Chunky Platform Sandals with Heels at Shoebuy

A very prominent trend this spring/summer season is the emergence of two distinct areas of footwear: the flat and the super-high heel. It's safe to say that you're either on one side or another...no gray area. You've seen the flats that I think are great, but what about the other extreme? Forget delicate, which has been done to death, and embrace the chunkiness. No, I'm not talking about soup. I'm talking about stacked heels and platforms. Think over-the-top colors, in your face embellishments and towering heels. The best part about platform sandals is that whether you wear them with a great pair of chinos or a flowy dress, they look great! Here are my picks from the latest platform sandals: Bronx Melissa 82721 No knows chunkiness better than Bronx, as demonstrated by this earth-tone platform sandal. It features a stylish Kansas leather upper in a criss-cross pattern across the vamp, an open toe, wooden sole and metal studs along the side, all of which contribute to its edgy look. With a substantial 3” heel, this sandal will put you a step above the rest. Available in sizes 7-11. Bolo Borba Evoke the warm climate of the tropics in this gorgeous platform slide sandal from Bolo. Crafted from shrunken calf leather that is soft to the touch, the Borba is a great style for the summer. A beautiful flower detail adorns the front band, which arches over a cushioned insole and cork bottom. My personal favorite is this version with a natural body and pretty plum accents. The stacked heel measures 3 ½”. Available in sizes 6-11. Carlos by Carlos Santana Blues These pretty platform sandals from Carlos Santana start with leather in a stripy slide style with braided detail and a center gather. Matching ankle strap with an adjustable metal buckle and elastic panel, smooth lining. Cushioned footbed, rounded toe provide comfort. Don't believe me? Lorrie from VA, who bought this shoe in orange, says "I purchased these shoes because I love platform sandals and I thought the burnt orange color was great! In person, the color was even better than on the website and the shoes fit perfect. I've always had luck with Carlos Santana shoes finding that they fit well, and are as comfortable as heels can get." Features a 3 ¾” high heel with woven burlap fabric detail and smooth outsole. Available in sizes 5.5-10. Dr. Scholl's Jubilee Make up your own rules of style with these wonderful wedge heeled slides from Original Dr. Scholl's, with signature comfort. Leather upper features a center accent buckle detail. Features a cushioned footbed for added comfort. Sleek 3 inch wedge high heel with stitching accents, traction patterned outsole. Elizabeth from Chicago has this to say about these slides: "Love this shoe! Trusted the Dr Scholl's name to provide comfot and it does. Very stylish shoe, can walk in them for hours without discomfort." White (shown) is the color du jour for footwear this spring; for evening, black is great too. Available in sizes 7-10. Touch Ups Tanya Platforms for the bride, courtesy of Touch Ups! This beautiful ankle strap platform with an open toe vamp features embroidery decoration accented by a delicate touch of clear beads. Lightly cushioned midsole, smooth leather footbed with toe strap wrapped in soft satin. Cara, a bride from Long Island, bought these lovelies for her wedding: "I was totally in love with this shoe when I saw it. I had been looking for shoes for my wedding for a long time. I was so happy when I found this shoe that had embroidery on it like my dress has. Since they were so comfortable when I got them, I broke them in for the wedding already. I can't wait to dance up a storm at the wedding in my new shoes!" Available in sizes 5.5-11. Chinese Laundry Joker These ankle strap sandals by Chinese Laundry are a great way to embrace the platform trend for dressier occasions. Features include a satin upper with embroidered design and rhinestone accents, padded inner soles, an ankle strap for fit, and a stable 3” chunky heel. Platform measures approximately 1/2". Available in silver, black pearl satin in sizes 5-10. Tip: They run a little narrow, so you may want to order 1/2 size up or get them stretched at a cobbler when you get them.