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The Best Wedge Shoes For Women

Last updated on August 6, 2023
Best Wedge Shoes For Women

Our Review Process

Don't Waste Your Money is focused on helping you make the best purchasing decision. Our team of experts spends hundreds of hours analyzing, testing, and researching products so you don't have to. Learn more.

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Our Picks For The Top Wedge Shoes For Women

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Product Overview
Key Takeaway
 Our Top Pick

TOMS Espadrille Vegan Wedge Shoes For Women

Don't Waste Your Money Seal of Approval

TOMS

Espadrille Vegan Wedge Shoes For Women

These open-toe wedge espadrilles have an elegant 3.5-inch heel and is 100% synthetic and vegan. They're attention-grabbing and come in several different colors to match whatever you're wearing.

Overall Take

Always in StyleYou'll get plenty of attention in these elegant high wedge sandals.

 Runner Up

Clarks Annadel Eirwyn Ortholite Footbed Wedge Shoes For Women

Clarks

Annadel Eirwyn Ortholite Footbed Wedge Shoes For Women

From a brand known for comfort, these cushiony soft wedge sandals feature nubuck crisscross straps, an Ortholite footbed and an adjustable strap. You'll enjoy wearing these shoes, even with a 2.95-inch heel!

Overall Take

Crafted for ComfortStay comfortable and stylish in this tried-and-true style from a quality brand.

 We Also Like

Clarks Lafley Joy Riptape Strap Wedge Shoes For Women

Clarks

Lafley Joy Riptape Strap Wedge Shoes For Women

These stylish wedges have a 2.75-inch heel, a sturdy rubber outsole, smooth textile linings, suede uppers, an Ortholite footbed and an espadrille rope bottom. They're perfect with all your warm-weather looks.

Overall Take

A More Sophisticated LookThese wedges are always an excellent option for casual looks or special events.

 Strong Contender

Skechers Backless Wedge Shoes For Women

Skechers

Backless Wedge Shoes For Women

You will love the casual look of these strappy cork wedge-heeled sandals. They have luxe foam cushioned footbeds, rubber soles and a 2.25-inch heel. They won't slip around when you are wearing them, either.

Overall Take

Slip These Right OnTry these cute and strappy cork wedge heels for long-lasting comfort.

Buying Guide

Savvy shoe shoppers know that wedge heels offer a lot more stability and support than skinny heels. Their sturdy soles make them much more comfortable to walk and stand in. Besides that, you may be less likely to trip and fall or sink into the grass.

These shoes look equally nice with casual or dress wear, depending on the styles you choose. Wedges are not traditionally paired with athlesiure or similarly relaxed styles, but the sky is the limit for the fashion-forward.

Why are wedges so comfortable? Since the heels cover the entire sole, they distribute the wearer’s weight across the bottom of your foot rather than in just one spot like a traditional heel. They also tend to offer a lower lift. This makes them much easier to walk in.

For added luxury, choose wedges that have padded footbeds, arch support, adjustable straps and memory foam insoles. Some wedge shoe straps also have Velcro closures, which make them simple to use. If you prefer an easy-on, easy-off style, slip-on wedges are available too.

Certain shoe brands known for their comfort often have nice selections of wedges. You can find the shoes in natural materials like leather, synthetic and vegan products through various manufacturers as well.

What to Look For

  • Even with wedges, it’s best to stick to shorter heel heights.
  • Dressy wedges are perfect for garden weddings and other outdoor events. They will not sink into the ground like pointy heels might.
  • Wedge heels can be very high, with some reaching 4 or 5 inches. At this height, open sandal wedges will likely be more comfortable.
  • When shopping for wedge sandals, consider that trends come and go. You may be interested in different patterns, colors and shapes depending on the prevailing fashion winds.

More to Explore

The first wedge-heeled shoe was created by designer Salvatore Ferragamo in 1935. It was originally designed as an orthopedic wedge, but the designer created a more stylish look from wood and cork the following year. The lightweight shoes Ferragamo made were hailed as durable, fashionable and sturdy to walk in.

As rubber and leather were needed on the front lines as part of the war effort leading into World War II,  the use of alternate materials made wedges even more popular and convenient. It didn’t hurt that they added height, which was fashionable in the U.S. at the time.

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