Platform heels, made simple

DSW Platform Heels

Compare DSW platform heels side by side, from chunky everyday pumps to sleek Mary Janes and strappy sandals. Each pick shows height, heel shape, price and occasion so you can match the pair to your plans and your budget.
Fresh platform picks

New platform heels to shop now

This first group mixes budget-friendly pumps and Mary Janes with higher-end platform silhouettes, so you can see how price, heel shape and strap detail change the look and the wear.
Madden Girl Desiere Platform Pump — a lift-ready pump for nights that call for extra height
Now $59.99, the Desiere Platform Pump is an easy step into the platform look. The raised sole softens the pitch under the ball of your foot, so extra height feels steadier than a slim heel alone. Dress it up for a party or a wedding, or pair it with jeans when a plain outfit needs one polished piece.
Madden Girl Lyrical Platform Mary Jane — strap-held comfort for long days and late nights
Set at $59.99, the Lyrical Platform Mary Jane leans on a strap across the instep to keep the shoe snug while you walk. That single detail makes it a practical pick for long days at the office or a night of dancing, and the platform base keeps the height comfortable without feeling formal.
Steve Madden Kylee Mary Jane Platform Pump — designer strap styling that moves all evening
Now $79.99, the Kylee Mary Jane Platform Pump brings a designer name to the platform lineup. The strap adds hold, while the platform front balances the heel so the shoe moves well through dinner, dancing and the walk home. It is the piece to choose when the occasion earns a step up.
Mix No. 6 Heether Platform Mary Jane — trending platform style at the friendliest price
Now $54.99, the Heether Platform Mary Jane is the budget pick of the group, leaving room in your plan for a matching bag or a second pair. The strap and platform combination delivers the trending silhouette at an easy price, which suits shoppers who like to rotate styles often.
Steven by Steve Madden Ribben Platform Heels — a sleek line on a chunky, stable platform
The Ribben Platform Heels pair a chunky platform with a sleek, uninterrupted silhouette, so the height reads as one clean line instead of a heavy base. Choose this pair when you want drama for a night out but still want a stable platform to stand on between tables and photos.
Guess Adalynn Platform Heels — trendy platform design made for comfortable all-day wear
Guess designs the Adalynn Platform Heels around a trendy look with a platform built for all-day wear. That balance makes it useful for days that run long, from a daytime event straight into evening plans. Pick it when the trend matters but comfort decides whether the pair stays on.

Jessica Simpson Baily Platform Heels — fashion-forward comfort for full days and evenings

The Baily Platform Heels sit right between dressed-up and easy. Jessica Simpson pairs a fashionable platform profile with comfort-first construction, so it holds through a full day, not just the first hour. It suits shoppers who want one platform pair covering workdays, dinners and special events.
Trending at DSW

Popular platform heels shoppers return to

Glamorous Platform Heels with a chic dressy design on a deep-toned studio surface

Glamorous Platform Heels — a chic, comfortable pick made for a night out that runs late

For shoppers buying a platform heel for one specific night out, the Glamorous Platform Heels keep it simple. The chic design reads dressy in photos, and the comfortable fit means you can stay on the dance floor without planning an early exit. It is a straightforward choice when the occasion matters more than an everyday workhorse.
Aerosoles Camilia Platform Sandal with open toe and platform sole on a sand-colored background

Aerosoles Camilia Platform Sandal — open-toe comfort for warm-weather plans, now $69.99

Now $69.99, the Camilia Platform Sandal opens the toe and works in warmer months. Aerosoles builds these around all-day comfort, so the platform sandal is a sensible pick for outdoor weddings, showers and travel days when a closed pump feels too warm. Look here when your plans move between sun and shade.
Steve Madden Kirah Platform Sandal with open upper and platform sole in side profile view

Steve Madden Kirah Platform Sandal — a designer open platform for spring and summer, $89.99

Now $89.99, the Kirah Platform Sandal sits at the top of this group and earns it with a clean designer profile that pairs with dresses and denim alike. The open platform keeps the look light for spring and summer events. Choose it when you want one statement sandal you will wear season after season.

Where platform heels work best

Platform heels cover events, workdays, warm weather and everyday outfits, and each situation rewards a different height and build. Think about how long you will be up and moving, then pick the shape that matches the day.
Dressy platform heels placed beside a folded dress for an evening event
Weddings, parties and nights out

A dressier platform handles standing, photos and dancing without a slim heel digging in, and the extra height pairs well with dresses and tailored looks for the whole evening.

Strapped platform heels beside a work bag and blazer on a light floor
Long workdays with a polished look

Choose a chunky platform with a strap for days that start early and end late, since the stable base and secure fit keep the shoe comfortable past noon.

Open platform sandals next to sunglasses and a straw hat on a bright surface
Warm-weather events and travel

Open platform sandals suit heat and travel days, letting your feet breathe while still adding height to casual dresses and shorts for the whole trip.

Platform heels placed beside folded denim jeans and a simple top
Everyday outfits that need height

Platforms can lift jeans and simple tops without much effort, turning a plain outfit into something deliberate for a concert, dinner or an afternoon out with friends.

What changes the choice

Compare height, heel shape and straps

Two platform heels of different heights standing side by side for comparison

Platform height and pitch

A platform thickens the sole under the toes, lowering the effective pitch so taller heels feel easier on your feet.

Close comparison of a chunky platform heel and a thin stiletto heel

Heel shape and stability

Chunky heels stand more steadily than slim stilettos, useful when you will walk or stand for hours.

Mary Jane platform shoe strap detail beside an open platform sandal

Strap styles versus open designs

A Mary Jane strap keeps the shoe close to your foot, while open styles suit wider feet or warm-weather plans.

Three platform shoes with pointed, rounded and open toes lined up

Toe shape and warm-weather wear

Pointed toes lengthen a look for evening, while open or rounded toes breathe better in heat and suit sandals.

Platform heels at different price points arranged in a simple row

Price tiers across the range

Prices here span roughly $55 to $90, so decide how often you will wear the pair before you pick a tier.

Platform heels placed beside a folded dress and denim for occasion planning

Occasion match and comfort

Match the heel height to the length of the event; lower platforms handle longer days more comfortably.

Find your platform type

Three platform shapes to compare first

Platform heels arrive in three main shapes: closed pumps, strapped Mary Janes and open sandals. Start with the shape that fits your occasion and climate, then narrow by heel height and comfort features.
Three groups of platform shoes showing pumps, Mary Janes and platform sandals together
Closed-toe women's platform pump with a chunky heel on a neutral studio surface
Pumps for dressed-up height

Closed-toe platform pumps deliver the most polished silhouette, which suits offices, dinners and formal events where a fuller look reads as intentional rather than casual.

Women's Mary Jane platform shoe with an instep strap, side view on a pale background
Mary Janes with strap support

Mary Janes add a strap across the instep, giving extra hold for walking and dancing while keeping a slightly softer, day-to-night feel than a classic pump.

Open-toe women's platform sandal with ankle strap on a light studio surface
Platform sandals for warm days

Open platform sandals free the toes and suit spring and summer plans, from outdoor weddings to travel days when a closed pump would overheat your foot.

Shoppers on finding their platform pair

Tanya R.
Tanya R.Platform height that stayed comfortable all evening
I wanted real height without the usual ache, so I looked for a chunky platform and stayed mid-range on heel height. I stood through a full dinner and then the dance floor afterward, and I never went hunting for a seat. That difference is exactly why I now check the platform first.
Marcus L.
Marcus L.A strap made all the difference for walking
My last pair slipped at the heel whenever I walked fast, so this time I chose a Mary Jane style with a strap across the top. Walking to the venue and back was noticeably easier, and I did not have to think about the shoe once I was out with friends.
Priya S.
Priya S.Bought a platform sandal for a busy wedding month
I had three events in one month and needed something that worked with dresses and the heat. An open platform sandal turned out to be the answer, since my feet stayed cool and the height still looked intentional in photos. I have worn it far more than I expected.
Denise W.
Denise W.Shopped online and matched the size on the first try
I compared the heel shape, strap detail and price across several pairs before ordering, which made the size decision easier than guessing. The pair arrived true to what the listing described, and I wore it straight away without the usual break-in soreness at the ball of my foot.
Ellen K.
Ellen K.Great value compared with designer retail prices
I like that I could compare designer names and platform styles in one place without paying full retail. I set a budget, picked a lower platform for a longer event, and felt good about the choice. Getting free shipping on top of that made the order easy to finish.

Platform heel questions, answered simply

Height, heel shape, straps and climate all change whether a platform heel suits your day. The answers below cover comfort, first-pair choices, event fit and value so you can compare pairs with less guesswork.
A platform reduces the effective angle of your foot, which many shoppers find steadier than a same-height slim heel. Comfort still depends on the individual shoe, so consider a chunky heel and a strap if you plan to stand or walk for hours.
Start near the lower end of the height range and look for a platform that offsets most of the heel. A chunky heel and a Mary Jane strap add stability while you get used to the lift, and they keep the pair easy to wear later.
They can, especially open platform sandals designed for spring and summer. Grassy or uneven surfaces favor a sturdier, chunkier heel, so weigh the venue surface alongside the look when you decide.
A strap across the instep helps keep the shoe close to your foot, which most shoppers prefer for walking and dancing. The platform base also gives you a wider surface to stand on than a thin heel alone.
Compare the listed price, the heel shape and any strap detail before deciding. Prices in this category range from about $55 to $90, and the higher-priced options tend to come from designer names with open or chunky platform builds.

See platform heels styled in real outfits

Styling ideas show how platform heels work with dresses, denim and event looks, so you can picture the pair before you commit. Browse the latest posts for seasonal pairings and fresh ways to wear the height you pick.
Three women's flats, a Mary Jane, a ballet flat and a loafer, arranged on a light wooden surface

DSW Flats

Explore DSW flats in every shape, from Mary Janes and ballet silhouettes to slip-on loafers. Compare prices, clearance deals and designer names side by side, then pick the pair that fits your day, your budget and your VIP perks.

Men's shoes in several styles arranged on a pale wood shelf in a bright studio setting

DSW Mens Shoes

Compare sneakers, running shoes, boots and chukkas from names you know at prices built for everyday value. See what fits your commute, your workouts and your weekends before you commit to one pair.

Assortment of women's sandals in different styles arranged on a pale sunlit surface

DSW Womens Sandals

From casual flip flops and foam slides to braided flats, cork wedges and dressy strappy heels, this collection covers the full range of women’s sandals so you can compare height, coverage and occasion fit in one place.