Runway to Real Way: Platform Sandals You Will Actually Wear

Summer is the undeniably the season of sandals and this year, there are plenty of ways to put your best foot forward! With so many trends from the 90’s coming back on the runways in a big way, we had mixed feelings on the return of the platform sandal. Memories of teetering around in potentially ankle-breaking heights gave us pause on what the new iteration of platform sandals would look like. Luckily, no matter how crazy the runways got with their looks, we were able to use their inspiration to find platform sandals you will actually wear, without sacrificing any of the style.

Sporty Platform Sandals

One of the most popular styles designers decided to bring back this season were the sportier platform. Accented with secure straps and grip-friendly ridges, the looks hearken back to the days of candy-colored, well Candies, and translucent mini backpacks. Luckily, there are plenty of more grown up options available these days, that still exude more sporty chic than Sporty Spice. We love this cheery green pair from Emporio Armani, which banks on bonus points in both comfort and style.

The Throwback

There’s nothing more decidedly throwback than black leather straps on platform wedges. We all had countless versions of it back in the day, and to avoid looking too vintage, designers like Proenza Schouler seemed to update the classic look with dashes of color, heavy metal accents and unique shapes. Our love for the old black leather strappy platform has never fully diminished, though we’re not sure we’re ready to commit to a whole new look on the trend either. Luckily, Shoptiques came through with the perfect marriage of nostalgia and modern-day with their simple Platform Sandals, characterized with a funky striped base and topped off with, yes, black leather straps.

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Wooden Platforms

Just looking at many of the chunky wooden-base platforms that graced the runways this season would make our ankles hurt. Designers like Phillip Lim updated the style and looked to lock the foot in with thicker straps for presumably more comfort. While still loving the organic wooden aesthetic, we set out to find an actual wearable everyday pair that could take up through a fest or concert without needing a medic. Rebecca Minkoff’s Jessica Wedge Platforms gets the job done in an attractive blonde wood color and neutral beige straps that cover the whole foot for maximum movement and comfort.

Mixed Media Platform Sandals

If all these still have you experiencing a little vertigo from being cranked up just a little too high, we were able to rest easy in lower versions that do still make the cut in style. Maison Martin Margiela didn’t need sky scraping heights to make their platform sandals stand out. Soludos’ Bi-Color Platform adds a dash of understated elegance in their two-tone straps (will match anything!) and rattan soles. Now how can you get more summer than that?

Runway:

3.1 Phillip Lim Spring 2017 RTW
Maison Martin Margiela Spring 2017 RTW
Proenza Schouler Spring 2017 RTW
Dolce & Gabbana Spring 2017 RTW

Shop the Real Way:

Emporio Armani Platform Sandals, now $235

Shoptiques Platform Sandals, $95

Rebecca Minkoff Women’s Jessica Wedge Platform Sandal, $116.95

Soludos Bi-Color Platform Sandal, $129

– Alia Rajput Close

BTW, you may also like Runway To Real Way: Drop Anchor on the Nautical Trend! and A Trend to Try: Velvet Sandals.

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Runway Photos: Harper’s Bazaar

Image Layout: Fountain Of 30

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