Designer Wedges
Sophie Diego
Table of Contents
The Best Designer Wedges
The best things in life come as wedges: cheese, potatoes, golf clubs, and shoes! Synonymous with the summer, these warm-weather kicks can help elevate your got girl game from a 10 to 11.
Not only do wedges provide extra height, but they’re also super comfortable to wear. Just ask any veteran trendsetter—they’ll easily swap their stilettos with wedges when confronted with an hour-long walk.
Summer is just a few months away, so take this as a sign to prep your closet. Fortunately, there are hundreds of designer brands out there, including Bottega Veneta, Jimmy Choo, Haus of Honey, and Dolce & Gabbana. Obviously, we’re spoiled with too many options, which leads us to the ultimate question: What luxury label is considered the best?
The 15 Best Designer Wedges
Ultimately, it’s up to you and your style preferences to decide, but we’ll simplify the elimination process. We’re counting down 15 of the best designer wedges that money can buy.
From woven wonders to bead-embellished beauties, we’re confident you’ll find your ‘solemate’ in this ultimate list.
#1 – Bottega Veneta woven wedge mules
Brand: Bottega Veneta
Retailer: Farfetch
Price: $2,568
Bottega Veneta’s wedge mules nod to the ’70s. Borrowing elements from classic wedge styles, this turquoise iteration is set on a sculptural heel that gives them a modern feel.
Highlights
- turquoise
- cotton blend
- interwoven design
- open toe
- high wedge heel
- rubber sole
Made in Italy
Composition
Body: Cotton 65%, Nylon 35%
Designer Style ID: 658980V0U80
#2 – Chloé logo-strap wedge espadrilles
Brand: Chloé
Retailer: Farfetch
Price: $2,235
Dreaming of your summer holiday? Fill your Vitamin D void while you wait with these logo-strap wedge espadrilles from Chloé. Can you feel the sand between your toes?
Highlights
- beige
- leather
- crossover strap at the toe
- logo print to the front
- open toe
- braided raffia wedge heel
Imported
Composition
Lining: Leather 100%, Rubber 100%
Sole: Rubber 100%
Outer: Fabric 100%
Designer Style ID: CHC21U44908101
#3 – Jimmy Choo Drive 60mm wedge sandals
Brand: Jimmy Choo
Retailer: Farfetch
Price: $1,525
Starting life as a bespoke shoemaker for clients such as the Princess of Wales, Jimmy Choo started his eponymous label in 1996. With a focus on embellishment, these Drive wedge sandals are decorated with multiple faux peals.
Highlights
- ivory
- leather
- faux-pearl detailing
- buckle-fastening ankle strap
- open toe
- 60mm wedge heel
Made in Italy
Composition
Lining: Goat Skin 100%
Sole: Rubber 100%
Outer: Fabric 98%, Goat Skin 2%
Designer Style ID: DRIVE60IWP
#4 – HAUS OF HONEY bead-embellished wedge sandals
Brand: HAUS OF HONEY
Retailer: Farfetch
Price: $2,882
Highlights
- brown
- leather
- bead embellishment
- open toe
- side buckle fastening
- high wedge heel
- branded insole
Made in Italy
Composition
Sole: Leather 100%, Rubber 100%
Outer: Leather 100%, Fabric 100%
Lining: Leather 100%
Designer Style ID: HW21805
#5 – Saint Laurent Cassandra wedge sandals
Brand: Saint Laurent
Retailer: Farfetch
Price: $1,340
Inspired by archival silhouettes from founder Yves Saint Laurent’s vast back catalogue, the heritage French fashion house’s SS19 collection echoed a glam aesthetic. These Cassandra sandals features a dark brown leather strappy design with side buckle fastening, a front logo plaque and a high wedge heel.
Made in Italy
Composition
Outer: Raffia 100%, Leather 100%
Sole: Rubber 100%, Leather 100%
Designer Style ID: 5572080MUTT
#6 – Dolce & Gabbana Brigitte 60mm wedge sandals
Brand: Dolce & Gabbana
Retailer: Farfetch
Price: $1,295
Part of Dolce & Gabbana’s DG Pop collection, these red sandals take inspiration from 60s silhouettes. This new iteration of the Brigitte wedge sandals is detailed with a crocodile-embossed strap and a gold-plated logo at the sole.
Highlights
- red/brown
- leather
- open toe
- embossed crocodile effect
- branded insole
- slip-on style
- gold-tone logo plaque
- high wedge heel
- platform sole
Made in Italy
Composition
Outer: Alligator 100%
Lining: Leather 100%
Sole: Rubber 100%
Designer Style ID: CZ0261A2X71
#7 – Moncler Zannie wedge boots
Brand: Moncler
Retailer: Farfetch
Price: $1,259
The only thing these boots will be walking all over is in the streets because there’s no wishing to take them off once you slip them on.
Crafted from natural brown suede, these Zannie wedge boots from Moncler have a fur lining and a turn-down cuff. These boots were made for whatever you want.
Highlights
- natural brown/white
- suede
- slip-on style
- ankle-length
- round toe
- high wedge heel
- fur lining
Made in Italy
Composition
Sole: Rubber 100%
Lining: Artificial Fur 100%
Outer: Suede 100%
Designer Style ID: F209B4F7100002SEK
#8 – Valentino Garavani Rockstud wedge boots
Brand: Valentino Garavani
Retailer: Farfetch
Price: $1,245
Don’t let the rain stop you anymore. Designed with a rubber wedge heel, these black Rockstud boots from Valentino Garavani will protect you in style. Winter, you can come now.
Highlights
- black
- leather/rubber
- pointed toe
- buckle-fastening ankle strap
- gold-tone Rockstud detailing
- logo pull-tab at the heel
- short side zip fastening
- mid wedge heel
Made in Italy
Composition
Sole: Rubber 100%
Outer: Calf Leather 100%
Lining: Lamb Skin 100%
Designer Style ID: WS0Z84HWM
#9 – Amina Muaddi Lupita 95mm wedge-heel mules
Brand: Amina Muaddi
Retailer: Farfetch
Price: $1,221
Amina Muaddi adds a modern twist to these classic leather mules. Crafted from brown leather, the simple open-toe silhouette is transformed thanks to transparent Plexiglas wedge heels.
Highlights
- brown
- leather
- branded insole
- open toe
- slip-on style
- high wedge heel
Made in Italy
Composition
Outer: Leather 100%
Sole: Rubber 100%, Leather 100%
Lining: Leather 100%
Designer Style ID: LUPITAHALFGLASSWEDGENAPPA
#10 – HAUS OF HONEY bead-embellished wedge sandals
Brand: HAUS OF HONEY
Retailer: Farfetch
Price: $1,685
Highlights
- petal pink/multicolour
- bead embellishment
- open toe
- round toe
- buckle-fastening ankle strap
- branded leather insole
- platform sole
- high wedge heel
Made in Italy
Composition
Lining: Leather 100%
Sole: Leather 100%
Outer: Fabric 100%
Designer Style ID: HW21204C03PETAL
#11 – Valentino Garavani logo 100mm wedges
Brand: Valentino Garavani
Retailer: Farfetch
Price: $1,178
We all need a morale boost every once in a while. Crafted from calf leather, these Valentino Garavani pointed toe 100mm wedges will add some spring to your step. Even in winter.
Featuring an ankle strap with a side buckle fastening, a high wedge heel, a gold-tone cable chain, and a signature buckle at the back.
Made in Italy
Composition
Outer: Calf Leather 100%
Lining: Leather 100%
Sole: Leather 100%
Designer Style ID: WS0S36FPJ
#12 – Dolce & Gabbana embellished wedge sandals
Brand: Dolce & Gabbana
Retailer: Farfetch
Price: $1,145
Say hello to your new summer shoes! These embellished wedge sandals from Dolce & Gabbana come in a neutral brown and gold-tone, making them perfect for day or night looks.
You’ll be wearing them all season long. Featuring a wedge heel, an ankle strap with a side buckle fastening, a leather insole, and a gold-tone embellished logo plaque.
Made in Italy
Composition
Outer: Leather 100%
Lining: Leather 100%
Sole: Leather 100%
Designer Style ID: CZ0236AK295
#13 – Casadei wedge lace-up boots
Brand: Casadei
Retailer: Farfetch
Price: $1,276
Black leather wedge lace-up boots from CASADEI featuring front lace-up fastening, contrasting toe cap, round toe, wedge heel, and ridged rubber sole.
Made in Italy
Composition
Outer: Leather 100%
Lining: Leather 100%
Sole: Rubber 100%
Designer Style ID: 2R282T080NC1469
#14 – Dolce & Gabbana Bianca 90mm wedge sandals
Brand: Dolce & Gabbana
Retailer: Farfetch
Price: $995
The Bianca wedge sandals from Dolce & Gabbana take on a maximalist aesthetic with this iteration. Made from brown cotton, this pair is decorated with an all-over leopard print.
Highlights
- brown
- cotton
- all-over leopard print
- open toe
- almond toe
- buckle-fastening ankle strap
- branded insole
- 90mm high wedge heel
- leather sole
Made in Italy
Composition
Outer: Cotton 100%
Sole: Leather 100%
Lining: Goat Skin 90%, Cotton 10%
Designer Style ID: CZ0227AY190
#15 – Stella McCartney 95mm wedge sandals
Brand: Stella McCartney
Retailer: Farfetch
Price: $975
Reminiscent of the ’90s yet futuristic all at once, these sandals from Stella McCartney combine a square-toe silhouette with a curved cut-out wedge heel.
Highlights
- black/purple
- faux leather
- two-tone design
- open toe
- square toe
- side buckle fastening
- high wedge heel
- rubber sole
- POSITIVELY CONSCIOUS: We’ve partnered with Good On You — an ethical agency that rates how sustainably brands perform across various people, planet and animal welfare criteria. This product comes from a Conscious brand that performs well in relation to their impact on animals.
Imported
Composition
Lining: Artificial Leather 100%
Sole: Rubber 100%
Outer: Artificial Leather 100%
Designer Style ID: 810019W1CU0
Where to Buy Designer Wedges
Summer is the season to shop to you drop. From swimsuits to airplane tickets, this 4-month grace period is a prime opportunity to treat yourself. I’m sure that some of you are struggling to find reputable stores to buy designer wedges, which is why we’ll feature a few notable companies to support down below:
- Nordstrom
- SSENSE
- Net-A-Porter
- Moda Operandi
- Mytheresa
- Farfetch
- Saks Fifth Avenue
How to Choose The Best Designer Wedges
Shopping for shoes is no game. It involves some serious investigative skills. If you want to get the best value for your money, it’s high time that you pay attention to 6 critical factors: brand, material, style, comfort, height, and price.
Considering that most designer wedges retail for a hefty $1,000, thinking long and hard about your purchase is absolutely necessary. Need an extra helping hand? No worries; we’re here to be your personal digital shopper.
The perfect designer wedge should excel in all 6 criteria:
Brand
Its importance is best explained through an analogy: you wouldn’t order a plate of tacos from a steak restaurant, right? In relation to designer wedges, it’s best to support a brand that’s popular for them. You can take care knowing that all 15 companies we listed offer an iconic selection of summer sandals.
Material
Most designer wedges are made out of rubber, raffia, suede, and leather. Some shoes, such as the Dolce & Gabbana Brigitte 60mm wedge sandals, are constructed out of alligator skin.
It’s worth noting that rarer materials, like exotic animal hides, usually come at a heftier price tag. The type of fabrics used will also indicate its level of durability, as synthetics are typically not resilient for continued use.
Style
Wedges come in all shapes and sizes—and no, we aren’t talking about food. Designer heels can feature wrap-around ankle ties, peepholes, bead embellishments, embroidery, or monogram prints.
At the end of the day, you should consider what aesthetic you’re most comfortable wearing. Do you prefer maximalism or minimalism? The choice is ultimately up to you.
Comfort
Heels can only offer a limited degree of comfort. But, there are some features to look out for to help mitigate bunions and bruising. For instance, some designer wedges come with ankle support, adjustable buckles, foam cushioning, and orthopedic soles.
Height
Hands up if you belong in the 5’3”-and-below crew. If you’re anything like me, opting for a pair of heels is a must-have to help achieve some extra height. Designer wedges come in varying degrees of tallness, so it’s important to consider how high you want to be. Of course, this also depends on how comfortable you can walk in them as well.
Price
From the shoes we’ve featured, the best designer heels range between $975 to $2,882. It’s expensive, but what can you expect from a luxury brand? Before settling in a pair of wedges, it’s always crucial to consider factors such as quality, style, and durability when weighing in on the price.
How to Style Designer Wedges
Espadrille wedges are the pinnacle of boho elegance. In order to carry out this look, we suggest wearing a frilly white summer dress, a matching hat, and a designer bag as an added accessory. This outfit definitely screams “I visited Paris over the summer” vibes, but considering we’re in lockdown—it’s a fantasy worth investing in.
In the mood for something more casual? If so, why not try this ensemble on for size? Perfect for tourist rendezvous and wine tasting sessions, this laidback OOTD features a pair of distressed cigarette jeans with a white tee. The espadrille wedges offer some lift to the outfit, while the sunnies help you stay cool for school.
If you’re nearing the months of fall, don’t take it as a sign to put your designer wedges to rest. For those blessed with dry autumn days, we recommend donning this cute fit.
Composed of a button-down orange skirt and an off-shoulder black blouse, this ensemble is ideal for coffee dates and city walking. Don’t forget to add a matching bag while you’re at it!
FAQs
What is the best brand for designer wedges?
Obviously, the best brand for designer wedges is up to you and your own personal tastes. But, if you were to ask us, we would say that Valentino Garvani has the most impressive selection of heeled platforms. They’re home to hundreds of iconic styles, ranging from the logo 100mm wedges to the Vlogo Signature Calfskin shoes.
It’s a refined collection that goes back to the basics. You won’t find any avant-garde designs here, as Valentino Garvani typically caters to traditional silhouettes. With that being said, there are a few bedazzled shoes that maximalist trendsetters will love, such as the Rockstud Ankle Strap Wedges.
Which designer wedges are most comfortable?
Based on our list, the Jimmy Choo Drive 60mm wedge sandals are the most comfortable shoes. Compared to the heels we’ve featured previously, these come in the lowest height.
The foot isn’t at an arch, so you don’t have to worry about over-exerting yourself as you walk. Plus, they also come with adjustable ankle straps, which is definitely helpful for those who want tighter or looser support.
When did wedge heels become popular?
Unfortunately, there was no sound consensus on when wedge heels became popular. Some experts say that it was in the 1930s, while others pointed to the 1970s. Most historians agree that it was after 1940 that restrictions were put on leather. Considering that rations had to be made due to military purposes, cork shoes became a popular choice.
Wedge heels experienced another peak in popularity in the 1970s, as they became synonymous with the disco scene. Celebs such as Diana Ross and Farrah Fawcett were commonly spotted wearing a pair of platform shoes.
What looks good with wedges?
From the outfit inspo pics we’ve shared, I think it’s safe to say that you already know what looks good with wedges. If not, here are some common themes. Platform heels typically look good with summer attire. This includes frilly dresses, form-fitting pants, sun hats, and blouses.
They’re typically used to add height to an outfit. For instance, if you choose to wear a midi dress, a wedge heel can help accentuate your proportions. Opting for sneakers or flats may ‘pull’ your figure down and make you look shorter.
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