9 best comfortable wedge sandals for women: From Princess Kate's go-to espadrilles to 70s platforms

If there's a summer shoe we all need in our lives, its a wedge sandal. Comfy and cool, they can be worn to smart events, casual parties and even on the school run. Plus, they're an easier way to wear a heel than a stiletto - no heel will be caught in the ground. Offering more stability than other heeled sandals, you can find them lace-up, slip-on, buckled and strappy. Seriously, there's a wedge shoe with your name on somewhere, I guarantee.

Are wedge sandals in style? 

Far from being the safe shoe option, wedge heel sandals are seriously on trend. If you'd relegated them to the back of your wardrobe, take this as your notice to pull them out from the ether and pop on a pair as it’s time to fall back in love with them -  they’re all over the high street, Instagram, on celebs and royals alike.

Plus, you can choose the heel height to suit your needs with a low heel being ideal for those less steady on their feet. Many come with buckles, straps or lace-up and open-toe and closed toe wedge shoes available.

Are wedge sandals good for your feet?

David Gordon, Consultant Foot and Ankle Surgeon, comments.  "For the summer, wedges have many plus factors due to the thick heel which increases stability to the foot and ankle. If you go for footwear with a narrow heel, you will have much smaller contact area with the ground which gives an increased risk to injury and strain on the feet. The thickness of the wedge, often extends underneath the front part of the foot.  This is a plus, as the wearer does not need to increase the heel height, to gain the same height advantage."

He added: "A slight reduction in heel height will certainly take the pressure off the front part of the foot compared to a similar narrow heel, that achieves the same. This can be protective for foot conditions such as bunions and relieve pressure on them."

Royals wearing wedge sandals

You don't need me to tell you how the wedge espadrille is the (unofficial) royal shoe. Kate is a long-time fan, often wearing the Castaner espadrille to royal engagements. Lady Amelia Windsor and Meghan Markle also wear them, as they're a more practical choice than a thinner heel - wedges won't fall prey to getting stuck, meaning the royals can avoid any embarrassing fashion mishaps.

The royals tend to wear their wedge heels with summer dresses, mainly shirt dresses or floral patterns.

How to style wedge sandals now

To embrace the wedge trend of the moment, make like Sienna and her fellow FROW-ers and head for a stacked, 70s style boho wedge. Nothing looks cooler with a jeans and a tee, or a floaty summer dress.

Or keep it classic with an espadrille wedge sandal, the perfect pairing with shorts, smock dresses and well, any summer dress. 

Treat a wedge shoe as you would your summer strappy heels, but a comfier option if you're going to be on your feet all day at a wedding, the races or even a festival.

They can be sleek and modern, like Khaite's Marion sandal and the St Agni Leather Wedge; chunky and clunky as seen at Jimmy Choo and Gucci, and every other style inbetween. The most popular styles at this time of year are espadrille, but don't sleep on the leather designs - they're just as wearable.There’s plenty of open-toe styles, along with closed-toe, singular strapped and ankle-lace up styles too. This is the shoe to see you through summer…

 How I chose the best wedge sandals

• Style: As well as classic wedge sandal styles, the edit includes more trend-led designs and royal favourite espadrille wedges too.
• Comfort factor: Where possible, I've taken reviews into consideration to highlight the most comfortable buys.
• Sizing: As well as standard sizing, you'll find wide fit and narrow fit sandals within this edit.

1/9

Dune Keylas Embellished Raffia Wedge

Editor's Note:

Perfect for summer weddings and special occasions, the Dune Keyla has a raffia wedge and has been designed with embellished cross over straps for a dressier look. 

This is a pair to keep for those summer events when you're looking for a comfortable shoe with height. The ankle strap will help make sure your foot feels supported. 

2/9

fitflop Eloise Espadrille Leather Back-Strap Wedge Sandals

© fitflop

£140 AT FITFLOP

$170 at Fitflop

Editor's Note:

You can always count on fitflop to serve the comfort factor! These feature the brand's supercushioned triple-density Microwobbleboard™ tech inside a firmer shell for stability and are said to be easier to walk in than your average wedges. 

3/9

New Look Tan Leather-Look Espadrille Wedge Sandal

Editor's Note:

New Look's espadrille sandals err on the boho side, with tan leather look straps and an espadrille heel measuring 3.3inches. 

For extra comfort, they have a cushioned insole and extra measure across the insole, joint and instep to accommodate a wider foot.

4/9

ASOS Wide Fit Wedges

Editor's Note:

For a sleek, minimalist look, these ASOS wedges are spot on. Thanks to the wide-fit style, these will be super comfortable and they're not too high. Wear with crochet dresses, linen trousers or your summer co-ord.

5/9

M&S Canvas Buckle Wedge Espadrilles

Editor's Note:

M&S' black raffia espadrilles are a refreshing version of the standard beige colour. Created from canvas material, they have a high wedge heel finished with a neat buckle fastening, and have a cool frayed straps.

One happy shopper wrote: "These wedges are very comfortable, I have a wide foot and the width was good. The heel height is great and the material soft. Great wedges."

6/9

John Lewis Lloret Suede Espadrille Sandals

Editor's Note:

For a more affordable of Kate's Castaner wedges, John Lewis has plenty of options, including this suedette pair with a closed toe. Featuring an ankle strap rather than lace-up, these are also available in pink and black colourways.

One happy shopper wrote: "I like that they fasten with a buckle as the ones you tie up come loose. These are soft and a comfortable height heel for every day as well as occasion."

7/9

Office Marmalade Ankle Tie Espadrille Wedge Heels

£40 at Office

Editor's Note:

Another great option for a pair of comfy wedge sandals like Princess Kate's is this design from Office. With lace-up fastenings and a closed-toe, they're giving royal summer shoe.

8/9

ASOS DESIGN Talent Premium Leather Cross Strap Wedges

Editor's Note:

How cool are these ASOS wedges, full of the 70s boho vibes everyone's wearing this summer? 

Wear with wide leg jeans or barrel leg trousers.

9/9

Mango Metallic Heel Sandals

Editor's Note:

These Mango wedged heels are a great alternative to a slimline heel, with a small raised wedge to give height without hurting your feet.