Why settle for basic when you can go up?
Platform heels give you serious height without the pain of a skinny stiletto alone, because the platform under the toe makes the slope of your foot gentler. That's the practical part. The fun part is that a platform is a whole new canvas for design.
These are the platform heels we can't stop staring at: architectural cutouts, oversized bows, high-shine croc, shell charms and plush calf hair.
What to look for in platform heels
- The heel-to-platform difference. The smaller the gap between heel height and platform height, the flatter your foot sits, and the easier they are to walk in.
- Block vs. stiletto. Block heels feel steadier. Stilettos look sleeker and dressier.
- The strap. Ankle straps, double straps and wrap-around ties keep a tall shoe secure.
- The footbed. A cushioned or quilted footbed makes a big difference on long nights.
- The statement detail. Cutouts, bows, charms and texture are what make a platform unique.
Shop the unique platform heels
JUSTIFIED Black Embellished Platform Block Heeled Pump ($109)
JUSTIFIED is sky-high and unbothered. A 5.9-inch chunky block heel and a 2.4-inch platform both feature architectural cutout windows lined with polished gold grommets, on a sleek synthetic round-toe pump.
VELVETINE Blue Floral Platform Stiletto Sandal ($109)
VELVETINE is a fashion emergency in the best way. Rich velvet wraps a dramatic, oversized sculptural bow at the toe, on a 5.3-inch stiletto and a 1.6-inch platform, with a slim ankle strap and a quilted comfort footbed.
FELICIA Burgundy Croc Platform Pump ($89)
FELICIA is croc, confidence and chaos. High-shine burgundy croc-embossed synthetic leather sits on a 5.7-inch chunky block heel and a 1.9-inch platform, with a round toe and double adjustable straps.
PICARD Genuine Calf Hair Platform Pump ($119)
PICARD is a platform clog with presence. A plush, soft-touch genuine leather upper contrasts with a massive wood-inspired platform and block heel, with a roomy round toe and an easy pull-on fit. Choose Snake or Deer.
ZAZZIE Natural Mother of Pearl Wrap-Around Platform Sandal ($89)
ZAZZIE is instant resort icon status, perfect for a winter getaway. A towering 5-inch raffia-wrapped block heel and a 2-inch platform are decorated with cascading shell-inspired charms, with a wrap-around closure and an almond toe.
ASTRELLA White Platform Heeled Sandal ($139)
ASTRELLA is pure glamour. Faux pearls and rhinestones decorate an open-toe platform sandal with an adjustable ankle strap. It's a dream for holiday parties and weddings.
ZIPPHORA Green Platform Mary Jane Pump ($69)
ZIPPHORA is golden hour glam. These vibrant green platform heels have luxe fabric, a chic ankle strap and a sky-high silhouette made for parties and cocktail nights.
Quick outfit ideas
- Office power move: FELICIA or JUSTIFIED with tailored wide-leg trousers that skim the platform.
- Holiday party: VELVETINE or ASTRELLA with a satin slip dress.
- Night out: JUSTIFIED with a pleated mini skirt.
- Weekend: PICARD with straight-leg jeans and a chunky knit.
- Winter getaway: ZAZZIE with a linen set or a maxi dress.
Platform heels FAQ
Are platform heels easier to walk in? Usually, yes. The platform reduces the angle of your foot, so a 5-inch heel with a 2-inch platform feels closer to a 3-inch heel.
Are platform heels in style? Yes. Chunky platforms are everywhere this season, especially with block heels, croc and statement details.
What do you wear with platform heels? Wide-leg trousers, flared jeans, mini skirts and slip dresses all balance a chunky platform.
Block heel or stiletto platform? Block heels like JUSTIFIED and FELICIA are steadier for long nights. Stilettos like VELVETINE look sleeker and dressier.
Rise to the occasion
The sky's the limit, and these platforms will get you there. Shop all Azalea Wang platforms and find the pair that lifts your look to new heights.