Women’s Platform Sandals
Sandals are the perfect accompaniment to sunny days. The open design keeps your feet cool, and the versatility means you can find styles from casual to dressy. But if you’re looking for a comfortable sandal, platform sandals may be the best choice.
A platform sandal is a combination of a sandal top and a platform sole. Sandals are open designs with straps across the foot, while platforms are any type of shoe with a thicker-than-usual sole. While a platform sandal can have a high heel, it doesn’t need to. It’s the thickness of the sole under the toe that defines it as a platform. These sandals can give you extra height, like high heels, but the unique soles mean they also provide comfort.
Types of Platform Sandals
Platform sandals come in many styles, so you can choose the type that completes your outfit. Some of the available options include:
- Wedges: The sole on these sandals is a single piece that thickens gradually, creating a high heel in a continuous wedge design.
- Flatforms: These sandals have no heel — just a chunky sole, so the foot is kept relatively flat.
- Espadrilles: Sandals of this type are platforms with soles made from rope or jute.
- Nothing shoes: These sandals have clear, perspex soles that give the illusion of the foot floating.
- Mules: This type of sandal has no back or constraint around the heel.
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Why Platform Sandals Stand Out
Like any heels, platform sandals give you extra height. They can make your legs seem longer, which is a confidence booster for many women. But what is it about platforms that make them so comfortable?
The Platforms
The platform sole is the distinguishing feature of platform sandals for women and plays a large part in their comfort. Traditional heels have elevation mainly in the heel. This creates a steeper incline for your foot, adding pressure to the toe and shortening the Achilles tendon. A platform heel raises the whole foot rather than just the heel. Even when there’s elevation in the heel, it’s generally not as much as a traditional heel. The platform under the ball of the foot helps spread weight evenly and reduces pressure on the toes and the front of the foot.
The Size
Platforms are chunky by design, meaning they can have a wider base without losing style. People with wide feet may find that their toes stick out of the straps of slim-style sandals. Since platform sandals have a large toe box, this is less likely to happen. The wide design also provides more stability, which prevents wobbling and gives support to the ankles.
The Cushion
The thick sole acts as a cushion between the foot and the ground. Standing on hard surfaces for a long time can put a lot of pressure on the foot, especially if there’s only a thin layer between the ground and your toes. The added cushioning of platform sandals makes it much easier for people to remain standing for long periods of time.
Comfort Benefits of Platform Sandals
It’s not just the short-term benefit of less foot pain that comes from wearing platform sandals. Choosing platforms over heels can also have long-term health advantages.
Women’s platform sandals offer height and elegance without the pain of heels. In normal high heels, weight is shifted toward the toes. This changes the way women carry their bodies, putting strain on their ankles, knees, hips, and spine. As women’s platform sandals distribute weight more evenly, there’s less strain on these body parts. This can ease pain and improve posture.
Tight shoes can also rub against the skin, causing calluses and bunions. The wider fit of platform sandals for women alleviates this rubbing, helping to keep your feet smooth and free of the blisters that can start these issues.
Plantar fasciitis, another common foot problem, can be alleviated by proper arch support. The wider fit of platforms makes it easier to fit supportive insoles and orthotics. As platforms keep feet generally flat, the Achilles and heel also stay in proper alignment. This helps alleviate Achilles tendon and heel pain.
The comfort of platform sandals can also help your overall health. Studies have found that walking a minimum of 6,000 steps each day has significant health benefits. This is hard to do in uncomfortable shoes. The comfort of platform sandals can encourage you to walk more, leading to whole-body health.
Top Platform Sandals for Women
You can find a platform sole on every variety of shoe, making this a very versatile style. Whatever your plans are for the day, you can find a platform sandal to suit the occasion.
Sporty Platform Sandals
Getting your steps in is easy with sport slides and sandals. These Nike Women’s Icon Classic Sport Slides feature multiple straps to keep your feet secure and a lifted midsole for a fun look. Or try adidas Adilette Platform Sports Slides, which slip on easily and have a foam footbed for added comfort.
Wedge Platform Sandals
Platform wedge sandals for women come in a variety of styles to suit many occasions. The Y-Not Doris Platform Wedges has a cork bottom that pairs well with a flowy sundress. If you’re looking for something more dressy, the Soda Techno Platform Wedges come in black, white, camel, or silver to match whichever outfit you’re wearing to the club.
Platform Flip-Flops
Looking for casual comfort while running errands? We have Crocs Getaway Platform Flip-Flops with soft, lightweight uppers that are easy to slip into. You can also dress up your flip-flops with rhinestones if you want to stand out. Skechers Arch Fit Cali Breeze Sandals are an eye-catching addition to a beach wardrobe and have built-in arch support.
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Slip-On Wedge Platforms
Slip on and go! The cushioned footbed and ergonomic design support your feet, reducing fatigue and making them a good option for extended wear. Whether you’re running errands, heading to the beach, or enjoying a casual outing, slip-on platforms and wedges can be the perfect choice for effortless style and all-day comfort. The CL Laundry Seraphine and the Madden Girl Mythical are trending now!
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Daywear Platforms
Mia Camyl Platform Slides are casual enough to lounge around in but can also be paired with a dress for an afternoon barbecue. The one-piece construction makes them a durable addition to your shoe collection. For something a little more fancy, unbox the Soda Trader Espadrille Wedge Sandals. They have the traditional, jute-style sole paired with a cage design upper. The adjustable buckle strap allows you to customize the fit.
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Heeled Platform Sandals
Heeled sandals add elegance to outfits. With a platform, you get height with less strain on your feet, making it easier to dance the night away. The CL Laundry Go On 2 Platform Dress Sandals are open-toed to show off your pedicure and have a padded insole for less foot pain. Or consider the Olivia Miller Crush Platform Dress Sandals. These slides are easy to slip on and off, and the sophisticated design can take you from work to a wedding or party.
Choose Comfort and Style
Platform sandals for women are a great addition to any shoe collection. If you’re ready to add them to your wardrobe, visit a Shoe Carnival store near you.