When I think of wedges, I immediately picture the espadrille style that screams early 2000s mum trying to dress up but stay comfy in her wedding guest outfit. It’s such a specific and nostalgic look. To me, they were just a reliable, sensible shoe. Not a fashion moment.
But here’s the thing – they’re not just that anymore. Yes, wedges are still a comfortable way to add height without the constant threat of a stiletto wipeout. But lately, they’ve gotten a serious rebrand, and I’ve been seeing them everywhere this summer. Think sleek platforms, architectural shapes, and unexpected details that make them feel more runway than resort. They come in every silhouette, from low and minimalist to sky-high and bold.
The variety of silhouettes is endless. Minimalist sandals, platform flip-flops, slip-on mules, pointed-toe slingbacks – they’re all getting the wedge treatment. Thong sandals come with a sleek, low-profile wedge that makes them feel way more polished. Then there are the drama queens. Read: tall, vampy styles that bring all the glamour, versus satin mules that feel whimsical and romantic at the same time.
Credit where credit is due, the spring/summer 2026 runways were flooded with wedges. I almost had to make sure I was looking at the right year when I was catching up on fashion week! Designers sent out numerous options, from inverted, almost gravity-defying styles to sleek silhouettes reminiscent of Barbie shoes but with way more edge.
So whatever wedge you’re picturing, forget it. The new and improved version is about to become the chicest thing in your closet. Looking for a place to start? Zara's wedge mule shoes perfectly nail the contemporary aesthetic – and all for a high street price tag.
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Megan Uy is an associate shopping editor at Cosmopolitan, where she searches for the best products in all things fashion, home, beauty, sex, gifts, and more, so you don’t have to. When she’s not writing for the site, she’s whipping up some cool and trendy content for the fashion section of the print magazine. She’s been with the brand since 2019 (when she was an itty-bitty editorial fellow), and she's also written for Delish, House Beautiful, and People. Follow her on Instagram to get some BTS of the editor life and chaotic NYC content. Also, feel free to hit her up if you ever wanna discuss the madness that is TikTok.
Alexandria Dale is the Digital Fashion Writer at Cosmopolitan UK. Covering everything from the celebrity style moments worth knowing about to the latest fashion news, there’s nothing she loves more than finding a high street dupe of a must-have designer item. As well as discovering new brands, she’s passionate about sustainable fashion and establishing the trends that are actually worth investing in. Having worked in fashion journalism for six years, she has experience at both digital and print publications including Glamour and Ok!
