Clunk, clunk, clunk. Do you hear that? That’s the sound of an iconic ’90s shoe stomping its way back into the fashion fray.
Yes, I am talking about platform flip-flop. Is there a shoe more indicative of both ’90s minimalism and Y2K excess? The sky-high sandal style trended throughout much of both decades, and while it was beachy and cute, it more ofter than not also caused you to roll your ankle. Its clunky nature and hefty weight, popularized by OG brands like Rocket Dog, was certainly not for everyone. But come summer 2025, it appears the polarizing sandal is being embraced once again—at least, that’s what celebrities, runways, and street style stars are making the case for.
Photo: Backgrid
Sure, this season, you have likely already noticed that the humble flip-flop is having a moment—but the platform flip-flop is taking the movement to the next level (and quite literally—you have to learn to balance yourself on some of these new stacked platforms). Coach is selling an almost 4-inch high platform thong sandal; ERL just today unveiled a staggering 8-inch version that retails for $1,250. Meanwhile, Rocket Dog continues to sell its fun rainbow-hued version, and they are perfectly reminiscent of the kind of sandal you would see Hilary Duff rock in the year 2001.
And yet: the platform also feels, somehow, relevant today. We have seen it on the recent spring 2025 catwalks at Sportmax, Alaïa, and Miu Miu. It feels modern not necessarily because of the shoe itself, and more because of the ways it is being styled. Take how this summer’s crop of street style stars have dressed up the shoe at the recent shows. It feels surprisingly minimal when paired with a long, sophisticated coat, and dressy when juxtaposed against a structured blazer and below-the-knee dress. On vacation, Nicola Peltz styled hers in a breezy, nonchalant way, with a black tank and yellow paisley-print skirt.
Photo: Getty Images
Photo: Getty Images
When you think of a platform flip-flop, you may expect it to be worn with a 2000s capri pant and bedazzled Ed Hardy tee. But the 2025 approach is clearly all about subduing it, and making it feel more refined and discrete. Consider it a summer fashion challenge: If everyone can elevate those $750 The Row flip-flops (Jennifer Lawrence and Zoë Kravitz are fans), surely you can make the platform flip-flop chic, too. Just start training those ankles—and don’t trip!
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