As many people have problems with their feet, comfort comes first. Wedge shoes offer stable support. Furthermore, their improved padding could make them even better.
Younger buyers often choose lightweight shapes over rigid structures. Celebrity spots could make wedges even more popular in 2024. Without such advancements, they risk losing seasonal momentum.
What are Wedge Shoes?
Wedge shoes are footwear with a wedge-shaped platform sole to elevate the heel and add height. It is a gradual, angled way instead of a high spike heel. The wedge construction provides more stability and cushions than a traditional high heel.
The Height of Wedge Sole
The triangular shaped thick platform sole is the main look of a wedge shoe. The added height can be from 1 to 4 inches, but most of them are 1 to 3 inches.
However, some brands, like Chamaripa, offer hidden wedge sneakers, which can add 2-5 inches with the the height of outsole and built-in height increasing insole.
Wedge Shoes Type And Materials
Wedges have many shoe shapes, like sandals, espadrilles, sneakers, boots, and more.
Also, they come in various materials, including leather, synthetic fabrics, knitted and suede uppers, and finishes like cork or rubber.
Most of the time, the bottom is made of sturdy, shock-absorbing material like EVA foam, pancake, or rubber.
Fashion History Of Wedge Shoes
It started to become trendy to wear wedges in the 1990s.
At that time, designers gave chunky ‘dad sneakers’ a cool, girly look. This is where wedge sneakers got their start.
Stars like Gwyneth Paltrow popularized the low-top platform look. Celebrities made wedges, a fashion statement shoe that looks great on red carpets.
Wedge shoes became very popular in the 2000s. Superga no-frills cotton wedge became a valued wardrobe item.
Their versatility gave busy women the ability to walk comfortably with styles.
The Best Wedge Sneakers of 2024
As fashions change, top wedge shoe brands like Puma, Converse, and Chamaripa (offering women’s hidden wedge sneakers) adapt to meet those needs.
Wedge sneakers have proven their popularity. In 2024, these supportive kicks are still going strong. Check out our top wedge sneaker picks for comfortable style in 2024.
Puma Cali Wedge Sneaker
A wedge icon since its 2010 debut, Puma’s Cali remains trend-proof thanks to colorful updates and plush cushioning.
Chamaripa Hidden Wedge Sneakers
These hidden wedge sneakers increase the height of 8cm / 3.15 inches in absolute comfort and secrecy. They feature a normal shoes look, but with a height increasing insole inside.
They are lightweight and good for all-day wear. In a word, it combines the advanced ergonomic design with unique innovative materials to ensure long-lasting comfort, non-squish, and lightweight.
Converse Chuck Taylor Platform Hi
With its streetwear cool and classic high-top silhouette lifted by a vulcanized wedge, this sneaker puts an effortlessly cool spin on a timeless sneaker.
Miu Miu Matelassé Leather Wedge Sneaker
Luxury lovers can splash out $850 on these lavish leather wedges accented with puffed matelassé quilting for old-school glamour.
Gola Harrier Wedge Sneaker
Retro tennis styles are in, and this $120 suede sneaker delivers heritage vibes with a playful platform edge.
Marc Jacobs Platform Sneaker
At $239, Marc Jacobs puts a luxe spin on the wedge sneaker trend with butter-soft leather and sky-high lift.
From budget brands to high-fashion tastes, these standout wedge sneakers prove the trend is here to stay well in 2024.
Cushioning Technology and What People Want
Supportive padding technology will be important as long as people have foot pain. New technologies like insoles made by podiatrists and bouncy midsoles could make shoes more useful.
Younger buyers also set trends. If wedges adopt flexible styles that appeal to Gen Z and Millennial tastes, their future looks better.
