These Cute and Comfortable Wedges Won't Hurt Your Feet

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Most high heels aren't designed for comfort, and it's hard to find a pair that won't leave your feet throbbing. A (literal) step in the right direction: search for comfortable wedges. "When you wear a wedge, the pressure is distributed throughout the wedge—not just in the heel and the ball of the foot like you would have in a traditional stiletto-type shoe," says Dr. Ami Sheth, DPM, a foot and ankle specialist and a spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical Association.

A much larger surface area makes contact with the ground with a wedge, so you're less likely to feel like you're carrying the weight of the world on your toes. Of course, just as comfortable heels are created equal, neither are wedges. "I would say anything over two inches starts to become a little more challenging for the average person," Dr. Sheth says, noting that everyone's tolerance is a bit different.

Materials matter, too. Cork wedges don't just look cute—the natural material also offers some cushioning and shock absorption. And a shoe's upper (the portion that covers the top of your foot) will be more accommodating if it's made from a natural material like leather. One final feature to consider: the straps. "Anything that goes around your ankle in particular is good," Dr. Sheth says. "It's a little more security." If you're set on a backless style, choose one that has a large upper portion to keep your foot anchored. With these expert tips in mind, get ready to shop your heart and sole out with these comfortable wedges!

Sydney Quarter Strap Espadrille Wedge

Aetrex is another shoe brand that's been awarded the APMA's seal of approval for promoting foot health (the site even lets you filter your shoe search by foot characteristics like arch pain, hammer toes, and a high instep.) These leather wedges have memory foam footbeds, a padded collar, adjustable closures, and built-in orthotics that provide arch support to stabilize and align your feet. This pair is also treated with antimicrobial technology to fight every day odors. How cool!

Heel height: 3 inches

Vionic Kaytie Wedge Sandal

Bet you didn't know orthopedic shoes could look this cute. The shoe company Vionic was founded by a podiatrist, and many of its styles have been formally recognized by the American Podiatric Medical Association for promoting foot health. These stylish wedges combine a comfy cork heel with a stylish suede-and-jute upper. They have cushioned footbeds, a deep heel cup, arch support in the midsole, and ankle straps for extra security.

Heel height: 2 inches

Sammy Adjustable Strap Wedge Sandals

These sandals are as easy to wear for their comfort as they are for their style. They'll go with practically everything you have in your wardrobe, plus they just slip on! They have an "AdaptAll" strap, so you can customize the fit on your arch. They also have a moisture-wicking insole to keep your feet dry and an anti-slip outsole.

Heel height: 2.75 inches

Crocs Brooklyn Low Wedges Sandal

Good news for Crocs fans: The company has applied its special foam footbeds and other comfort features like deep heel cups and a raised insole to these fun wedges. They're incredibly lightweight and even water-friendly so you can don them for all of your upcoming summer activities. They come in several color ranges, too.

Heel height: 1.85 inches

Aerosoles Crisscross Velcro Back Wedge Sandal

Nothing is as easy as a velcro closure, and we love that this one is hidden so it stays stylish. Plus, these wedges feature a dual density footbed and a flexible outsole to let your feet move easier. You get free shipping and free returns if you don't like the fit. Though Aerosoles are known to be super comfy, so we don't think that will be the case!

Heel height: 3.75 inches

Soul Naturalizer Goodtimes Mule Wedge Sandal

If you like the look of strapless wedges, opt for a pair with a large upper to keep your foot secure. These cute mules also have a durable lug sole and cushioned footbed with arch support and memory foam, plus a lightweight and flexible outsole.

Heel height: 3 inches

Clarks Arla Glison

For a casual on-the-go look, consider these lightweight comfortable flip-flop platform wedges from the Clarks Cloudsteppers line. Not only is the upper material super soft and breathable, but the footbed has a hidden orthotic layer that absorbs impact. There's even a grippy tread that will keep you steady during all of your day-to-day adventures.

Heel height: 1.7 inches

Skechers Beverlee Sandal

These lightweight wedges with an embroidered synthetic "duraleather" upper and cork veneer midsole have an easy breezy strappy style combined with a flexible traction outsole and a cushioned Luxe Foam footbed. Talk about cute and comfy!

Heel height: 2.25 inches

Dr. Scholl's If Only Wedge Slip-On Sneaker

Sneaker wedges are a super stylish way to get a little extra height without sacrificing comfort, especially thanks to the anatomical cushioned footbed and padded collar on this pair. If your feet tend to sweat, you'll be thankful for the subtle perforations which promote airflow, too. You can also easily slip into this pair since they have a lightweight and flexible synthetic sole.

Heel height: 2 inches

Meza Espadrille Wedge Sandals

A go-to pair of espadrilles make it so easy to dress in the warmer months. This pair features a cushioned footbed and arch support for all day comfort and elastic straps that move with your foot. They come in other pretty colors if denim isn't your thing.

Heel height: 2.75 inches

Stacy Espadrille Wedge Sandal

One of the biggest issues with comfort is being able to find the right size and width. Well, this option has you covered with sizes 5 to 12 and narrow, regular, wide, and extra wide widths. They also have an adjustable buckle closure for more perfect fit and a cushioned footbed. Oh, and they come in five neutral shades!

Heel height: 1.75 inches

Toms Kallie Wedge Bootie

These super supportive suede ankle boots have orthotic insoles designed for long-term cushioning. We also love the look of this pair thanks to suede uppers, a stacked leather midsole, and appealing cutouts. The tab on the back makes them easy to pull on, too.

Heel height: 2.75 inches

Verdi II Wedge Sandal

If you're looking for a dressier option, go with this versatile pair that's finished with brushed hardware accents. Comfort-promoting features include a plush suede-lined cork footbed that's molded to fit the natural shape of your foot and adjustable hook and loop closures for your perfect fit.

Heel height: 2.25 inches

Journee Collection Seena Wedge Sneaker

A cross between a platform wedge and a slip-on sneaker, these cute kicks with cutout detailing would look great with just about any outfit. They've got a round toe style, back zipper for a secure wear, and a cushioned footbed for comfort. Find them in five neutral and bold colors.

Heel height: 2.25 inches

Soda Topic Casual Ankle Strap Sandals

The platform style on these highly-rated wedges means you'll get an extra lift without putting too much pressure on the balls of your feet. That's along with the cushioned insole, durable outsole, and ankle strap that you can adjust for your custom fit. They even come in dozens of colors and patterns.

Heel height: 1.25 inches

Dr. Scholl's Time Off Sea Wedge Sandal

When it comes to comfy shoes, Dr. Scholl's knows best. The brand has been making comfortable shoes and inserts for decades, and these days, the company stays on top of fashion trends, too. These affordable (and adorable) platform wedges have a bunch of features that will please your feet, including cushy insole technology with extra support and an adjustable strap with velcro.

Heel height: 1.33 inches

Sabeena Wedge Bootie

If you ask us, these are the best way to jazz up a neutral—meaning you can pair it with practically anything. Throw on these ankle boots with your best jeans for a super chic look. They have a peep toe to show off your pedicure and a side zipper so you can get them on and off with ease.

Heel height: 3.25 inches

Clarks Kassanda Lily Blue Nubuck

Whether you need a regular or wide width, you'll be able to find an easy-to-wear pair of sandals from Clarks. With a molded contour cushion footbed, an adjustable strap for just the right fit, and grippy rubber outsole, you can wear these all day long. If you're not into this fun blue shade, there are several neutrals to try, too.

Heel height: 2.5 inches

LifeStride Women's Dreams Wedge Pump

Swap your uncomfortable work heels for these supportive wedges. They feature three-part comfort system technology which includes a cushy and breathable foam to soften your steps, extra arch and heel support for added stability, and an ultra-flexible outsole to keep things easy. Bonus points: They're simply stylish!

Heel height: 2 inches

Cole Haan Josie Wedge Sandals

Strappy sandals are so fun when it's time to dress up, but they can be painful. Well, Cole Haan has solved that issue by providing a fully padded foam footbed that has responsive cushioning and a rubber outsole to provide traction. That means you won't slip and slide on the dance floor and you can be out there all night long.

Heel height: 3 inches

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