Why chunky soles are taking over
Regular combat boots are great. Combat boots with a chunky lug sole and a serious platform? That's a whole personality. They add inches of height, make your legs look longer and give every outfit an instant grunge-meets-glam edge.
The best part is that a chunky sole spreads your weight out, so you get the height of a heel with a lot more stability.
Below, we break down what to look for in chunky sole and platform combat boots, the Azalea Wang styles to shop, and seven ways to wear them. Want the classics? Read our Boot Camp guide to combat boots.
What to look for in chunky sole and platform combat boots
Check these five details before you buy.
- Platform vs. flatform. A platform raises the front of the foot under a taller heel. A flatform is chunky and nearly level from heel to toe, which makes it the easiest to walk in.
- The lug sole. Deep treads add grip on wet or icy sidewalks and give you that signature stompy look.
- The heel height. Flatforms around 2 to 3 inches are everyday-easy. Block heels of 4 inches or more are for when you want serious height.
- The closure. Laces look classic, but a side or back zipper means you don't have to re-lace every time.
- The statement detail. Faux fur, bows, camo, color and convertible shafts take a chunky boot from basic to the best thing in your closet.
Shop the Azalea Wang chunky and platform combat boots
CINDER Espresso Multi-Way Platform Combat Boot ($129)
CINDER is two boots in one. A detachable 16.5-inch shaft turns it from a lace-up platform ankle bootie into a knee-high boot. It has a 4.7-inch block heel, a chunky 1.4-inch lug platform, faux snakeskin panels, buckle hardware and a 14.2-inch calf circumference in rich espresso brown.
Wear it with: a leather mini as a knee-high, or flared jeans as a bootie.
ZURI Black Multi Faux Fur Lace-Up Platform Combat Boot ($149)
ZURI is gothic glam. Mixed matte and patent panels meet a burgundy faux fur trim and matching laces, on a heavy-duty 1.3-inch lug platform and a 5.9-inch block heel. A zipper makes it easy to get on, and it has a 15.7-inch shaft and a 14.9-inch calf circumference.
Wear it with: a black slip dress and a faux leather moto jacket.
AURIGA Plum Platform Lace-Up Combat Boot ($109)
AURIGA laces all the way up. This plum knee-high boot has a full-length lace-up front, an almond toe, a 4.25-inch block heel and a 0.78-inch lug platform, with a side zip for easy entry. It has a 15.15-inch shaft and a 15.55-inch calf circumference.
Wear it with: a grey sweater dress to let the plum pop.
LYRA Camo Combat Platform Boot ($149)
LYRA does not blend in. An olive multi camo print covers a tall 17.3-inch shaft, with a front lace-up design, tonal buckles and an inside zip on a 2.4-inch flatform lug sole. It has a 15-inch calf circumference.
Wear it with: a black bodysuit and a black mini, so the camo is the star.
MARGUERITE Black Combat Flatform Boot ($109)
MARGUERITE is sweet meets stomp. A row of delicate bows runs up the front of this knee-high synthetic leather boot, on a chunky 2.95-inch lug flatform with a round toe and a full-length back zip. It has a 15.55-inch shaft and a 15.74-inch calf circumference.
Wear it with: a pleated mini and an oversized sweater.
WEDNESDAY Burgundy Flatform Bootie ($99)
WEDNESDAY is grunge, but make it chic. This deep burgundy lace-up bootie has a 2.4-inch heel on a chunky 1.5-inch platform, with a round toe, an 8.7-inch shaft and a 10.6-inch calf circumference.
Wear it with: a plaid skirt and tights, or distressed denim.
DEUTCH Multi Platform Lace-Up Combat Bootie ($99)
DEUTCH is altitude with attitude. It's a hiking-inspired lace-up bootie in multi-colored synthetic leather, with an almond toe, a 1-inch lug platform and a 4.5-inch chunky block heel. It has a 4.7-inch shaft and an adjustable 11-inch circumference.
Wear it with: distressed denim or a cargo mini skirt.
7 ways to style chunky sole and platform combat boots
- With a mini skirt and tights. The ultimate grunge-glam formula, especially with knee-high styles like AURIGA, MARGUERITE and LYRA.
- With a slip dress. Soft satin plus a heavy lug sole is the contrast that never gets old.
- With flared or wide-leg jeans. Let the hem fall over a platform bootie so only the chunky toe peeks out, for extra height.
- With an oversized sweater. Balance a big knit on top with a big sole on the bottom.
- With cargo pants. Go full utility with cargos, a fitted top and a lace-up platform like DEUTCH.
- Gothic glam. Black on black with ZURI's faux fur trim or WEDNESDAY's deep burgundy.
- With a long coat. A maxi coat over a chunky boot balances the proportions and keeps you warm.
Chunky combat boots FAQ
Are platform combat boots comfortable? A chunky lug sole spreads your weight out and cushions each step. Flatforms like MARGUERITE, LYRA and WEDNESDAY are the easiest to wear all day.
What's the difference between a platform and a flatform? A platform adds thickness under the front of the foot, usually with a taller heel. A flatform is thick and nearly level from heel to toe.
Do chunky boots make your legs look shorter? Not when you balance them. Show a little leg, or match your tights to your boots, for a long, unbroken line.
Are lug soles good for winter? Yes. Deep treads give extra grip on wet or slippery sidewalks.
How do you wear chunky boots with a dress? Pair them with slip, sweater or floral dresses. Chunky soles add an edgy contrast to soft fabrics.
Join the stomp squad
From convertible platforms to bow-trimmed flatforms, there's a chunky combat boot for every mood. Shop all Azalea Wang boots and find the pair that lifts every outfit, literally.