Whether jet-setting to a Mediterranean vacation or heading out for a fun night, wedge heels are a chic and versatile option. This updated shopping guide has 2023 trend information, new products, and expert tips to help you choose the perfect pair. For daytime, look for a low 1-2″ heel height that pairs well with casual sundresses or wide linen pants. Wear a high-heel or platform wedge with flattering ankle tying or strapping for the evening.
Material
Women’s wedges look great with everything from short, flowy summer dresses to jeans and t-shirts. Unlike stiletto heels, wedges have a base to the front of the shoe, so they can be worn comfortably with any outfit that calls for a heel. When shopping for women’s wedges, choose a pair made from a material you love to wear. Genuine leather is an excellent option for wedges because it’s soft, durable, and breaks in quickly for a comfortable, custom fit. You can also find wedges made from jute, cork, and other earth-sourced materials that are more sustainable than synthetic options.
In addition to style and comfort, the material of your wedges should also suit the occasions you’re planning on wearing them. For example, a lower 1-2″ height is perfect for casual afternoon looks, while heels of 3-4″ will work for dinners and dressier occasions like garden parties and weddings. Bounce is another essential factor to consider when shopping for wedges. The more bounce a wedge has, the more versatile it will be, as it can be used on various course conditions. Golfers with steeper swings tend to prefer a wedge with more bounce, as it helps them limit the size of their divots. Conversely, players who sweep the ball benefit from a wedge with less bounce.
Comfort
Women’s wedges are a great way to add height to any outfit without wearing heels. You can find them in various styles, from closed pumps to open sandals, but choose a comfortable design. For the summer, look for comfortable wedge sandals with a soft padded sole or a polyurethane footbed. They should also have a wide strap across the top of your foot so you can easily adjust the tightness. A small wedge heel is also a good option for women’s comfort sandals, as it helps to improve circulation and reduces foot swelling. If you want to wear wedges for a formal occasion, opt for a style with clean lines and a pointed or square toe. Depending on the dress code, these look great with a traditional dress or a knee-length skirt. You can even pair a wedge with skinny jeans and a simple t-shirt to create a casual chic outfit. For everyday wedges, consider a more neutral shade or a fun texture like suede or raffia. These wedges can be worn with everything from maxi dresses and wrap skirts to denim jeans and a plain white t-shirt. In the winter, you can also wear wedges in boot form. Knee-high boots with a wedge heel can look cute when paired with tights and a shift dress or layered knits.
Style
A wedge heel can dress up jeans or skirts and elevate a dressy look. Wedges are available in various styles, from flat 1-2″ heels to trendy 4″ and higher heels. A lower heel height can create a more casual appearance, particularly for wearing wedges with jeans or form-fitting skirts. Fuller skirts typically look better with wedge shoes than pencil or bodycon styles because they’ll help to create a more streamlined silhouette. Espadrille and leather wedges work well with sundresses, especially those with a boho or casual feel. These wedges often feature jute or raffia-wrapped soles, which offer an organic look that pairs nicely with sundresses or denim shorts. Other styles include closed pump wedges, which pair well with dress pants or a skirt for a professional look.
If you’re looking for a wedge that works with various outfits and can be worn for multiple occasions, opt for a neutral color like brown, gray, black, or nude. These colors match a more comprehensive range of clothing shades and are easy to re-wear. Wedge sandals can be worn with swimsuits for a beach or resort vacation and boost bathing suits when paired with shorts. Avoid shoes with too much of a heel, which can dig into the sand and make it difficult to walk in for long periods.
Heel Height
While wedges may have earned a reputation as a summer shoe, they can be a year-round footwear staple. It’s true for styles constructed with materials like raffia, cork, or jute and those with a platform design. These styles allow you to keep your heels high while distributing weight evenly over the base of your feet.
A wedge with a low heel-to-platform ratio is an excellent option for work because it will help reduce the stress you usually experience when wearing heels at the office. Over time, heels that place a lot of pressure on the balls of your feet can lead to painful foot conditions such as bunions, hammertoes, and plantar fasciitis. With this type of pressure alleviated, you are less likely to develop these issues.
To determine which heel height is best for you:
- Try on several pairs of shoes and see what you like most.
- Measure the heel-to-platform height of your favorite pair using a tape measure or ruler.
- Once you have this number, subtract the platform height from the heel height to find your ideal height.
It is a great way to ensure you get the most comfortable wedges for every occasion. Shop our favorite wedge sandals for work, nights out, and everything else.
