Wedge sneakers, infamous for their polarizing nature in the 2010s, are back in the spotlight. Like pineapple on pizza or sleeping with socks on, opinions on this shoe style have always been divided. The brainchild of Isabel Marant, the ‘Bekett’ model bridged the gap between basketball high-tops and hidden wedges, offering fashion enthusiasts a way to gain extra height without the discomfort of traditional pumps. The trend reached peak popularity in 2011 when celebrities like Beyonce sported them in her ‘Love on Top’ music video and Rihanna rocked them in a full denim look, complete with a camo hat. Despite their star-studded endorsements, the wedge sneaker fad quickly fizzled out.
However, the allure of wedge sneakers remains undeniable. In 2021, Marant revived the shoe with a larger and more refined model, the ‘Balskee’. Ottolinger showcased their version on the fall/winter runway at Paris Fashion Week, indicating a slow but steady resurgence of this unique footwear style. The comeback of wedge sneakers is no coincidence. As athleisure trends continue to dominate fashion, with elements like sports jerseys, Adidas shorts, and sporty ballet flats gaining popularity, wedge sneakers seamlessly fit into this aesthetic. Beyond the runway, the sneaker has also gained traction on Instagram, where innovative and flattering styling techniques have further solidified its comeback.
Here are some stylish ways to incorporate wedge sneakers into your wardrobe:
Sporty and Rich:
Elevate your retro athleisure game by pairing wedge sneakers and leg warmers with a slouchy, oversized jumper. This look is both vibrant and gym-ready.*
Isabel Marant Bobby wedge sneakers:
$662 (Available at Farfetch)*
JUUN.J off-white hardweare leg warmers:
$269 (Available at SSENSE)*
Jacquemus La Casquette:
$173 (Available at FWRD)*
Ader Error Langle cotton sweatshirt:
$541 (Available at Farfetch)*
Adidas sprinter shorts:
$59 (Available at Adidas)Lazy Yet Breezy:
A slip dress is always a chic choice. Amplify its femininity by layering it with a graphic tee, or even a sleep shirt, for that effortless, ‘I woke up like this’ vibe.*
Nike WMNS Dunk sky hi LIB OG QS sneakers:
$366 (Available at Farfetch)*
Simone Rocha off-white slip midi dress:
$653 (Available at SSENSE)*
Acne Studios gray faded t-shirt:
$458 (Available at SSENSE)*
Retrosuperfuture black caro refined sunglasses:
$330 (Available at SSENSE)Mob Wife Incoming:
Embrace the maximalist energy of the Marant Balskee with an all-ivory ensemble that artfully utilizes layering. For an extra touch of sophistication, slip on a fur vest.*
Isabel Marant Balskee high-top leather sneakers:
$894 (Available at Farfetch)*
Balmain faux fur vest:
$3540 (Courtesy of Farfetch)*
Toteme long-sleeve jersey maxi dress:
$609 (Available at Farfetch)*
Balenciaga black dynasty sunglasses:
$667 (Available at SSENSE)A Definitive Tuck:
When pairing baggy jeans with wedge sneakers, tuck the hems behind the tongue to showcase your kicks.*
Isabel Marant IM3 hidden-wedge sneakers:
$791*
MISBHV cracked cropped faux-leather jacket:
$895 (Available at Farfetch)*
