Being a bit vertically challenged (i.e. I'm not so tall), the extra platform on the shoes gives me more confidence. The shoes, once worn a few times, feel like carpet slippers. As for the style, they are just right. For instance, not too ordinary and not too over-the-top. When I wore them at the start of the new term, I got a few complements. By the way, I'm a teacher, not a student! That gives me a buzz, especially when you're in your 50's!! Now, there's my cracking, stella review. Where's my new pair of Dr. Martens, then??

I'm so happy I bought these, I have had doc boots before and was aware of the breaking in period, which wasn't too long with these, I got some rubber heel guards that helped initially. Do not size up or down, just exact size. Lovely slightly chunky sole I wouldn't exactly say platform. I got these for work as sick of spending £30 a quarter of rubbish black shoes that's don't last and I'm so delighted with the look and comfort. I actually even wear on days off with almost every outfit! Such a good investment buy!

My final options when deciding were the 8053 smooth leather platforms, the Audrick Nappa leather platforms, the 1461 Bex squared toe oxfords, and these (the 1461 smooth leather platforms), all in black. I decided on the 1461 smooth leather platforms because of design preference, versatility (in my opinion they are less casual than the Audrick Nappa and more causal than the 8053, which I liked), photo reviews, lack of reviews on some of the other styles, and not wanting the square toe for a first pair.These are great! I’ve gradually worked my way up to wearing more often; no blisters or issues except for some heal pain once after standing on my feet for awhile. (Important to note, I haven’t had any blister/skin issues, but I don’t typically blister easily). I love ... MoreMy final options when deciding were the 8053 smooth leather platforms, the Audrick Nappa leather platforms, the 1461 Bex squared toe oxfords, and these (the 1461 smooth leather platforms), all in black. I decided on the 1461 smooth leather platforms because of design preference, versatility (in my opinion they are less casual than the Audrick Nappa and more causal than the 8053, which I liked), photo reviews, lack of reviews on some of the other styles, and not wanting the square toe for a first pair.These are great! I’ve gradually worked my way up to wearing more often; no blisters or issues except for some heal pain once after standing on my feet for awhile. (Important to note, I haven’t had any blister/skin issues, but I don’t typically blister easily). I love the platform but don’t feel like they’re too huge, it’s the perfect height.They run bigger, like most people say. I’m a size 7, these as a 7 slide on my heel as I walk (doubling socks helps a little). The Bethan styled had fit true to size despite reviews that they ran big, so I went with my size for these too, but I wish I sized down.I originally purchased the Bethan platforms; those did fit true to my size (7) and I love how they fit/looked (photo included). I returned them to get a style more like the 1461s, and I’m happy I did.