The wedge sandal is a powerful shoe, both because of its hefty, chock-shaped heel and the nostalgia that comes with it. The chunky style takes you back to clomping around in the aughts wearing your best wedge sandals—likely a comfy cork style or a bohemian summer espadrille that announces your arrival. In yet another demonstration of its fashion prowess, the wedge sandal has again become a pivotal summer 2024 accessory trend.
The platform's revival can be traced back to the celeb-studded front row of Chloé's Fall 2024 show this past February—starring actresses Sienna Miller and Kiernan Shipka, British It girl Georgia May Jagger, and veteran supermodel Pat Cleveland, who unanimously sported identical open-toe wooden wedges that nod back to the designer's bohemian spirited past. Set on a mammoth mahogany platform with scribbles of arrow-pierced hearts and "I love you"s, Chloé's Maximime platforms are audacious, romantic, and softly '70s—the designer wedge at its very best.
Sienna Miller, Kiernan Shipka, Georgia May Jagger, and Jerry Hall sitting front row at Chloé's Fall 2024 show.
A TikTok shared by Vogue France chronicling the coordinating FROW moment amassed over three million views, with commenters rejoicing in the wedge sandal's return to fashion's limelight. Replies like, "I can pull mine back out of the closet now?!?! Yeah!!" and "YES!! I'm a wedge girl through and through" flooded the publication's video comment section, indicating a longtime craving for the chunky shoe's comeback.
Sienna Miller wearing Chloé's Maxime Wedge sandal at the fashion house's Fall 2024 show during Paris Fashion Week on February 29, 2024.
Though Chloé's A-list guests and sentimental TikTok commentators are not the only ones who adore the hefty heel, Katie Holmes repeatedly takes the wedge sandal trend out on her signature strolls throughout downtown Manhattan. This March, the star wore a classic rope espadrille by Franco Sarto that boasts an amenable price tag of $115 (Holmes is, after all, a famed fan of affordable basics). Then, in early June, she slipped into a black cross-strap and croc-embossed wedge sandal from Holmes's collection with A.P.C., named the Juliette.
Katie Holmes wearing Franco Sarto's Clemens Wedge Sandal in black and tan earlier this spring.
Just as Holmes's wedge sandals span across the style spectrum, 2024’s wedge sandal trend caters to an assortment of aesthetics, ranging from '70s-era bohème to think and strappy kitten heels set on a 45-degree angle.
Ferragamo sells sculptural, slanted, and T-strap heels in a nod to the fashion house’s founder, Salvatore Ferragamo, whose Sardinian cork wedges are widely credited with bringing the shoe into fashion's mainstream circa 1930's. Meanwhile, Khaite offers a mesh iteration of its cult-favorite Marion mule, and Christian Dior has espadrille wedges with lace-up gladiator straps that combine two 2010s fashion trends in one shoe—what a bargain!
A Fashion Week show-goer wears Alaïa's architectural wooden wedges, which are another favorite amongst the style set.
As New York Times chief fashion critic Vanessa Friedman wrote in her review of Chloé’s recent runway, “Get ready to wear a lot of wedges again.” It's official—the wedge sandal is back with a bang.
Shop the Wedge Sandal Trend
When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes recommended by a MC writer or editor, or by an expert we've spoken to. Learn more about how we review products.
-
There Are Endless Elegant Basics Hiding in J.Crew's Summer SaleBest of all? Every item is under $250.
-
Gigi Hadid Has the Definitive Way to Style a Slip SkirtIt's elevated, yet understated.
-
Could You Imagine Prince William and Prince Harry As Prince Arthur and Prince Albert? Had King Charles Had His Way, That’d Be the RealityFor better or worse, Princess Diana won out when it came to naming her sons.
-
I Discovered 23 Elegant Basics Hiding in J.Crew's Summer Sale
Best of all? Every item is under $250.
-
Fashion’s Fallen in Love With the Drop-Waist Dress TrendAs temperatures rise, you'll want to give this airy style a try.
-
Elevate Your Summer Work Wardrobe With These Designer Sale Finds—All Under $300Look no further than Saks Fifth Avenue, Shopbop and The Outnet to deliver the best office-friendly pieces.
-
How Fashion's Wearing the Whimsical Seashell Jewelry Trend This Time AroundFrom scallop studs to golden cowrie choker necklaces.
-
Fashion Insiders on Finding Summer Basics That Also Match Personal StyleForget about a formulaic capsule wardrobe.
-
Overalls Are the One-and-Done Summer Outfit Insiders Can All Agree OnThey're having a summer comeback.
-
25 J.Crew Sale Picks Straight From a Summer Mood BoardFrom lightweight summer dresses to breezy button-down shirts, and more.
-
7 Minimalist Outfit Ideas for Your Summer Travel Capsule WardrobeSimplify your suitcase with elevated linen sets, lightweight layers, breezy dresses, and more.
