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When Angelina Jolie stepped out in New York City earlier this summer in a white, flowing Brunello Cucinelli dress with a cream tote bag, the actress was a vision of the season that I'm holding onto as long as I can. Her all-white ensemble came to a finish at her feet where Jolie donned a pair of chunky platform sandals that I couldn’t help but think, “I need immediately.” If I was looking for a summer shoe to wear on repeat, this was it.
While platform sandals have long been a quintessential summer shoe — as well as a Jolie closet staple — the Chloé pair she wore brought something new to the classic with its gold hardware and lugged sole, which made the shoes not just look cute, but look walkable, too. The ridged rubber soles, leather uppers, and ankle straps were there to provide style as well as stabilization with each step, making me realize that, in the world of shoes, practicality and fashion can overlap.
Because her exact pair is over $600 — and completely sold out — I set out to find similar, yet more affordable, styles of the versatile shoe that pairs just as well with an ethereal sundress as it does wide leg jeans. And I discovered a few you can shop today, with prices starting at just $37.
This pair from Amazon is available in seven different styles, ranging from differences in the color to the buckle. Like Jolie’s pair, this pick features that thick lugged sole and stabilization thanks to a strap that secures around the back of the ankle. Shoppers rave that these are “unbelievably comfortable,” with one person writing that they wore them for seven hours “and had no complaints.” Another customer who bought them for their rehearsal dinner said that they “wore them for hours on end, including some serious dancing, and there was not a moment where they felt uncomfortable.”
Another sound lookalike is the Timberland Everleigh Platform Sandal. With its velcro-closures and cushioned, signature OrthoLite footbed, this pick is on the sportier side — but by pairing those practical components with a stylish platform, Timberland gave this sandal the ultimate versatility. “I wear it with jeans, dresses, and am waiting for shorts season to begin,” said one “obsessed” customer who can wear the shoes “all day and not have tired feet.”
Angelina Jolie reminded me that I don’t have to forfeit comfort for style with her Chloé shoes, so right now, I’m buying one of these similar options that I plan to wear on repeat to finish out the summer.