If you love the look a pair of high heels add to an outfit but are not willing to sacrifice comfort all night; wedges are the perfect shoe for you. From sandals to booties or pumps; these heels can be found on a large selection of shoes and are as versatile as can be.

They have a joined heel and sole and are made of one solid material – often cork or wood. Cork is preferred in sandals as it is durable but lightweight and does not feel heavy on your feet during the summer months. When it comes to booties, the cork or wood base is usually wrapped in another material to give the appearance of a sleeker look – typically the same material as the rest of the shoe.

More comfortable to walk in than most other heels, yet they can still be challenging depending on how high it is. Deciding which design and style best suits you depends solely on your lifestyle and how you plan on wearing them. Neutral colors go seamlessly with any outfit, and although look nice, do not necessarily draw attention to your feet. Whereas bright, colorful heels or funky patterns can make your shoes the focal point, and that is not always wanted.

They are an excellent choice for outdoor events, especially ones that will be taking place on grass, like a wedding, for instance. There is nothing more frustrating than having to walk through a grass field and have your beautiful stilettos continuously go through the grass and get dirty. A low heeled, sleek pair of open-toed sandals can be the perfect alternative and look just as classy and elegant while leaving you comfortable and worry-free.

They can be made from a wide variety of materials from leather, cork and everything in between, knowing how the shoe will be worn and to where will help you decide what material will be the best fit. If you plan on wearing them mostly outdoors, to the beach, for example, look for a sturdier heel, especially one that has grip on the sole. Indoor ones that you plan on wearing strictly to work or indoor venues can be slightly less durable and be made with cork or rope. If you plan on investing in a pair, whether for indoor or outdoor use, consider the material and how it will hold up over time.

Lower heeled ones have a flat sole and then gradually get higher as the wedge grows. This creates a smooth transition into the heel, offers the foot arch support, and creates an overall soft and comfortable surface area for your foot throughout the day. When the heel of your sandal or shoe is over around 3” a platform comes in; this adds quite a bit of thickness to the sole and ball of your foot giving you an extra boost, and with higher heels offers most support and creates a more comfortable surface to walk on.

The reason most people opt for a heel like this is to optimize comfort, because of the thickness of the heel and platform at the front of the shoe, the entire foot is supported, mainly the middle part which ensures a sense of comfort that a pair of stilettos never will. Walking in a pair of heels for longer than a few hours can be daunting, but when it comes to wedges you can be on your feet all day, doing numerous activities either indoor or out and not have to think twice about the comfort of your feet.

They are very foot-friendly and thus have become more and more popular amongst those who want the look of a heel, but the comfort of a shoe. They are an especially excellent option when traveling, especially abroad. If it isn’t a trip where you can get away with strictly wearing sneakers, wedges will give you the appearance of a dressy shoe while remaining comfortable. Not only do they cut down on the number of shoes you need to pack because they will double as your casual day shoes and going out shoes, but they also are great for walking on various terrains.

You are bound to walk on grass, gravel, cobblestone, and other terrains when out and about, and have you ever tried walking on any of those in high heeled shoes? It’s not an easy nor fun task. When flats are not an option, and you dread the thought of having to walk or even stand around in heels all day, wedges will change the game.

Fit and comfort go hand in hand, therefore taking the time to accurately assess what shoe fits you best is essential. If you have smaller ankles strappy sandals that don’t look and feel loose are hard to find. Look for ones that have thicker buckles and straps and are easily adjustable. You don’t want to tighten the fastener to the tightest hole or have to puncture an additional hole to make them even tighter, and shouldn’t have to.

Created decades ago, this kind of heel continued to resurface due to it’s easy to style ways and immense comfort. They have time and time again been a staple in closets worldwide and are a shoe everyone should have at least one pair of. Stop having to pick between style and comfort and have both. Offering more support than any other heel on the market and great for improving posture, it makes being on your feet smooth, and comfortable regardless of what life or your day throws at you.

Just like any shoe, especially one that has a heel on it, you want to make sure it is secure on your foot. Slip-on ones may look cute, but after an hour or so of walking in them, you will begin feeling discomfort due to your toe having to grip the front of the shoe to keep them on. Proper closures that fit and stay in place can not only add a stylish look to the shoe but will also have you feeling comfortable all day.

Depending on the style of shoe the types of closures they have will vary, although they all offer different levels of support, some are more secure than others and if given the option should be chosen over others. Consider the amount of support you need and how shoes often fit you. Most heels cause your feet to slide to the front of the shoe; this can damage your toes and irritate. The fit will vary depending on style, so deciding on a style, and then taking the time to find the perfect fit is essential.

When it comes to this type of sandals, the most common type of closure is around the ankle, in either an ankle strap with buckles or just an elastic back. Although the elastic back can sometimes look sleeker and takes little to no time to just slip on, it is not the most practical option; from sliding down your heel throughout the day to stretching out over time, or just not being the right fit and tightness, to begin with. Having a closure that is adjustable and therefore can be fitted to your foot correctly is ideal.

Commonly seen on sandals or booties, zippers are a great way to secure a shoe however they are also not always the most secure. When it comes to booties, zippers are there to close the shoe easily. However, details like laces are usually added on as well to secure the bootie. Sandals, generally just have a zipper that will run the length of the back of the shoe and although it is an easy way to take them on and off, it doesn’t add much support other than closing the shoe.

If there is any straps or designs going around your ankle a buckle is the best way to ensure the perfect fit, especially if you struggle with shoes correctly fitting your ankles, and should be what you look for when purchasing a new pair. Struggling to find the right fit with any shoe can be challenging, but when heels are involved not having your foot adequately secured and supported in your shoe can lead to injuries.

Simple, stylish and versatile. However, there are a time and place for wedges, and although easy to style, they are not always the best choice for specific events. It is important to know how to style them and where they are best suited. Regardless of the type of heel, some are much more casual than others.

These sandals, for instance, can be a summer staple and are great to wear with most outfits. They are perfect when you want to be comfortable in a cute summer dress, but wish to add a little something extra to your outfit, and desire that added height. They come in any style imaginable, as well as color and design, however, if you are looking to invest in a pair that will last and be wearable with most of your wardrobe, opt for a neutral colored pair of pumps and sandals.

Although typically classified as a “casual shoe”, these shoes are becoming more fashionable, and are transitioning into a more formal style. So how do you wear them and what looks best with them? If the heel is under 3” consider these daytime heels and pair them with skinny jeans, summer dresses, and shorts. If you are going for a fancier more nighttime look add a little more height and go for a pump or sandal that is over 3”.

There is a significant difference between trendy shoes and classic, timeless shoes. These can lean a lot towards the stylish side of things, so when choosing a pair, you need to decide whether or not these will be carried on into other seasons, and will blend into your wardrobe or if they are a trendy summer item. Colorful, espadrille type shoes and sandals are only great for summer and are a style that changes each season, so it is crucial to not invest in these trends because by next year they won’t be popular.

That is not to say that you should not buy fun, trendy ones each summer, but it is important to know what shoes are worth spending a good amount of money on and which aren’t. Invest in a good quality pair of wedge pumps, ones that fit your feet like a glove and that will become your go-to shoe when you want to look professional around the office, at weddings, or any event, where not only style is important but comfort as well. Do not invest in models made of rope, like espadrilles, or cork. These are cute but will only last one season before they start to look worn, especially if you plan on wearing them frequently.