Flatforms: the great, the good and the bad

In a world where every sub-item is abbreviated and merged with another – jeggings, meggings, burkinis – flatforms are the latest hybrid you need to get on board with.

A cross between a flat and a platform – see what they did there? – flatforms are the new shoe silhouette of the season, thanks, in most part, to Prada and its punchy striped variety.

They may seem like an unconventional concoction, but offering the height of a heelsnd the comfort of a flat, they’re surprisingly wearable – and they’re the perfect partner to summer’s Seventies obsession.

Truth be told, we’ve got a soft spot for the all-new sandal, but do tread with care – while there are some super sweet styles around, there are others that’ll knock your style points flying.

The key? Keep it simple and chic with a spritz of low glamour. We’ve hunted around for the hottest flatforms of the season that are guaranteed gorgeous, and, to be especially helpful, we’ve racked up the worst to make sure you keep on the right side of stylish this summer.

See below for our top picks and, um, our bottom-of-the-list buys…

The great

Chloe water snake espadrille wedges, £421 £294, available at Matches. BUY NOW!
Fendi platform sandal, £584, available at farfetch.com. BUY NOW!
Kurt Geiger Lily espadrille, £130 £89, available at Kurt Geiger. BUY NOW!
Panama blue strappy espadrilles, £70, available at Topshop. BUY NOW!
Prada lace-up flatforms, £510, available at Prada. BUY NOW!

The good

Tory Burch espadrille wedge, £172, available at farfetch.com. BUY NOW!
Jimmy Choo Pepper platform espadrilles, $375, available at Saks Fifth Avenue. BUY NOW!
Elizabeth and James snake leather espadrilles, $198, available at Saks Fifth Avenue. BUY NOW!

The bad

Bottega Veneta leather studded sandals, £580 £348, available at Matches. BUY NOW!
Fausto Santini Querela platforms, £249, available at farfetch.com. BUY NOW!
Dolce Vita Layla suede espadrilles, $105, available at Saks Fifth Avenue. BUY NOW!