All women can relate to this: We have a love-hate relationship with our heels. While our beloved stilettos and kitten heels help to add height and stature and make our calves look toned, these towering creations also cause us So.Much.Pain. Prolonged wear will make the arches in our feet sore and our legs ache, and we might also develop corn and bunions, among other undesirable things.
So this is why we are advocating wedge sandals instead. This style combines a platform and a raised heel to create a shoe that will add the height we want while relieving some of the pressures that are created by heels such as stilettos.
Below, we have rounded up 14 wedge sandals for you to add to your collection:
Splurge:
The use of denim injects youthfulness to this pair of Jimmy Choos, yet gives off an air of effortless elegance at the same time. They are versatile enough to be worn with a midi dress for work or a shirt and jeans combo for the weekends.
Photo: Jimmy Choo
Be prepared to make a statement this summer with this cheery number from Manolo Blahnik. Match it with a neon strappy bikini number and get ready for the well-deserved attention by the pool. Or you can use this flamboyant piece to jazz up your monochromatic outfit.
Photo: Manolo Blahnik
Built with the label’s signature flower heel, these Ferragamo braided sandals would go well with the scarf-print dresses in your wardrobe. If not, you can match them with a slinky slip dress for a flirty date night look.
Photo: Salvatore Ferragamo
This braided cord creation from Italian label Sergio Rossi has a bohemian vibe, thanks to its espadrille platform heel, but the brand injected a dose of elegance with the addition of a powder pink suede upper and metal logo plate. Wear with a prairie dress and finish with a fringe shoulder bag.
Photo: Sergio Rossi
We love the different textures of this pair, from the pyramid studs to the suede heel. These statement rose gold platform sandals will glisten and glimmer in the summer sunlight but you can pare them down with a white sundress and a straw hat.
Photo: Christian Louboutin
Get onto the PVC footwear trend but make it classy and wearable with this Aquazzura creation, which complements the translucent straps against an earthy blush pink leather. Pair this with a sassy little black dress.
Photo: Net-a-Porter
Another piece that is equal parts casual and luxe, we love the suede wraparound ankle straps and the gold-plated buckle. Made with a classic jute sole, go monochromatic and pair this navy blue strappy number with a navy boiler jumpsuit. For weekends, you can pair it with a shirt and indigo denim jeans.
Photo: Stuart Weitzman
Steal:
Play up the feminine floral design with a flirty lacy or ruffled dress. Or you can consider juxtaposing it against a boxy jumpsuit or sharp pantsuit for a slick finish.
Photo: Bata
Summer is also the time for after-hour parties and this metallic number is a great way to embellish your outfits. Plus, its shorter height makes it more comfortable to wear for prolonged periods. Finish with your favourite festive sequin dress.
Photo: Heatwave
This cinnamon brown piece is great for people with darker skin tones as it blends seamlessly to create an illusion of a taller stature. Moreover, its neutral colour makes it wearable for work, just throw on a simple dress and you’re good to go. It goes with most colours, but we say navy, black, dark green and even yellow would be great.
Photo: Aldo
The faux pearl studs on this blush pink pair add a touch of sophistication to the otherwise feminine vibe. Finish with an elegant lace dress and put on your pearl studs for a harmonious look.
Photo: Pazzion
Sporting jute platforms and animal-print straps, pair this pretty pair with a sassy toga maxi dress and pretend that you’re lounging by the azure seas in Santorini.
Photo: Zara
Swap out your black stilettos for a more comfy variant in the form of these cork platform wedge sandals. Go full-on #girlboss and match with a spiffy pantsuit and a briefcase.
Photo: Pedro
These tri-coloured wedges from Charles & Keith feature a blend of both cool and warm brown shades, making them complementary for all skin shades. Match with a yellow floral dress and a brown leather bag to match the mustard toe band.
Photo: Charles & Keith
ALSO READ: THE MOST ECLECTIC YET PRACTICAL SANDALS TO WEAR THIS SUMMER