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The Best Women’s Platform Sandals

Last updated on August 15, 2022

We looked at the top 10 Women's Platform Sandals and dug through the reviews from 20 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best Women's Platform Sandals.

Our Review Process

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High-heeled shoes are a go-to footwear item when it’s time to dress up or just create a little height lift. But heels come with some downsides. They can put long-term foot health at risk in addition to the short-term discomfort they may cause, especially if you spend hours on your feet.

But there’s another risk that comes with high heels. Each year, emergency rooms see footwear-related injuries specific to high heels. The majority of those issues are to the foot and ankle, with some even suffering broken bones. Still, despite all these injuries, high-heeled shoes remain popular across the globe.

Stability remains an ongoing issue with high heels. By shifting the weight to the ball of your foot, you risk losing balance as you’re walking around. Platform heels offer lift while also evening the balance throughout the foot. If you’re used to wearing flats, this even distribution can keep the center of gravity where you’re used to it being.

Platform sandals bring these benefits to a more casual shoe, letting you look great while also feeling comfortable. Some come with padded footbeds that will give you plenty of cushioning while you’re on your feet. But it’s also important to look at the straps on any sandal to make sure they won’t rub your foot throughout the day, leaving blisters or callouses.

You can find dressy platform sandals, as well, but it’s important to make sure they have the lift in front you need. If the lift of the heel is disproportionate to the lift in the front, you’ll still suffer the imbalance issues you’d get with a traditional high heel.

Appearance is an important feature when you’re looking for a shoe. Sometimes it might even be more important than comfort, especially if you’re buying shoes for a dressy occasion or to wear with a certain outfit. You can find platform sandals that combine comfort with appearance to get the best of all possible worlds.

Our Picks For The Top Women's Platform Sandals

View All Recommendations
Product Overview
Our Take
Pros
Cons
 Top Pick

SODA Women’s Ankle Strap Espadrille Platform Sandals

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SODA

Women's Ankle Strap Espadrille Platform Sandals

Featuring a manmade sole and a 1.25-inch heel, these platform sandals feature an espadrille design. You’ll get an ankle strap with a buckle to easily slip them on and off. They come in a variety of neutral colors and sizes from 5.5 to 11.

Overall Take

Extra ComfortableThese espadrilles feature a low platform to give you a slight lift while still keeping you comfortable.

Pros
" We're particularly fond of these espadrilles from Soda. Not only are they comfortable, but they're versatile, too — you can wear them for a day trip with friends, then out at night for a romantic date."
Cons
"Ankle strap runs large"
 Runner Up

DREAM PAIRS Women’s Open Toe Platform Sandals

DREAM PAIRS

Women’s Open Toe Platform Sandals

You can stay on your feet for hours with these platform sandals, which feature a comfortable sole and upper, as well as a cushioned footbed. The polyurethane build combines comfort with durability for a great everyday option. The slip-on design and elastic strap make the shoes easy to slide on and off.

Overall Take

Lightweight but DurableThese comfortable sandals keep things light while also offering stability and durability.

Pros
" The support is great; they are comfortable and don’t rub."
 We Also Like

Rocket Dog Women’s Platform Flip-Flop Sandal

Rocket Dog

Women's Platform Flip-Flop Sandal

Black ethylene vinyl acetate gives these platform sandals a cushiony feel that keeps your feet comfortable. You’ll get a heel of 3 inches supported by a platform of about 1 inch for lift and comfort combined. You can choose from a variety of upper designs, each having a black sole.

Overall Take

Versatile OptionWear these versatile platform sandals by the pool or while hanging out with friends.

Pros
" It’s impossible not to look at these shoes and smile."
 Strong Contender

TOP Moda Ankle Strap High Heel Platform Sandal

TOP Moda

Ankle Strap High Heel Platform Sandal

This sandal features a 2.75-inch heel and a strappy look that makes it great for pairing with your favorite dress, skirt or dress pants. It has a lightweight build with a buckle closure that holds your foot firmly in place while you’re wearing it. You can choose from a variety of colors and sizes from 5 to 11.

Overall Take

Dressy but ComfortableLook and feel great with these dressy platform sandals featuring a 2.75-inch heel.

Pros
" “Let me just tell you that I almost cried when I put them on!!” said an overjoyed customer. “They aren’t too high or too low, just the perfect height to walk and be comfortable for women who don’t normally wear..."
Cons
"Back of the ankle straps may chafe"
Don't just take for granted what one reviewer says. Along with our own experts, DWYM analyzes the top expert reviews of the leading products and generates a score you can actually trust.
17

Products Considered

We identified the majority of the women's platform sandals available to purchase.
10

Products Analyzed

We then selected the leading and most popular products for our team to review.

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20

Expert Reviews Included

In addition to our expert reviews, we also incorporate feedback and analysis of some of the most respected sources including: Bustle, Barking Dog Shoes, Top 10 Best, Emily Reviews, The Review Index.

154,439

User Opinions Analyzed

We also incorporate user reviews from the leading retailers including

Our experts reviewed the top 10 Women's Platform Sandals and also dug through the reviews from 20 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best of the best Women's Platform Sandals.

DWYM is your trusted roduct review source. Our team reviews thousands of product reviews from the trusted top experts and combines them into one easy-to-understand score. Learn more.

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The Best Bang For Your Buck

TOP Moda Ankle Strap High Heel Platform Sandal

Our Expert Score

0.0
2 expert reviews

User Summarized Score

8.6
13,357 user reviews

Our Take

This sandal features a 2.75-inch heel and a strappy look that makes it great for pairing with your favorite dress, skirt or dress pants. It has a lightweight build with a buckle closure that holds your foot firmly in place while you’re wearing it. You can choose from a variety of colors and sizes from 5 to 11.

What other experts liked

“Let me just tell you that I almost cried when I put them on!!” said an overjoyed customer. “They aren’t too high or too low, just the perfect height to walk and be comfortable for women who don’t normally wear heels.”
- New York Post
This best-selling style on Amazon is wallet-friendly, comfortable, and such a versatile, simple silhouette. Besides, you can never go wrong with a two-strap design featuring a sturdy block heel.
- Cosmopolitan

What other experts didn't like

Back of the ankle straps may chafe
- Cosmopolitan

What to Look For

  • Espadrilles are a classic sandal that is both comfortable and eye-pleasing. True espadrilles feature a sole made from rope, but you can find some that create the look using other materials. You can find platform shoes in an espadrille design that give that lift while also bringing all the benefits of this traditional sandal.
  • Look at the heel and platform measurements of any platform shoe. You’ll want one that offers the lift you want without bending the foot at an uncomfortable angle.
  • Look at how the shoe slides on and off. Sandals you can easily slip into can be convenient, but they might not give you the secure fit you want. You may find that a sandal with buckles lets you customize the fit. But make sure the buckle is made from quality materials that won’t rub your ankle or foot while you’re walking around.
  • You can find platform sandals in a variety of colors and styles. Some are more limited than others. If you’re looking for a specific color, especially if it’s not a neutral tone, your options will be much more limited.
  • Weightier shoes can create fatigue if you’re walking around for a while. But lighter-weight shoes might not offer the durability and stability you need. Look for a pair of sandals that combines both to craft the perfect footwear option.
  • A ridged bottom can offer the traction you need on slippery surfaces. Pay attention to the underside of any pair of platform sandals you buy and choose one that will keep you safe if you find yourself traveling across a slick floor or wet sidewalk.
  • A cushioned footbed can go a long way toward keeping you comfortable when you’re on your feet for long periods of time. Many sandals now build in a little bit of padding for a more luxurious feel.

Women's Platform Sandal Rankings

1. SODA Women’s Ankle Strap Espadrille Platform Sandals

Overall Score: 9.4
Reviews Included: 5

2. DREAM PAIRS Women’s Open Toe Platform Sandals

Overall Score: 9.2
Reviews Included: 4

3. Rocket Dog Women’s Platform Flip-Flop Sandal

Overall Score: 8.9
Reviews Included: 5

4. TOP Moda Ankle Strap High Heel Platform Sandal

Overall Score: 8.6
Reviews Included: 4

5. Teva Women’s Flatform Universal Platform Sandal

Overall Score: 8.4
Reviews Included: 7

6. Keen Women’s Elle Backstrap Platform Sandal

Overall Score: 8.3
Reviews Included: 5

8. Steve Madden Women’s Harlin Platform Sandal

Overall Score: 8.2
Reviews Included: 4

9. Shoe Land Legossa Women’s Espadrille Flatform Sandals

Overall Score: 7.7
Reviews Included: 3

10. Athlefit Women’s Elastic Strap Cork Platform Sandals

Overall Score: 7.1
Reviews Included: 4

More to Explore

Although platform shoes have a long history, they really hit their stride in the 1970s, when the disco era made them trendy. They started in Europe in the late 60s and spread to the U.S., sticking around through the early 1980s.

Due to their popularity on the dance floor, they soon became known as the “party shoe,” and some even wore them in bold designs to get attention at parties and in crowds. They might be covered in glitter or even contain tiny aquariums in the heel. During this era, they were popular with both sexes, although they were more often seen on women.

More to explore