Platform Shoes

Innovative but practical, platform shoes offer height in a wearable way. Platform soles allow women to wear higher heels than they could in many standard heel styles. Added stability and comfort are other advantages of this shoe design. Many styles exist, so you can wear these fun and stylish shoes in any season.

A neutral grey platform ankle bootie, like this one from BCBG, is a great go-to shoe for fall or spring. The grey color and simple style offer modern appeal.

Metallic, brown, and red hues combine to make this lace-up platform shoe from DKNY a shoe that is both functional and glamorous. A shoe like this is versatile and can be paired with skirt or slacks ensembles for fall wear.

Spice up your shoe wardrobe for spring or summer by selecting a pair of platform peep toe shoes with a bold pattern. Cork soles paired with a colored shoe design are fresh and bright, and shoes like this can be worn with simple spring or summer dress for a beautiful look.

A softer shoe material like suede contrasts beautifully with a sharp spike heel and cutout shoe design. A sassy yet sophisticated platform shoe, like this one from Ports 1961, is perfect for evening wear or parties. Cut-out platform heels are also excellent for wearing in different seasons. For cooler weather, simply wear them with a pair of thick or textured tights; for spring or summer, wear them alone or with sheer hose.

A platform shoe offers both stability and heel height. Some styles, like this traction-inspired design from Viktor and Rolf, utilize practical heel materials that can withstand wet or inclement weather and keep you looking ultra-stylish as well as safe.

A basic black platform shoe gets added interest with a white platform design. A simple shoe design and classic color combination like this works well with bold-colored outfits, or it can be worn with black, white or other neutrals for a sophisticated style.

Platform shoes don't have to have huge heels -- a slight platform is an excellent design for shoes that can easily go from day to evening. A classic leather sandal, for example, in a platform style with a heel is polished enough for day, but can easily work for warm-weather evenings.

If you need a fresh update on your standard neutral-toned peep toe heels, consider a pair of platform peep toes that combines a neutral hue with a pop of color. This vibrant design can be worn with a coordinating skirt or dress, or with jeans for a fun and unexpected look.

A pair of strappy evening shoes is feminine yet bold, and can work well for special occasion-wear. A metallic design, like this strappy gold heel from Devi Kroell, begs for attention.

Some high-heeled platorms, particularly those designed for club or party wear, have clear soles. These clear-soled styles aren't work-appropriate, but they really draw attention to the rest of the shoe and can be stunning in a bold color.

Slip-on platform clogs are endearingly casual and easy. The platform heel adds a dressier element to this traditional footwear style, yet it still retains its relaxed feel. Wear them with dressy cropped pants and a sophisticated blouse for the perfect mix of casual elegance, or pair them with jeans and a sweater for a casual cute look.

Espadrille platform sandals with a pretty floral pattern are the perfect way to welcome spring. Feminine and fun, this type of sandal is comfortable and works perfectly with floaty dresses.

Balance the drama of a bold platform style with added accents or details. There is a wide selection of detailed styles, so you can choose from tough-sexy looks like those with studs or buckles, or go with a softer look by selecting a pair with floral or jeweled accents.

A basic black ankle boot is an essential for a woman's fall shoe wardrobe. Chic ankle detailing and easy-to-wear platform heels, as shown on this style from Tracy Reese, add spice to a basic versatile shoe.

If you want to draw less attention to the bold platform sole, choose a shoe that has uses the same dark color for the shoe and the sole. This creates a sleek, more seamless look. If you want a bit more detail, look for those that have textured or glitter element to the shoe's fabric.

Serious yet sexy, a platform pump is another versatile shoe style. Buy a pair in a classic color, like black, to get plenty of use out of a stunning and simple shoe design.

A tri-colored platform boot is unique, but the subtle harmony of hues and warm shoe texture make this platform boot by Monique Lhulllier at once elegant and whimsical.

Chunky shoes in full coverage boot styles exist happily alongside strappy evening styles. The range of colors and designs make platform footwear smart styles for any season.