SnO2 nanoflowers and nanorods have been synthesized by the hydrothermal method without using any capping agent. Both types of SnO2 nanostructures are selected as a support of Pt catalyst for methanol and ethanol electrooxidation. The synthesized SnO2 nanostructures and SnO2 supported platinum (Pt/SnO2) catalysts are characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope and high resolution transmission electron microscope. The electrocatalytic properties of the Pt/SnO2 and Pt/C catalysts for methanol and ethanol oxidation have been investigated systematically by typical electrochemical methods. The influence of SnO2 morphology on its electrocatalytic activity is comparatively investigated. The Pt/SnO2 flower-shaped catalyst shows higher electrocatalytic activity and better long-term cycle stability compared with other electrocatalysts owing to the multidimensional active sites and radial channels of liquid diffusion.