One thing is clear about the biggest shoe trends of the past two years: we've collectively swapped painful (but beautiful) heels for something a little more practical. At last, comfort reigns supreme! And if you haven't bought a pair of ballet flats, "dad" sandals, mesh shoes, retro trainers or kitten heels recently, I salute you for managing to stay in the minority, but the latest comfy shoe to be resurrected from the past is one we didn't see coming. Wedges are officially back on the agenda, and my feet are not complaining.
Don't believe me? As soon as any piece causes a viral moment you know you're about to have a fully-fledged trend on your hands, and as the front row at the Chloé A/W 24 show comprised of Sienna Miller, Georgia May Jagger, Jerry Hall, Liya Kebede and Kiernan Shipka all in identical wooden wedges, the internet immediately lost its mind. These were not the cork-heeled, maximalist wedges that we've been avoiding for the past 20 years; these were chic, understated heels with versatile wearability, and it makes total sense for the wedge to be the It summer shoe of 2024.
Before I fully lose you at the thought of teetering around on platforms, designers are also backing sleeker, pared-back styles with a demi-heel and minimalist finish. Thanks to Bottega Veneta and Khaite's sculptural take on wedges back in 2023, streamlined, non-platform silhouettes are cropping up in collections for S/S 24, and a deep dive into Net-a-Porter's shoe section brings up so many quietly luxurious pairs from St. Agni, Magda Butrym and of course, Chloé, that I'm convinced this isn't just a one-off shoe moment—it's a fully-fledged movement.
Now that spring has finally arrived and we're ready to kick off our tall boots in favour of something a little more heatwave-ready, keep scrolling to see the very best wedges stepping off the runways and into fashion people's feeds in 2024.
How Influencers Are Wearing Wedges Now
Style Notes: Take notes on Monikh Dale's easy layers for tips on how to style wedges for spring. Her slouchy maxi and loose trench are the laidback (but polished) way to dress up a colour-pop shoe.
Style Notes: Lizzy Hadfield's barely-there heels are perfect for those accustomed to flat sandals and easing their way into a subtle heel. They're ideal for summer in the city or holidaying by the beach.
Style Notes: Nothing says "summer" quite like a bare leg and strappy sandals combo, and if you thought white shoes were "out", Lucy Williams proves that even monochrome shoes can make a statement when paired with a tonal outfit.
Shop the Best Wedge Shoes on the Market Right Now:
Such an elegant low heel.
Monikh's exact pair.
They also come in black and white colourways.
I love the thong detail.
These will go with everything.
No one will believe these are from the high street.
Khaite knows how to do fashion-forward wedges.
These could have stepped straight off the runway.
The woven heel is such a nice touch.
Not for the faint hearted.
Imagine how good these will look with white dresses or blue denim.
My dream holiday shoe.
Something a little different.
A very convincing lookalike for a similar Jil Sander pair.
A zesty pop of colour for a simple outfit.
That sculptural heel is a masterpiece.
These could be your everyday summer shoes.
The suede finish is so premium.
They look just as sleek in black leather too.
A party shoe that will last all night long.
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