If you’re into comfy shoes that still look stylish, you might wanna check out Vessi and their awesome shoes. But if you’re thinking about mixing things up a bit, wedge shoes could be a solid choice too. Wedges are those shoes or boots with a sole that’s shaped like a wedge, giving you some extra height while still keeping things comfy. 

They come in all kinds of styles, colors, and materials, and they’re pretty much good for any season – you can wear them with just about anything. While wedges are mainly popular with women, guys can totally rock wedge soles too, mostly in work shoes for that extra support. So, let’s dive into the different types of wedge shoes out there and how you can style them in your wardrobe!

History of Wedge Shoes

Stiletto heels were first designed by Salvatore Ferragamo back in the '30s, but wedge shoes didn’t really hit it big until the early '80s. Originally, wedges didn’t even have a heel! They were made with cellophane straps to keep your foot in place. But during World War II, when rubber and leather were hard to come by, designers got creative and swapped them for wood and cork. The first wedge heel had a thick, solid sole, unlike the separate heel style we started seeing in the late '80s and '90s.

Wedges quickly found their fans, especially in the '40s. Not only did they give women some extra height, but they were way easier to walk in than those skinny heels. Back then, wedges could be as high as five inches! They were even a favorite for women rocking shoulder pads to really amp up their look.

Wedges kind of fell off the radar for a while but made a big comeback in the '70s. They went hand-in-hand with the trendy blouses and oversized fits of the time. Then, in the '90s, they were back again, especially with platform sneakers, thanks to pop icons like the Spice Girls rocking them in music videos and movies. By 2006, wedge heels were being wrapped in rope, and open-toed wedges or flip-flops with ankle straps basically ruled the summer.

These days, wedge shoes are still popular because they’re comfy and stylish. Whether you’re looking for something classic like a cork wedge or something more modern like a platform sneaker wedge, there’s definitely a wedge shoe out there for you!

Types of Wedges

For Women

When it comes to wedge shoes for women, there’s a ton of options to fit different styles. Here are some of the most popular ones:

• Wedge Heels – If you like heels but want something easier to balance in, wedge heels are a great choice. They have a wider base and a thicker sole, which gives you more stability. Plus, they can instantly dress up any outfit.

• Wedge Pumps – These give you the glamour of regular pumps but with a squarer heel that just looks better and feels more stable.

• Wedge Sneakers – These are super stylish and comfy. They also help shape your legs, and they’re perfect for adding some extra flair to an otherwise simple outfit.

• Wedge Boots/Booties – Wedge boots give you way better support and stability than regular high heels. They often come with fun details like buckles or hardware.

• Closed-Toe Wedges – These are like wedge sandals but with more coverage, making them a solid choice for cooler months.

• Low Wedges – If you’re not into a ton of height, low wedges are a good option. They’re easier to balance in and gentler on the ankles.

• T-Strap Wedges – These are perfect for summer, with a classic ‘T’ strap that wraps from the toes to the ankle.

• Ankle Strap Wedges – These wedges have straps that wrap around your ankle, giving you extra support and a cool look. Plus, they’re usually adjustable.

• Platform Wedges – If you want to add some extra flair to your outfit, platform wedges are the way to go. They often come with fun features like printed fabric, ruffles, or satin tops to make your shoes pop.

For Men

Wedge shoes for men aren’t as common as they are for women, but there are still some good options out there for different styles. Here are a couple of popular choices for guys:

• Wedge Sole Work Boots – These have a sole that runs from the back to the front, with no dip in the middle. They’re not as rugged as the traditional lug soles but still work well for a lot of jobs.

Whether you’re into simple or more flashy designs, you can definitely find wedge shoes that match your vibe. The key is figuring out where you’re headed and how comfy you feel in them—that’s the right wedge for you!

How to Wear Wedges

Wedges are super versatile shoes you can rock with both formal or casual outfits, depending on what you’re going for. If you want a more stylish look without going overboard, try wedges with a little heel, like 1-2 inches. These work great with jeans and a T-shirt. But if you want to make more of a statement, go for something 2-3 inches high—still comfy, but a little dressier.

Now, let’s talk about pairing wedges with dresses. Strappy wedges look awesome with bodycon dresses, sundresses, or even the classic little black dress (LBD). If you’re not feeling a dress, a skirt works too! Mini skirts are a go, but pencil skirts might look a little off with wedges.

In the summer, wedges are perfect with rompers or denim shorts. A T-strap or ankle-wrap wedge looks great with form-fitting rompers, and the height from the wedge helps make your legs look longer with denim shorts.

A couple of tips when shopping for wedges: it’s a good idea to pick wedges in a color that matches your outfit. And there are a few things you probably wanna avoid pairing with wedges. For example, stay away from capri pants, pencil skirts, or any pants that are really tight or have a straight leg. Go for maxi skirts, shorts, boho styles, wrap skirts, gauchos, or wide/flare jeans for a better match!

Are Heels and Wedges the Same Thing?

Heels and wedges might seem pretty similar or even share a lot of the same vibes, but they’re actually a little different. The main difference is in the sole. High heels have a separate heel that doesn’t touch the sole, and you can usually see a clear divide between the heel and the toe part. Wedges, on the other hand, have one solid, wedge-shaped sole that’s thick at the back and tapers to a thinner front. Because of the design, wedges are way more stable and comfy compared to high heels, which can make walking feel kinda wobbly and uncomfortable, especially with that high arch.

What's the Difference Between Wedges and Platform Heels?

If you’re into shoes, you’ve probably heard of wedges and platform heels. But they’re not exactly the same thing. Wedges have this thicker heel that runs all the way from the front of the shoe to the back, giving you height and balance. Platform heels also give you a lift, but they’ve got a thick sole that raises you up at the front.

The big difference between the two is that wedges have both a raised heel and a raised sole, while platform heels are more about the thick sole at the front. Wedges are a great choice if you want to add some height but still want comfy shoes. They give you that heel look without the discomfort of regular high heels, and they’re way easier on your feet in the long run.

When it comes to picking wedges, you can go as fancy or casual as you want. There are all kinds of options, from summer sandals with thick straps to high stilettos or even flip flops and closed-toe pumps. Platform heels, on the other hand, are perfect for anyone who wants to feel taller but doesn’t want to suffer from sore feet. They’re thick, stylish, and just really fun to wear!