Wedge Mules: The Bold Comeback of Platform Shoes

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Like the ballerinas, wedge shoes are part of that category of pieces that surprise when they return to the trends… Indeed, like their counterparts, they have long been looked down upon, considered outdated and associated with a past many have often wanted to forget. But, the wheel turns this spring, as wedge mules, or thick-soled flip-flops, are more trendy than ever. This can be explained by a clever mix of nostalgia, comfort, and versatility!

Wedge shoes: a mix of nostalgia, vintage, and the Bessette effect?

If you too have had to do a double take to verify that it was indeed a pair of wedges in your Instagram feed, rest assured, you are not alone. Indeed, wedge shoes were far from our trend predictions for this year, yet they seem to be asserting themselves more than ever, with a redefined image.

In fact, it must be admitted that wedges resonate within us more as style mistakes and outdated looks than as key pieces of fashion shows. Nevertheless, the memories they carry – tickling the sensitive cord of nostalgia that dictates trends – have gently brought their silhouette back to our minds. Just like the Jelly shoes, which are also making a comeback.

And while some pieces, such as the Chinese slippers (from two summers ago), are making a place for themselves in trends by diverting their kitschy aspect, the case of wedges rather emphasizes the desire to reconnect with the mood of a past fashion, 90s spirit. A desire that has grown since the release of the Love Story series, where Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s looks turned the fashion sphere upside down, infusing a new overflowing love for looks rooted in that decade.

Wedge shoes version 2026

However, be careful, the pair is back in the dressing rooms but with a more modern silhouette, combining vintage with elegance. In other words, we are discovering more refined pairs, less imposing, and with a very marked design spirit in their cut.

Also, wedges are designed to be lower and feature visuals in neutral tones, solid colors, or transparent bands rooted in the heritage of minimalism to gain height without attracting too much attention.

We think, for example, of the Natty Mules from Rouje, which are unveiled in romantic colors, ranging from deep burgundy to leopard print. All with a slight transparency for even more vintage appeal. The heel here is not too high and maintains an elegant finesse, perfectly .

Which wedge shoes to adopt this spring?

The wedge mules presented above will not be the only version of wedges we will see this spring-summer. Indeed, three silhouettes stand out in the trends and are presented as those that will be most adopted – in addition to other more unique versions, like the Toteme wedges, designed to elongate both the silhouette and the foot.

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Regarding the models that are set to be the standout shoes of the season, we have thus (in addition to the mules): the wedge sandals, featuring straps at the front and/or back. Then the wedge flip-flops, which will trade their iconic “foam” silhouette for thinner leather models, thus offering more sophisticated lines to the pair.

How do wedges present themselves as the perfect in-between?

If wedge shoes are so appealing this season, it is not only due to their new status as the current it-piece. Indeed, they also have other significant advantages, namely: their comfort and versatility.

On one hand, their “real/fake” heels have the advantage of giving us a few centimeters without having to pray for our ankles with every sidewalk descent or stroll on cobblestones. And that is a true luxury. Moreover, besides saving us from some sprains, they are more pleasant to wear all day long, even if we have to do quite a bit of walking.

Another appealing point is their versatility to fit various styles and outfits. Indeed, they lend themselves to both daytime looks and evening attire thanks to their few centimeters of height that elongate the silhouette while adding a slightly more dressed-up aspect to an outfit. Thus, a casual outfit can appear a bit more elevated when we wear them on our feet.

Therefore, they become our best ally for going for a walk or dining out!

Moreover, now adopted in models with finer silhouettes and neutral tones, wedges can complement outfits of very varied styles. We find them included in both streetwear styles and with skirts or little polka dot dresses.

Here are some outfit ideas seen on Pinterest: