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How We’re Wearing The Wedge Heel Now
Because you only wear a stiletto to an outdoor wedding once, it's time to embrace the second coming of the stacked sandal.
If you’re reading this while fidgeting with your crop top or fruitlessly pulling up your low-rise jeans, I have good news: the next instalment of the unending Noughties revival comes with practical appeal in abundance.
The wedge has returned, just in time for the season of al-fresco celebrations. When Chloé’s new creative director, Chemena Kamali, framed her first front row with a string of A-listers all clad in identical chunky wooden sandals (10/10 to the marketing team) we knew the wedge revival would soon be upon us. Now, sculptural sandals and sky-high heels are hitting the shelves at a rapid rate, with brands spanning style tribes and price points vying for a spot in your new-season rotation.
Are you recoiling in horror? Please, don’t. If you are old enough to have sprained your ankle in a pair of vertiginous cork mules during the long hot summer of 2004, it’s understandable that you may not be jumping for joy at the news of the wedge resurrection. But while elevated espadrilles and canvas ankle ties are very much back on the shelves this year, you don’t have to go there to take part in the trend. In fact, the best wedge sandals of 2024 are refreshingly modern and reassuringly sturdy.
For the directional dresser, Rick Owens’ anti-wedge, curved cleverly at the back, will keep you upright on uneven terrain without ruining the slick lines of a slinky column dress. For something (slightly) more low-key, see Cult Gaia's statement-making architectural wedges, which will work perfectly with neutral hues and colour-pop brights. Or, you can do as I have just done, and look in the vintage realm: I've been wearing a pair of studiously sourced Balenciaga Arena wedges with wide-leg jeans and denim shorts alike.
So wherever you're going this summer, there's likely a trending shoe to suit. Here, see the styles the ELLE UK team will be wearing.
The Best Wedge Sandals Of SS24
The one that stared the revival, Chloé's runway-famous wedge heels are now finally available – but, judging from the diminishing stock levels, not for long.
From the early Aughts, these hefty metal-studded wedges are my preferred way to wear the trend. As far away from Royal-at-Wimbledon as you can get, they look great peeking from beneath oversized jeans, and work well with a sheer sock and pleated skirt, too.
With a small, slim wedge heel and caged straps, Mango's wedges are a wholly contemporary option for low-key dates and all-day weddings. They're available in cream, too.
The slender straps on Reformation's directional sandals are precisely placed to elongate your leg, rather than cut you off at the ankle. They'll work especially well with boyish tailoring and monochrome, asymmetric dresses.
Nothing makes a statement quite like a Rick Owens Cantilever heel. For Spring, the cult designer's signature shoe comes in the form of a slender-strapped sandal.
Every influencer's best-kept secret, Charles & Keith makes statement shoes that won't cost more than your rent. These patent wedges are set on an architectural angular heel, bringing an unexpected edge to everyday looks.
In sweet lemon-yellow leather, Khaite's Marion sandals are possibly the year's most elegant take on the wedge. Wear them with breezy silk separates and flowing, ankle-skimming dresses for the full quiet-luxury effect.
St. Agni has a host of brilliant wear-anywhere wedge heels in stock this season. This one (which is surprisingly reduced right now) will work with wedding-guest dresses and workweek tailoring alike.
Saint Laurent's Tribute wedges are back this summer, and in slick black leather and raffia, they point to the style's seaside associations while remaining right for the city.
Made from foiled silver leather, Cult Gaia's Yara sandals will make a classic black dress feel fresh and new.
Amina Muaddi's Italianate maximalism translates seamlessly in these vivid yellow wedges. The heel and strap are translucent, so you get all the height while ensuring a super-flattering finish.
The Attico's almost-wedge heels are perfect for summer parties and cab-to-table dinners – but don't discount them for more low-key events either, as the clever sculptural heel means they're far more comfortable than they look.
Roberta Schroeder is the Senior Ecommerce Editor at Harper's Bazaar, ELLE and Esquire, overseeing shopping strategy and content across fashion, beauty, and travel. Roberta has reported on everything from market-leading skincare brands to the world’s most iconic fashion pieces, while also regularly updating a range of shopping guides, including LED masks, heritage cashmere brands and niche new dress brands to know.
Roberta has more than 15 years' experience in the luxury sector, spanning editorial consultancy, trend forecasting and journalism. Over the years, she has worked for global brands including Farfetch, Chanel, and Vogue.
When not testing beauty products, trialling trends and curating content that spotlights the very best in fashion and beauty, Roberta can usually be found trawling resale sites and vintage stores for a long-coveted designer find. Follow Roberta on Instagram at @roberta__schroeder
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