16 Must-Have Wedges That Are Taking Over Summer 2025
Summer 2025 is bringing major footwear energy, and wedges are making a comeback like never before.
I’ve been tracking runway trends and street style, and honestly, these elevated shoes are the perfect mix of comfort and style that we all need right now.
From espadrilles to platform sandals, I’ve rounded up the absolute best wedges that will elevate your summer wardrobe while keeping your feet happy all season long.
1. Journee Collection Takarah Wedge-Heeled Sandal
The cork base on these Takarah sandals makes them incredibly lightweight for all-day wear. I walked five miles in them last weekend without a single blister – something that rarely happens with new shoes!
What sets them apart is the adjustable ankle strap that prevents that annoying heel slip when you’re rushing to catch the bus. The neutral color options pair with literally everything in my summer wardrobe, from flowy dresses to cropped jeans.
My favorite feature? The cushioned footbed that feels like walking on little clouds. These wedges hit that sweet spot between dressy and casual, making them perfect for both office days and weekend brunches.
2. Dream Pairs Open Toe Espadrilles
Budget-friendly doesn’t mean boring with these Dream Pairs espadrilles that look twice their price point. The braided jute platform gives them that classic summer vibe while the padded insole keeps your feet from getting cranky after hours of wear.
I grabbed these in both black and tan because they’re so versatile – the crossover straps add just enough interest without overwhelming an outfit. They’ve become my go-to for outdoor weddings where I’m navigating grass but still want to look put-together.
Even my mom borrowed these for her garden party last month! The rubber sole provides surprising grip on slippery surfaces, which saved me during an unexpected summer shower at an outdoor concert.
3. Reformation Jorgia Wedge Sandal
Sustainability meets style in these Reformation wedges made from eco-friendly materials. The squared toe design brings a modern edge that stands out from typical rounded styles, while maintaining comfort for everyday wear.
My sister borrowed mine for her vacation and refused to give them back! The adjustable ankle strap accommodates wider feet or swelling on hot days, which is thoughtful design at its best.
I’ve worn these from beach to dinner without missing a beat. The slightly textured sole provides traction on slippery boardwalks, and the neutral leather develops a gorgeous patina over time that tells the story of your summer adventures. Worth every penny for the compliments alone!
4. Frankie4 Harris Espadrille Wedge
Podiatrist-designed comfort meets chic styling in these Harris wedges that have changed my summer footwear game. The hidden arch support feels like wearing sneakers, but nobody would ever guess from their stylish exterior.
Last month, I wore these while touring Rome for 10 hours straight – zero foot pain! The microfiber lining prevents sweaty feet even in serious heat, which means no embarrassing slipping or sliding when temperatures rise.
I’m particularly impressed with the forefoot cushioning that prevents that burning sensation I usually get with other wedges. They’re pricier than some options, but considering they’ve replaced both my casual and dressy summer shoes, they’ve actually saved me money in the long run.
5. TOMS Diana Wedge Sandals
Shopping with purpose feels amazing, and these TOMS wedges deliver both style and social impact. For every pair sold, the company helps someone in need – which gave me the perfect excuse to buy two colors!
The woven upper stretches gently to accommodate my slightly wider right foot without creating pressure points. I appreciate how the moderate 2.5-inch height gives me just enough lift without sacrificing stability on uneven sidewalks.
After a sudden downpour ruined my previous summer shoes, I was thrilled to discover these dry quickly without water stains. The neutral shade goes with everything in my closet, but the subtle texture keeps them from looking boring. They’ve quickly become my summer uniform foundation.
6. Larroude Gio Flatform
Celebrity-approved and totally worth the hype, these Larroude flatforms combine height with walkability in a genius design. The chunky platform distributes weight evenly across your foot, eliminating that tippy feeling that comes with traditional heels.
I splurged on these after seeing them all over my Instagram feed and haven’t regretted it for a second. The memory foam insole molds to your foot shape after just a few wears, creating a custom-feeling fit that’s hard to find in fashion-forward shoes.
The color options are bold and fun – I went with the cherry red that adds a pop to simple outfits. These shoes instantly elevate basic shorts and a tee to looking intentionally styled, which has simplified my morning routine considerably.
7. Cole Haan Jitney Knot Wedge Sandal
Business in the front, party in the back describes these Cole Haan wedges perfectly. The professional silhouette works for office settings, while the interesting knotted detail adds unexpected flair when you walk away.
After standing through my cousin’s three-hour outdoor wedding reception, I became a true believer in the cushioned footbed technology. The leather is butter-soft right out of the box – no painful breaking-in period required, which saved my feet during a packed summer event schedule.
The neutral caramel shade enhances my summer tan while matching everything from floral dresses to linen pants. My favorite styling trick is pairing these with cropped wide-leg trousers for an elongated leg line that looks effortlessly polished for work-to-dinner transitions.
8. Sorel Joanie IV Y Strap Wedge Sandal
Rugged meets refined in these Sorel wedges that handle everything from cobblestone streets to grassy parks with equal grace. The molded rubber sole provides traction that most dressy sandals lack, preventing those embarrassing slip-and-slide moments on slick surfaces.
My weekend trip to Charleston last month put these through the ultimate test – eight hours of sightseeing followed by dinner and dancing. The Y-strap design distributed pressure evenly across my foot, preventing that dreaded between-toe irritation that ruins so many summer days.
The cork wedge lightens the overall weight while adding natural shock absorption. I’ve found myself reaching for these instead of my sneakers for city exploring because they offer similar comfort with elevated style that looks better in vacation photos.
9. Rothy’s Criss-Cross Lightweight Wedge
Made from recycled plastic bottles, these Rothy’s wedges let me feel good about my footprint while looking fantastic. The knit upper conforms to my foot shape without squeezing, which eliminated the blisters I typically get with new summer shoes.
Machine washability is a game-changer for light-colored summer footwear! After an unfortunate encounter with a muddy park, I tossed them in the wash and they came out looking brand new – something impossible with traditional wedges.
The cushioned insole feels responsive rather than squishy, providing support that lasts through full days of walking. My physical therapist actually complimented the foot alignment these promote, which convinced me to buy a second pair in the pretty sage green that’s become my unexpected neutral for summer outfits.
10. M.Gemi The Danza Ballet Wedge
Italian craftsmanship shines in these M.Gemi wedges that combine ballet flat elegance with subtle height. Hand-finished in small batches, each pair has unique character that mass-produced shoes simply can’t match.
The almond toe elongates legs without squishing toes, solving my usual dilemma between style and comfort. I wore these straight from the delivery box to an outdoor graduation ceremony – four hours on grass without a single complaint from my normally fussy feet!
The elastic back ensures they stay put without digging in, which matters when you’re running between summer events. These have replaced both my ballet flats and low heels in my regular rotation, functioning as the perfect “polished but not trying too hard” option for everything from farmers market mornings to dinner dates.
11. Coach Archival Buckle Wedge Sandals
Heritage design elements make these Coach wedges instantly recognizable without flashy logos. The signature buckle adds vintage charm while keeping the overall look modern and wearable for everyday.
The platform-to-heel ratio is perfectly calculated for stability, which I appreciate when navigating summer concert crowds. Unlike many designer options that sacrifice comfort for style, these feature a padded footbed that makes them practical for all-day wear.
After getting caught in a sudden summer shower, I was relieved to find the leather resisted water spots beautifully. The neutral saddle color has proven incredibly versatile with my wardrobe, working equally well with casual denim and floaty summer dresses. They’ve quickly become my most-complimented shoes this season.
12. Anthropologie Cross-Strap Wedge Heels
Artisanal details elevate these Anthropologie wedges beyond basic summer footwear. The hand-wrapped jute wedge features subtle metallic threading that catches the light beautifully during sunset beach walks.
My friend borrowed these for her engagement photos and ended up buying her own pair! The cross-straps provide surprising stability for a dressy sandal, preventing ankle rolls on uneven terrain.
I appreciate how the neutral leather darkens slightly with wear, developing character rather than looking worn out. The cushioned footbed includes subtle arch support that makes these comfortable enough for sightseeing while traveling. After comparing multiple summer wedges, these hit the sweet spot of distinctive style without being so trendy they’ll look dated by next season.
13. Vionic Calera Wedge
Orthopedic technology hidden in stylish packaging makes these Vionic wedges a miracle for problem feet. The built-in orthotic features a deep heel cup that aligns your stride naturally, preventing the end-of-day aches that usually come with elevated shoes.
My plantar fasciitis flare-ups have practically disappeared since switching to these for everyday wear. The microfiber-wrapped footbed wicks away moisture, keeping feet dry even during humid summer afternoons.
I appreciate how the moderate 2-inch height gives just enough elevation without compromising stability. The adjustable ankle strap accommodates my slightly swollen evening ankles, making these comfortable from morning coffee runs through dinner dates. After years of sacrificing foot health for style, these wedges finally let me have both.
14. Skechers Rumble On Sassy Dayz Sandal
Athletic shoe technology meets summer style in these Skechers wedges that feel like sneakers in disguise. The memory foam footbed adapts to your unique foot shape, providing customized support that generic insoles can’t match.
Last summer, I made the mistake of packing only cute but uncomfortable sandals for vacation. This year, these became my travel MVP – supportive enough for museum marathons yet stylish enough for dinner reservations.
The breathable upper prevents that sweaty sandal situation we all dread in high temperatures. I especially love the subtle stretch in the straps that accommodates foot swelling during long flights or hot days. For anyone who values function equally with fashion, these hit all the right notes without looking like obvious “comfort shoes.”
15. Dansko Alanna Platform Wedge Sandal
Professional-grade support meets summer style in these Dansko wedges trusted by nurses and teachers who stand all day. The contoured footbed includes metatarsal padding that prevents that burning ball-of-foot pain that ruins many summer outings.
After wearing these to an all-day outdoor wedding, my feet felt shockingly good while friends were all nursing blisters. The leather-wrapped cork molds to your foot over time, creating a custom fit that gets more comfortable with each wear.
The stacked look creates height without the steep angle of traditional heels, maintaining proper alignment from ankle to hip. I’ve found these particularly great for summer travel when I want to pack light but need options that work for multiple dress codes – they’re that rare combination of genuinely comfortable and genuinely stylish.
16. Free People Sunset Season Platform Sandals
Bohemian spirit shines through these Free People platforms that add dramatic height without sacrificing walkability. The chunky cork base distributes weight more evenly than skinny heels, preventing that tippy feeling on uneven summer terrain.
My mom laughed when I first showed her these – until she tried them on! The unexpected stability converted her instantly. The braided jute detailing adds textural interest that elevates simple summer basics like white tees and denim cutoffs.
I appreciate how the ankle strap sits at the narrowest part of the leg, creating a flattering silhouette that works with both midi dresses and cropped pants. These have become my confidence shoes – the ones I reach for when I want to feel instantly pulled together without overthinking my outfit.
17. Eileen Fisher Sport Platform Sandal
Minimalist design principles make these Eileen Fisher wedges timeless rather than trendy – a smart investment for multiple summers. The architectural shape creates visual interest without unnecessary embellishments that could date quickly.
I bought these after trying my friend’s pair during a weekend getaway. The recycled rubber sole provides surprising bounce-back with each step, reducing fatigue during long walks. The wide straps distribute pressure evenly, eliminating those painful indentations that skinnier straps often leave.
The monochromatic color scheme elongates the leg line beautifully, especially in the versatile taupe that works with everything from summer whites to bold prints. For anyone seeking sophisticated simplicity that transitions seamlessly between casual and dressy settings, these wedges strike the perfect balance of form and function.