They say fashion is cyclical, but some trends are better left in the past—like that dusty pair of cork wedges hiding in your closet. According to stylists, certain wedge heels are no longer giving effortless chic… they’re giving grandma on a cruise ship (and not in the cute, retro way).
From bulky espadrille wedges to once-trendy wedge sneakers, these shoes are quietly aging your outfit by a decade—or more. If you’re still clinging to these silhouettes, it might be time for a closet intervention.
Ahead, the wedge heels stylists say are outdated, unflattering, and overdue for retirement—and what to wear instead if you still want a little lift.
1. Cork Wedge Sandals
Once a staple among early 2000s fashionistas, cork wedge sandals have seen better days. Their chunky design was a favorite of celebrities like Jennifer Lopez and Kate Middleton. However, today, they often evoke memories of past fashion eras rather than setting new trends.
The thick cork base can make outfits look unbalanced, detracting from the sleeker lines of contemporary fashion. While they might still hold a nostalgic charm for some, others see them as a relic best left in the past.
2. Wedge Sneakers
Wedge sneakers combine athletic and dressy elements in a way that once seemed groundbreaking. Isabel Marant’s designs led the charge in the early 2010s, offering hidden heels within a sneaker.
However, what was once trendy now feels mismatched and disjointed. The fusion of styles that initially drew attention now leaves many longing for a more cohesive design. As fashion evolves, these sneakers often seem stuck in a transitional phase that no longer fits the current aesthetic.
3. Espadrille Wedges
With their distinctive jute or rope soles, espadrille wedges bring to mind sun-soaked days of the late 2000s. While comfort was their main selling point, these shoes now often appear too rustic for today’s streamlined styles.
Their charmingly laid-back look can clash with modern, minimalist outfits. As trends lean towards sleeker silhouettes, these wedges might be better suited for memory lane rather than the runway, leaving wearers with an outdated impression.
4. Platform Wedges
Platform wedges made waves with their sky-high soles and bold presence in the early 2000s. Brands like Steve Madden and Jessica Simpson brought these to the mainstream.
Yet, their bulky design can overwhelm modern ensembles, making them look heavy and cumbersome. As preferences shift toward lighter, more airy footwear, platform wedges often feel like a throwback to a time when more was more.
5. Wooden Wedge Sandals
Wooden wedge sandals hearken back to the 1990s, adored for their sturdy design and nostalgic appeal. While they offer a distinct retro vibe, their heavy appearance can feel out of sync with contemporary fashion’s fluidity.
The clunky heel and open-toe design can make them seem cumbersome when paired with today’s lighter fabrics and styles. Although they may hold sentimental value, they often look like a fashion relic that hasn’t aged as gracefully as others.
6. Strappy Wedge Sandals
With their intricate web of straps, strappy wedge sandals were once ubiquitous in early 2000s wardrobes. Brands like Nine West and Aldo championed these styles.
Today, however, their busy design can make outfits feel cluttered rather than chic. As fashion preferences move toward simplicity and elegance, these sandals often stand out for the wrong reasons, offering a nostalgic nod to styles that are no longer en vogue.
7. Peep-Toe Wedge Booties
Peep-toe wedge booties offer a unique blend of boot and heel, popularized in the late 2000s. Their distinct look provides a striking silhouette. Yet, this combination can appear jarring against the backdrop of contemporary fashion.
While they may still appeal to those drawn to statement pieces, others might find their hybrid nature too complex. As fashion shifts towards more cohesive designs, these booties can feel like an experiment that didn’t quite succeed.
8. Gladiator Wedge Sandals
Gladiator wedge sandals, characterized by their multiple straps and distinctive wedge heel, were the darlings of the mid-2000s. Brands like Steve Madden and Sam Edelman helped cement their popularity.
However, their intricate, almost theatrical design can seem overwhelming in today’s more understated fashion landscape. As tastes lean towards simplicity, these sandals often appear more like a costume piece than a modern wardrobe staple.