Not all of us are blessed with height. While we may try to reason that perhaps we are fortunate not to know what ‘the weather is like up there’, some feel the FOMO. There’s an appeal to being tall; aside from finally vanquishing that cursed top-shelf, it’s far more empowering to look down than up. 

Luckily, the great ‘shoe lords’ have heard our cries and provided a solution in the form of platform sneakers. With these, the height-impaired of us out there are blessed with the option to add a couple of extra inches to their stance. 

These platform sneakers come in all shapes, colours and sizes. That being said, guidance on how to rock these sneakers may still be needed, so here we are. 

To Know Or Not To Know?

The first question that needs an answer is, are they on display? Or are we fooling? 

Platform sneakers can be one of two things: a solution to shortness or a statement piece. Both are valid but require opposite advice. If we’re generalising, usually, men want to be seen as taller and would prefer to keep any height aid a secret, whereas women don’t have that hangup. 

For the purpose of this article, we’ll be exploring various avenues, so don’t be surprised if some of our tips are juxtaposed with others. 

Styling Platform Sneakers For Women 

The first half of this post is for the ladies, as the majority of platform sneakers out there are focused on the female demographic. As we briefly mentioned above, the fairer sex tends to care less about whether this new-found height appears natural or not. This means we’ll be looking over what best compliments the shoes.  Accessories and specific styles that look great with platforms will be our main focal points. Let’s dive in!

How To Wear Platform Shoes With The Alt Looks

Platform shoes really shine in the alternative scenes, be it goth, grunge or emo, and while boots such as Doctor Martens really make up the majority of the type of platforms worn, there is absolutely a place for sneakers. The best part about platforms on sneakers is that, in many cases, they actually provide an extra edge to the style. 

Here’s a take: If the idea is to stand out, avoid the DMs! Every girl in the scene has a pair. Why not take a risk? 

May we suggest a pair of platform Air Force 1s? This take on a very mainstream shoe does one of two things. First, it shows the wearer is not afraid to take risks. Not many people actively looking to be on the outside would wear a shoe known to be worn by the masses. So, choosing to rock Nike instead of Rick Owens could actually be far more provoking. That takes us to the second thing: Couldn’t one argue that a fringe take on a mainstream shoe is far more alternative than a mainstream take on an alternative shoe? 

We don’t even need to look that hard to find a pair that will match seamlessly with popular rocker aesthetics. Take the Air Force 1 PLT.AF.ORM “Pink” sneakers for instance. 

These are found on FARFETCH for only $100.

Surprisingly, these compliment black skintight leather trousers better than some boots and look even better with fishnet stockings. 

Similarly, the Air Force 1 platform “Triple-White” sneakers stand out when worn with plaid trousers. Pair a leather jacket or a tasteful peacoat to really bring the fit together. 

Perhaps Nike just doesn’t do it. Maybe there’s an extra need for nasty. If that’s the case, these Kapri Karl Ikonik platform sneakers from Karl Lagerfeld may be the answer. 

It’s hard to imagine anything these won’t go with, from ripped skinny jeans to shiny black leggings; the little guy with the shades fits with all. Try these with some high socks matched with a red mini kilt, a black oversized button-down and a white tank top. Maybe even through in a beanie. 

‘Alternatively’, the Air Revive Nitro platform sneakers from SWEAR could potentially go with more outrageous items. Any oversized chained accessories and neon lipsticks would be happy to be seen with these. 

Disco Ain’t Dead

The first time platform shoes really made an impact was in the 70s when disco was all the rage. Sequin shirts and bellbottoms were the style, and they were complimented with outrageously high platformed heels.

Men and women alike would boogie on the dancefloor all night long, inspired by films like Saturday Night Fever and Earth Wind And Fire. While these high platform monsters were not sneakers, the resurgence of the 70s style required a modern twist.

Somehow, the modern twist to this trend looks even funkier than before. With a larger variety of platform sneakers to choose from, the combinations truly are limitless. 

UwU Bubblegum Pop

One of the spearheads for the modern wave of platform shoes was the colourful alternative to alternative. Picture goths but with manic depression and an obsession for anime, and the image of Bubblegum Pop emerges. 

Vibrant, oftentimes holographic stompers are almost mandatory for this style. For those looking for an affordable pair, the Y.R.U Lala Platform Sneakers in Pink are a great option, but act fast! They’re selling like hotcakes. 

These shoes cost $90-$100 depending on promotion, and the link above is not an affiliate. 

Casual Style

Not all platform sneakers are bound to specific styles. There are more down-to-earth sneakers that can be worn with casual everyday wear–platform Vans sneakers are a fan favourite. 

These, despite being platform sneakers, offer a sense of minimalism that other platform sneakers don’t. This means they can be worn with anything. They are also extremely affordable, like most Vans. 

Accessories For Platforms 

Platform shoes are a statement piece, but that doesn’t mean they clash with accessories! In fact, few shoes pull off accessories like a platform shoe. It’s almost like the size of the stage has been increased, allowing for more characters to shine. 

Anklets look great partnered with just about any platform shoe, and it gives the wearer more chances to personalise their fit. No charm anklet is the same, with specific charms that can be attached in any order. 

Platform Sneakers For Men

As we said before, most men looking for platform sneakers are really looking for a height bandaid. No judgement here. 

While the options for men are limited, that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to find the perfect sneaker to mitigate this problem. Take the Rick Owens Mega Bumper Geobasket Leather High-Top Sneakers.

These are the definition of hiding in the spotlight. Being from a well-known avant-garde company comes with its own advantages. For instance, the added clout and stylish novelty of wearing them. No one will think of height when they’re looking at the mere existence of the shoe before them.

Partner these with some loose cargo bottoms or a techwear fit, and they’ll blend right in. Bang on some lil Skies, and no one will question it. You’re welcome!

Still, if we’re not trying to follow the shoe trend and wear platform shoes, but instead trying to gain some discreet height, check out Conzuri!