Looking to emulate Hollywood icons from '70s? Along with capris and crew socks, platform mules are just another nostalgic trend making a major fashion comeback this season. However, as much as we love a classic style revival, finding a pair of heels that are actually good for your feet can be challenging (trust me, taking a tumble in the middle of Fifth Avenue is certainly no picnic).
Dr. Janine Ferrigno-Taddeo, a podiatrist and an Aetrex consultant, tells Shop TODAY,"When choosing platform mules, consider factors like comfort, material quality, heel height (if applicable) and overall design."
While choosing the best platform mules for this list, we focused on these features recommended by Ferrigno-Taddeo, along with supporting information from two other podiatry specialists. Our Shop TODAY editors also shared a couple of their go-to options for painless walking during the summer months.
What to look for in platform mules | What to avoid | Expert-recommended platform mules | Editor-tested platform mules | How we chose | Meet the experts
Our top picks
Best platform mules
Editor pick
Sonja
$125.00
$125.00
Dansko
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When it comes to finding the perfect platform mules, it's imperative to firstly consider the height of the heel. "It's no secret that the lower the heel/platform, the easier it is to walk!" says Dr. Chanel Perkins, apodiatrist in Galveston, TX. "This is great since platform mules come in a variety of different heights," she continues.
"Look for comfort," Chanel recommends. "A cushioned foot bed will allow for maximum comfort. Also, heels should be sturdy and the platform area should have a nice reinforced sole."
Chanel says fit is also worth considering when shopping for mules. "Look for a perfect fit. Literally. Not too loose and not too tight. Platform mules should allow your heel to fit seated so that your foot does not slide forward in the shoes," she explains.
"Look for a footbed that has arch support with some give," suggests foot and ankle surgeon, Dr. Ashley Lee. "Cork or a softer top is a good option. A shoe with no archsupport and a very hard foot bed can lead to plantar fasciitis and arch pain," she says.
What to avoidIt's not a surprise that it's best to avoid wearing shoes that are too tall for lack of comfort and stability. Chanel suggests staying away from anything too high, especially for long durations of walking or standing. "This can stress out the foot and cause foot fatigue," she shares.
"Platform mules must also be durable and therefore made from durable materials," explains Chanel. "Avoid linings that are 100% polyurethane, which will make the shoes less breathable. Look for natural materials like leather, suede, cork. Fabrics such as mesh or canvas are also a good option," she says.
"A platform mule verses a heel or wedge can be the better choice if you want the height, but want to avoid too much pressure on your forefoot," shares Lee. "Too much pressure on the forefoot can lead to swelling of the joints in the ball of your foot (capsulitis), swelling in the nerve (neuromas) and can irritate bunions and hammertoes," she explains.
Platform mules recommended by expertsFor the modern woman: Jeffrey Campbell Bae Platform Mules
What we like
- Very comfortable
- Comes in multiple colors
Something to note
- May be bulky
Colorways: Three | Sizes: 6-11
Chanel recommends these modern platform mules from Jeffrey Campbell. "The entire shoe is made of rubber, which is a natural material. Also the chunky platform is very much trending now," she explains. This fabulous shoe is extremely easy to slip on and comes in three staple colors, including red, black and green.
Pretty in pink: Vionic Trista Slide Platform Sandal
What we like
- Stylish
- Nice arch support
- Comfortable
Something to note
- May be heavy
Colorways: Four | Sizes: 5-11
"These are comfortable with reasonable heel height," says Chanel. "These are made from polyurethane and have a cushioned EVA sole with a great support for arches that will provide long standing comfort," she continues.
"Vionic is a reputable brand with the stamp of approval by the American Podiatric Medical Association," explains Chanel. These contemporary wedges include orthotic insoles and come in four summery hues.
Heart of gold: Eloise Cork-Wrap Metallic-Leather Wedge Slides
What we like
- Super comfortable
Something to note
- May run big
Colorways: Three | Sizes: 5-11
"These are stylish with an arch support made by a company that makes shoes that are biomechanically engineeredto help support the foot," explains Lee. These elegant sandals feature elastic inserts and wide straps for extra comfort.
The everyday shoe: SOUL NaturalizerGoodtimes Wedge Sandal
What we like
- Comfortable
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Something to note
- Sole may be hard
Colorways: Four | Sizes: 5-12
Lee loves these wedge sandals because they are lightweight with a comfortable footbed and also are available in wide sizes. These versatile shoes feature a synthetic upper, foam lining and a round peep toe. Complete the look with a white T-shirt and your favorite pair of jeans.
Slip on, slip off: Naked Feet Flow Wedge Slide Sandal
What we like
- Lightweight
- Comfortable
Something to note
- Can run small
Colorways: Eight | Sizes: 6-11
If you're looking for a pair of cork wedges that are "stylish, high platform and comfortable," Lee suggests these cozy slides. Available in eight unique colors, these fashionable mules are a perfect option for a variety of summer activities, from backyard barbeques to morning bagel runs.
Platform mules tested by editorsDansko Sonja
What we like
- True to size
- Stable construction
Something to note
- Material may make feet sweat
Colorways: Three | Sizes: 5.5-12
"When it comes to Pride weekend in New York City, you have to fully commit," says senior editor Jess Bender. "My ‘fits have historically given nods to icons and legends of the LGBTQIA+ community and movement, so naturally I had to pay respects to the campy mascot who took over our culture last year — Grimace. I paired these translucent purple clogs with my Grimace-themed bucket hat and belt bag and took on the city streets in a surprising amount of comfort thanks to the roomy toebox and cushy contoured midsole that kept my arches happy after several hours on my feet," she explains.
"Nowadays I wear these in less vivid scenarios like walks to my local farmers market and around the parks near my apartment, but they still earn me tons of compliments with the local moms I come across during my travels," says Bender.
Dr. Scholl's X Free People Original Clogs
What we like
- Adjustable strap
- Arched footbed
- Matches many outfits
Something to note
- Wooden soles are heavy
Colorways: Two | Sizes: 6-11
"I love Free People clothing, and when I saw their collab with Dr. Scholl’s I knew Ineededto try it," says commerce editor Amanda Fama. 'These shoes are so adorable, and since the straps are made with a denim-like material, they go with so many outfits. Plus, the straps are adjustable which is perfect for my wide feet (I usually don’t fit into super narrow shoes)," she shares.
Frequently Asked Questions
When it comes to the strap of your shoe, a wider strap is best for platform heels. Lee recommends finding a mule with a wider strap across the top so that it's not too loose on your foot. "Having a wider, properly fitting forefoot strap will help to keep your foot in place and prevents sliding in the shoe which can lead to injuries and falls," she suggests.
Wearing shoes with the wrong materials or too high of a heel can seriously injure your feet. "Avoid platform mules that have uncomfortable straps or materials that might cause irritation," recommends Ferrigno-Taddeo. "Also, be cautious of overly high heels as they can cause issues with alignment."
Shop TODAY rounded up the best platform mules by enlisting the recommendations of multiple podiatrists, prioritizing comfort and breathability. We also included editor-tested favorites as well to help round out the list.
Meet the experts- Dr. Janine Ferrigno-Taddeo is a podiatrist and an Aetrex consultant.
- Dr. Chanel Perkins, DPM, FACFAS, DABPM is apodiatryspecialist in Galveston, TX.
- Dr. Ashley Lee, DPM, FACFAS is a foot and ankle surgeon.
