali Platform Wedges
I can only describe these whimsical creations as “bubble-esque.” With a wood-like base and Nappa leather straps that wind between the toe and across the foot, they’re a bit more upscale than some of the other options on this list (and for the price, they should be!). They’re also a little taller, with an extra half-inch of height over the standard 4-inch pair.
- Sizes: 35 to 42
- Height: 4.5 inches
3. Olivia Miller Magnetic Platform Wedges
Sure, these look like something your Bratz doll might have worn in the mid-aughts, but clearly, our toys were ahead of their time. They come in three colors (one to suit your every mood) and the 4-inch platform will definitely give you some height. I can’t speak to how comfortable they are—I’ve got a sneaking suspicion that polyurethane strap might not feel the best against the back of your heel—but if we’re being honest with ourselves, the platform wedge in and of itself isn’t exactly built for comfort. This is the type of shoe you (carefully) wear exactly to the cab, to your dinner table and then back inside your cave.
- Sizes: 6 to 10
- Height: 4 inches
4. Kate Spade Tianna Platform Wedges
Here, we have the platform wedge, picnic-ified. Forget jute or straw: Kate Spade has constructed a wicker base for its 4-inch stunner that will be the talk of the country club. (Or the PTA meeting. Or whatever.) Throw in the gingham print fabric upper and a dainty little buckle strap and you’ve got *the* shoe of the season.
- Sizes: 5 to 11
- Height: 4 inches
5. Soul Naturalizer Goodtimes Platform Wedges
If it’s the crossover bit of Chloé’s Maxime that has you salivating, this far cheaper pair from Soul Naturalizer just might tide you over. They’re also likely to be comfier than many of the pairs I found given the memory foam footbed that comes complete with arch support. The leather isn’t real, but for animal lovers like myself, that may actually be a plus.
- Sizes: 6 to 11
- Height: 4.5 inches
6. Oliver Bonas Leather Shoe the Bear Platform Wedges
Is it just me, or are shoes just better when they’re made in exotic locales? These leather beauties, constructed in Spain, feature a pink upper with an expertly stitched edge. (Read: High. Quality.) As an added bonus, the platform is a bit shorter on them, so you’re less likely to roll your ankle while walking in the middle of the street. Not that that’s happened to me or anything… (It so has.)
- Sizes: 5 to 10
- Height: 2.56 inches
7. Kenneth Cole Reaction Card Platform Wedges
You know those shoes that just look cuter on than they do in photos? Allow me to present this video Zappos posted of these Kenneth Coles in action as exhibit A. They’re also very reasonably priced with a more modest platform, allowing you to test the platform wedge for yourself if you’re typically more of a flats kinda’ gal. The arch support isn’t terrible, either—or so say Zappos shoppers.
- Sizes: 6 to 11
- Height: 3.5 inches
8. Blondo Leather Gillian Platform Wedges
Don’t be fooled by the lower-looking profile on this chunky Blondo pair—though the wedge may appear shorter, the platform is higher than most, giving you the same boost in height as the rest, albeit with a bit more stability. There’s also a nice memory foam footbed or your tootsies to sink into—aah.
- Sizes: 5.5 to 11
- Height: 4.5 inches
9. Jeffrey Campbell La-Plage Wedge
Ah, Jeffrey Campbell—a designer after my own weird little heart. While this color scheme isn’t one I’d personally wear, I appreciate this unique crocheted option for daring to be different amid a sea of blacks, browns and creams. It’s also a brand I fully trust when it comes to value. (I see you, suede footbed!).
- Sizes: 6.5 to 10
- Height: 4.25 inches
10. Vicky Vicky Platform Wedge Sandals
Even bougie gals love a good bargain shoe from time to time, and according to Amazon shoppers, these. Are. It. Reviewers praise them for being “very comfy,” of “great quality” and having “no flaws.” While I’m skeptical of that last point, they *do* look pretty adorbs in the customer photos (always a telling indicator). I also like that the strap has a bit of elastic in the back, so depending on their fit, you may be able to get them on without undoing them each and every time you wear them. One shopper said they squeaked a little initially, but that the noise went away over time. (Fair enough.)
- Sizes: 4 to 11
- Height: 4.5 inches
11. Cole Haan Cloudfeel Leather Hampton Platform Wedges
Cole Haan makes the most comfortable heels I’ve ever worn (specifically, these nearly sold out Westerly penny loafers), so it stands to reason that these platform wedges, which bear the name “Cloudfeel,” will also be a treat for the feet on account of their cushioned technology. More than that, I think they’re also the most aesthetically pleasing pair I found, thanks in no small part to that stunningly gorgeous bright orange hue. It’s to be determined if those lace-up ankle straps actually stay up (they never do), but I’d be willing to risk the inconvenience, either way. (Use code SPRING to get them for a steal.)
- Sizes: 5 to 11
- Height: 4 inches
12. ASOS Design Teddy 2 Platform Wedges
These are a bit too chunky for my liking—I prefer a daintier strap for my platforms—but for $40, they’d be a quick and easy add-on for a short sundress. There are no straps or buckles to finagle with, so you can slip them on and go, and ASOS shoppers claim they’re not half bad in the comfort department, either.
- Sizes: 4 to 13
- Height: 3.5 inches
13. Arezzo Kayla Platform Wedges
I’m going to let you in on a little secret: Macy’s has killer shoes. And this little vegan Arezzo pair is my case in point. Since chunky footwear tends to makes my petite frame look short and squat, I like that the straps on these are a little more dainty. I also appreciate that jazzy little zigzag design at the base.
- Sizes: 5 to 11
- Height: 4.1 inches
14. Sam Edelman Amber Platform Wedges
These groovy numbers are an absolute gift from the ‘70s gods. The devil’s in the details here— There are gradient shades of orange, an embellished ankle strap and the most intricate platform base you’ve ever laid eyes upon—yet somehow, they remain plenty versatile. In fact, they’ll suit everything from the wide-leg pants that have returned to the design circuit as of late (these Gap baby boots are about as far as I’ll go) to all your favorite mini skirts—and they’ll do it with plenty of flair.
- Sizes: 6 to 10
- Height: 4.5 inches
15. Sam Edelman Leather April Platform Wedges
Do you hear bluebirds singing when you look at these shoes? No? Just me? These scream spring, particularly in the go-with-anything Sand color. While they look like they’re mostly made of straw, look close enough and you’ll see that they’re actually a very cleverly disguised leather (though they also come in a black suede if that’s more your bag).
- Sizes: 5 to 11
- Height: 4.37 inches
16. Sophia Webster Leather Miranda Platform Wedges
Towering at 5.5 inches tall are these sleek Sophia Webster platform wedges with sleek braided straps (no huge chunky uppers here) and incredible detailing (I could get lost in that wedge pattern). Beyond the Selling Sunset-worthy visual they provide (you know Chrishell would be all over these), they’re made with what I can only assume is a high-quality leather from Spain. Muy bien!
- Sizes: 36 to 41
- Height: 5.5 inches
17. Balmain Alex Platform Wedges
Hey, not everyone likes to show off their feet. (Considering that my boyfriend tells me mine look like something from the hobbit shire, I get it.) For my fellow hoof-havers, there are these closed-toe designer stunners from Balmain. They’re made in Spain (swoon), have a tasteful amount of logo action (nothing too over the top) and are constructed from the softest-looking leather known to man—a win-win-win.
- Sizes: 7 to 11
- Height: 4.75 inches
18. Dolce Vita Leather Maze Platform Wedges
Unless you’re a monster who hates Mother Earth, there’s a good chance that you’ll appreciate the sustainable aspect of these leather peep toes, which feature a recycled outsole. (And so does everyone else, apparently, because they’re selling out at record speed.) I also like the circle accent at the center, which I think gives them a little something extra. They’re on the slimmer side, according to customer reviews, though, so these may not be a great match for you if you have wider feet.
- Sizes: 7.5 to 12
- Height: 4 inches
19. Schutz Cass Platform Wedges
Next to Jeffrey Campbell, Schutz Is one of my favorite shoe brands out there right now. I love the unique spin the company puts on its styles, like the brown-and-white pattern printed on this raffia sole. The quality is decent—they won’t last forever, particularly if you wear them often, but they’ll give you your money’s worth—and they’ll definitely give you a boost—they’re one of the highest pairs I’ve found.
- Sizes: 5 to 11
- Height: 5.1 inches
20. SO Taffy Platform Wedges
Crochet is coming back in a big way for 2024, so you’ll be extra trendy in these kicks, which pair a cute platform cork wedge with a woven top. For less than $50, I normally wouldn’t expect too much, but shoppers say these won’t cause you pain unless you’re walking long distances in them (which, no, bbs, just no). A pro tip? Use code FRIENDS20 through March 17 to save $10!
- Sizes: 5 to 11
- Height: 3.81 inches
21. Franco Sarto Pana Platform Wedges
DSW can always be counted on for a trendy deal—just take a gander at these darling Franco Sartos. The reviews are split when it comes to comfort, with some saying the straps are too tight and that the ankle part can rub and others swearing up and down that the footbed is the softest thing they’ve ever felt and that their heels experienced no irritation. Either way, as I’ve previously established, these shoes are more for show, and for $45, they’ll do a decent job of that. More importantly, the ankle straps are fastened with Velcro (genius!), making them way easier to get on and off than your run-of-the-mill buckle.
- Sizes: 6 to 10
- Height: 4.25 inches
22. Charles by Charles David Duo Platform Wedges
I saved the tallest for (almost) last! These denim pick-me-ups from Charles by Charles David are a staggering 6.3 inches tall (!) and I couldn’t be more obsessed with them. Maybe it’s the retro denim straps or maybe it’s the simple slip-on design (easy on, easy off), but I am struggling not to snatch these up knowing full well I’m bound to break my ass in them. What’s that old saying? Beauty is pain?
- Sizes: 5 to 11
- Height: 6.3 inches
23. André Assous Milena Platform Wedges
OK, OK, so these are technically more of a wedge and less of a platform. (They don’t have the height at the front.) I still wanted to include them, however, since a) they’re damn cute and b) they’re a great way to dip your toe into the trend if you’re not looking to add an extra 4 to 5 inches to your stature or simply need to practice walking in them (no judgment). They’re made in Spain, so naturally, the leather is real, and they’ve got a cushy little footbed, too. While there’s no word on how they actually feel on your feet, I can confirm that this brand makes the most comfortable booties known to man (I’m a proud owner of these leopard baddies), so I’d expect these to feel like a dream as well.
- Sizes: 6 to 11
- Height: 3.25 inches
Shop the Post
Which pair are your favorites? Let me know in the comments below!
Xo, Nicole
