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Amazon
According to podiatrist Chanel Perkins, DPM, wedges are often better for your feet than regular heels. "They inherently offer arch support based on the overall design of the shoe itself," she explains. "Since the heel is continuous with the sole, wedges more evenly distribute pressure throughout the foot."
Podiatrist Erin K. Koprince, DPM, DABPM, tells Travel + Leisure that wedges offer height without compromising the "body's natural biomechanics" (aka your ability to move freely without pain). "They are perfect for a classy day look but will effortlessly transition to night, making this a brilliantly versatile footwear choice," she says.
Of course, not all wedge shoes are created equal. With tips from these experts in mind, we rounded up the most comfortable, supportive styles for every occasion. From espadrilles and platforms to booties and statement shoes, you'll find it all here.
Best Overall
Eileen Fisher Willow Espadrille Wedge
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Amazon
These comfy wedges feature soft, adjustable leather straps, a modest heel-to-toe rise, and lightly padded footbeds that hug the arches.
The jute beneath the toe bed could rub against your skin.
Dr. Koprince recommends styles with adjustable straps and "a low heel-to-toe rise" (the heel height minus the toe platform height). Eileen Fisher's Willow Espadrille Sandal checks all the boxes and then some. With a 2.75-inch heel and a 1.25-inch platform, it feels like you're walking in 1.5-inch heels without sacrificing any lift.
The uppers are made of ultra-soft tumbled leather or velvety suede, with hook-and-loop straps around the ankle for an adjustable fit. These wedges feature classic jute-wrapped outsoles with grippy rubber traction to keep you steady on your feet. Thanks to an arch-hugging slope and a lightly padded footbed, you can count on comfort for hours on end. While most of the footbed is leather, one thing to note is that there's braided jute underneath the toe area, which might be uncomfortable if it rubs against your skin.
This shoe is a little pricey, but with Eileen Fisher, you know you're investing in a high-quality design. The brand is also a Certified B Corporation, ensuring it meets high standards for environmental, social, and economic responsibility.
The Details: Size 5–11 | Leather or suede, jute | 2.75-inch heel
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Amazon
These affordable wedge sandals have adjustable buckles, flexible ankle bands, and foam-padded insoles.
They run slightly narrow.
Shopping on a budget? Amazon has you covered. The Amazon Essentials Espadrille Wedge has a 3-inch heel and a platform height of roughly half an inch. This sandal features vegan leather uppers with adjustable buckle closures, plus hidden elastic behind the ankle for a more flexible fit.
The exceptionally comfortable insoles boast 5 millimeters of latex foam padding, and the outsoles are wrapped in jute-style braided ropes. Just a heads up, these shoes run slightly narrow, so they're not ideal for those with wide feet.
The Details: Size 5–13 | Vegan leather | 3-inch heel
Best Splurge
Vince Pia Wedge Sandal
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Nordstrom
This refined yet understated shoe has buttery-soft leather uppers and a cushioned footbed to keep you comfortable.
The heel is on the higher side with no toe platform, and the brand recommends professional cleaning only.
If you're open to spending a bit more on the perfect wedge, you can't go wrong with Vince. The brand is known for its refined yet understated designs that transcend fashion trends, and the Pia Wedge is no exception. This luxe, minimalist sandal has buttery-soft leather uppers with hidden elastic on the inner foot to ensure a flexible fit.
At 3 inches, the heel is on the higher side. And since there's no toe platform, the heel-to-toe rise is a full 3 inches. Still, the cushioned footbeds keep you comfortable on your feet, whether you're on a date, at a destination wedding, or heading to a business meeting. Note, too, that although you can probably wipe off small spots as needed, the brand recommends professional cleaning.
The Details: Size 5–11 | Leather | 3-inch heel
Best for Warm Weather
Marc Fisher Zarah Wedge Sandal
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Amazon
These versatile wedges can be dressed up for wedding season or dressed down for a beachside lunch.
The thin straps aren't very supportive.
Heading to a sunny destination? You'll be glad you packed these sandals. The woven wedge heels are surprisingly comfortable and perfect for any occasion. The adjustable straps buckle at the ankle to keep them in place and provide stability. The heels themselves are just over four inches tall with an additional two inches from the platform — perfect for those who want that extra height without feeling wobbly. The wedges come in seven colors from neutral white, latte, and black to eye-catching coral and lavender.
The Details: Size 5–11 | Synthetic materials | 4.25-inch heel
Best for Walking
Sorel Ankle Strap Sandals
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Amazon
The gladiator-inspired Joanie III has a reasonable heel-to-toe rise, adjustable buckle closures, and a molded sole with an odor-resistant footbed.
Sorels run large, so order a half-size down.
"A comfortable height for a wedge sandal is around 2 inches, especially when walking longer distances," Dr. Perkins says. Or as Dr. Koprince notes, it should have a reasonable heel-to-toe rise. Though the Joanie III has a 3-inch heel, the platform is 1.5 inches, which brings the slope down to just 1.5 inches.
These gladiator-inspired sandals have full-grain leather or suede uppers with adjustable buckle straps. The footbeds are treated for odor resistance and aren't overly narrow. You can wear them comfortably without worrying about smelly feet while sightseeing, shopping, or dancing the night away. And that's not all. The molded rubber soles support the curve of your arches and provide high-traction grip underfoot. Since Sorels tend to run large, order a half-size down.
The Details: Size 5–12 | Leather | 3-inch heel
Best Espadrille
Life Stride Espadrille Wedge Sandal
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Amazon
These wedge sandals have adjustable straps and supportive, flexible, shock-absorbing footbeds.
The footbeds are slightly narrow.
If you like down-to-earth espadrilles, you'll appreciate the Tango 2. This rope-wrapped wedge sandal has a 3-inch heel and a roughly 1-inch platform. It comes in several colors and your choice of vegan leather or textile uppers with adjustable straps and buckle closures.
These wedges feature LifeStride's Soft System, which, according to the brand, provides support, cushioning, flexibility, and shock absorption for hours on end. We should note the footbeds of the regular width option are somewhat narrow. However, the Tango 2 also comes in wide widths.
The Details: Size 5–11 | Vegan leather or textile, rope | 3-inch heel
Best Cork
Kork-ease Womens Myrna 2.0
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Amazon
With natural cork footbeds and a heel-to-toe slope of just an inch, these sandals are undoubtedly comfortable.
These only come in whole sizes, so order the next size up if you're in between.
For those partial to cork-style wedges, we recommend the Kork-ease Myrna 2.0. These sandals have full-grain leather uppers, adjustable buckle straps, and real cork footbeds for natural cushioning and buoyancy. The bottom layer of the outsoles is high-traction rubber to prevent slips.
These wedges have a 1.75-inch heel and a 0.75-inch platform, so you're looking at a heel-to-toe slope of just an inch. One drawback is that they're only available in whole sizes, so you'll want to order the next size up if you're in between.
The Details: Size 6–11 | Leather, cork | 1.75-inch heel
Best Low-heel
Naot Sandal
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Amazon
With an APMA Seal of Acceptance, these supportive wedges mold to the shape of your arches and keep your feet happy with every step.
They're on the expensive side.
If you prefer a lower heel, Naot might be your best bet. The Pixie Sandal is just 2 inches high with a 0.75-inch platform, meaning the rise is only 1.25 inches. These wedges have soft leather uppers with adjustable hook-and-loop straps and velcro closures.
With curved footbeds made of cork and latex, they promise to mold to the shape of your feet and keep you comfy all day long. But you don't have to take it from us. The Pixie holds a Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), ensuring it offers plenty of arch support and promotes overall foot health. Since this shoe is only available in whole sizes, order up if you're in between.
The Details: Size 4–11 | Leather, cork, latex | 2-inch heel
Best Dressy
Schutz Aprill Woven Leather Sandal
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Schutz
Whether you want to make a statement in gold or look classic in dark brown, these wedge sandals are the perfect choice.
The heel is quite high.
If you're curating an ensemble for afternoon tea, wine tasting, a warm-weather wedding, a fine-dining restaurant, or another dressy occasion, Schutz has you covered. With a sophisticated design featuring a rounded toe and unique sculptured heel, the Aprill Woven Leather Sandal is undeniably sharp and sophisticated.
While they may not be the best wedges for walking — unless you're an expert in walking in over four-inch heels — these eye-catching wedges are a great choice for your more formal vacation events. Choose from gold or dark brown to elevate any daytime outfit to a sophisticated night-life look.
The Details: Size 5–11 | Leather | 4.3-inch heel
Best Casual
Reef Water Vista Higher
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Reef
These laid-back and water-friendly sandals are just the thing for casual outings or walks on the beach.
They only come in whole sizes.
For walking tours, pub crawls, island explorations, and other casual outings, go with Reef's latest wedge sandals: the Water Vista Higher. These chic, yet casual sandals are made with water-friendly materials, an EVA footbed for additional comfort, as well as an EVA sole for traction and support. It also sports a velcro ankle strap that you can adjust to your comfort.
With five different colors to choose from, these are the perfect casual wedge whether you're planning a full day of walking or lounging by the pool. The only potential downside is that these wedges are exclusively available in whole sizes. If you usually wear a half-size, you may want to order the next size up.
The Details: Size 5–11 | EVA | 2.5-inch platform
Best Platform
Toms Women's Diana Sandal
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Amazon
These sustainably made wedge-platform hybrids absorb shock and cushion your arches.
They run slightly narrow.
Toms makes some of the best travel shoes, but the classic alpargatas are far from your only option. The Diana is a wedge-platform hybrid with a 2.5-inch heel and a 1-inch toe rise. The exceptionally comfortable, elevated style has adjustable ankle straps and built-in OrthoLite insoles that absorb shock and cushion your arches.
This go-anywhere shoe can be worn with jeans or shorts or dressed up with a sundress or flowy skirt. Another reason to love Toms? The Certified B Corporation is dedicated to a sustainable supply chain and donates at least a third of its profits to support equity at a grassroots level.
The Details: Size 5–12 | Textile | 2.5-inch heel
Best Closed-toe
Toni Pons Women's TER Fabric Espadrille
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Amazon
These Spanish-made shoes flaunt naturally breathable linen uppers stitched onto jute-wrapped espadrille outsoles.
The straps aren't adjustable.
Of course, not all wedges are sandals. Our favorite closed-toe pair comes from Toni Pons, a brand that's been making espadrilles for over five decades. The Spanish-made Ter Slingback has a naturally breathable linen upper stitched onto a jute-wrapped outsole.
These wedge shoes also have lightly padded footbeds and flexible, supportive soles with a heel-to-toe lift of 1.5 inches. While the straps aren't adjustable, the stretchy material offers a flexible, custom fit.
The Details: Size 5–11 | Linen, jute | 2.25-inch heel
Best Statement
Charlotte Stone Raf in Solimar
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Charlotte Stone Raf
There's nothing more fun than a statement shoe when you're enjoying a warm-weather vacation.
They run narrow and only come in whole sizes.
You'll be turning heads in these 70s-inspired multi-colored platform wedges. Pair them with your favorite wide-leg jeans or a simple linen dress — these shoes truly go with anything and elevate every outfit with their fun and playful energy.
The wedges are designed with a memory-foam insole to guarantee your comfort even after long days on your feet. The two buckles are also functional (as well as stylish), so you can get the most comfortable fit. Do note that they run narrow and the shoes only come in full sizes, so be sure to carefully read the size guide before ordering.
The Details: Size 4–13
Best Booties
Toms Sadie Boot
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Amazon
The side zipper makes it easy to slip these booties on and off.
They run narrow, so you may want to size up.
If you're heading to a chillier climate, consider wedge booties. The Toms Sadie Boot is available in smooth suede and six neutral colors (plus a fun leopard print) that'll go with just about any cold-weather outfit. With a boot opening that measures nine inches around and a convenient zipper, you'll be able to quickly slip into these booties for your night out. Plus, the rubber outsole provides both traction and comfort so you can confidently wear these for a full day on your feet.
The Details: Size 5–12 | Vegan leather or faux suede | 2.25-inch heel
Best Sneaker Bootie
Vionic Jordy High Top
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Amazon
The podiatrist-designed Jordy High Top has a hidden wedge heel and built-in orthotics with ample arch support.
It might take a few days to break in the leather and footbeds.
We love the trendy Vionic Jordy High Tops. This sneaker bootie looks like a hiking-inspired lace-up shoe, but to take the outdoorsy-chic aesthetic up a notch, it features a hidden 2-inch wedge heel. A 1-inch platform cuts the heel-to-toe rise in half, so it'll only feel like you're walking in 1-inch wedges.
Like all Vionic footwear, the Jordy was designed by podiatrists. Made to relieve heel pain, spurs, and leg strain, it has built-in orthotic footbeds with ample arch support, cushioning, and heel stability. Since these booties have genuine leather uppers, it might take a few days to break them in.
The Details: Size 5–11 | Leather | 2-inch heel
Tips for Buying the Most Comfortable Wedges
Check the heel height before committing
If you want your wedges to keep you stable on your feet, check the heel height before buying anything. Dr. Koprince recommends a heel no higher than 3 inches. "This height gives the sexy long-leg look many women are after but doesn't compromise comfort," she says, adding that a modest heel will allow you to walk and stand for longer periods. "If you have strong ankles, you can always choose a higher wedge, but for average daily use, 2 to 3 inches is the sweet spot."
Opt for adjustable straps
According to Dr. Koprince, adjustable straps are another key feature of comfortable wedges. "If the straps are too tight, they can cause blisters, cuts, and abrasions," she explains. “Many wedges have adjustable heel straps or back straps with a cushion, which will make your feet much happier."
Dr. Perkins adds that straps are especially critical for sandals. "Women should make sure their wedge sandals have adequate strap support to protect and stabilize the foot," she says.
Look for natural materials
"Try to stick to natural materials like leather or cork, as opposed to synthetic options," Dr. Perkins says. Genuine leather tends to be softer and more durable than its vegan counterpart, plus it breaks in over time for a custom fit. Other earth-sourced materials used for the soles, such as cork, jute, and rubber, are considered sustainable, renewable resources.
Read the reviews
When shopping for any type of shoe, check the reviews. While hundreds or thousands of reviews of a particular style are probably a good sign, it's worth taking the time to read through what people are saying. This will give you real insights into everything from the sizing and fit (some brands run small, large, narrow, or wide) to the straps, adjustability, and overall feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Are wedges good for your feet?
"Wedges tend to be better for your feet than traditional heels," Dr. Perkins says. She explains that the continuous heel and sloped design offer arch support and stability, which is vital for staying comfy on your feet.
According to Dr. Koprince, wedges encourage more even weight distribution, whereas regular heels put lots of pressure on the balls of your feet. "Over time, the use of heels increases your likelihood of developing painful foot conditions such as tendonitis, bunions, hammertoes, and plantar fasciitis," she says. "Wedges are much less likely to cause these issues.
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How do you wear wedges comfortably?
"To be just as comfortable in your wedges as you are in flat shoes, look for a wedge where the heel isn't significantly higher than the toe," Dr. Koprince says. She refers to this as a "low heel-to-toe rise," which is the heel height minus the toe platform height.
For instance, if wedge sandals have a 2.5-inch heel and a 1-inch platform, the heel-to-toe rise is 1.5 inches. In other words, it'll feel like your shoes are only 1.5 inches high when you're really getting a 2.5-inch boost. "The less dramatic the angle [of] your foot, the better it will be for your long-term foot health," Dr. Koprince says.
Dr. Koprince also recommends adjustable straps to prevent them from slipping off or digging into your skin. Lastly, Dr. Perkins says, "The most comfortable material is usually natural, such as leather or cork."
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What's the best way to break in a new pair of wedges?
The best way to break in a new pair of wedges is to wear them at home for a few hours a day. This will help soften the materials and allow them to conform to the shape of your feet.
If your shoes have leather uppers, consider the blow-dryer method. While wearing your wedges, turn on the blow dryer and set it to medium heat. Holding it about 10 inches away, carefully run the hot air back and forth and all around your feet, focusing on areas that feel particularly tight. Then continue wearing the shoes for at least 15 minutes while the warmed leather breaks in.
Why Trust Travel + Leisure
T+L contributors are travel and shopping experts who select products for our readers based on expert recommendations, tester insights, and their own personal experiences. For this roundup, commerce writer Theresa Holland interviewed two podiatrists for buying tips:
- Chanel Perkins, DPM, double board-certified podiatrist
- Erin K. Koprince, DPM, DABPM, a board-certified podiatric surgeon at AIRE Podiatry Studio in New
York City
She then researched today's most comfortable wedges for every occasion.
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