Heading into summer, you will not believe how challenging it is to find a pair of summery shoes which are airy and pretty but which also have some kind of height booster (aka 'a heel') but aren't too high, are comfy enough to do all the usual activities you'd do in your flat sandals and which don't give you ruddy big blisters from the hot feet + leather strap equation.
You'd think that with my job being to look at shoes all day, it would make this task a little easier, but guess what? It just makes me frustrated at how few shoes there are which fit this description! Lucky then, that I came across these Tsumori Chisato espadrilles today, just when I was about to give up all hope... They're pretty and bright, they look uber comfortable and they're only £89 from Farfetch.
Related: Tsumori Chisato gold skull flats | Steve Madden Strutt wedges
Over at Domestic Sluttery, they were dropping hints that they might have found the best pair of shoes in the world earlier today, so naturally I had to have a look. And these were what I found: they're comic book wedges by quirky designer Angeline Tournier. They're certainly a lot of fun, and have a geek-chic DIY feel about them. If silver's not your colour, I'm quite a fan of the red version of this shoe, and for a very '2009' look, you can go for a style with studs.
£175 from Angeline Tournier
Related: Be a cartoon hero in MIA's 'Paddington' wellies | Comic strip stiletto by Alloy
I don't own a pair of Keds or even a pair of plimsoles (or plimmies, as I like to call them), but that doesn't stop me from being able to appreciate the comfort factor of these shoes. The truth is, I don't really *do* casual (unless it's my trusty Havaianas) - and my definition of casual usually needs to have some sort of heel attached... ah, the pitfalls of being "petite".
However, when I saw these wedge pumps, I had this weird feeling of being drawn to them. Yes, me, to a pair of casual shoes! I could instantly imagine them with a pair of high-waisted denim shorts and a nautical-inspired blue and white striped crop top, some red nailpolish and plenty of summer good times. Not bad for £16 eh? They're from Debenhams.
Related: Shelly's basket weave yellow wedges | Casual Friday: spearmint green Mary Janes
When it comes to these insanely incredible (or should that be incredibly insane) graffiti-print platform sandals, the truth is, I can't think of anyone - celebrities or "civilians" - who would actually be gutsy enough to wear them. Okay, scratch that, one name does pop into my head - and the last part of her name starts with 'Gaga', which would explain a lot really!
Designed by Celine, these mamas have a 16cm (yes, one-six!) heel and the wedge itself is 5-and-a-half cm too, so definitely not for those who are faint of heart. I'm not sure how well you'd fare balancing on these even with the middle section intact, so how you'd keep yourself sturdy with the open section in the sole is beyond me. If you're curious or just plain crazy, you can purchase these for £769 from Farfetch. And I wish you the best of luck!
Related: Celine X-Cross monochrome satin sandals | Celine's curvy wedge ankle boots
Steph Powell writes...
I've always thought Winona Ryder was a questionable actress and these Winona shoes are questionable enough for me to suspect that they've been named after her. Yes, they are peep toe, backless, rope wedge espadrilles. With an elasticated back. In baby pink.
Sometimes I think designers are just having a laugh, to see if anyone actually goes out and wears the strange things they make. If you disagree with me and think these... boots(?!) are actually a model of style and beauty, then buy them from Topshop for £55. They're also available in tan, if that helps.
Related: Topshop 'Paradise' platform sandal | Topshop's 'Victory' rosette slingback flats
In my humble opinion, here's nothing quite like a pair of wedges to really spell out S-U-M-M-E-R. I'm sure you'll agree with me after seeing these ones from Marc by Marc Jacobs, with their black and gold woven leather and cork wedge heel.
Casual enough to wear with your skirt or shorts and a bikini to the beach, but glitzy enough (thanks to those metallic flecks) to throw on with a floaty, bright maxi dress for evening cocktails, these wedges will no doubt sit pride of place in your wardrobe this summer. You can pick them up for £274 at Farfetch.com.
Related: Cheap or Chic Challenge: Marc by Marc Jacobs vs Aldo | Bargain Tuesday: Marc by Marc Jacobs at the Outnet
If you are in the market for an affordable, yet fashionable pair of wedges for spring then look no further.
Peacocks have a pair of super-cheap black studded gladiator wedges in its season sale. The studs add a touch of bohemian without looking too chunky or tough. They are reduced from £20 down to just £15. Bargain!
Related: Monsoon's peep-toe 'Miranda' wedges | Rock ALDO's 'Maune' lace-up suede wedges like a true fashion blogger!
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