June 11, 2024
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Wedge sandals are a wardrobe staple — especially in summer. They're comfortable enough for you to wear all day long, and versatile enough to be paired with a huge range of outfits — including dresses, trousers and shorts.
They're the perfect choice of footwear for many summer occasions too — whether you're off to a wedding or taking a trip to the beach.
Find out more about summer wedge sandals in our style guide.
Wedge sandals (aka wedges) have a joined heel and sole, which is often made from wood, cork or acrylic. The base of the sole is sometimes wrapped with another material such as leather or suede to match the straps.
While the design dates to ancient Greece, wedges started to become popular in the 1930's as an orthopaedic shoe, before breaking into the fashion world.
Wedges are one of the most versatile types of sandals, so there are plenty of outfits that will suit. You could wear wedges with jeans for a casual outfit that's perfect for a summer evening, or with shorts for the daytime. For a more elegant look that still feels casual, wear wedge sandals with a dress.
Here's a quick guide to wearing wedge sandals.
It's easy to pair wedge sandals with skinny jeans to create a casual outfit. For daytime casual wear, opt for a wedge with a heel of three inches or below. Neutral colours like black, brown, nude and white will work with a variety of outfits.
If you're embracing the summer sun, don't be afraid to pick out a bright accent colour from your top — like pink, red or purple — to really make them stand out.
Much like skinny jeans, shorts tend to be a casual clothing option. Once again, keeping wedge heels low and opting for neutral tones is a great way to go.
A pair of cute denim shorts teamed with black wedge sandals and a casual T-shirt is a winning combination for a summer's day.
Wedges can help dress your outfit up or down. When paired with a red dress, black three-inch wedge sandals can really add a touch of class to an evening outfit.
When pairing with a daytime dress, follow similar rules to shorts and skinny jeans. Low and simple is best for a relaxed look.
There are so many different wedge sandal styles that are suitable for many occasions. Read on to discover the best occasions for wearing wedges as part of a winning summer outfit.
Many people wonder if wedge sandals are business casual — but that really depends on your work environment. Unless there's a strict dress code, opt for a plain, smart, low wedge without too much embellishment. They'll keep your feet cool, smart and comfortable — a workday winner.
When you're on the beach, almost anything goes. Sand isn't as stable as the pavement though, so we'd recommend a low wedge with an ankle strap for maximum seaside enjoyment. Low wedges are also a great choice for festivals.
Weddings are a great opportunity to break out those dressier wedge sandals. Whether you're a bridesmaid, wedding guest or even the bride, wedges could be the answer to all-day comfort.
For an occasion like this, you can afford to go for an elegant, high, embellished wedge. Lower, simpler styles might look a little underdressed, so opt for something special if you're choosing wedding footwear.
Many people confuse wedges with heels, as they're relatively similar in appearance. The main difference is that wedges have thicker soles than heels — providing more support, while giving the same boost to height.
With heels, the raised element of the shoe is separate from the toe, whereas in wedges, these sections are connected. Find out more in our comprehensive guide to heels.
Just like every type of shoe, certain styles of wedge sandal will suit your feet better than others. If you find the right pair of wedges, you'll never want to wear anything else. If you have:
Find out which shoes will make wide or narrow feet more comfortable in our fitting guide.
Check out the shoezone blog for more style tips and footwear suggestions for every occasion.