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The sun is shining, and it's the perfect time to pick up a pair of wedges. From heels to sandals to boots to platforms, there are so many options for wedge shoes, with plenty of occasions to wear them. Depending on the style and heel height, wedges can be just as great for the beach as for the office and for weddings as for date nights.
“Wedges can quickly become one of the most loved styles within any closet because they can be worn with multiple outfits,” says Mary Wilson, the Styling Team Lead at Stitch Fix. Depending on your style, you can wear them alongside straight-leg jeans, a blazer and bodysuit, T-shirt dresses, linen shorts, and so much more.
Meet the Expert
Mary Wilson is Styling Team Lead at Stitch Fix, the online personal shopping and styling service that delivers one-to-one personalization to its clients through the combination of data science and expert styling.
Just make sure that the wedge you go for is a fit for your lifestyle and everyday routine. “If you tend to mainly wear casual clothes, select a wedge that is more casual and playful,” Wilson advises. “If you need a shoe for the office, select a wedge that is polished and structured. Matching a shoe to your lifestyle ensures the shoe meets your closet needs.”
Below, we’ve rounded some of the best wedges on the market right now, from strappy sandals to funky sneakers and everything in between.
Best Overall
Aerosoles Dada
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Nordstrom
These wedge sandals will be your new go-to's for any event and occasion. The '90s slide design in velvet or faux leather and unique color options make these shoes stand out from the pack. Features like the comfortable footbed, low heel, and approachable price point are just icing on the cake.
Price at time of publish: $110
Construction: Synthetic materials | Color: Black, SIlver Metallic, Beige, Dark Brown, Teal, Soft Gold, Taupe Velvet, Grey Velvet, and more | Size Range: 5-12
Best Budget
A New Day Haisley Wedge Heels
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Target
For under $40, these wedge heels from Target are perfect for those shopping on a budget. They’re super cute, too, with trendy rings along the two straps, a lightweight, airy feel, and they come in two classic color options.
Construction: 92% polyurethane, 8% zinc alloy upper; 100% thermoplastic rubber outsole | Colors: Black, Taupe | Size Range: 5-12
Best Designer
Gucci GG Matelassé Platform Espadrille
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MyTheresa
Yes, these Gucci espadrille wedges are a major splurge. But they’re gorgeous, with intricately embroidered patterns and elegant ribbons at the ankles. If you can swing the cost, these shoes will be your new favorite items for dinner dates, work events, and more.
Price at time of publish: $710
Construction: Leather and jute lining, rubber outsole, matelassé leather or GG print fabric upper | Color: Beige Multi | Size Range: US 4-12
Best Strappy
Marc Fisher Zesty Wedge Sandal
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DSW
Everyone loves a good strappy sandal, and these wedges from Marc Fisher are majorly attractive. They have a square toe, padded footbed, and woven wedge, and they come in four eye-catching colors.
Price at time of publish: $89
Construction: Synthetic materials | Colors: Black, White, Gold Metallic, Orange | Size Range: 6-11
Best Platform
Universal Thread Julianna Platform Heels
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Target
With a 4-inch wedge heel, these platform shoes will elevate your look and catch everyone’s eyes. Pair them with jeans for a low-key look or a dress or skirt for a more flirty feel—you can’t go wrong either way.
Construction: 97% polyester, 3% polyurethane upper; polyester and thermoplastic rubber outsole | Colors: Black, Taupe | Size Range: 5-12
Best Espadrilles
Castañer Carina Wedge Espadrilles
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Saks
Espadrilles are some of the comfiest shoes around, and these closed-toe wedge pairs from Castaner are great options. Made from cotton canvas, they come in several colors and feature a braided heel strap for added flair.
Price at time of publish: $140
Construction: Cotton canvas and rubber | Colors: Blue Denim, Carmin Red, Dark Pink, Sand, Ivory +more | Size Range: IT 35-41
Best Minimalist
Matisse Sea Salt Wedge Sandal
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Matisse
If you’re looking for a pair of wedges you can wear with any outfit and to any occasion, these are the ones for you. Made by Matisse Sea, these top-rated vegan sandals have a modest wedge and are super comfortable due to padded insoles.
Construction: Synthetic leather lining and textile upper | Color: Black natural, Tan natural | Size Range: 5-11
Most Comfortable
Crocs Brooklyn Mid Wedge Sandal
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Amazon
Few brands do comfort better than Crocs, and these wedge sandals are no exception. Their deep heel cups, soft straps, and foam footbeds provide ample support, and the shoes have an easy, lightweight feel overall.
Price at time of publish: $60
Construction: Foam and rubber | Colors: Black, Mauve Mist, Metallic Champagne, Mocha, Pale Blush, Stucco, Flame | Size Range: 4-11
Best Thong
Melissa Free Platform Flip Flops
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Shopbop
These stylish, unique platform wedge thongs by Melissa have a bubble-shaped sole, comfortable straps, and come in this gorgeous green shade. If you want to embrace the Y2K-inspired fads this year, this comfy and cool sandal may be perfect for you.
Price at time of publish: $85
Construction: Faux leather upper and rubber sole | Colors: Beige Green | Size Range: 5-10
Best Boots
Steve Madden Jesse Black Leather Boots
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Steve Madden
Made by Steve Madden, these edgy wedge boots are as functional as they are stylish, thanks to the stretchy gores for easy slip-on and treaded sole to stabilize your strut. They feature a chunky platform sole that continues to be en vogue for the coming fall/winter season.
Price at time of publish: $170
Construction: Leather upper and synthetic sole | Colors: Black | Size Range: 5-11
Best Clogs
Dr. Scholl’s Pixie Clog
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DSW
For just under $60, these corduroy/suede clog wedges will bring you maximum comfort, meaning you can wear them for hours on end without issue. Shoppers rave about the shoes’ cozy plush lining and soft faux shearling. An added plus? The corduroy fabric is made from recycled water bottles.
Price at time of publish: $115
Construction: Corduroy or suede leather, faux shearling, and faux wood | Colors: Black Corduroy, Olive Corduroy, Honey Suede | Size Range: 6-11
Best Sneakers
Puma Cali Wedge Sneakers
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Puma
If you're looking to add a little bit of height to your sneaker game, go for this versatile pair by Puma. Dozens of shoppers have given the shoes top ratings for their comfort, style, and uniquely attractive look—plus, it's not overly obvious that it's a wedge sole, making them ideal for everyday wear.
Price at time of publish: $90
Construction: Faux leather upper and synthetic rubber sole | Color: White | Size Range: 5.5-11
Best for Date Night
Brother Vellies Gemini Wedge Sandal in Checkers
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Saks Fifth Avenue
Got a hot date coming up? Check out these insanely cool wedges by Brother Vellies. We chose them due to their unique but playful design, trendy checkerboard pattern, and surprisingly versatile look. Pair with jeans, skirts, dresses, or shorts for your next date night, and you'll undoubtedly stand out.
Price at time of publish: $715
Construction: Synthetic | Colors: Checkers | Size Range: 5-12
What to Look for When Shopping for Wedges
Practicality
Although most wedges feature leather or suede straps and a platform made out of cork, wood, or espadrille, “there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to the best materials for wedges,” says Wilson. “Gravitate towards materials and silhouettes that offer you comfort, fit your closet and lifestyle needs, and allow you to feel confident when wearing.”
Correct Size
Since wedges are heels, wearing a pair that doesn't fit your feet can cause pain and discomfort, which could ultimately determine how often you actually wear them, at the least. Be sure to match the brand's size guide with your foot measurements to get a feel for how they will fit you if you're ordering online. If you get wedges in the correct size, they're usually more comfortable than pumps or stilettos.
Why Trust Byrdie
Byrdie writer Rachel Simon has covered shopping and style extensively for publications including Glamour, InStyle, Brides, and more. Her work has also appeared in The New York Times and Vice, among other outlets, and she teaches writing with Gotham Writers Workshop and Redbud Writers Project. She holds a B.A. in Writing, Literature, and Publishing from Emerson College.
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