At just shy of 5'3, I am one to enjoy all of the added height benefits of a high heel. But I am also not one to enjoy the aches and pains that come with wearing a pair.
Wedge sandals, though, are a more comfortable alternative to high heels. "They give you height without the discomfort of heels, which makes them easy to wear all day," says stylist Samantha Brown. With a thick block heel and elongated sole, wedges also provide weight distribution and reduce pressure on the feet that heels often add emphasis to, which can make wedges, overall, much easier to walk in.
While their comfort and stability make them appealing, "wedges also add a polished, effortless vibe to any outfit, whether you’re dressing up or keeping it casual," claims Brown. Wedge sandals pay homage to bohemian-style trends from the '70s and early 2000s, but the recent "revival of wedges is very Y2K-mixing retro appeal with minimalist sophistication," mentions stylist Melissa Chataigne.
In fact, the search for 'wedge sandals' exceeded 500,000 searches just last month alone, so it's safe to say all of the above explains the demand for the style. But while they're cute to wear, are wedges better for your feet? From trending wedges to wedge sandals with all of the support, keep reading to discover the best wedge sandals, according to podiatrists and stylists.
Are wedge sandals good for your feet?
Our experts equally agreed that wedge sandals can be good for your feet, but it depends on their design. "Well-designed wedge sandals, particularly those with proper arch support and adequate cushioning, can be a good choice for your feet," suggests board-certified podiatrist Dr. Suzanne Fuchs. "They distribute weight more evenly across the foot compared to traditional high heels, which can reduce pressure on the forefoot."
However, this depends on the heel height of your wedge sandal. While this style is considered more comfortable than standard high heels, "Very high-heeled wedges can still place increased pressure on the forefoot and alter your gait, potentially leading to discomfort or issues over time," says Fuchs. "Always prioritize styles that emphasize comfort and support."
Are wedge sandals better for walking?
For wedges that will support your feet, board-certified podiatrist Dr. Anne Sharkey recommends looking for "arch support, a stable sole and secure straps." Fuchs adds that moderate heel heights around 1 to 2 inches will add stability and cushioning for healthy walking.
Thus, "While wedges are easier to walk in than heels and better overall for walking than traditional heels, wedges, like all dress shoes, are not ideal for long-distance walking," notes Sharkey.
Best wedge sandals, according to experts and editors
Most affordable:
Both associate editor Lauren Witonsky and production associate Audrey Ekman can’t deny that these wedges are actually pretty comfortable, despite their heel. Ekman says they are a great fit for wearing to an event or dressy occasion. However, she warns that the straps start to rub against her skin after long wears.
Best platform wedge sandal:
While platforms are different than wedges, this Michael Kors pick combines the two styles for all of the height. “I recommend these because they’re sleek, versatile and easy to dress up or down —perfect for any occasion,” suggests Brown. “I also love that they come in a wide range of sizes, which makes them more accessible.”
Seen on the show:
Shop TODAY’s Julie Ricevuto recommended Cushionaire’s Platform Wedge Sandals in our monthly Trend Report for easy on-and-off wear. While more of a platform, the shoe has a slight wedge design that aids with its support.
An affordable alternative:
Traveling soon? Chataigne recommends this under-$50 pick that is perfectly styled for warm weather: A woven wedge, rounded toe, wrap-up laces, to name a few. The shoe is also a more affordable option than similar pairs in this list.
For all of the height:
Prefer a bigger platform? Associate editor Allie Wise suggests this pick from Jessica Simpson. "I have been a fan of these shoes for years, and live in them every single summer!" she says. "Not only are they super cute and stylish, but they are also extremely comfortable, believe it or not. I prefer wedges to stilettos any day!"
Support without breaking the bank:
Sharkey recommends the Dr. Scholl's Just Cute strapp wedge for many reasons: "First of all, they have insole technology with cushion and arch support. I also really like that the straps have a stretch to them, which allows for a secure yet comfortable fit," she says. "Additionally, the outsole is manufactured to have a grippy TPR outsole, which will provide for traction on a variety of surfaces."
Best for everyday:
“These are one of my favorites because they’re stylish and super comfortable, perfect for all-day wear without hurting your feet,” claims Brown. “Whether you’re heading to brunch or running errands, they give you height without sacrificing ease.”
Best arch support:
Recommended by Fuchs, Aetrex Lexa Quarter Strap Wedge shoes were specifically designed for arch support. According to the brand, the wedges have the 'Aetrex Cobra Orthotic System,' which helps relieve foot pain, align the foot and provide all-around comfort (via its memory foam footbed, for instance).
"[The] memory foam footbed offers cushioning for prolonged wear, while a lightweight cork midsole adds shock absorption," Fuchs explains. Thus, the shoe should feel light on your feet. And another perk: It's fully customizable to your foot, thanks to the adjustable foot strap.
A wedge with style and function:
“This shoe is designed with fashion and function in mind,” claims Sharkey. “Vionic is known for their VioMotion technology, which includes a deep heel cup for stability, arch support, cushioning for shock absorption and flexibility at the forefoot allowing for a more natural range of motion.”
The podiatrist also highlights that the ankle straps provide extra stability, meanwhile the mild slope from heel to toe “decreases the amount of pressure placed onto the forefoot,” for overall comfort.
Recommended for travel:
Commerce writer Jannely Espinal says these wedges are her go-to shoes for summer travel, and she’s been wearing her pair for the last two years. “They are super comfortable, supportive and sweat-resistant,” she says. Espinal also adds that they offer arch support and a flexible construction for better comfort.
Recommended for long walks:
When recommended the best sandals for summer, senior SEO editor Jess Bender immediately suggested these, calling them a “mainstay in my summer wardrobe rotation since 2020.”
“The style instantly caught my attention between the cool colorways and scalloped soles, but they also stood up to the hundreds of miles I walked around the parks and streets of upper Manhattan to kill time during the peak of the pandemic,” she adds.
Best black wedge sandal:
"The thong sandal has become a go-to staple for summer, and these from Madewell are perfect to style from the beach to the streets," says Chataigne. We've even noticed the search for 'thong sandals' was up 6,600 on Google in the last few weeks.
A timeless pick:
"These wedges are timeless and have been a closet staple for years for the classic brand Castaner," claims Chataigne. "The tie around the ankle is a touch of ballerina, but making the streets your stage. These are an investment that will last a lifetime."
Molds to your foot:
Another recommendation from Fuchs, the Hero Strappy Wedge Sandal from Naot has a unique suede-wrapped footbed made from cork and latex that molds to your foot with wear. "[It's] designed to fit the natural shape of the foot, promoting proper alignment and reducing strain," the podiatrist says. This should help with its ease of wear and comfort in every step.
Worth the splurge:
Here's another thong sandal to consider. At just under two inches, these Reformation wedges are basically a kitten heel, making them a great pick if you're looking for a bit of height without the discomfort. I love that the wedge sandal can easily be dressed up or down, and that it is made with luxe calf leather, so you know they'll always be in good shape.
Frequently Asked Questions
"The best way to style wedge sandals is with a flowy summer dress, wide-leg pants, or cute cropped jeans," suggests Brown. "I also love to lean into a 1970s aesthetic, and pair them with long flared trousers or denim. Wedges also pair well with a matching set; it just gives that effortless summer vibe. Add a fun bag or some cute earrings, and you’re good to go."
As a style tip, Garcia says, "If your wedges are chunky, keep your outfit streamlined. If they’re sleek, you can play with volume in skirts and dresses."
While the concept of a platform and wedge sandal is similar, the key difference between the two lies in their design.
- Wedge sandals: Fuchs says this style typically features "a solid, raised heel that extends from the front of the heel to the back."The continuous sole is what helps the shoe provide "uniform elevation, and often offers better support and stability due to its contoured shape that aligns with the foot’s arch," adds the podiatrist.
- Platform sandals: Platforms will have "a thick sole across the entire length of the shoe, with the heel often being distinct from the forefoot platform," Fuchs continues. "While platforms add height, they may offer slightly less integrated arch support and stability compared to the continuous design of a wedge."
Thus, if you're debating between the two, "In terms of support, generally a wedge is going to offer more biomechanics support and stability compared to a platform due to the lower pitch height/slope, which allows for more natural weight distribution, better stability and reduced pressure on the ball of the foot," Sharkey notes.
Both podiatrists suggest that a wedge sandal should be equally comfortable and secure for optimal foot health. But here are key details to look for when shopping for a wedge:
- Snug but not tight: "Your wedge sandals should fit snugly across your foot without any pinching, rubbing or excessive pressure," says Fuchs. Sharkey also mentions that "when assessing size, there should be about a thumb's width of space between the front of the longest toe and the end of the shoe."
- No heel slippage: Both experts say that your heel should not slip out of your sandal when walking, and instead, "feel cradled and rest comfortably at the back of the shoe," says Sharkey. Fuchs adds that "excessive slippage can lead to blisters and instability."
- Arch alignment: "The arch of the sandal should align comfortably with your foot’s natural arch," emphasizes Fuchs. "If the arch support feels off, it can cause discomfort and may not provide the intended benefits." Instead, your arch should feel supported when wearing a wedge.
- Adjustable straps: "Adjustable straps (like buckles, Velcro, or elastic) are highly beneficial," says Fuchs. "They allow you to customize the fit, ensuring the sandal stays securely on your foot and accommodates any swelling throughout the day." However, Sharkey says to be sure that your straps aren't too tight when holding your foot in place.
How we chose
We leaned on the recommendations and expertise of podiatrists and stylists to select the best wedge sandals for women. We also tapped into the knowledge of Shop TODAY editors, asking them to share their favorite wedge sandals they own and love.
Meet the experts
- Dr. Suzanne Fuchs, MD, is a board-certified podiatrist and owner of LuxePodiatry.
- Dr. Anne Sharkey, DPM, is a board-certified podiatrist at Solely Podiatry in Austin, Texas.
- Samantha Brown is a New York-based celebrity stylist and author of “Dressing Up: Pip’s Truly Fashionable Tale.”
- Melissa Chataigne is a host, producer and style expert.
