Celebrities Are Endorsing These Controversial Heels

August 1, 2023

Kate Middleton wears a pink dress and espadrille wedges.

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Love ’em, hate ’em, or love to hate ’em, wedge heels are back. The divisive shoe has crowned itself the heel of the summer, showing up on the feet of everyone from Amal Clooney to Lily-Rose Depp. Cork, espadrille, or even the highly controversial sneaker heel, wedges are a versatile footwear choice, and a far more comfortable alternative to stilettos. Although wedges may immediately draw to mind Jersey Shore or the prime of Y2K, they ve earned a ringing celebrity endorsement this summer.

I ll admit, I ve been a little hesitant to jump on this particular train. The last time I wore them was when I strapped on a pair of ’70s wallpaper-inspired floral Urban Outfitters wedges for my middle school graduation ceremony. To their credit though, they were easy to walk in—even for a young teen attempting to navigate heels for the first time, clomping around in my massive shoes like a baby giraffe learning to walk. While I haven t worn wedges since, I m grateful for their service (and allowing me to finish my already traumatizing junior high tenure without eating it onstage).

So perhaps there is a value in wedge heels, and it s clear that others see that too. Whether you want a walkable vacation heel, or just want to tack on a little height for fun, you can look to the celebs who are endorsing the return of the contentious, yet comfy summer shoe.