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 | More platform mules to shop | How we chose | Meet the experts
What to look for in platform mules
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, a podiatrist 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 arch support and a very hard foot bed can lead to plantar fasciitis and arch pain," she says.
What to avoid
It'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 experts
Pretty in pink: Vionic Trista Slide Platform Sandal
- Stylish
- Nice arch support
- Comfortable
- 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.
For the modern woman: Jeffrey Campbell Bae Platform Mules
- Very comfortable
- Comes in multiple colors
- 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.
Heart of gold: Eloise Cork-Wrap Metallic-Leather Wedge Slides
- Super comfortable
- 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 engineered to help support the foot," explains Lee. These elegant sandals feature elastic inserts and wide straps for extra comfort.
The everyday shoe: SOUL Naturalizer Goodtimes Wedge Sandal
- Comfortable
- Lightweight
- Versatile
- 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
- Lightweight
- Comfortable
- 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 editors
Dansko Sonja
- True to size
- Stable construction
- 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
- Adjustable strap
- Arched footbed
- Matches many outfits
- 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 I needed to 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.
Work it, girl: Andre Assous Cypress Cork Heel
- Comfortable
- Versatile
- May take time to break in
Colorways: Two | Sizes: 5-11
"These mules go with everything! I love a neutral that’s not just black or white, and think this cork material perfectly fits the bill," says associate editor Lauren Witonsky. "Plus, the padded footbed and shorter heel make them super comfortable to slip on. The site says this style runs small (and to size up if you’re in between sizes), but I found them to be pretty true to size for size nine," she explains.
More platform mules to shop
Block of color: Lulus Etain Platform Slide Sandals
- Comfortable
- Trendy
- May run big
Colorways: 3 | Sizes: 5.5-10
Headed to the beach this weekend? If so, these fashion-forward sandals from Lulus will have all eyes on you. Easy to slip on and off, these super cute slides feature a lightly cushioned insole and a chunky block heel for added stability.
Rolling with the Foamies: Sketchers Foamies: Rave- As If
- Come in a variety of colors
- Comfortable
- Limited sizes
Colorways: Four | Sizes: 7-10
Whether you're looking for traditional black sandals or wanting to expand your horizons with pastel colors like periwinkle or coral, we've got you covered. These throw-back mules pay homage to the great decade of the '90s. These mighty mules feature a flexible traction outsole and a cushioned footbed to help avoid any unwanted discomfort.
Summer mode: Marc Fisher Forina Platform Slide Sandal
- Comfortable
- Easy to walk in
- Stylish
- Heel may be a bit high
Colorways: Three | Sizes: 5-12
Have you been searching for the perfect everyday sandals? Look no further as we've found them! These mode platform mules from Marc Fisher are the summer accessory you never knew you needed. With three hues to choose from and available in sizes 5 to 12, there's no reason why these babies shouldn't be added to your cart immediately.
How we chose the best platform mules
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 a podiatry specialist in Galveston, TX.
- Dr. Ashley Lee, DPM, FACFAS is a foot and ankle surgeon.
