Between scorching cobblestones, long hours and swollen ankles, finding an elegant summer shoe remains complicated. Flat espadrilles that are too casual, ballerinas that flatten the silhouette, unstable flip-flops… none really last the distance.
However, one shoe ticks all the boxes for sunny days: wedge espadrilles. More chic than flat espadrilles, cooler than ballerinas, they promise slim legs, comfort and stability from morning to evening.
Why wedge espadrilles refine the silhouette
With their rope sole raised a few centimeters, wedge espadrilles stretch the line of the leg and refine the ankle. The continuous heel shapes the calf while remaining more stable than a pump.
Combined with linen pants, straight jeans or a slit skirt, they create a column effect that lengthens the silhouette. And then they appear dressier than flip-flops or basic ballet flats, without losing their holiday spirit.
Wedge espadrilles: opinions of podiatrists
After the age of 50, podiatrist Janine Ferrigno-Taddeo sees painful heels and deformed toes. She recommends shoes, she explains on Today. For her,
Podiatrist Romain Vayer sums up the ideal shoe: , he recently explained in Au Féminin. For him, and, about flip-flops, mules and slides, .
Choosing and wearing wedge espadrilles
Podiatrists recommend a moderate heel, around 3 to 4 cm, up to 6 cm, with an EVA or memory foam sole which absorbs shock and reduces tension on the Achilles tendon by around 25%. According to Edistat, sales of wedge espadrilles jumped 68% in one year for an average price of 115 euros.
Avoid flat espadrille made of rigid rope, which bunches up and tires the arch of the foot. A well-fitted wedge espadrille, of the type validated by the National Federation of Chiropodists, with ankle straps or ribbons, holds the foot on the cobblestones and can be worn from the office to ceremonies.
Are wedge espadrilles comfortable for walking around town?
Yes, if the heel remains moderate and the sole cushions correctly.
What heel height for wedge espadrilles?
Between 3 and 4 cm daily, up to 6 cm occasionally.
Are wedge espadrilles suitable after 50?
Yes, especially with a rounded toe, good support and a stable sole.
Sources
- Grazia
“More chic than espadrilles, cooler than ballerinas, these shoes, as comfortable as they are trendy, refine the casual silhouette”
- Grazia
“Goodbye skinny Marion Cotillard 50 years old, adopt these much more chic jeans which enhance all summer shoes”
- Grazia
“The secret of a refined silhouette: this summer shoe favored by Parisians is validated by podiatrists”
