Did you know that heels were originally designed for men? This 15th-century footwear was worn by Persian soldiers to keep their feet secure in stirrups. Wedges, on the other hand, were first created in 1936 by Salvatore Ferragamo. As far as this article on wedges vs. heels is concerned, the year of creation is not the only difference between these two pieces of footwear.
First, you must note that in the 1930s, most heel shoes had very long heels of up to 5 inches. And this made walking in them very difficult. Someone had to do something, and that someone was Mr. Ferragamo. He created wedges because these shoes were very easy to walk in and extremely comfortable.
In this piece, we will not just look at the difference between heels and wedges but also talk about their similarities.
Let’s start with the differences.
The Difference Between Wedges And Heels
Like in platform vs. wedges, the difference between wedges and heels mostly lies in the sole.
In wedge sandals, the sole and heel are one solid unit, while in heels, the sole underneath the foot is separate from that under the heels. Ideally, the sole of wedges is normally wedge-shaped or triangular, whereas that of heels is pointy at the base.
Another difference is that in heeled shoes, your feet are likely to be in the same alignment as your heel. This is opposed to wedges where the foot and heel are diagonally aligned.
It is believed that the single solid sole in wedge sandals helps make wedges more durable than heeled sandals, whose heels are separate from the sole under the foot. This means if you are looking for footwear for everyday wear, then wedges may be the ideal option.
Similarities Between Heels And Wedge Sandals
While the key difference in wedges vs. heels seems to be one, these shoes have a lot in common.
The obvious one is that they both have an elevated heel, which enables them to give you some height. The elevated heel also gives the legs a sexy look. Plus, it makes wedges and heels very fashionable.
Another similarity is that the heel in wedges and heels has no limit in length. That is why some wedges and heels have very high heels, while the heels of others are short. It is advisable that you choose wedges and heel sandals with short heel length if you are just starting out in wearing heels and wedges.
These shoes with short heels may not be as trendy or sexy as their counterparts whose heels are super long, but at least you will find it easy to walk in them.
Last but not least, both wedges and heels are very versatile. For instance, you can wear heels to work and then, in the evening, go with them to a party. Wedges are also suitable for both casual and formal events.
Furthermore, these shoes can be matched with a wide range of outfits. You can wear them with long dresses to give you a more elegant look while making sure the dress does not drag on the floor when walking. You can also rock wedges and heels with both short and long skirts.
Types Of Heels: Wedges vs. Heels
Did you know that wedges fall in the heel category? Perhaps that is why the similarities of wedges and heels far outweigh the differences between these two.
Other types of heels are:
- Platform Heels
- Stilettos
- Slingback Heels
- Peep Toe Heels
- Cut-Out Heels
1. Platform Heels
The key difference between heeled wedges and platform heels is that, in platform heels, there is an extra plateau at the front. The role of this additional plateau is to provide more comfort. This, in turn, makes platform heels perfect for clubbing and other informal occasions. If you value comfort but are tired of putting on wedges, you can opt for platform heels.
2. Stilettos
Stilettos are sexy, to say the least. So, if you plan to turn a few heads here and there, they should be your go-to footwear. But also, stilettos can be quite difficult to walk in. That is because their heel lengths range from 3 – 4 inches. Needless to say, it is best to avoid them if you have zero experience in walking in high-heeled shoes.
3. Slingbacks
If you want your legs to appear slim, long, and downright sexy, sling-back heels are for you. They feature a thin strap around the heel to help secure your foot and make sure you are able to walk comfortably.
4. Peep Toe Heels
Peep Toe Heels are like Pumps. They have a bit of a vintage look and can be worn with virtually any outfit. They have a peephole in the front that displays your feet nicely.
5. Cut-Out Heels
The creative patterns in cut-out heels will no doubt transform how your feet look. Cut-out heels are almost the same as decorative heels in the sense that both are designed to steal the show.
Types Of Wedges: Wedges vs. Heels
Wedges can further be divided into 4 categories.
These are:
- Closed-Toe Wedges
- Wedge Sandals
- Wedge Boots
- Platform Wedges
1. Closed-Toe Wedges
Closed-toe wedges are suitable for formal events. They come in various colors such as gold, silver, black, nude, and even white. Black wedges are popular because they are easy to care for and look great with nearly any outfit.
2. Wedge Sandals
Wedge sandals are basically the opposite of closed-toe wedges. That being said, they are ideal for everyday wear and informal occasions. You can match them with a dress or skinny jeans.
3. Wedge Boots
Sometimes you can be into wedges so much that you do not care whether it is winter or summer. All you want is to rock them every time you are going out. Well, if you are such a kind of person, you should invest in wedge boots. They will keep you warm in winter without taking away much-needed comfort.
4. Platform Wedges
Platform wedges are a combination of platforms and wedges. They are perfect for someone that loves the comfort of platforms and the fashionable look of wedges. If you are looking for footwear to put on throughout the day, platform wedges are a worthy investment.
Wedges vs. Heels (Differences & Similarities): Conclusion
So, which is better? Is it the wedge or heel? In our opinion, both are good and make a worthy addition to any woman’s closet. From this article, it is evident that wedge shoes and boots come in handy where heels fall short.
Heels are elegant, fashionable, and can be very professional-looking. But what most heels lack is comfort. That is where wedges step in. They are fashionable, and their comfort is superb.
In a nutshell, wedges are perfect for when you are looking for footwear to put on the whole day. On the other hand, heels are great for work, weddings, and other formal occasions.
Also, before we go, you must note that not all heels are uncomfortable. According to vionicshoes, the most comfortable heels provide great arch support and have cushioned insoles and contoured footbeds. That being said, these are what you need to look for when buying a pair of comfortable heels.
We hope we have settled the debate of wedges vs. heels once and for all. Let us know which one you prefer and why.
Thanks for taking the time to read this 🙂