Well, if you are on the lookout for a stylish and comfortable shoe then you may want to consider Wedge shoes. Wedges refer to shoes or boots that have a sole in the form of a wedge and which offer extra support in addition to making one appear taller.

It is possible to find them in different designs, colors and materials besides they may be effective footwear all the year round as they can be worn with almost any type of clothing. However, the popularity of wedge shoes is reserved for females as male clientele also don wedge sole shoes, but primarily in the functional category of work shoes. Now let’s take a closer look at what types of wedge shoes are available and how you can incorporate them into your wardrobe.

History of Wedge Shoes

Stilettto heels were originally designed by Salvatore Ferragamo in 1930’s, but the wedge shoes became popular in the early 1980’s. The initial wedge design, of course, did not include the use of a heel and instead featured cellophane straps designed to fix the foot in place. World war II saw the difficulty in obtaining rubber and leather which compelled the designer to substitute it with wood and cork. The first type of wedge heel had a one piece thick sole distinct from high heeled shoes of late 1980s and early 1990s which had a separate heel.

Wedge shoes managed to find their fans within several years, in specifically the early 1940s. Not only did they provide the extra height that was surgical during that time but they were also easier for women to walk in as compared to the skinny heels. During this time period wedges reached five inches high. They were also used by many women who wore shoulder pads in order to pump up their figure.

Thus, wear of wedge shoes was not fashionable again until the 1970s. Blouses and over blouses both for men and women were fashionable, and the fashionable platform wedge shoes were more sensational. The wedges were again back in the 1990’s. Such designs used in the platform sneakers became more popular as more personalities such as members of the Spice Girls wore the footwear in clips and movies. Wedges re-surfaced again in 2006 where heels were encased in rope. Open-toed shoes, especially flip flops and wedges, with straps or ankle support took over everything that was summer.

Today people wear wedge shoes by choosing appropriated ones as fashionable and comfortable shoes. Available in different styles, height and material and they can be worn formally or informally. From a conventional cork wedge to the latest platform sneaker wedge, there is a wedged shoe for everyone.

Types of Wedges

For Women

When it comes to wedge shoes for women, there are many options available that cater to different styles and preferences. Here are some of the most popular types of wedges for women:

• Wedge Heels – These may be ideal for them instead of normal high heels in that they have a broader base and you find that they come with a wider sole here, so they’re easier to balance in. It can turn an outfit more dressy just like this wonderful heel.

• Wedge Pumps – Generally these give the glamour of pumps with a more squarer heel that gives a better look.

• Wedge Sneakers – These are stylish, comfortable shoes and if worn often can define the shape of your legs. This is a good way to spice up an outfit that might otherwise be just plain.

• Wedge Boots/Booties – They give better support and ground to stand on than high heels. They sometimes feature fixtures such as hardware and buckle.

• Closed-Toe Wedges – These provide more coverage than wedge sandals, making them a suitable option for the colder months of the year.

• Low Wedges – These have a less amount of height and therefore may not be as bad for people who have trouble balancing and those with weak ankles.

• T-Strap Wedges – These are a summer shoe with a familiar ‘T’ shaped strap that extends from the toes to the upper ankle area.

• Ankle Strap Wedges – These feature a fabric strap or straps that wrap around the ankle for support and aesthetic appeal. These straps are often adjustable.

• Platform Wedges – These add on the fashion front of any outfit and they come with added features like printed fabric, colored edges, ruffles, or satin tops.

For Men

Wedge shoes for men are not as widely available as they are for women, but there are still options available that cater to different preferences. Here are some of the most popular types of wedges for men:

• Wedge Sole Work Boots – These integrates a sole that stretches from the outsole and has no depression in front of the plantar fascia. These boots are not as sturdy as the lugged soles traditionally but serve a lot of working situations.

Whether you are attracted to simple designs or flashy ones, then you will definitely find wedge shoes that will suit your needs. Where you are going and how much you feel comfortable in a wedged shoe is the right type of wedged shoe for you.

How to Wear Wedges

This is an ideal shoe that could be worn with formal wear or casual wear depending on the occasion. If you want a more stylish look, settle for shoes with little heels, probably of around 1-2 inches height, these can be worn with jeans and t-shirts. For those who need to proclaim their presence, opt for choices that are 2-3 inches high to be a little dressier but not necessarily uncomfortable.

Now, let’s take a closer look at the choice of wedges and dresses in order to understand the correct combination Strappy wedges go perfectly with bodycon dresses, sundresses, or even the LBD – little black dress. As you can also go for a skirt if you do not want the dress look. Mini skirts should be appropriate whereas pencil skirts might look a bit thick.

In summer wedges are best worn with rompers or denim shorts. A T-strap or ankle-wrap wedge complements form-fitting rompers, while the boost from wedges, assist in helping the legs appear lean and long with denim shorts.

These are some tips when buying wedges; It’s wise to get wedges in uniform color with your cloths. But there are some styles that you should not wear with wedges. Wedges should not be worn with capri pants, pencil skirts or any pants that have straight or thin legs. Maxi skirts, shorts, bohemian styles, wrap skirts, gauchos, and wide or flared jeans should be preferred types of clothing.

In all, wedges refer to a shoe that goes well with all sorts of dressing. So here are some tips to help you wear wedges and accentuate your fashion sense effectively:

Are Heels and Wedges the Same Thing?

While heels and wedges seem almost like one generally or at least share many common features there is a difference between heels and wedges. The only key difference is the sole. High heel shoes have a heel that is distinct from the sole and may not touch the sole, and it also has a clear division between the heel and the toe section. In contrast, wedges have a single slab like outsole that is wedge shaped with a thick heel and thin at the front sole. Where as high heels give discomfort and unstable walking due to high arch this design offers more stability and comfort.

What's the Difference Between Wedges and Platform Heels?

If you are a shoe lover, the terms like “wedges” and “platform heels” are quite familiar to you. However, these two styles are not at all that are all similar to each other. Wedge shoes have a thicker heel than most shoes, it runs from the front of the shoe, to the back part of the shoe giving the user the necessary height and balance. Platform heels on the other hand also have raised heel, but have a thicker sole that provides the lift at the front.

In actuality, the most significant qualitative difference between these two styles is that whereas wedges have a raised heel, they also have a raised sole. Probably wedges are an ideal choice if you fancy changing the appearances a little but do not mind wearing comfortable footwear. They bring the looks of heels and comforts of flats and can also prevent some of adverse lifelong effects of standard high heels.

When it comes to selection, you can be as formal or as laid back as you wish because there are many wedge shoes available. Both summer and winter sandals with thick straps and high stilettos or summer flip flops and closed-toe pumps will be available. Platform heels, by contrast, suffice the purposes of women who desire to look a little taller without necessarily having to endure sore feet. Because of their thickness and beautiful design, they are fascinating to wear and beautiful to have.