Platform sandals can do two jobs at once: add height and give an outfit a stronger visual base. The most wearable versions are not only about a thick sole. Texture, strap shape, colour and the balance between the upper and the platform determine whether the result feels minimal, playful, resort-ready or statement-led.

For women looking for high-sole sandals, woven platforms or pink platform slippers, ADJOAA currently carries several distinct approaches from African designers. This guide shows how to style them without treating every platform as the same shoe.

To learn more about the designers behind these shoes, read The Rise of Maliko Footwear and our profile of Loza Maléombho.

1. Woven high-sole sandals: let the texture lead

Maliko’s Onike Basket High Sole Sandals combine a woven upper with a substantial sole and leather construction. The basket-like texture already gives the shoe visual interest, so the easiest styling strategy is to keep the clothing relatively clean.

Try them with a straight maxi dress, wide-leg trousers, a simple matching set or a short dress with a clean hemline. Because the shoe has both texture and height, you do not need many competing details around the ankle.

2. Pink platform slippers: make the colour intentional

The Onike Basket High Sole Sandals in Pink answer a more specific styling question: how do you wear a bright platform without making the outfit feel overly busy?

There are three easy ways to style pink platform sandals:

• Use them as the only bright colour: pair with white, cream, black, denim or soft neutrals.
• Repeat the pink once: echo it in a bag, print, lip colour or small accessory rather than matching everything.
• Build a tonal look: combine blush, rose, berry or red-family tones for a more fashion-forward outfit.

The key is to let the platform feel deliberate. If the shoe is both high and brightly coloured, the rest of the look does not need to compete for attention.

3. Cross-front platform mules: use clean lines and contrast

Loza Maléombho’s Transparent CLA Plus Leather Cross Front Platform Mule takes a different approach. The cross-front design, PVC leather and cotton tassel detailing make it more graphic than the woven Onike.

This style works well with clothing that has strong, uncomplicated lines: a slip dress, tailored shorts, cropped trousers, a column skirt or a fitted top with wide-leg trousers. The cross-front upper already creates shape across the foot, so a cleaner outfit helps the footwear read clearly.

4. Raffia wedge mules: soften the platform with texture

If you like height but prefer something less architectural than a solid platform, a wedge mule can create a softer transition. Loza Maléombho’s ISOLA Black uses cotton raffia fringe on a wedge-mule silhouette, combining a strong base with movement and texture.

Raffia and fringe are especially effective with resort dressing, monochrome linen, draped dresses and evening looks where you want texture rather than shine.

How to style platform sandals without overwhelming the outfit

Balance volume

A substantial sole adds visual weight to the bottom of an outfit. You can balance it with wide-leg trousers, a fuller skirt, a maxi dress or a structured top. If the clothing is very slim and minimal, the platform will become the main statement—which can also work if that is the intention.

Watch the hemline

Platforms look strongest when the shoe is visible. Cropped trousers, ankle-length skirts, midi dresses and shorter hemlines let the design register. With full-length trousers, make sure the hem does not completely cover the platform.

Choose one dominant element

If the platform is highly textured, keep colour controlled. If the shoe is bright pink, simplify the texture elsewhere. If the upper is transparent or graphic, let the silhouette be the statement. This prevents the outfit from feeling muddled.

What to look for when buying high-sole sandals

• Upper material: leather, woven textile, raffia and synthetic materials all behave differently on the foot.
• Sole construction: a platform or wedge should feel stable, not simply tall.
• Foot coverage: wider straps usually give a more secure feel than very narrow uppers.
• Occasion: woven platforms can move easily between day and resort dressing; graphic or embellished mules can feel more evening-ready.
• Production timing: some artisan footwear is made to order or offered on pre-order, so check the current product page if you need the pair for a trip or event.

Platform styling ideas by outfit

Shop women’s platform sandals on ADJOAA

Whether you want a woven high sole, a pink platform slipper, a transparent cross-front mule or a raffia wedge, the strongest choice is the pair that fits the rest of your wardrobe rather than the loudest shoe in isolation.

Browse the current ADJOAA sandals collection for platform sandals, mules and other designer footwear.