The Best Black Wedges

Buying Guide

Many people love wearing high-heeled shoes and sandals because they make the legs look longer and are just plain enjoyable to wear. Dressing up is fun! Heels don’t have to be dressy, either, although stilettos and other narrow heels are not quite as casual as other styles.

However, wearing high-heeled shoes for long periods of time can be very hard on your feet. In addition, sandals don’t always have the arch support you really need.

Wedges have an advantage over traditional heels because they can be paired with dressy dresses, shorts and anything in between, depending on the style of course. They may also have an advantage over sandals, because they often appear dressier, although this is not necessarily the case. Sandals can, of course, be very elegant. Some wedges straddle the line between sandals and true wedges, due to their strappiness and “flatform” nature, wherein they have a flat platform rather than a true wedge.

Another huge plus is that wedges can be much more comfortable, too; flat shoes and traditional high heels do not provide the same kind of evenly distributed pressure throughout the foot like wedges do. This means better arch support and less ball-of-the-foot and heel pain when you wear them. Of course, not all wedge footwear is comfortable. In addition, comfort all depends on the type of feet you have, but there are certain features you can look out for.

Wedge heels generally range from 1/2 inch to 3 1/2 inches high. The latter measurement is on the higher end and could be harder on your feet. If you don’t want to worry about a high wedge, you can consider flatforms or a lower wedge. Once you have decided on the right height, look for soft, natural materials like leather and cork; these allow for more stretch than synthetic materials do.

Strapped sandals provide more support than closed shoes do. Look for straps that are adjustable; the addition of Velcro makes them even better. Last of all, check out the footbed. If you see the word cushioned, you may have found a winner.

• Read the sizing guide from the manufacturer carefully before you buy. While some wedges fit true to size, others do not. You may wish to measure your feet, to be sure.
• Don’t be shy: pair your black wedges with a variety of different outfits! Like they say, black goes with everything.
• It is not always easy to find well-made, comfortable shoes. If you find a pair of wedges that you like, buy them different colors, too!