The Wedge Edge — Summery Shoes That Give You A Lift

Forget gladiator, T-strap, and thong sandals. Unlike flat sandals, which can often make an otherwise sleek ensemble look dumpy and sloppy, wedges elongate the silhouette, add definition to sun-kissed legs, and practically force women to mind their posture — all of which makes for a more desirable effect. Whether they feature wooden, leather, cork, raffia, or jute-covered heels, there’s no denying the “edge” in “wedge.”

Some of this season’s choices include leopard, floral, and ikat prints; other styles rely on punchy paprika, turquoise, and neon green uppers; and a broad selection incorporates stud details, rope chain trim, grommets, tonal stitching, and geometric cut-outs.

Below, you’ll find some of our favorite wedge sandals — all of which are certain to give you a style (and height) boost.

Loeffler Randall Vivian Lace-Up Wedge, $248 (from $495). Available at LoefflerRandall.com

This suede wedge sandal, pictured above in a burnt pumpkin orange shade, features a 110mm wooden heel with a slope along the back, a slingback-style heel, triangle-shaped cut-outs along either side of the braided center, and lace-up ties that wrap around the ankle.

United Nude Abstract in Pewter and Dark Brown, $328.50. Available at UnitedNude.com

Though it may require some expertise to walk in these modern, architectural wedges, the Jenga-esque quality of their two-part, seemingly precariously stacked wooden block heel is worth the cautious stride.

 

Aldo Forwood Wedge in Turquoise, $90. Available at AldoShoes.com

Inspired by the nomadic feel of the season’s ikat and tribal prints, these platform pumps feature a wedge heel measuring over 4″ in height, a 1″ platform, and a demure round toe. The uppers are covered in a Bohemian print with white spots, mustard yellow swirls, and brown lines over a turquoise backdrop, while the heel and platform feature muddy brown stripes at a slant, all juxtaposed against a white-splattered, sepia-esque background.

Paloma Barceló Marga Leather Wedge Sandals, $315. Available at Net-a-Porter.com

A veritable melting pot of materials, the Paloma Barceló Marga sandals feature a 5″-tall cork heel with a 1.5″ platform embellished with rows of braided rope that wrap around the base of the shoe for an espadrille-esque effect. Broad, crisp white leather straps are knotted at the front, right above the toe area, then extended along the back of the ankle to create a a halter-like shape.

Senso Shoes Agnes Wedge in Neon Turquoise or Green, $174.95. Available at Solestruck.com

Thanks to the thumb-sized, angular cut-outs along the toe section of the platform and at the top of the 5 1/2″  heel, right at the base of the ankle, this Senso Agnes shoe seems to be walking on air, with the pump-like portion spanning a greater length than the wedge and platform beneath it. Available in either a fluorescent lime green or a bright turquoise, these leather wedge pumps will have you feeling like more of a futuristic trendsetter than Judy Jetson herself.

Stuart Weitzman X-Ray Sandal, $375. Available at Nordstrom.com

Leopard print shoes can either add a dash of sauciness to an ensemble or they can facilitate its descent into the bowels of tackiness. But, with Stuart Weitzman as your style shepherd, you’re certain to safely navigate through the footwear wildness. These playful sandals feature a spotted fabric band at the toe area and a crisscrossing ankle strap with a buckled closure, as well as a jute-covered 4 1/2″ wedge heel with a 1″ platform.

 

Pedro Garcia Frayed Satin Espadrille, $395. Available at NeimanMarcus.com

These slip-on espadrille wedges from Spanish footwear brand Pedro Garcia feature metallic gray satin uppers with tonal top stitching and frayed edges to give the style a slightly distressed feel.

 

Pour La Victoire Jaclyn Platform Sandal, $268. Available at Endless.com

A bit nautical, a tad preppy, and altogether chic, the 5.5″-tall Pour La Victoire Jaclyn platform sandal features a wide, double-layered, cream-colored strap at the toe with red piping along the edges of the leather bands and an oversize silver-toned buckle, as well as a matching but slimmer strap wrapping around the ankle. The jute-covered heel, meanwhile, makes the otherwise classic style a bit more adventurous and laid-back.

L.A.M.B. Etta Platform Wedge, $325. Available at Revolve.com

This lovably gregarious number features a center strip running down the vamp consisting of hollow-centered, square and rectangle shapes in black leather with white pebbled accents for a cement print effect. Buckled black suede straps and crisscrossing, thin, black leather strips run from side to side in an alternating pattern all the way from the open toe to the belted ankle strap — each strip threaded through one of the square shapes at the center of the wedge.

Kelsi Dagger Delana Open-Toe Espadrille, $69.50. Available at Endless.com

Not only will these 4″-tall sandals breathe life into any ensemble with vivacious color options like orange, purple, and red, but they’ll infuse a rocker gypsy vibe thanks to the silver or gold square- and dome-shaped studs along each fabric strip. The stretchy quality of the fabric uppers makes for a comfortable fit, allowing you to walk miles on end without any pinching. Score!

 

Nine West Lazar Wedge, $39.60. Available at NineWest.com

These espadrille wedges feature a fuchsia and orange tie-dye print paired with chestnut brown ribbon laces that you can wrap around your ankles for a tropical-vixen-meets-ballerina look.

Casadei 6199 Women’s Slingback Wedge, $412.50. Available at Endless.com

Not only do these Casadei sandals nod to the current color-blocking fascination with a purple wedge heel that pops against the black leather uppers and tall black platform, but they can facilitate some Liberace-worthy grandstanding thanks to the gold rope chain trim circling the platform base.

Nicholas Kirkwood Peep Toe Wedge Sandal, $895. Available at SaksFifthAvenue.com

This ladylike T-strap sandal features a curved peep toe and an angular, lace-covered, 4 1/4″-tall wedge heel for a look that’s aristocratic but never aloof.

Jeffrey Campbell Mariel Wedges in Grey Floral Print, $120 at Solestruck.com.

The Jeffrey Campbell Mariel wedges feature a 5″-tall wedge heel, a 1 3/4″ platform, and a buckled slingback ankle strap, as well as a deep “V” shape along the vamp, a cheeky peep toe, and triangle cut-outs along either side for a coquettish effect. The heather gray, black, and taupe hues of the tiny hibiscus, daisy, daffodil, and marigold flowers covering the entire shoe add a flirty but slightly goth vibe.

 

Modern Vintage Lydia Wedge, $275. Available at ShopModernVintage.com

These slide sandals feature an open toe and open back, python-textured suede uppers, and a brown leather wedge with a thick, braided, brown leather strip at the top of the wedge, outlining the silhouette’s naturally sloping contour. Strips of lighter brown leather are stitched along the base of the shoe, adding another dimension to the versatile style.

 

Rebecca Minkoff Foxy Cut-Out Wedge Sandals, $295. Available at RebeccaMinkoff.com

If most wedges feel a bit too chunky for your taste, try these strappy sandals from Rebecca Minkoff, featuring a block of five slim black leather strips with golden edges at the toe, an open vamp, and another block of metallic trim strips hugging the front of the ankle. The 110mm-tall, cork cut-out wedge heel, meanwhile, features a geometric, slightly tribal-flavored graphic pattern.

Matt Bernson Special Project Marion Multi-Strap Wooden Wedge, $109. Available at HSN.com

Meet the gold standard of summery wedges. Created exclusively for HSN, these Matt Bernson wedges feature a walnut wood-colored heel and yellow gold-toned buckles and loops that allow you to adjust the direction and length of the multiple golden straps.

Chinese Laundry Deal Breaker Floral Wedge, $79.95. Available at ChineseLaundry.com

This cream wedge espadrille features an elaborate woven pattern of cream fabric strips with a nostalgic rose pattern.