7 Best Platform Sneakers in 2022

IDEALLY, the best-fitting pair of platform kicks will let you park your wedges and ramp up your look while giving you an added inch or two of height, PLUS the confidence to pull off your style.
BUT you’d hardly get the right pick of platform sneakers just by judging them based on the images. We’re here to help you get the right choice minus all the headaches.
No pair of sneakers from our listing here skipped our full-scale wear test. Yes, all 100+ of them!
At the end of the day, we want you to stand (a bit taller) and be prouder that you clinched the best fit, style, and value for a pair of platform sneakers.
How we test sneakers
- We purchase all the platform sneakers with our own money. We don't let the brands dictate our views on the shoes.
- We go through thousands of user reviews and get the meat and substance of each platform shoe.
- Each pair gets a Corescore, a number from 0-100, which helps us determine the shoe’s standing among the rest.
- Our team of sneaker specialists spends several weeks wearing the sneakers. They scrutinize the shoes based on fit, breathability, flexibility, durability, and most especially, comfort.
- Those that ranked highest in our system-generated scoring algorithm and actual test land in this list.
Best platform sneakers overall
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all sneakers.
- Top 17% in sneakers
- Top 25% in platform sneakers
- Top 6% most popular sneakers
Pros
- Protective underfoot
- True to size
- Tougher than most Chuck Taylors
- Sufficient arch support
- Stout yet light
- Bold looks
- Dirt concealer
Cons
- Blister-causing break-in period
- Could be softer underfoot
Verdict
When it comes to thick-soled kicks that offer a voguish flair without much froufrou, to our picky noses, nothing beats the Vans Old Old Skool Platform. Its classic, minimalist, simplistic, and unisex style tickled us.
We consider this a wardrobe essential as it instantly elevates our look. This kick blends well with a hodgepodge of streetwear clothes without us needing to put in much effort.
We felt like Bella Hadid looking fab even with a pair of washed-out skinny pants, a white shirt, and this platform shoe.
Aside from a runway vibe, we are drawn to the comfort it gives. Even with its pair of thick slabs of rubber nestled underneath, these didn’t weigh us down. We didn’t feel like our feet were strapped to bricks either. It’s fun wearing this around town for several weeks as it feels light too.
We’ve put these through a ground test and waited for its sole to bottom out and thin out, but we failed. These are SOLID! Like the Old Skool, this shoe is equipped with a hard-wearing sole that refuses to say goodbye quickly.
If you’re looking for a platform kick that’s ageless, fab, and will keep you surefooted for long hours of the day, have no second thoughts with the Vans Old Skool Platform shoes. These will give you that needed LIFT.
Best icon platform sneakers
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all sneakers.
- Top 7% in sneakers
- Top 4% in Nike sneakers
- Top 6% most popular sneakers
Pros
- Comfy for everyday use
- Bouncy cushioning
- Timeless design
- Good arch support
- High-quality materials
- Excellent value for money
- Long-lasting
- Excellent grip
- Offers added boost in height
- Partly sustainable
- Full leather variations are winter-ready
Cons
- Tight frame
- Heavier than other Air Force 1s
Verdict
If Michael Jordan is irrefutably NBA’s GOAT, we think that the hoop star Air Force 1 is the greatest when it comes to iconic Swoosh sneakers. When we speak of iconic platform kicks, the Nike Air Force 1 07 LV8 scores buckets and receives the highest elevated spot.
We’ve tried wearing the AF1 and the revamped thick-soled version. The base of the platform style is more pumped and thicker. The injected airbag integrated into the midsole gives us an added boost in height.
Such air technology implanted under the heel also helped soften any stress that came in contact between the ground and our feet throughout the month-long sneaker endurance test.
It's a premium Swoosh sneaker, but we didn't feel robbed of with hefty cash. Like most AF1s, this platform version is solid, lasting, top-notch in terms of quality. Full-grain leather, high-quality suede, and sterling lining are just some of the features that make this STELLAR!
If you’re looking for a platform kick that’s for keeps, infinitely timeless, indisputably iconic, we highly recommend you get this AF1 into your sneaker stash. This stylish LV8 doesn't fail to elevate!
Best high-top platform sneakers
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all sneakers.
- Top 18% in sneakers
- Top 26% in Converse sneakers
- Top 2% most popular sneakers
Pros
- Stylish
- Uniquely-modified Chucks
- Comfy
- Elevated
- Lightweight
- Pairs well with any attire
- Supportive
Cons
- Gets dirty easily
- Laces are too long
- Lacks traction
Verdict
We’re over the moon with Converse Run Star Hike. This Converse Chuck with a striking, spunky sole isn’t only a star in style but stellar in comfort too!
We’ve tried dozens of platform sneakers and this shoe surprisingly stole our hearts! After sporting this around town frequently in a week for a month, we were taken aback by how friendly it is to the feet.
How did it stun us? That squatty, rigid sole is heaven for our feet. It may not be as forgiving as most rubber compounds used in most platform kicks but these are super supportive! Rearfoot and midfoot control prevents unnecessary foot torsion so we didn't end up having feet, ankle, leg, and back nightmares.
Some of us with plantar fasciitis and mild ankle instability, and mild osteoarthritis swear by how this shoe made them smile. It accommodated customized orthotics for enhanced arch support.
Did we mention that its toe box didn’t squeeze our toes? We know that the longer we use this we won’t have any trouble with ingrown toenails, bunion growth, and blistered pinky toes.
Converse design team is just so whip-smart to come up with a sneaker that’s as functional yet totally fab as the Run Star Hike.
Best Nike platform sneakers
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all sneakers.
- Top 22% in sneakers
- Top 15% in Nike sneakers
- Top 8% most popular sneakers
Pros
- Cute and stylish
- Fine and lasting construction
- Height booster
- Easy to mix and match
- Pampering
- Crease repellent
- Classy
- Light despite its chunkiness
Cons
- Restrictive toe box
Verdict
Best platform sneakers for women
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all sneakers.
- Top 26% in sneakers
- Top 25% in Puma sneakers
- Top 13% most popular sneakers
Pros
- Edgy and modern street-ready style
- Breathable
- Very comfortable
- Instant height enhancer
- No breaking-in period
- Well-built with high-quality materials
- Great for all-day wear
- Awesome price
Cons
- A bit inflexible
Verdict
We find the Puma Cali Sport among the must-have platform kicks exclusively for women. This throwback ‘80s shoe is among the classic designs worth adding to any style-savvy individual’s sneaker arsenal.
We felt like princesses wearing this as its cushioning and lining makeup is so gentle to our feet. It’s one of the welcoming, snuggly, and plush pairs among the heaps of platform sneakers we’ve tried on.
Running from one errand to another and staying up on our feet almost the entire day wasn’t taxing. Thanks to the ultimate comfort this shoe offers since day one. It dampens any possible foot and leg stress while making us cover most of our week-long priority tasks.
Durability isn’t an issue. The upper is dressed in high-quality leather that gives it a more premium look. Its sole held up all the pounding we did the entire month as we tossed this around the city for a test drive.
We just love the added boost in height it gave us. Being creative with our wardrobe, whether for work, leisure, or even formal affairs, was fun.
If you’re building up your sneaker wardrobe with sassy staples, you’ll never go wrong with an ageless, sporty, thickset soled pair from Puma.
Best value platform sneakers
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all sneakers.
- Top 6% most popular sneakers
Pros
- A platform for high comfort
- Chicness overload
- Quick break-in
- Supportive for all-day wear
- Monochromatic appeal
- Makes you taller
- Breathable
Cons
- Dirt magnet
- Frail sole unit
Verdict
Skate-brand Vans doesn’t only prove that platform sneakers can be stylish, comfy, and convenient, but downright affordable too. Vans Slip-On Platform sneaker offers tons of bang in exchange for a few bucks.
If you want to level up your sneaker game without having to spend a fortune, the Slip-On Platform from Vans is among the wisest pickups you can scour out there.
That streamlined, incredibly versatile form turned us from skeptics to fans. We went beyond the obvious and tried wearing it for several weeks. If we would choose a single slip-on platform to put into our daily rotation, this would be our top pick. So it wasn’t a feat for us to add it to our highly recommended budget sneaker list.
Those padded collars complimented by sufficiently cushioned insoles were a treat for our feet. Aside from excellent cushioning, this shoe makes our feet breathe. It prevents us from getting sweaty feet under warm weather.
Like most platform kicks, this shoe comes with a sturdy and beefy base that isn’t 100% flexible. BUT our feet didn't feel tired wearing it 8 hours straight for several days in a week.
Never was there a chance that it altered our gait and made us walk like chickens or ducks. On the contrary, it gave us the confidence and attitude to strut this in style any time of the day.
And the best part next to durability is its $55 price tag. That’s quite hard to beat.
Most popular platform sneakers
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all sneakers.
- Top 12% in sneakers
- Top 7% in Nike sneakers
- Top 1% most popular sneakers
Pros
- Unique design
- Elevated
- Versatile (goes with any outfit)
- Lightweight
- Cute colorway
- Excellent quality
- Comfortable right out of the box
Cons
- Looks bulky
- Darker in person
Verdict
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What are the most popular platform sneakers in 2022?
What are the cheapest platform sneakers in 2022?
- Vans Era Stacked - from $56
- Vans Slip-On Stacked - from $68
- Vans Old Skool Stacked - from $73
- Converse Weapon CX - from $110
- Converse Run Star Motion - from $120
What are the most expensive platform sneakers in 2022?
- Converse Run Star Motion - from $120
- Converse Weapon CX - from $110
- Vans Old Skool Stacked - from $73
- Vans Slip-On Stacked - from $68
- Vans Era Stacked - from $56