What is the difference between wedges and espadrilles?

What is the difference between wedges and espadrilles?

Espadrille wedges have become increasingly popular over the last few years. Most people see them as a summer shoe staple, but actually, wedge espadrilles can be worn all year round and are a combination of two styles - traditional Spanish espadrilles and wedge heels.  Espadrilles do not always have wedges and wedges are not always espadrilles. Confused? Let’s explain…

Why are shoes called wedges?

Wedge shoes are any kind of shoe built on a sole that is in the shape of a wedge. Designer wedges come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, but all of them share one thing in common - their distinctive wedge shape. 

white espadrille wedges

Where can I get the best wedge espadrilles?

Viscata, the world’s leading online retailer of handmade espadrilles has a massive collection of handmade espadrilles and wedge shoes in all shapes, colors and sizes including wedge espadrilles, wedge shoes and espadrille wedge sandals. And if you’re looking for something extra, we’ve got closed toe espadrille wedges and open toe espadrille wedges to suit your every mood. In fact, on our website, you can even shop by heel to make sure you’re seeing the best of the best.

Are wedges easy to wear?

Yes. Wedges win in the style stakes, offering a confident profile, a sturdy walking base and no compromise on style. If you’re looking for a little extra stature, you could opt for beautiful, high-end designer wedges. But sometimes these wedges will offer you extra height and style, but compromise on comfort. If you’re looking to stand tall in 5” heels, there are many stunning heeled shoes out there for you. But wedges offer a more stable and comfortable shoe for all occasions.

And while espadrille wedges may not elevate you to those dizzying heights, instead they offer comfort and style in one beautiful shoe. With an espadrille wedge, your body weight is distributed evenly across the sole of your foot, which makes them more stable, more comfortable and allows you to keep going for longer

 

Are wedges good for walking?

Yes. Wedges are the ultimate combination of style and comfort. They are sophisticated and fun, yet practical and cool. The beauty of this style of shoe is that they are as comfortable as flats and as stylish as heels. And that makes them one of the most comfortable shoes and styles out there. Some people even say they are the most comfortable style of high heels to walk in - and we couldn’t agree more. 

navy espadrille sandal wedges

Can I wear them for hiking and for strenuous walks?

No. While we wouldn’t recommend setting out for a 10 mile hike over rough terrain, we suspect that’s not on your mind anyway. However, if you’re looking for a stylish and comfortable pair of everyday shoes to walk around town, stroll to the beach or make an impression at a business meeting, these could be the perfect shoes for you. In fact, we’d be happy to say that these are amongst the best walking shoes for women. Our espadrille wedges are available in all shapes and sizes including low wedge espadrilles, medium wedge espadrilles and high wedge espadrilles.

What's the difference between a heel and a wedge?

As we mentioned before, wedges are a style of heel. Heels tend to lift the foot off the ground and are more compact and slim. Wedges, on the other hand, have a thicker sole at the heel, which gently narrows towards the toe, resulting in a stable, elevated platform. 

This broader base makes wedges more stable, easier to walk in and more comfortable for extended walkabouts. Also, jute sole espadrilles feature natural jute soles and are comfortable shoes for all occasions.

Are wedge shoes more comfortable than heels?

Yes. Generally, the wider base allows weight to be distributed more evenly. They also offer more support to the foot, making them more suitable for everyday wear. But espadrille wedges can also be glamorous and stylish. So, if you’re looking for that magic mix of good looks and comfort, wedges are probably the way to go. 

Ultimately, this is a personal choice and dependent on the sort of circumstances you’ll be using our shoes for.

black sling back espadrille wedges

Are wedge shoes better for your feet?

Yes. Wedges can offer the same sense of stature as more sophisticated styles such as stilettos, which can reach up to 8” tall. Wedges, on the other hand, generally range from 1” to 4”l. But what you sacrifice in height, you gain in comfort. 

Wedges spread the weight across your entire foot, which makes them more comfortable and easier to wear for longer without feeling the pain of a more traditional heel. They also give you a more balanced walking experience which means you can stroll confidently for longer.

Can I wear wedges daily?

Yes. You can wear wedges pretty much any time you like, depending on the circumstances.  These stylish shoes are perfect for all year round use and their casual elegance transcends fashion. And their stable soles and wider surface area make them comfortable and sturdy.

Where’s the best place to get espadrilles and wedge shoes?

Viscata has the world’s widest online range of espadrille styles, with more than 450 different choices, including hundreds of different variations of wedge espadrilles for all occasions. Their flexibility means you can dress up or down in espadrilles to suit the occasion - and their comfortable shape and natural jute sole will keep you going all day long and into the night. 

What are the options for Viscata’s espadrilles?

At Viscata, you can choose from this vast range that includes canvas espadrilles, leather espadrilles and suede espadrilles, with every pair of these authentic espadrilles handmade in Spain. So, if you’re looking for a stylish and sustainable shoe, there’s a wide selection here. And they’re available in a wide range of colors including black espadrilles, navy espadrilles, white espadrilles, pink espadrilles and red espadrilles. We even have a variety of tying options that you can choose by tying type

What's the difference between wedges and espadrilles?

The main difference between wedges and espadrilles is the sole. In a traditional wedge shoe, the sole can be made from almost any material. With an espadrille wedge, the sole has to be made of jute fiber. Viscata’s jute soled espadrilles are made from natural jute and are made by hand using traditional techniques that have been passed down from generation to generation for many centuries,

Can you walk a lot in wedge espadrilles? 

Yes. Espadrille wedges are some of the most comfortable shoes out there. If you’re looking for something stylish, oozing casual elegance, then these are the shoes for you. Comfortable, well balanced and with all the little extras that keep things soft, including padded inner soles for extra comfort. Not only are espadrille wedge shoes made for walking, they're so beautiful you’ll probably never want to stop.

 



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