I can’t think of another shoe silhouette more divisive than the wedge: Either you love ’em or you hate ’em (or like my husband, you just plain don’t understand ’em!)  I am a huge fan of wedges, however, my love affair with them did not begin until around 3 years ago. Let me tell you all the details…

Sometime, shortly after Bella was born, my feet retired.  My feet had been loyal through years of walking college campuses and spending late nights dancing in high heels. My feet stuck by me when I got my first real job and began filling my closet up with sexy strappy sandals and slightly uncomfy pointed toe stilettos. But around 3 years ago, my feet put in their notice, and began collecting Social Security. I still tried to force the issue, but I could only last 25-30 minutes in high heels before my feet started screaming like the elderly in those Life Alert commercials!  What was a girl to do? I panicked for a moment thinking that I was doomed to a life of flats, or *gasp* kitten heels, but then I stumbled across the wedge section on Nordstrom (and this is NOT an advertisement…it just happened to be the site I was on), and angels began to sing!

I ordered a pair of wedges. I don’t remember the exact brand and the insole has faded from years of wear, but I promise ya’ll this shoe slid and melted onto my foot like butter. Suddenly, I had the height that I needed, but NONE of the discomfort! This is the critical part I think the wedge hating crowd overlooks: Wedges have the same visual height effect of a stiletto, but virtually none of the pain! Plus, I can carry my toddler, and bags of groceries with a lot more balance and support!

When wearing wedges (or their cute cousin, the Espadrille), I have a shoe that works just as well with dresses as it does with jeans, but I don’t have to worry about packing flats, or experiencing foot pain with extended wear. With that said, I have learned a few fit tips with wedges through trial and error!

Fit Tips

1. Suede and leather have more give than any other fabric
2. For more support, go for the ankle strap
3. The best colors usually come with patent leather, but they can run tighter or narrower, so try them on in the store!
4. A platform distributes weight better. Part of my issues with heels may have come from packing on weight over the years, but skinny people complain about foot pain in heels as well, so I don’t know. What I do know is that a platform wedge is usually more comfortable than the lower height wedges that have no platform.

Favorite Stores

Some of my favorite places to shop for wedges include Nordstrom, DSW, and Impressions Boutique (showcased in post photos). I’ve rounded up some of the cutest pairs from those sites: All you have to do is scroll through the widget, and click to shop!

See you next time!