These are defined as shoes with a sole anywhere between 1-4 inch in thickness, though it could also be more. This is a pretty broad definition, which means that there are many different types of soles. Each has its perks and drawbacks, and we thought it would be important to compile an overview of the most common soles and their characteristics.

Flat Platforms: As their name says, flat platforms are… flat. Usually found on sandals and sneakers, they are uniform in their thickness from toe to heel, and as a result quite comfortable to walk in.
However, bear in mind that walking for longer periods of time in completely flat soles, including flat platforms, can result in conditions such as plantar fasciitis and flatfoot if the insole of the shoe doesn’t have adequate arch support or cushioning.

Platform Heels: Probably the most common type of platforms. Platform heels vary in style and can be sandals, pumps, slingbacks, etc. (more on that in the next section), but they also vary in the type of the heel itself. The general rule is that platform heels are comfortable to wear and cause minimal to no pain because of the raised ball of the foot area, which means there is less pressure on the front of the foot. Some types of platform heels are:

Wedges: The shoe which doesn’t have a discernible heel, the wedge is widely thought of as the most comfortable type of high heeled shoes. In it, your foot touches a lot of surface area, which allows for the strain to be taken off the ball of your foot, and they also command a wider footprint, meaning that your arch is well supported.

Chunky Heels: By ‘chunky heels’, we mean platform heels which have the well-known lift underneath the front, but which also have a boxy, chunky heel in the back. The thickness of the heel allows for a steady step, preventing wobbling and possible stumbling.

Stiletto Heels: The fact that platform stilettos have that added height under the toe area makes them far more comfortable than conventional stilettos.
However, it remains that the heel is thin down to a point, which doesn’t provide enough security as you walk. You need the skill to be able to safely walk in these high heels, so make sure you practice at home.

These shoes come in all shapes and sizes, as you saw from our list. There is a shoe out there for every occasion – from the most mundane of tasks, such as picking up kids from soccer practice to the most glamorous of events, as a red carpet would be. With this in mind, we have strived to collect a wide selection of platform shoes, ones that would meet your needs, whatever they are. Here are types of platform shoes:

Sandal: The go-to type of footwear in spring and summer, sandals have always been a favorite. Their design allows the foot to mostly be exposed, which lets it breathe and keeps it cool and dry in hot weather. Furthermore, some foot conditions, such as ingrown toenails or athlete’s foot heal quicker if the foot isn’t restricted in a tight, damp environment. Different versions of sandals include:

Birkenstock: We felt like the Birkenstock deserved its own category in this section, as it is the original comfort shoe. This sandal isn’t particularly trendy or stylish, but it has been orthopedically designed for maximum comfort and support and will last much longer than a mere season or two. Regardless of its simple, utilitarian appearance, the Birkenstock has been a customer-favorite for literal centuries, and its version adds even more stability and shock-absorption while you walk if that’s possible.

Slide Sandal: As we have previously mentioned, slide sandals are also making a comeback this season. These types of sandals are backless and open-toed, similar to a mule. Their upper can cover almost the entire foot from ankle to toe, or they can have only one or two narrow straps. Usually, the straps are located across the toes and the lower half of the foot to hold the shoe to the foot. Their name, ‘slide sandals,’ stems from the fact that this shoe is easy to slide into at a moment’s notice. Thick soles add a bit of weight, but also more sophistication to the classic, rubber beach slide sandal.

Casual Heel: These soles are great for a relaxed, everyday type of footwear because their heels can be blocky, chunky, and even uniformed, like in a wedge, for that easy-going, leisure vibe. These in sandals with these kinds of heels are ideal for strolls around beach towns, for a coffee shop date with friends, and even for children playdates at the park. They go well with jeans and shorts and skirts and keep your feet effortlessly stylish while providing good ventilation to boot.

Fancy Heel: There is more than one type of a ‘fancy heel sandal’ on our list. These are not designed for casual wear but rather aimed at those who attend formal events, who enjoy a glitzy night out at the club and who wish to impress with their footwear. Usually, these types of sandals come with a stiletto heel in the back, and a high platform in the front for that added comfort. Their straps can have a unique pattern, and more often than not they come with a glossy finish – extra polished!

Sneaker: The ultimate casual shoe. What’s great about the sneaker is that it is so versatile – originally conceived as a sports shoe, now sneakers can be found in everyone’s wardrobe. There are sneakers for the gym, for long-distance walking, fancier sneakers for chic casual outfits, sneakers for making a statement, and even sneakers for semi-formal events, paired with ball gowns or suits. Therefore, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that sneakers also come in a higher version. We think the soles bring a certain panache to the classic design of the sneaker, putting a twist on it and elevating its style. These shoes are not suitable for running, that’s for sure, but they are undeniably trendy.

Pump: Pumps are the closed-toed, sleek and simple shoes that fit many a woman’s need. They can be work-appropriate, fit for an office party, a birthday celebration, and especially for more glamorous, formal events, such as weddings and galas. Granted, pumps may not be the best for the workplace or any situation where it is advisable to look more business-like, but they do draw attention and look nothing short of stunning, even in their more basic, nude forms.

When we think about some of the hottest and most luxurious brands in the fashion industry, ones like Prada, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Jimmy Choo might come to mind. A product is a promise made, but a brand is a promise kept; generation after generation. A brand and its label are a statement of quality, craftsmanship, and service found in each of its products.

When assessing the products on our list for “brand,” we took into account the quality of its products, its attention to detail and style, its reputation within the fashion industry, its commitment to customer service and its perceived luxuriousness and exclusiveness, to create an overall score for brand equity. Brand equity can loosely be defined as the pricing power a brand has in the marketplace due to each of the aforementioned factors.

So, while a product that scores high on this list may be gorgeous and exclusive, you can also bet it will much pricier, as well. After all, if everyone could afford it, it wouldn’t be exclusive or luxurious, would it? Be prepared to look amazing, but feel the pain at the bank, if a product scores high on this metric!

We all know how hard it can be sometimes to find the perfect pair of shoes that we not only love, but that also fit snugly and comfortably. With so many styles, brands, colors and models, how can one compare hundreds of supposed “size 6s”?

To assess for trueness-to-size, we considered the opinions of thousands of wearers from across the globe to find out the answer to the ultimate question: do these 6s fit like a 6? While some things can give you a hint as to whether they will fit true, small or large; like brand name, shoe type and year of make; we believe that the opinion of buyers cannot be wrong. If they say the shoe doesn’t fit the way it’s supposed to, then you won’t find it in our 10-best list.

You will find that a pair of shoes or boots or sandals that score high on this metric tend to experience a trueness-to-size that was verified by our large community of sampled buyers. Just don’t forget to take into account the factors above to also make sure your favorite pair will fit you perfectly.

The outsole, or more simply, the sole of the shoe, makes direct contact with the ground and therefore supports the entire foot and body when in motion. A poorly-constructed outsole will lead to discomfort, slipping and foot or another bodily injury. For this reason, many manufacturers use materials that are water-, weather-, heat-, and impact-resistant.

Depending on the type of footwear, one will often see outsoles made from natural or synthetic materials, such as PVC, EVA, rubber, and leather. Each of these has its advantages, depending on the shoe’s purpose; however, as a general rule, they each are resistant to the aforementioned factors. They are also flexible enough to support a proper foot cycle when in motion, but they are not so flexible that they feel like a pair of socks.

A sole made of the materials above tends to score higher on our product evaluations, as they are not only comfortable but also support other criteria, such as “support” and “durability.”