Platform Shoes

Check out our variety of Vans platform sneakers, ready to style however you choose.

• Platform Checkerboard Shoes: Elevate your iconic look with checkered platform Vans. Platforms versions feature a 1.6” (40 MM) sidewall height compared to the standard 1.3” (32 MM). 
• Slip-On Platform Shoes: The Classic Slip-On silhouette with an exaggerated sidewall for a bold, chunky look. Platforms versions feature a 1.6” (40 MM) sidewall height compared to the standard 1.3” (32 MM).
• Knu Stack Shoes: A reimagined Knu Skool design, enhanced with extra height for a striking statement. Stackform versions feature a 1.9” (48 MM) sidewall height compared to the standard 1.3” (32 MM).
• Old Skool Stackform Shoes: The timeless Old Skool silhouette gets a lift with platform construction. Stackform versions feature a 1.9” (48 MM) sidewall height compared to the standard 1.3” (32 MM).
• Sk8-Hi Stackform Shoes: A fresh take on the iconic high-top, featuring a chunkier platform for even more height. Stackform versions feature a 1.9” (48 MM) sidewall height compared to the standard 1.3” (32 MM).
• Custom Platforms Shoes: Pick your shoe, pick your colors and patterns, and make them custom. 

What are platform shoes?

Platform shoes feature thicker soles designed to add height, style, or both. They first gained popularity during the disco era and have since evolved, from lower platforms or flatforms to the higher platforms of the late ‘90s and beyond. Typically, platform heights range from 1 to 4 inches, though they can go even higher, depending on your style preference.

Are platform shoes in style in 2025?

Platform shoes have been a major trend throughout the 2020s, and this year, the style shows no signs of slowing down. This resurgence nods to the platform trends of the '70s—fifty years in the making. With such a long history, platform shoes have cemented their status as a timeless, versatile silhouette.

How to style platform shoes?  
When referencing Vans platform heights, we measure the sidewall height. Our standard shoe height is 1.3” (32 mm) (based on size 9, with slight variation across sizes). The "Platform" style stands at 1.6” (40 mm), making it 0.3" taller, or roughly 25% higher than the standard. The "Stackform," our tallest option, measures 1.9” (48 mm), which is 0.6" taller, or nearly 50% higher than the standard.

Are platform shoes harder to walk in? 
Platform shoes can be hard to walk in if the platform is super high. Vans platform shoes are easy to walk in as they’re only double the height of our regular shoes, and they offer support and cushioning for comfort.

Do you wear socks with platform shoes? 
You can wear socks with platform shoes, if that’s your preference—especially when they’re new and you’re breaking them in. But once you’re comfortable in your new platforms, you can try wearing them without socks for short periods of time until you feel fully comfortable ditching your socks.

Where can I buy platform shoes locally? 
Use our store locator to find a retailer with platform shoes near you.