I’ve spent years testing and wearing all kinds of sneakers—from classic canvas shoes to high-end designer pairs. I’ve walked miles in them, worn them to work, and taken them on trips. I know what makes a good shoe: comfort, durability, style, and value. When I came across the Vans Brooklyn LS Platform, I was curious. Could this trendy platform sneaker really be comfortable for all-day wear? Was it worth the money? I decided to test them myself. I wore them to work, on weekends, while running errands, and even on long walks. After weeks of use, I’m ready to share my honest experience. I’ll tell you what’s good, what’s not, and whether you should buy them.
The Good and The Bad
What I Liked:
- Adds height without heels – The platform gives you about 1.2 inches of extra height. You look taller and your legs look longer, but you don’t have to wear uncomfortable heels.
- Comfortable for long hours – The padded collar and tongue make the shoe feel snug and supportive. I wore them for a full day and my feet didn’t hurt.
- Wider toe box – Unlike many other Vans styles, this one gives your toes more room. Many users say they fit better around the toes than other Vans models.
- Classic style that goes with everything – The suede and canvas upper with the iconic sidestripe looks great with jeans, dresses, and skirts.
- Good grip – The rubber waffle outsole gives you solid traction on different surfaces.
- Lightweight – Despite the platform, these shoes are surprisingly light and easy to walk in.
- Great value – Many users say the quality is excellent for the price.
What Could Be Better:
- Not waterproof – The suede material gets damaged easily in rain. One user said they’re “not at all good for any kind of rain”.
- Thin sole – Some users say the sole is thin. One reviewer called it “the thinnest/weakest of any shoes” and said you can feel every stone on the ground.
- Sizing can be tricky – Some say they run large, others say true to size. One user said they ordered a 36.5 and they were “enormous”.
- No arch support – These are flat shoes with no arch support. If you need it, you’ll have to buy inserts.
- Not for heavy skating – They’re great for fashion and casual wear, but not built for intense skateboarding.
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Who Should Buy These Shoes
If you want a stylish, comfortable sneaker that gives you a little extra height, these are for you. They’re perfect for women who spend a lot of time on their feet—whether you’re walking to work, meeting friends, or exploring the city. They work well for office workers who want a shoe that looks polished but feels like a sneaker. They’re also great for students, moms, and anyone who wants a versatile shoe that goes with almost any outfit.
If you’re like me, you want shoes that look good and feel good all day long. These deliver exactly that.
However, if you live in a rainy place, these might not be the best choice. The suede doesn’t handle water well. Also, if you need strong arch support or you’re planning to do heavy skateboarding, look elsewhere.
Product Details
My Experience with the Vans Brooklyn LS Platform
First Look
When I pulled these shoes out of the box, I was impressed. They looked even better than the photos. The combination of suede and canvas gives them a premium feel. The iconic Vans sidestripe stands out nicely. The stitching is clean and precise. The platform sole caught my attention right away—it’s thick enough to add height but not so thick that it looks clunky.
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The Fit – More Room for Your Toes
Putting them on for the first time, I noticed something right away: my toes had room to move. If you’ve worn classic Vans before, you know they can feel narrow and tight around the toes. This one is different. Many users say the same thing—they fit much better around the toes than other Vans models. One reviewer said, “I like them because they are wide and don’t squeeze my foot like other Vans models”.
I wore them for a full day of running errands, and my feet didn’t feel tired or sore. The padded collar and tongue add extra comfort around the ankle. One user said they’re “surprisingly lightweight and comfortable for all-day wear”.
That said, I did notice the sole is thinner than I expected. You can feel the ground more than you would with a thicker athletic shoe. Walking on gravel or uneven pavement, I could feel every stone. One reviewer mentioned the same thing, saying the sole is “the thinnest/weakest” and that it let them feel “every stone on the beach”. It’s not uncomfortable, but it’s something to keep in mind.
The Platform – Height Without the Pain
The platform gives you about 1.2 inches of extra height. I love how it makes my legs look longer. It’s much more comfortable than wearing heels, and it doesn’t feel unstable. One user said the platform “gives just the right amount of height”.
The shoe is well-balanced. I didn’t feel like I was going to roll my ankle. The rubber waffle outsole provides excellent grip. I walked on tile, concrete, and even a bit of grass, and I never slipped.
One thing to note: some users say these are “not a true platform sneaker”. The platform is there, but it’s more subtle than some other chunky platform shoes. If you want a dramatic platform look, this might not be dramatic enough for you.
Sizing – Read the Reviews Carefully
This is where it gets tricky. Sizing opinions are all over the place. Some say they run large and you should size down. One user said, “Runs large! Size down!”. Another said they ordered a 36.5 and they were “enormous”.
Others say they’re true to size. One reviewer said, “They are true to size, as I am a 7.5 medium typically”. Another said, “The sizing seems to be true to size”.
Some users recommend going up half a size. One reviewer said, “By going up by half a size I feel I get a better fit while still maintaining a good fit around the heel”. Another said, “I sized up to an 8 1/2M and they fit perfectly!”.
My advice: read the reviews for the specific color you’re buying. Different colors might fit differently. If you’re between sizes, consider ordering two sizes and returning the one that doesn’t fit.
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Comfort – Good, But Not Perfect
Most users find these shoes comfortable. One reviewer said they’re “very comfortable, stylish, and fit perfectly” and that they “worn them all day without any discomfort”. Another said they’re “super comfortable”.
However, there’s a catch. These are flat shoes with no arch support. If you have high arches or need extra support, you’ll need to buy inserts. One user with a high arch said the shoes were “very painful and led to heel pain”.
Also, some users found the sole too thin. One reviewer said they “feel like walking on clouds” – but others disagree. The thin sole means you feel the ground more.
Styling – Goes With Everything
I’ve worn these shoes with so many outfits. They look great with skinny jeans, wide-leg pants, maxi skirts, and even casual dresses. The classic design means they don’t go out of style. One reviewer said they “go well with almost any outfit”.
I wore them to the office with trousers, and they looked professional enough for business casual. I wore them on the weekend with denim shorts, and they looked effortlessly cool. They’re versatile in a way that few shoes are.
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Durability – Built to Last
Vans uses vulcanized construction, which means the sole is bonded to the upper with heat and pressure. This makes the shoe more durable and flexible.
After weeks of use, mine still look good. The canvas and suede have held up well. The sole shows minimal wear. One user said there was “little to no wear and tear visible” after plenty of wear.
That said, some users question the durability for heavy use. One reviewer said they have a “slightly less robust build than the Vans of old” and are “fine if you want a fashion item but not sure they’ll stand up to heavy skating”.
Cleaning and Care
The suede is the one part you need to be careful with. It’s not waterproof, and it can stain easily. If you get caught in the rain, the water can leave marks on the suede.
To clean them, use a suede brush and a special cleaner. If you want to keep them looking new, treat them with a water-repellent spray before wearing them.
Vans Brooklyn LS Platform VS Other Popular Sneakers
| Feature | Vans Brooklyn LS Platform | Converse Run Star Hike | Adidas Stan Smith Platform | Nike Air Force 1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Mid-range ($70–$90) | Mid-range ($80–$100) | Mid-range ($90–$110) | Mid-range ($90–$120) |
| Platform Height | About 1.2 inches | About 1.5 inches | About 1.2 inches | About 1 inch |
| Toe Box Width | Wide | Medium | Medium | Medium |
| Upper Material | Canvas + Suede | Canvas | Leather | Leather |
| Comfort | Good (but no arch support) | Good | Very good | Excellent |
| Style Versatility | High | High | Medium | High |
| Waterproof | No | No | No | No |
| Durability | Good | Good | Very good | Excellent |
| Best For | Casual, work, weekends | Casual, street style | Office, smart casual | Everyday, streetwear |
My take: If you want a stylish platform sneaker with a wider toe box and classic design, the Vans Brooklyn LS is a solid choice. The Converse Run Star Hike has a more rugged, chunky look. The Adidas Stan Smith is more polished and leather-based. The Nike Air Force 1 offers the best cushioning but is also the heaviest and most expensive. For most people, the Vans hits a sweet spot between style, comfort, and price.
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Common Questions
Do these shoes run true to size?
It depends. Some say they run large, others say true to size. Read reviews for your specific color and consider ordering two sizes if you’re unsure.
Are they comfortable for all-day wear?
Most users say yes. However, they have no arch support, so if you need it, buy inserts.
Are they waterproof?
No. The suede gets damaged in rain.
Can I skate in them?
They’re fine for casual wear, but not built for heavy skateboarding.
How do I clean them?
Use a suede brush and cleaner. Apply a water-repellent spray before wearing to protect them.
Final Verdict
The Vans Brooklyn LS Platform is a stylish, comfortable, and versatile sneaker that works for almost any occasion. It gives you extra height without sacrificing comfort. The wider toe box makes it more comfortable than many other Vans styles. The classic design means it never goes out of style.
Yes, the suede can be tricky to clean, and it’s not waterproof. Yes, the sole is thinner than some other platform shoes, and there’s no arch support. But for the price, it’s hard to beat.
I’ve worn mine for weeks, and they’re still going strong. They’ve become my go-to shoe for work, weekends, and travel. If you’re looking for a sneaker that looks good and feels good, this is it.
My recommendation: Buy them. Try them on at home with the socks you’ll normally wear. If they don’t fit perfectly, exchange them for a different size. Once you find the right fit, you’ll love them.