I'm beginning to be over my love of really chunky (and high) platforms. I culled one pair of espadrille cork wedges and am seriously considering passing on another pair--holding off because I absolutely love the color (they are orange) but I find that I am not reaching for them like I used to, so I guess I'll move them out and move something new in!

I think that they are sort-of summer classic. Maybe they are not the "it" shoe at the moment, but not dated either. I love the second pewter pair you posted as well as the later ones.

I have kept mine. I do not wear them as frequently as in the past, but still do with some outfits. For examples, the trendy flare jeans look pretty good with such sandals.

Agreeing with what many have said about preferring the second pair to the first in terms of "what's in." However, Tanya does make a good point about "summer" shoes. Sounds like you've already moved them to the donate pile. I like your other sandals that you've posted. I'm less enamoured with espadrilles, but I do think they are a summer classic and can be very useful. This is a great post. I have some wedges that I haven't worn in 2 years...probably time to donate as well....

Tanya, yes! I almost forgot that flare jeans work really well with these. Not that I'm wearing any jeans while it's this hot, but when it's a little cooler, or for casual evening, a bit of a platform sandal with flares works way better than flats.

I have some Kork Ease high wedges. I think they'll stay on the fashion periphery since they're kind of a classic, with a 70s retro vibe. My problem is even though they're comfortable to stand in, they're kind of hard to walk in. Here they are after I dyed them silver.

Agree with the flares! My flares are hemmed for heels, and the only high heels (over 3") I can wear are platforms, so I am going to enjoy my platform sandals even if they're dated

Also, like Denise mentioned, I'm still seeing platform in brick-and-mortar and online shoe stores.

I took a little walk through shoe departments in Nordies and L&T today and still saw plenty of platform sandals. Nothing much appealed to me in either store, except one pair of gladiators that were cut for a higher-volume foot than mine -- I suspect that if I find any more new sandals this summer, it will be online.

First of all, an item is not necessarily fashionable and trendy just because it's being sold in stores. Buyers put items into stores to sell. And if people keep on buying them - buyers will keep on putting them into stores - trendy or not.

This brings me to my second point - and Tanya's point. The wedged platform sandal is a Classic, and borders on Retro. Is it dated for some - yes - like Janet - who wants to sport the trendiest sandal look with shorts, dresses and skirts. Is it dated for Tanya who wants to wear them with flares so that you can't really see them - no.

For some of my clients, we passed on platform sandals last year. For others, they are still wearing them this year.

I love Angie's reasoned, thoughtful response.

My personal take is that I am holding on to one small (very small) platform sandal because it is my only bright coloured sandal. If I find a bright replacement later this season, I might let it go, but for now, it is fine.

I feel similarly about all the ones you showed here, by the way. I totally see their usefulness and appeal and they don't feel dated per se, in an otherwise modern outfit.

Otherwise, I am wearing and enjoying my NON-platform wedges, my short heels (Okalas) and my higher heeled cage sandals that somehow miraculously feel more comfortable than my platforms (the VC cage sandals). That is my solution to this dilemma!

And I love your wisdom and level head, Suz. xo

I'm all for wedges although there are certain wedges I like more than others. I'll keep wearing them for as long as they are around.