What Is The History Of Wedge Heels?
We’ve all seen a pair of wedge heels, but have you ever stopped to think about where they came from? The history of this famous shoe style has been around for centuries and has changed drastically over time. Today we’re going to take a look at the origins of wedge heels and explore how they’ve evolved throughout the decades. From the 1930s to modern times, the wedge heel has been a staple in fashion and continues to be a popular shoe choice today. So, let’s take a look at the history of wedge heels and see how this iconic shoe style has shaped the fashion world.
Origins of the Wedge Heel
You’ve probably seen wedges around since childhood, but do you know where they came from? The wedge heel is believed to have originated in ancient Egypt, with the use of cork and other eco friendly materials to create the first wedges. In the early twentieth century, the wedge heel began to appear in fashion trends, although their popularity was short lived.
The wedge heel saw a resurgence in popularity in the 1930s, when the iconic cork wedge heel was re-introduced in modern fashion. Designers began to experiment with different materials, such as wood and plastic, to create more interesting styles. This led to a boom in the popularity of the wedge heel, which soon became a staple in women’s fashion.
Today, the wedge heel is still popular and is available in a variety of materials and styles. From dainty ankle straps to bold platform styles, the wedge heel is the perfect mix of comfort and sophistication. With its timeless design and modern updates, the wedge heel is sure to remain a staple in women’s fashion for years to come.
Rise in Popularity in the 1930s
In the 1930s, wedge heels became an increasingly popular trend that you just had to have! The fashion influence of the era was hard to ignore, with many celebrities endorsing the look. Wedge heels were seen as a comfortable and stylish alternative to the high-heeled shoes of the time:
- They had a lower heel, making them more comfortable to wear
- Wedge heels had a more subtle, understated look
- They allowed for more movement and flexibility
The wedge heel quickly became the go-to shoe for many fashion-forward women. Not only was it comfortable, but it was also fashionable and easy to wear. With its timeless look, the wedge heel has been a part of the fashion landscape for nearly a century. And with its continued popularity, it’s no wonder that the wedge heel is here to stay. As we move into the next section, we’ll take a look at how wedge heels evolved in the 1960s and 70s.
Wedge Heels in the 1960s and 70s
Experience a fashion revolution with wedge heels as they evolved in the 1960s and 70s, offering more style and comfort than ever before. From the rat pack to disco, wedge heels were embraced by all and became the go-to shoe for the fashion forward. Rocking the Wedge become the look of the era with icons like Twiggy, Diana Ross, and Jane Fonda donning them for their signature styles.
The wedge heel was the shoe of choice for the stylish and daring, allowing for enough height for an elegant look without sacrificing comfort. From the early cork wedges to the later wooden and leather styles, these shoes allowed for both a casual and dressed up look that could be paired with anything from a mini skirt to a jumpsuit.
As the wedge heel gained more popularity, fashion brands like Charles Jourdan and Candies began to produce their own versions, offering a variety of colors, textures, and materials. Wedge heels were no longer just the domain of the rich and famous, but became the shoe of choice for people everywhere. With its comfortable and stylish look, the wedge heel was here to stay as it transitioned into the 1980s and 90s.
Wedge Heels in the 1980s and 90s
Step into the 1980s and 90s with the stylish and comfortable wedge heel, perfect for a night out or a day at the office. The wedge heel of this era was characterized by retro styling, with thick straps and cork wedges that harkened back to the 70s. The style gained mainstream fame due to celebrity influence, with stars such as Madonna and Cher sporting the look on red carpets and music videos.
The wedge heel of the 80s and 90s was also a practical necessity for many women. Its comfort and style allowed women to look fashionable without sacrificing their feet or wallet. The added height of the heel meant that women could keep up with the trends while still being comfortable in the workplace.
The classic wedge heel of the 80s and 90s remains a popular style today, and has served as an inspiration for modern iterations of the shoe. Its combination of practicality and versatility ensured that it would remain a fashion staple for decades to come. Moving on to modern wedge heels, the style has seen a resurgence in recent years with a more modern twist.
Modern Wedge Heels
Today’s wedge heels boast a modernized design, offering a fashionable alternative to traditional footwear without sacrificing comfort. The design evolution of wedge heels has taken on a number of forms over the last few decades, with the trend now focusing on heightened platform soles and slender straps. These modern wedge heels can be seen everywhere from the catwalk to the street, with fashionistas everywhere embracing the comfortable and stylish look.
| Platform Soles | Slender Straps |
|---|---|
| Elevated | Wraparound |
| Chunky | Detailed |
| Textured | Sparkling |
The trend for modern wedge heels is all about making a bold statement with the footwear, whether through the choice of material, the design of the platform sole, or the detailing on the straps. From chunky platforms to textured soles and sparkly straps, the combinations are endless. Women are embracing the versatility of the wedge heel, experimenting with the interplay between the platform sole and the straps to create an individualized look.
As the design of wedge heels continues to evolve, the modern trend for fashion-forward footwear shows no signs of slowing down. Women everywhere are embracing the comfort and style of wedge heels, taking the look from day to night with ease.
Conclusion
We’ve come a long way since the wedge heel was first introduced in the early 20th century. From the 1930s when they were seen as a fashion statement, to their resurgence in the 1960s and their modern reinvention in the 1980s and 90s, wedge heels have had quite the journey. Today, wedges are a staple in many wardrobes and fashionistas are still finding new and creative ways to rock them. It’s kind of like the saying goes: ‘Everything old is new again’, and wedge heels are no exception.