Wedge heels are women’s shoes with a heel that runs along the sole in a wedge shape, often found in summer shoes. They provide stability and can be more comfortable than other heels. They are appropriate for casual attire and can be paired with various clothing styles.
Wedge heels are women’s shoes with a heel that runs along the sole or bottom of the shoe, in a wedge shape. This differs from other forms of shoes that simply provide a heel that falls from the back of the foot and comes to a point. Shoppers can commonly find this type of heel in summer shoes, open toes, slides, or strappy sandals.
The wedge itself can have decorations or designs on it, and can be made from molded plastic or rubber. Wedge heels can have what looks like an artificial wood grain, be covered in jute rope, as is the case with espadrilles, or simply look like an extension of the sole in the same essential color as the shoe. One of the most popular versions of the late ’70s and early ’80s was made by shoe manufacturer Candies. These shoes had hard plastic heels and became briefly popular again in the 1990s and 2000s.
Sometimes wedge heels and platform shoes are confused. The two designs are not mutually exclusive, and wedges can be platform shoes if the sole of the shoe under the balls and toes is raised above the ground by a thickened bottom. However, wedge heels are not always platforms, and sometimes the wedge simply elevates the top of the foot, descending to a thin sole below the balls and toes.
Wedge heels are a popular fashion choice, never going out of style. They often provide a bit more stability than the standard heel, because the wedge extends from the entire sole. Instead of having to balance on the toe of the small heel, the wedge allows the wearer to place the entire heel firmly on the ground. People who are not used to wearing heels may find that this style can be a good place to start. As with any heel, the higher it is, the more likely the wearer is to twist an ankle if she does not keep her ankles stable.
Like the heel sole, the weight distribution in the wedge heel remains primarily on the balls of feet and toes. The higher the heels, the more weight the user is carrying on the front of the feet. Many women still find wedges more comfortable than stiletto or kitten heel styles, and those with rubber wedges can provide a bit of spring. Wedge heels on a small rubber platform can also be quite comfortable to wear.
Wedge heels are considered appropriate for more casual attire. A woman can pair them with jeans, sundresses, flowing chiffon skirts, or when wearing styles reminiscent of the 1970s. A standard rule of thumb in 2000s fashion seems to apply: wear wedges with flared pants or wide skirts and a slimmer heel with skinny pants, capris, and pencil skirts.
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