Finally: The Trainer Trend Petite Girls Have Been Waiting for

Since I stand at 5'3" tall, heels became part of my daily uniform early in my teens, and, as such, they're now my identifier. While the rest of my wardrobe remains pared-back and neutral, heels present an opportunity to let my fashion freak flag fly—bejewelled, bright, and the more extra, the better. 

My height is also the reason I avoided wearing trainers for so long—I felt stumpy enough, but add flat soles into the equation, and in my mind I looked akin to pocket-sized Michelin Man. Ridiculous I know, but that's how I felt all the same. 

That was until I tried the latest trainer trend the style squad are loving: platform sneakers. Okay, so I know what you're thinking—isn't that what Tom Cruise supposedly wears? I can neither confirm or deny this; what I can clarify, however, is that they're perfect if you're on the petite side

I often find my teeny feet look out of proportion with the rest of my body. Platform sneakers solve that, as they tend to be longer and chunkier than the likes of plimsoles or skater kicks. Then, of course, the stacked sole adds extra inches where I need it most. In short (pun unintended but very much welcomed), I honestly don't know how I lived without them—and it seems some of my favourite influencers don't either. 

Instead of wearing them Spice Girls-style with miniskirts and popper-side trackies, look to Monikh, Hannah, Aude and Rikke for luxe inspiration. Then, keep scrolling to see and shop the best platform sneakers around.

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(Image credit: @_aude_julie)

Aude pairs her Buffalo platform sneakers with chinos and a black tee. 

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(Image credit: @hannahcrosskey)

Hannah gives her Ash trainers a chic spin with the addition of a camel coat. 

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(Image credit: @monikh)

Monikh effortlessly rolls up her jeans to allow her cult Eytys kicks to take centre stage. 

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(Image credit: @_rikkekrefting)

Rikke makes her Balenciaga trainers look grown-up with ivory tailoring and directional accessories. 

SHOP: THE BEST PLATFORM SNEAKERS

Related: I Live in Trainers—6 Chic Outfits I’ve Saved for When I Need Fresh Inspiration

Related: 5 Items Fashion Editors Will Be Buying From Zara This Month

Related: Everyone's Favourite Teenage Trend Is Back and All Over Instagram Already

Related: Summer 2019 Fashion Trends: Looks You Need to Know

Now you've found the perfect pair of trainers, it's time to work out how to style them. Here are 27 foolproof outfits to try.

Maxine Eggenberger
Deputy Editor

Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over twelve years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories, and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, works closely with influencer talent on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media. Previously, Maxine appeared on TV in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o. 


Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship, she was offered a position on the Look magazine fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. She went on to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others. Maxine works remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh.