As far as footwear trends go, you can always count on platform sneakers for a good time. They lend a boost of height, obviously, and also feel a tad more exciting and expressive than your everyday trainers. “Sneakers are never not going to be a trend, it’s more a question of which sneakers will be trending,” THE YES Creative Director Taylor Tomasi Hill observes. “After a long stretch at the top of the leaderboard, normcore dad sneakers are giving way to cooler platform sneakers.” It’s true — while the Nike Monarchs and New Balance 530s of the world will never go out of style, per se, if you’re curious as to which sneaker will define the year of 2022, all signs point to platforms.
Hedi Slimane introduced the silhouette in the Celine Spring 2022 collection. The combination of the all-white palette paired with a bold platform (available to buy here) is incredibly fresh and wearable, and ties back to Vince Chief Creative Officer Caroline Belhumeur’s pillars for a strong platform sneaker. “Simplicity and quality are key,” she shares. “A modern platform sneaker is timeless and versatile. It should have perfect proportions and a sleek silhouette.”
And now that warm weather has arrives, it’s just the right time to dive right into this trend; it’s the cutest complement to bare legs or baggy, summer jeans. (Come fall, though, the style transitions straight into cold weather with a pair of ultra-soft cashmere socks.) Below, check out the various interpretations of platform sneakers to find your perfect pair — and choose from options that range from household names like Converse and Vans to luxury designers like Khaite, Alexander McQueen, and Gucci.
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Slide-Ons
This simple and sleek silhouette will always feel modern. Pair a low-top version with trousers for a sporty alternative to loafers — or anchor a long, flow-y skirt with a high-top take, like Khaite’s streamlined Ludlow silhouette.
Chunky Platforms
If your personal style doesn’t quite match up with minimalism, you’ll be happy to learn that bold options abound at the moment. Coincidentally, chunky platform sneakers also feel at home with the revived Y2K (aka ‘Hot Aughts’) moment that’s sweeping the fashion scene. There are several styles — like the chunky McQueen pair pictured here — that go quite nicely with a ‘00s-inspired wardrobe.
Classics With A Twist
Take your love of sneaker giants like Converse and Nike and switch into a pair featuring a platform silhouette. It has all of the recognition that comes with an iconic shoe, but with the added appeal of something slightly unexpected.
Gum Sole
Gum sole detailing lends your platform sneakers a subtle amount of contrast while still feeling versatile enough to wear with anything. Style with day dresses, midi skirts, and occasional pair of track shorts now, and switch to denim and slacks when it gets cold.
Canvas Top
There are few sneaker types more comfortable than a canvas top designs. But when you add in a platform sole, the look is equal parts casual and statement-making.
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