Choose the fit first
If you love the look of platform high tops, it is easy to focus on the sole height, the colourway or the shape around the ankle. But if you want a pair you will actually wear on repeat, the best place to start is fit. A platform sole changes the way a shoe feels underfoot, and a high-top collar changes how it sits around your ankle and lower leg. That means the right pair should feel secure, stable and comfortable from the first proper try-on, whether you are heading out for weekend errands, walking across town or getting ready for a concert.
Platform high tops can add attitude to an outfit, but their real value lies in how wearable they are. You might wear platform high tops with jeans for casual city walks, when you need your shoes to stay comfortable for several hours. Or you may pair platform high tops with a skirt for concerts and outings, where you want a bit of extra height without feeling unsteady in a crowd. In both cases, fit matters far more than a small design detail on the side panel.
When you shop, think about how the shoe will fit into your day. A chunky sole can feel supportive, but if the upper is too stiff or the fit too narrow, you may end up leaving them by the door. For many women, the best buy is not the most dramatic platform, but the one that feels balanced, easy to lace and dependable for everyday wear.
Why fit matters more than style details
A platform high-top shoe looks bold because it combines extra sole height with a high cut around the ankle. That combination can affect movement in a few practical ways. First, a thicker sole may reduce the amount of natural flex under the forefoot. Second, the high upper can either support the ankle or rub against it, depending on the shape and material. Third, the added height can shift your posture slightly, which is worth noting if you spend long hours on your feet.
This is why a fit-first approach makes sense. Before comparing star details, contrast stitching or the latest seasonal colours, check whether the pair feels stable when you walk, whether the toe box gives you enough room, and whether the collar sits comfortably with your socks. If you usually wear low trainers and are moving into a high platform style for the first time, the change can feel greater than expected. A good fit helps that transition feel natural.
At La Redoute, our selection includes the Uno Wedge Hi Steps Trainers in black by SKECHERS, designed to refresh your outfits while keeping comfort and a street-ready shape. You can also browse our women's trainers to compare everyday styles and find the right fit for your wardrobe.
How platform high tops should feel on your feet
When you try platform high tops on, do not judge them only while standing still in front of a mirror. Walk indoors for a few minutes on a hard floor, turn corners and try a short flight of stairs if possible. A pair that looks great but slips at the heel or presses on the ankle bone can become irritating very quickly.
Here is what to look for:
- The heel should feel held in place, without lifting too much as you walk.
- The toe area should leave enough room for your toes to move, especially if you plan to wear thicker socks in colder weather.
- The platform should feel even and stable, not heavy or awkward when you change direction.
- The high collar should sit snugly, but not dig into your ankle.
- The laces should let you adjust the fit across the foot, not just at the top.
A practical test is to wear both shoes fully laced and walk for five to ten minutes at home. If your foot slides forward, your toes hit the front, or the back of the shoe rubs, that is useful information. It often tells you more than the label on the box.
Getting the size right
Size is one of the biggest questions when buying platform high tops online. The added sole can make a shoe feel different from your usual everyday trainers, even if the number is the same. If you already know that some brands come up small or narrow on you, use that experience. If not, start with your usual size and compare it with any fit notes available on the product page.
If you normally search for size 5 women's shoes, think about how you will wear the pair. For example, if you plan to use platform high tops during autumn city walks with thicker socks, the fit may need a little more room than a summer pair worn with thin ankle socks. If you are between sizes, the shape of the toe box matters just as much as the length. A rounded front can feel more forgiving than a narrow, pointed shape.
Women with broader feet should also pay close attention to width. If standard trainers often feel tight across the forefoot, compare platform high tops with options such as wide fit flat shoes to get a sense of what a more generous front section feels like. Even if you still want the high platform look, having that width reference can help you choose with more confidence.
One more tip: try your shoes later in the day if possible. Feet can swell slightly after hours of walking or working, so a pair that feels fine first thing in the morning may feel snugger by evening. That matters if you plan to wear your platform shoes all day rather than just for short outings.
Choosing the right material for everyday wear
Material changes how a platform high top feels from day one. If you want a relaxed, easy style for mild weather, canvas high tops can be a smart option. Canvas tends to feel lighter and more flexible, which is helpful if you are new to high-top shapes. It also works well with casual wardrobes, especially with jeans, cargo trousers or shorts.
If you want more structure, a leather upper often gives better hold and a more supportive feel. Leather can also be easier to wipe clean after a day in town, which is useful if you wear your shoes often. That said, a leather platform high top may need a short breaking-in period. Around the ankle and across the forefoot, it can feel firmer at first than canvas.
Think about your routine. For weekend errands, when you may be moving between pavements, shops and public transport, a material that balances support and comfort is usually the best choice. For concerts and outings, a lighter upper can feel easier if you expect to stand for long periods. If you are choosing between black and white styles, remember that colour affects maintenance too. White can look fresh and sharp, while black may be easier to keep looking clean with frequent wear.
How to style platform high tops without sacrificing comfort
Styling should come after fit, but once you have a pair that feels right, platform high tops are easy to wear. With straight-leg or relaxed jeans, they bring a little height and shape to an everyday outfit. Wearing platform high tops with jeans for casual city walks works especially well when the hem sits just above the top of the shoe or rests lightly on it. That way, the high silhouette still shows, and the outfit does not feel bulky around the ankle.
For evenings out, pairing platform high tops with a skirt for concerts and outings gives you the lift of a platform with more ease than many heeled options. A mini or midi skirt with a fitted tee, bomber jacket or oversized shirt keeps the look grounded in streetwear. If you expect to be on your feet for hours, choose socks that rise above the collar to reduce rubbing.
Platform high tops are also useful when you want a little extra height during weekend errands without changing your whole outfit. You can throw them on with leggings, a sweatshirt and a cross-body bag, and still feel pulled together. If you already own classic black high-top trainers, think of platform highs as the bolder cousin: they bring the same casual energy, but with more lift and a stronger profile.
Some shoppers also compare platform high tops with wedge trainers. Both add height, but the feel is different. Wedge styles often concentrate the rise inside the shoe, while a platform spreads it more evenly under the foot. If balance and daily comfort are your main priorities, that difference is worth considering.
Practical details that affect wearability
Small design choices can make a big difference once you start wearing your shoes regularly. A side zip can make high tops quicker to get on and off, but only if the fit is already right when laced. If the shoe relies on the zip alone and the laces stay loose, your foot may move too much inside. A padded collar can improve comfort, especially on a high shoe, while a cushioned insole can soften the feel of a firm platform base.
Grip matters too. If you are walking on smooth indoor floors, wet pavements or station steps, the outsole pattern should give you enough traction. This is especially relevant with a high platform, as extra height can feel less secure if the sole is too flat underneath. If you are buying for busy days that include commuting, school runs or shopping trips with kids, these practical points are more useful than a decorative logo.
It is also worth checking the weight of the pair. A platform can look substantial without feeling heavy, but that balance depends on the construction. If a shoe feels tiring after a short indoor walk, it may not be the right choice for long days out.
Care tips that keep your platform high tops looking good
Care starts before the first wear. If your shoes are leather, wipe them with a soft cloth after use and use a suitable product to keep the surface looking fresh. For canvas pairs, a gentle clean with a damp cloth often works better than soaking the whole shoe. Try not to scrub too hard around stitched areas, as that can affect the finish over time.
For white platform shoes, quick cleaning makes a real difference. Marks picked up on the way to work, on a train platform or during a lunch break are easier to remove when fresh. For black pairs, dust and lighter scuffs may show less, but the sole edge can still need regular attention. If the platform sidewall is bright white, giving it a quick wipe after wear helps keep the contrast looking neat.
Always let your shoes dry naturally if they get wet. Avoid placing them directly next to a radiator, as heat can affect the shape and material. Stuffing the inside with paper can help them keep their form while drying. If you wear them often, rotating them with another pair of trainers can also help them feel fresher between uses.
What to compare before you buy
When you narrow down your shortlist, compare more than just the price. A lower price can be appealing, but if the fit is off or the material does not suit your routine, the pair may not get much wear. Think about these points before you decide:
- How long you plan to wear them at one time - one hour out with friends is very different from a full day in town.
- Whether you need a softer upper, such as canvas, or a more structured leather finish.
- Whether you want a clean black or white option for easy styling, or brighter colours for a more noticeable look.
- How the shoe compares with styles you already wear, such as low trainers or high-top classics.
- Whether the shape works with your wardrobe, from jeans to skirts to relaxed weekend layers.
The best platform high tops are the ones you reach for without hesitation. If they feel secure, comfortable and easy to style, they are far more likely to become part of your everyday rotation. Start with fit, think honestly about how you will wear them, and the right pair will follow.
