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Set your thong sandals aside Black Sandals
Like many other fashion lovers scouring the web, social media, and brick-and-mortar shops come summer, I am on the hunt. After several years of strappy sandals, lug soles, and thong silhouettes, I’m craving something that provides a bit of height without sacrificing comfort. And for warm-weather strolls and meet-ups in the city, what shoes bridge this gap quite like the most comfortable wedge sandals? The platform offers a heel’s leg-lengthening effects with the stability of a flat—win-win.
For guidance on my journey to uncover the perfect comfortable wedges, I tapped celebrity sourcing star (and dear friend) Gab Waller for her expertise. “Wedges will always be my go-to summer shoe style. For practicability, you can’t look past the wedge—walking on grass finally feels like you’re walking on clouds!” she tells me.
Waller’s favorite comfortable wedges are versatile, supportive, and chic in equal measure. “When shopping for your next wedge, my thought process will always gravitate towards cost per wear. Consider that you won’t only be wearing this wedge for this summer season, but for many seasons ahead,” she explains. “An excellent way to guarantee that is with neutral colorways.” After all, neutrals offer a year-round palette with endless styling opportunities.
With these notes in mind and Waller’s suggestions at the forefront, I found 20 comfortable wedge sandals from brands like Loewe, Emme Parsons, and ATP Atelier. Each pair maximizes style without minimizing comfort.
A cushioned footbed, mid-height heel, and leather insoles ensure comfort with every step, while an entirely neutral body offers endless styling options.
We all deserve to ball, even on a budget, and Zara consistently provides trending styles that don’t break the bank. This style is a classic, with an espadrille silhouette, crossed front straps, and buckle closures.
Materials: Airfit flexible technical sole
Mango’s wedges feature the best of both worlds: a classic braided wedge heel and a modern vinyl upper with a peep toe. Wear yours as a statement with a tank top and low-rise trousers.
I had to add these wedges to the list because of the range of summery shades they come in, from moss green to bubblegum pink. Set on a three-inch wedge with a raffia upper, these shoes are both comfy and elevated.
What reviewers are saying: “These slides are perfect!! Exactly the summer shoe to add to my summer wardrobe. Goes with everything from dresses to shorts to jeans!!! Love love love!!”
This scalloped wedge sandal comes with an expert recommendation. “One of my favorite styles for the season ahead is the Loewe Paula’s Ibiza Solar wedge espadrille—produced in two different colorways and featuring leather tie-straps,” Gab Waller says. “They will take you from a long beachside lunch straight to dinner, without compromising comfort.”
Looking for a wedge that works well into the evening? Look no further. “The mix of leather and jute is your answer to the evening wedge,” Waller says. “The jute wedge gives you the feeling of the classic daily espadrille, but incorporating leather gives it a sexy edge for the evening. Finished with the gold-tone logo charm on the ankle strap, the Paloma 95 style by Saint Laurent is the style I’ll be wearing for the many summer evenings ahead.”
This slip-on version from Khaite is high on my list of must-haves, with its sculpted profile, a low, walkable heel, and cushioned leather. The open toe works for midsummer and early fall.
Bottega can do no wrong in my eyes, and the industry agrees. We’re eating up everything creative director Matthieu Blazy is releasing—particularly this comfortable wedge.
Waller says the top strap makes it an essential: “I’m drawn to styles that have an ankle strap of any kind. With the extra height, I like to ensure that I feel secure in that shoe—the ankle strap guarantees that.”
The unique, soft straps on this Gia Borghini wedge won’t dig into your skin while walking. Pair that with a square toe and curved heel, and we have a statement shoe that needs no further explanation.
For those who prefer less fuss, subtle hues, and pared-back details, St. Agni has you covered. They have an elevated square toe framed by adjustable straps for added comfort.
Materials: White leather and faille
Understated, but full of high-end details, Emme Parsons’s wedge sandals embody the ’90s tone of the season. Adjust the slender ankle straps for the perfect fit.
Ever since Amina Muaddi’s eponymous brand appeared in 2018, her signature fluted, walkable heels have been spotted on all of our favorite fashion insiders. Soft suede gives this wedge comfortable weightlessness for stomping through the streets.
The Noughties aren’t going anywhere any time soon—and we’re embracing the playful past this season. Indulge in nostalgia with Coperni’s blue denim pair, set on a two-inch platform.
Heel height: 4" heel, 2" platform
Staud’s summer sandals are a favorite among the fashion set for their comfortable fits and versatility. The Billie can be worn with everything from billowy white peasant dresses to baggy denim shorts.
ATP specializes in the creation of “urban sandals”—handcrafted, comfortable footwear with a minimal feel. They’re a city-dwelling must. Let the architectural silhouette do the talking. Keep in mind, the Calitri runs a bit narrow.
Embrace two trends at once with the Aleena wedge from Stuart Weitzman. PVC straps and a cork wedge join forces to create the ultimate summer shoe. The best part? It goes with everything.
For a style that truly rivals my favorite wedges of the past, opt for the Carina espadrille. This summery pair is made from bright yellow canvas and set on a jute heel. Fasten the ribbon ties into bows for a feminine touch.
Maximalists, rejoice! Not every wedge in your summer arsenal has to be neutral. For a poppy hue, look to Paris Texas’s bold design. It features glossy patent leather, a vibrant orange shade, and an open toe.
Founded by former Barneys fashion director Marina Larroudé in 2020, this brand was born out of a need to make and keep fashion fun. The Jackie wedge delivers on this promise with its shimmery metallic gold leather and classic silhouette.
The Earthly Heaven sandals feature crossover straps made from woven palm and leather, a true testament to Johanna Ortiz’s Colombian roots. The wedge flatform sole provides eternal ease.
Cortne Bonilla is freelance writer who occasionally dabbles in party reporting. When she’s not writing, you can find her vintage shopping, sipping iced lattes, reading on the train, and indulging in Pilates.
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