The 12 Best Platform Boots To Add to Your Cart This Season

There’s no better way to feel badass than throwing on a pair of platform boots. Maybe you fancy the extra boost of height, the shoe’s chunky base, or even the sleek shape, but whatever it is, there’s something to be said about the confidence that this boot style delivers. 

While shopping, it’s important to keep in mind what you plan to wear the boots for. Do you want an everyday pair with subtle detailing and a platform height that will not risk your ankle’s well-being? Or do you want to wear them to dress up an outfit for an event, opting for a precarious platform and embellished accents? The factors to consider can seem endless.

We consulted two fashion experts—Alicia Martinez, founding partner and chief customer care officer of Thursday Boots, and Chelsea Hansford, CEO and creative director of Simon Miller—both of whom helped us narrow down the criteria for selecting the best platform boots to stylishly stomp around in this year.

Best Overall

Larroudé Dolly Boot

Larroudé

View On Larroude.com

We’re pretty sure the Larroudé Dolly Boot could sweet-talk us into doing just about anything, especially the ivory-white design which beckons us with its smooth leather and sleek silhouette. Think of them as a shorter, more contemporary, but equally as fun, take on the ‘60s go-go boot you’ll want to take far beyond the dance floor. In fact, they hit just above the ankle, giving you permission to wear them with practically any length of pants or skirt without cutting up your look. Additionally, a dainty branded “L” emblem and slim gold zipper are the only accessories we need to accentuate this otherwise gorgeously minimalist pair of boots. 

Price at time of publish: $475

Material: Kid leather | Sizes: 5–11 | Platform Height: 1.5 inches | Colors: Ivory, Black, and Pink

Best Budget

Steve Madden Fella Ankle Boots

Amazon

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Steve Madden really does have a shoe for everything. Not only that but its shoes are typically priced affordably and won’t break the bank. What’s more, the affordable brand definitely isn’t afraid to dive headfirst into trends, making it easy to try out a new style and understand if it’s worth it to invest in a more sophisticated option. These ankle boots are the perfect transition shoe; wear them during the day with some tapered pants and out at night with a mini skirt and tights.

Price at time of publish: $74

Material: Varies between color options| Sizes: 5.5–10 | Platform Height: 1.5 inches | Colors: Black, Brown, White, and Sand

Best Black

3.1 Phillip Lim Kate Lug Sole Combat Boots

Shopbop

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The eye-catching, combat-style silhouette distinguishes this pick from a sea of black boots and the added quarter-inch lift doesn’t hurt either. We mean, can you really imagine not walking with confidence while wearing these? Plus, with a lightly cushioned footbed, you’re still receiving all the support you need so you don’t have to swap them out for a more comfortable shoe, no matter how many steps you put in throughout the day. But, when you do return home, the pull tabs make them easy to slide on and off, making them a practical option that is equally perfect for, say, those shopping days when you’re in and out of dressing rooms.

Price at time of publish: $595

Material: Leather, rubber| Sizes: EU35–EU41 | Platform Height: 0.25 inch | Colors: Black

Best Printed

Steve Madden Dwane Genuine Calf Hair Platform Bootie

Nordstrom

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We love the way this style can appeal to Western trend chasers and animal print lovers alike. We bet the ranch that, for a shoe with an outspoken print, you’ll zip them on your feet more often than you realize and brave the five-inch heel in favor of punching up your outfit. Not to worry, though, if you’re seeking a style that has a higher cost-per-wear because the brown and white colorway on these beauties means they still match practically any color in your closet.

Price at time of publish: $190

Material: Calf-hair| Sizes: 6–10| Platform Height: 1.5 inches | Colors: Camel/Brown

Best White

AGL Sandy Platform Boots

Farfetch

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Classic, clean, and oh-so-versatile—when you think of platform boots, something like these probably comes to mind. And we aren’t surprised, considering that this Italian brand makes some of the most wearable and quality shoes. Case in point: With its light leather atop a rubber construction, the simple silhouette is perfect for everyday wear. Dress them up with a peekaboo sparkly sock, or throw them on under your joggers for a stylish, airport-approved travel outfit.

Price at time of publish: $540

Material: Leather, rubber| Sizes: IT37–IT41 | Platform Height: 2.2 inches | Colors: Ice Milk

Best Designer

Louis Vuitton Laureate Platform Desert Boot

Louis Vuitton

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If a designer shoe is going to carry such a heavy price tag, it had better bring something worthwhile to the table, and the Louis Vuitton Desert Boot carries an entire meal, plus dessert, to this fashion feast. The color is a versatile sandy shade, and the combination of leather, suede, embossing, and gold hardware adds dimension all over. Nevertheless, it goes with many color schemes.What’s more, we’re fans of its other thoughtful details, such as the crisscrossed wraparound leather buckles and the interesting silhouette courtesy of its curved collar.

Price at time of publish: $1,600

Material: Calf leather, rubber | Sizes: EU35–EU41 | Platform Height: 2 inches | Colors: Beige

Best Chunky

Casadei Pull-on Platform Boots

Farfetch

View On Farfetch.com

Casadei makes chunky but very wearable boots, and this pair is no different. Complete with a hefty heel five-inch heel (and almost three-inch platform), this option will deliver a major height boost. If that’s what you’re looking for, you’ll love these otherwise sleek boots with a classic silhouette. Get ready to stand sky-high in these bad boys.

Price at time of publish: $866

Material: Leather, rubber| Sizes: IT35–IT41 | Platform Height: 2.6 inches | Colors: Black

Best Combat

Thursday Boots Dynasty Combat Boots

Thursday Boots

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Thursday Boots is serving up some of the most durable boots around. Martinez is a fan of the Dynasty combat style, which she often wears out at night. (The seven-inch shaft height is elongating, especially when worn with tights or leggings of the same color.) With a thick and shock-absorbing outsole, these will give you the extra inches without freezing your feet in typical heels.

Price at time of publish: $198

Material: Leather, rubber| Sizes: 5.5–10 | Platform Height: 2.75 inches | Colors: Black, Grey, White, Black/Gold

These 17 Combat Boots Will Have You Repping Bikercore All Year Round

Best for Winter

Timberland Women’s Everleigh Chelsea Boot

Timberland

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Between collaborations with designer labels like Jimmy Choo and having styles that play a role in celebrity footwear, Timberland has ventured out from its humble origins as a rugged, outdoor workwear brand. Still, we appreciate how even its more fashion-forward designs can withstand the elements and keep you comfortable. These boots use durable leather to protect feet against snow, sludge, and frigid temperatures, feature lugged soles to keep you from slipping on one of winter’s many slippery surfaces, and have a memory foam footbed for supreme comfort.

Price at time of publish: $160

Material: Leather upper, rubber outsole | Sizes: 5-11| Platform Height: Not listed| Colors: Light Yellow Nubuck, Burgundy Full-Grain, Wheat Nubuck +more

Best Plush

UGG Classic Ultra Mini Platform Boot

Ugg

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UGG boots can’t seem to escape the spotlight (just ask Bella Hadid) and perhaps that’s because there’s something about wearing these cozy shoes that makes you feel like you’re receiving a warm hug from an old friend. This platform iteration has the same comfort and lush feeling, but the on-trend chunkier silhouette gives them a trendy spin that differentiates them from sleepwear—even if it technically feels like you’re wearing slippers. Plus, we love the super short shaft height for its ease of wear with every kind of legging, from cropped to flared.

Price at time of publish: $150

Material: Rubber, leather| Sizes: 5–12 | Platform Height: 2 inches | Colors: Eve Blue, Pearfect, Samba Red, Chestnut +more

Best Brown

Inez Pilar Platform Boot

Inez

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It’s true that brown boots make their descent among our wardrobes as soon as the first orange leaf falls but, trust us, these delicious chocolate-colored beauties aren’t the kind of footwear you’ll confine to just your fall clothing. The neutral color and ankle-high rise make them easy to wear from fall through spring, and despite the slightly intimidating four-inch heel height, they’re still supremely comfortable. A roomy almond toe, cushioned insole, and stretchy suede help to minimize any discomfort, so you don’t have to worry about slipping them off early because we know you’ll want eyes in front of these boots for as long as possible. 

Price at time of publish: $378

Material: Suede, kidskin leather | Sizes: 6–10.5 | Platform Height: 1.2 inches | Colors: Black Calf, Chocolate Suede

Best High

Stuart Weitzman Skyhigh 145 Platform Boots

Nordstrom

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If you are looking for platforms to really give you that boost, then these are the ones for you. The shoe boasts over a towering half a foot of height, so these skyscrapers probably won’t be your everyday, in-office commuter shoes. Still, while it may feel like you have your head in the clouds, the 3-inch platform provides stability that will keep you firmly planted on the ground. Pro tip: a printed midi dress would balance out the edgier look of these boots.

Price at time of publish: $230

Material: Leather| Sizes: 3.5–13 | Platform Height: 3 inches | Colors: Black, Cashmere