The 15 Best Wedges for All Your Summer Outfits
Fashion is cyclical. Low-rise jeans are back, flip-flops are in, and designers are flirting with the idea of skinny jeans. While this eternal truth is a good excuse to hang on to a few items in your closet, it’s also a signal of what everyone will be buying in a few months’ time. Even as people were hopping on the 2010s nostalgia, one trend was quietly slipping under the radar: wedges.
First, our “For You” pages started looking like Tumblr in 2012, heralded by the return of Isabel Marant’s divisive sneaker wedges. On the runways, Chemena Kamali’s Chloé debut featured flowy dresses with sky-high wooden platforms. (In the front row, every guest was outfitted in a pair.) Instead of stilettos, models at Dries Van Noten and Alaïa teetered down the catwalk in similarly blocky shoes.
I’m just over five feet tall, so I know: Wedges are an easy way to add height while keeping your balance. It’s summer, a.k.a. the perfect time to get into cork and raffia soles that work on grass and sand, so we’ve rounded up our favorite wedges. Whether you’re after sky-high platforms or beaters you can wear every day, these are our picks.
So, you want a pair of wedges?
➼ Our top picks
➼ More tried-and-true options
Our top picks
The Classic Wedges
Mango Wedge Sandals
These are no-fuss sandals that I usually wear with dresses. They’re not too high, and the crisscross straps keep enough of your foot covered that you could maybe skip a pedicure.
The Clear Wedges
SUPRIYA LELE X MANGO Transparent vinyl wedge sandals
These vinyl wedge sandals from a buzzy collab are worth the splurge. They’re low to the ground, and while vinyl isn’t a notably comfortable material, it’s the most versatile for matching with your outfits. Slip these into your carry-on for your vacation, whether you’re headed to a city or a beach.
The Pointy Wedges
Ciriaco Wedge Pump
I love a pointy shoe sticking out from a pair of baggy wide-leg jeans. These pumps aren’t as thick as some wedges, but they definitely cover more surface area than stilettos do.
The Thong Wedges
Madewell The Deanna Thong Wedge Sandal
I’m a little bit obsessed with this wedge silhouette. It’s simple but can be dressed up or down. I’ve been looking forward to wearing these with baggy shorts, but they also look nice with dresses when I need a slightly more formal look.
More tried-and-true options
The Metallic Wedges
Gimaguas Sandal Wedges
You might not be able to get your hands on this brand’s viral key flip-flops, but these shiny wedges are just as good. I like that they are minimal so the shine isn’t overwhelming — you can get away with wearing them for day or night.
The Leather Wedges
Gimaguas Bailarina Wedges
A wedge is a good way to amp up a ballet-flat look. These have a ’90s feel and slightly faded leather, so they look like a good vintage find. You could get away with wearing these in the summertime, but they’re way more suited for fall styling. Pair them with nice socks.
The Platform Wedges
Other Stories Leather Platform Wedge Sandals
If you like the Chloé wedges but not the price point, these are for you.
The Jelly Wedges
Melissa + Diesel Quantum Platform
Melissa collabs are always worth splurging on. Case in point: these wedges from the brand’s collection with Diesel. Given their offbeat pattern and four color options, they are the cool girl’s summer wedge.
The Sneaker Wedges
Isabel Marant Beige Bekett Sneakers
Instead of reblogging a pic of these on Tumblr and adding them to your outfits on Polyvore, you can actually buy a pair now. The sneakers will look just as good with oversize pants as they did with skinny jeans.
The Strappy Wedges
Steve Madden Appa Black Wedges
A barely there strappy sandal is the most neutral a shoe can get without being boring. These will match with just about anything you wear this summer.
Another Clear Option
Zara Vinyl Wedges Sandals
If you’d rather not spend your day navigating the Zara store hordes, the brand’s online selection of wedges is even better. These have a low clear heel so, as with the clear pair from Mango, you can slip them into your carry-on for vacation.
The Denim Wedges
GAP Denim Espadrille Wedge Sandals
The Gap makes good shoes and even better denim. Combine those facts, and you have an easy summer shoe. I like the lace-up detail on these, which makes for fun styling with shorts and dresses.
The Office-Friendly Wedges
H&M Wedge-Heeled Slingbacks
With a closed toe and enough shape to offer interest, these will make your go-to dress pants look runway-ready.
The Throwback Wedges
Coach Sculpted C Platform Flip Flop
Because you either had or definitely wanted a pair of these when you were younger.
The Designer Wedges
Alaïa Suede Wedge Thong Sandals
Alaïa did mesh flats and the sleek Le Teckel shoulder bag, and they’re now at the forefront of the resurgence of wedges. These thong sandals have a more sculptural shape than your wedge flip-flops and come in a few different textures and colors like satin, leather, and suede.