When Balenciaga’s creative director Demna Gvasalia launched the brand’s famed Triple S trainers in 2017, nobody could have predicted the sheer grip that platform kicks would come to hold on the fashion industry.
Widely regarded as dad sneakers à la Steve Carrell in Crazy Stupid Love, platform trainers have surpassed their golfing connotations to become the height of street style (pun very much intended).
This is why they’ve been supported by the stars and continue to dominate our Instagram feeds. Style veterans Dua Lipa, Sydney Sweeney, Emily Ratajkwoski, Devon Carson and Alexa Chung have all curated everyday looks starring chunky trainers (although the latter remains ever faithful to her signature ballet flats).
Hard-working models by Nike, New Balance, Converse and Adidas remain especially popular, yet that’s not to say alternatives by other fashion houses aren’t worth consideration. A brief flick through SSENSE or END Clothing will result in numerous high-fashion platforms flooding the virtual marketplace by labels including Maison Margiela, Acne Studios, Gucci, Marni and more.
Platform trainers aren’t solely fashion statements. Larger footbeds typically come with ample cushioning and increased grip. This reduces impact on the joints with each step and provides arch support, making elevated sneakers the ideal choice for those with active lifestyles.
While platform trainers tend to teeter around the £100 mark, they are worth every penny. After all, they certainly won’t be going out of style anytime soon. So far in 2024, the revenue generated in the sneakers segment worldwide is an impressive $80.19 billion (approximately £60 billion) according to Statista. The website further predicts that the sneaker market will experience an annual growth of 5.18 per cent, with the United States generating the most revenue in the sneaker world.
Why the ongoing obsession with sneakers? Business Research Insights nods to the influence of social media, noting how the adoption of social media for marketing to magnify market growth is one of the factors driving the sneaker market. This theory is reinforced by stats sourced by Run Repeat, who notes: “Projections say that the total sales of used sneakers through social media outlets will reach $1.2 billion in 2027 and $3.1 billion in 2032.”
Considering the epic resale value of sneakers and the ample comfort platform renditions provide, you have little excuse not to treat yourself. Discover the best platform trainers that fuse comfort and style with ease.
Shop below
Puma x FENTY Creeper Phatty Nubuck Trainers
Add a chunky twist to your shoewear collection. The Puma x FENTY Creeper Phatty Nubuck Trainers hail from Rihanna and Puma’s latest collaboration and are made up of a unique mint hue to capture attention. A thick platform will add an extra few inches to your street-style ensemble, while a rubber sole and leather construction promise ample comfort.
Buy now £105.00, Office
adidas Gazelle Bold W Trainers
A favourite of Harry Styles, Adidas’ classic Gazelles are an authentic reissue of the 90s-era style. Featuring the same textures and materials as the 1991 version, these are a prime example of a vintage sneaker at its best.
Originally a training shoe for indoor sports like football and handball, they have since been adopted by anyone with a love for 90s nostalgia.
Buy now £94.99, adidas
Gucci GG Trainers
Step into luxury with Gucci. The brand’s GG Trainer in white and gold tones is a designer taker on the Nike Air Force, featuring a lifted platform, leather construction and a classic sneaker style. Gold lamé fabric adds a sprinkle of glitter to the everyday shoes, infusing the sneakers with some Gucci glamour.
Buy now £660.00, Gucci
New Balance 530 Trainers
Inspired by New Balance’s classic running shoes, the design of the beloved 530 trainer pays homage to the Noughties. It features a padded ABZORB footbed to absorb shock while walking, plus the brand’s cult insignia which will automatically assert your sartorial authority. With some blue jeans and a white shirt, you have an easy style win.
Buy now £100.00, Office
Axel Arigato Sphere Runner
Throwing back to the 90s, the Sphere Runner is set to become this month’s most sought-after shoe. It is handcrafted using Leather Working Group-certified leather and has a juxtaposition of fabrics, setting mesh panelling with suede. The chunky sole, toe and tongue define the trainer and you’ll find it in jade & white, light blue & navy, beige & grey and tonal grey.
Buy now £305.00, Axel Arigato
MM6 Maison Margiela Purple Platform Sneakers
Take your style to new heights with MM6 Mansion Margiela’s low-top suede sneakers in aubergine purple. The shoes feature an unmissable platform base, paired with a buffed leather and suede lining. Perforated detailing throughout allows for the foot to breathe, while a padded tongue and lace-up closure promise comfort and versatility.
Buy now £371.00, SSENSE
Nike Air More Uptempo Women's
Flex your footwear prowess with a pair of Nike Air trainers to add to your sartorial archive. Adored by all, from Depop enthusiasts to street style influencers, the bold sneakers pay homage to 90s basketball aesthetics, which is evidenced by the graffiti-style graphics and cushioning elastic straps. A chunky silhouette and high-top design hold the ankle in place as you showcase your street cred via your epic shoe choices.
Buy now £130.00, JD Sports
Converse Chuck 70 Plus
Modern Chucks with a seriously chunky flatform, these all-black kickers will elevate your style both physically and aesthetically. Pair with some straight-leg blue jeans and a white tee for a retro Americana look.
Buy now £110.00, Converse
Balenciaga X Adidas Triple S Faux-leather Trainers
Sneaker collectors, we hear you and we see you. Balenciaga’s faux leather trainers are the ultimate hype piece with the price tag to match. Born out of a collaboration with Adidas, the trainers put a spin on Balenciaga’s iconic Triple S trainers that kickstarted the chunky trainer trend. Note the brand’s hallmark stripes, Trefoil logo and inch-adding monochrome sole.
Buy now £648.00, Farfetch
Superga 2790 Flatforms
With the wedge bubble sole, Superga’s flatforms add that little bit of extra height. The label’s iconic shoes are fun and feminine, while the vegan leather upper is easy to wipe clean.
Buy now £56.99, Schuh
Bobbies Scott Sneakers
Support smaller businesses with Bobbies’ classic white sneakers with chocolate heel tab detailing. The shoes are handmade in Portugal, giving them a personal touch. A goat leather exterior and rubber sole provide a solid construction, while the lace-up design promises a secure fit for the most elegant of feet.
Buy now £129.50, Bobbies
