Platform sneakers for men: how to wear a thicker sole
A platform sneaker puts a familiar upper on a thicker sole: more presence at the hem and a longer line through the leg. Wear it with wide or straight trousers and denim that rest on the shoe. Our platform models have an EVA outsole, which keeps a thick sole from feeling heavy, and they fit like our other low tops.
You look down and something has changed. The trouser falls differently, the line runs longer, the shoe has weight at the hem without feeling heavy on your foot. That is what a platform sole does. It is a small change underneath, and a different stance on top.
On our own site, "platform" is one of the words people search for most. So here is what our platform sneakers are, how to wear them, and which one to choose.
What is a platform sneaker?
A familiar sneaker upper on a thicker sole. Ours keep the shapes you know: the LT 01 and the LT 02, each set on a platform sole. Nothing changes above the foot; everything changes below it. The LT 01 was the first shoe we made; the platform keeps that line and lifts it.
That changes how the shoe reads against a trouser: more presence at the hem, a longer line through the leg. More height, same shoe.
Are platform sneakers heavy?
No. Our platform models have an EVA outsole, which keeps a sole this thick from feeling heavy. The LT 01 Platform has a Coolmax® lining that moves heat and moisture away; the LT 02 Platform has a mesh lining that lets heat out. Made for long days.
Nothing changes above the foot; everything changes below it.
What do you wear with platform sneakers?
Trousers with some width, or denim that rests on the shoe. A platform sole has presence, so it looks best when the trouser has a little volume to match. The LT 02 Platform is even made for wide trousers and long days.
Our TP 05 Pleated Wide is a good partner: full through the top, falling straight to the hem, with front pleats that give room through the thigh. Straight trousers and relaxed denim work too. Skinny trousers that stop short of the shoe make the sole look heavier than it is; let the hem reach the shoe instead. For colour, keep it close: the white with light and mid tones, Jet Black with black and charcoal, nubuck in Desert Taupe or Sand with denim and earth tones.
| Trouser | With a platform sneaker |
|---|---|
| Wide, pleated | The most natural partner: volume above, presence below |
| Straight trousers | Let the hem just touch the shoe |
| Relaxed denim | Let it rest on the shoe, or roll it once |
| Slim or cropped | Possible, but the sole gets more attention |
LT 01 Platform or LT 02 Platform?
The LT 01 Platform for a clean tennis line; the LT 02 Platform for more detail. The LT 01 Platform puts the LT 01 upper on a platform sole, in nubuck, or in Premium Nappa on the white. The LT 02 Platform keeps its panel work and the tonal suede at heel and toe exactly as they are, while the sole lifts the whole shape. Like the LT 01 Essence or Court Lite? Start with the LT 01 Platform. Prefer more structure? The LT 02.
| LT 01 Platform | LT 02 Platform | |
|---|---|---|
| Upper | The LT 01: a clean, low tennis line | The LT 02: panel work, tonal suede at heel and toe |
| Leather | Nubuck, or Premium Nappa on the white | Premium Nappa or nubuck |
| Sole | Platform, EVA outsole | Platform, EVA outsole |
| Lining | Coolmax® | Mesh |
How do platform sneakers fit?
Like our other low tops: true to size, and between sizes, take the bigger one. The LT 01 and LT 02 have a clean, close fit with a standard width and a slightly slimmer toe, and the shape suits most feet, including slightly wider ones. Choose on length: leather gives a little in the width as it settles, never in the length. Every model is in how ETQ shoes fit.
How do you keep a white platform sneaker clean?
The same way as any white leather sneaker, with a little extra attention for the sole. Give a new pair a light coat of leather care, clean the upper with a damp brush and sneaker cleaner, and give the thicker sole the same, a little firmer. The full routine is in how to keep white leather sneakers white. For nubuck platforms, protect them before the first wear and brush them dry; see how to clean suede and nubuck.
Prefer something lower? Our classic white leather sneakers stand on the Court and City soles, and what to look for in white leather sneakers puts all four of our white pairs side by side. For the trousers to go with them, read smart trousers that move with you.
Frequently asked questions
Are platform sneakers heavy?
Our platform models have an EVA outsole, which keeps a thick sole from feeling heavy.
Do ETQ platform sneakers run true to size?
Yes. Take your usual size; between sizes, take the bigger one.
What is the difference between the LT 01 and LT 02 Platform?
The LT 01 Platform has the clean LT 01 upper and a Coolmax® lining. The LT 02 Platform has the panelled LT 02 upper with tonal suede at heel and toe, and a mesh lining.
What trousers go with platform sneakers?
Wide or straight trousers and relaxed denim that rest on the shoe.
Do ETQ platform sneakers come in other colours?
Yes. The LT 01 Platform comes in white Premium Nappa and in nubuck in Jet Black, Blueberry and Desert Taupe; the LT 02 Platform in white Premium Nappa and in nubuck in Sand and Desert Taupe.
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