Wedges vs. Flatform vs. Platform Shoes: What’s the Difference?

Even if you’d consider your shoe game strong, it’s easy to get tripped up over the latest fads. With celebrities and influencers flaunting new styles almost daily, you can be forgiven for not being up to date on the current lingo.

This is especially true when it comes to the subtle nuances of platform shoes, flatform shoes, wedges, and other similar shoe types. What’s the difference, and which ones should you pick?

Wedges

These have long been a go-to summer staple for sandals. While these shoes are raised, most of the height is at the heel of the shoe, while the toe is closer to the ground.

The result is a shoe that gives you extra height in the same way a pair of heels would while offering a little more stability than your average pair of stilettos. Try them as a way to wear comfortable high heels! Wedges often come in tans and neutrals for a traditionally beachy feel, but modern trends have seen wedges in a huge range of colors and styles, from sandals to high-top sneakers and beyond.

Platform Shoes

These shoes have a long history and inspired a huge fad across the western world from the 1970s onward, and we’ve seen a resurgence in recent years.

Platform shoes are raised across the length of the shoe, from toe to heel. However, they often offer a little extra boost in height toward the heel, as well as rounded support for the arches.

While we often think of platform shoes for women, men’s platform shoes are a great way to add a retro twist as well. Try working some blocky boots or stylish loafers into your wardrobe! Beyond this, modern celebrities and influencers have been spotted out and about wearing everything from chunky platform sandals to some platform sneakers.

Flatform Shoes

This recent trend has more in common with platforms than wedges. Like platforms, flatforms have added height across the length of the shoe—but unlike platforms, there’s no extra height to the heel. The result is a shoe that offers an even height from toe to heel, though some also have a minor boost in the middle to support the arches.

While the trend here includes mostly sneakers and athleisure options, flatforms also appear as sandals, wingtips, and more. Check them out for a more stable, even footwear option!

Find the Right Platform Shoes, Flatform Shoes, Wedges, and More

The right shoe, of course, is the one that feels most comfortable on your foot— and the one you can fit into your wardrobe! Fortunately, the trends for platform shoes, flatform shoes, wedges, and other similar shoe types make it easy to find the kind of footwear you love with a little extra height and style. Now that you know how to tell them apart, don’t hesitate to add some new shoes to your closet.

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