Driving a Wedge Into Your Footwear Choices
Forget everything you think you know about wedges. These brands are making the case for why they’ve always deserved a spot in your wardrobe.
Over the past year, I’ve noticed a quiet resurrection of the wedge shoe. Brands have been bringing it back in ways that feel fresh, contemporary, and, honestly, a lot less 2008 beach wedding. It all makes sense, though—especially with the return of the Chloé girl.
Now, I wouldn’t call myself a Chloé girl. Not even close. But I did find myself unintentionally and very subtly channeling bits of the Chloé vibe past year—like delicate V-necks, bigger sunglasses or layering a lace top under a blazer. Granted, the lace is black, so it’s not exactly Chloé, as that’s not enough ethereal daydream.
But when it comes to the wedge sandal, no one does it better than Maryam Nassir Zadeh. She’s basically the wedge whisperer. I guess. Her Olympia Wedge—the one with the two clear perspex bands—is just iconic. It’s her signature shoe style, and she’s stayed loyal to it, weaving it into her shows and lookbooks year after year. Some great colour ways are currently on sale at SSENSE.
There’s something about the wedge shoe that feels perfectly in sync with the current zeitgeist. It’s sexy and architectural—but it can also be understated, almost disappearing into an outfit while still holding its own. It’s the kind of shoe that doesn’t need to shout to be heard. Honestly, it’s perfect.
As the true Belgian I am, I’ve been especially drawn to Dries Van Noten’s take on the wedge sandal at his exit show past September. Trust Dries to make something feel both effortless and impossibly cool. His designs manage to be bold without trying too hard.
Snake-effect, denim or check pattern printed? Or these two dark brown leather numbers by Dries? It’s all up for grabs.
If you’re not into Dries Van Noten’s extravagance, Toteme’s got you with sharp, tiny wedge heels, as seen on their fall 2024 RTW show.
Personally, my one and only pair of wedges are these wonderful, plaid-patterned, glow-in-the-dark ones from Maryam Nassir Zadeh that I bought a few years ago (still on Ebay in 36.5, and here in 35 and 36). Definitely looking forward to wearing them more once the weather warms up.
Seen any other brands making a strong wedge case? Let me know. I’m all ears. <3