How To Wear Wedge Sneakers: The Trendy Secret For Looking Taller
Most of us wouldn’t mind looking a little taller, and heels are the easiest way to add a few extra inches. But when you’re dressing casually, you probably don’t want to slip into a pair of pumps or any other uncomfortable, fancy heels. So, what’s the best casual shoe to elevate both your height and your everyday style?
Enter high-wedge sneakers! This trend is making a comeback, and they’re a favorite among women over 40—whether they’re on the petite side or just looking for a little extra lift. Even at 5’7”, I own a pair myself! Here’s how to style wedge sneakers with your favorite casual outfits.
How To Wear Wedge Sneakers
Choose the right pants.
Wedge sneakers pair perfectly with jeans, and there are plenty of styles that work well with them. For a sleek, modern look, try skinny, slim, or straight-leg jeans—they hug your legs and highlight the sporty-chic vibe of the sneakers. If you prefer straight-leg or wide-leg jeans, opt for ones with a cropped hem.
Cropped-hem jeans balance these chunky shoes, and the shoes don’t get lost under too much fabric. After all, wedge sneakers are stylish and trendy—you’ll want to show them off!
Keep the Heel Height in Check
A wedge sneaker with a subtle lift of about 2 to 3 inches is just right for a stylish, balanced, casual look. Some wedge sneakers go up to 4 inches, but that can throw off your proportions and make running errands a bit of a challenge!
Look for neutral colors.
You’ll likely reach for your wedge sneakers when you’re wearing a relaxed, casual look. For example, wear them with fun and bold animal prints or something more classic, like jeans and a solid-print sweater. With neutral-colored wedges, you won’t have to worry as much about them matching, which means you get even more wear out of them. I own a light gray-blue pair of wedge sneakers that go with a lot of things very easily.
Play with different textures and fabrics.
Have fun with the texture! You’ll find leather, suede, and canvas wedge sneakers. Pair them with pieces that have other interesting textures, like faux leather leggings, a suede bag, or even a tweed top. It may feel like a lot, but the textures will play off of each other and create a more interesting outfit.
For some added glam, go for printed shoes with simple detailing.
I like solid-colored sneakers because they are an easy go-to, but some of you may prefer bold, printed wedge sneakers to add a fun pop of personality. These cheetah print wedge sneakers are fun for the days you want to look playful. They’re a touch wild but not tacky.
Now, let’s focus on a few tips for wearing wedge sneakers and some cute ways to style them.
How To Style Wedge Sneakers
Wedge sneakers look like ordinary shoes, but they hide a secret in the heel. These cute blue-gray sneakers have a hidden wedge that boosts your height an inch or two and your confidence! I love mine and wear them all the time with jeans and casual tops. They’re comfy, too, and easy to walk in. Petite gals can’t live without them!
Black Leather Wedge Sneakers
Black wedge sneakers are one of the more popular styles. They’re higher up the ankle and a little bit edgy. Wear them with faux leather leggings and an oversized sweater for a cool, urban look.
With this outfit, you can either wear camo pants and a chic top or jeans with a casual shirt, depending on the occasion! Utility jackets, leather jackets, jean jackets, and boyfriend jackets also look fantastic with these trendy high-top wedge sneakers.
I don’t suggest wearing them with a dress or skirt, though. They’d be very clunky looking.
Perforated Suede Wedge Sneakers
Perforated wedge sneakers are trending for spring. These chic suede ones have no hardware, and the caramel suede color is very rich looking. You can wear them with a variety of looks, including this weekend’s outfit above.
Layer a spring utility coat over a plaid shirt and your favorite jeans, and add these cute perforated suede wedge sneakers to create a winning look.
Woven Napoli Wedge Sneakers
On those summer days where you don’t want to wear closed-toe shoes but a pair of flip-flops won’t cut it, woven wedge sneakers are just what you need. They can go with endless outfits for an easy-breezy look. If you’re wearing them on vacation, they’d look fabulous with a pair of high-waisted sailor shorts and a linen top. You can also wear them with a stylish sundress for a “walking on sunshine” look.
Hidden White Wedge Sneakers
For a cute look with jeans or a colorful sundress, go neutral with white wedge sneakers. These Puma Cali Wedge sneakers are perfect for everyday casual wear.
Wedge sneakers are a fun and trendy way to update any of your casual everyday outfits!
Will you be trying wedge sneakers this spring? They’re fun and modern and will literally lift your spirits! Keep these style tips and tricks handy to look WOW in wedge sneakers!
Make sure to visit my LTK storefront to see all of my favorite outfit ideas. Keep up with my blog for all new posts! I cover everything from which shoes are trending to the colors of the season. You can also join my private Facebook group, Fabulous After 40 Dressing Room, to discuss your favorite things about wedge sneakers and how you plan to style them this season.
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I am not over 40 just turned 30. I have been wearing sneaker wedges now for a while! My first pair was from Aldo. I loved them so much that I ended up buying three teams! I love how comfy, sexy, and stylish. I work in the music industry, and they make it possible to be fashionable but also comfy, which is essential to me when spending long hours on my feet. I want to purchase more!
I have a few cute pairs of sneaker wedges—Red, white & black plaid, orange, gold & copper. I live in them in the fall/winter! Turning 50 in 2017. :)
I just turned 41, and I have the white Nike ones. I wondered if they were age-appropriate (shame on me), but when I googled, women my age were buying them. I love them because I’m not a big sneaker, and they work, honey! They’re more comfortable than my reg Nike workout/errand sneakers. I’m going to get the black-on-black ones as well!
I would make the wedge sneaker a part of my over 40’s fashion style. I am 52 and bought my first pair of wedge sneakers a few weeks ago, only to have my adult 32-year daughter, 24-year-old daughter, and 27-year-old daughter tell me I was too old and a grandmother. Let me tell you, I may be a grandmother, but I rocked those wedged sneakers like a 20-year-old!!!
Hi Deanna, Great style is about attitude and confidence, and it sounds like you have plenty of that! If it feels right, go for it!
You are never too old!! It is also possible that your daughters want those wedge sneakers, and they don’t want you to wear them because they want the shoes for themselves! Lol!!
I bought a pair. I can’t wait to wear skinny ankle-length pants with a high-low shirt.
Hi Jacqueline. Be sure to send a photo!
I would so wear those wedges. They’re so cute!
I hope I get away with wearing the new wedge sneaker at 40. It would most definitely help to be only 5″2 as long as I wear them with something fitting for my age.
Yes, I sure would! I’ve focused on them and will be purchasing my first pair soon! I’m also petite and own a pair of ballet flats, but I look better in a shoe that gives me some height. To me, the wedge sneaker is a gift from heaven! Lol!
YES, I would and DO, as they are COMFORTABLE, great on UNEVEN TERRAIN, and in my
Opinion an AGELESS boot ( I am 67), and give a YOUNG – but not TARTY LOOK!!
I have been waiting for a WEDGE CASUAL BOOT for ages. The ones with lots of
LACES take a long while to do up is the only negative thing about these boots!! I find wedge
Shoes/boots/sandals are the only TRUE COMFORTABLE footwear!
I purchased a pair about six months ago, khaki smooth leather with a little tangerine accent. Worn with cargo pants, a zip-front jacket, and a scarf on the weekend, they look elegant and on-trend. I’ve not seen the “kids” wearing these around my area (Philadelphia suburbs). At 48, I may not be a kid, but I’m not in the grave yet!
I never would!
No, I would not wear these.
Initially, I thought sneaker wedges looked ridiculous — and the first versions DID look very “hip-hop” and, well, tacky/teenagery. But then more designers started jumping on the bandwagon, and colors toned down & the wedge became less obvious (aka the “hidden wedge” item descriptions now tout). I had to try a pair, and I AM HOOKED!!
OMG, sooooo comfortable. You’d never know you were wearing heels, but you’ve got a nice little bump in height to slim & elongate your figure & help you see over crowds & all the benefits of being taller without the ouch & instability of “regular” heels. Seriously — these shoes are THAT comfortable.
They’re not so many sneakers anyway, but more of a bootie. A cushie, sporty bootie. Like they took all the padding &, adjustability of sneakers, and added some lift & style so you can wear them out and not feel all gym-ratty.
Have to love it: push-up shoes!! How did it take us so long to invent these…?? Don’t knock them till you’ve tried them, ladies. Have a feeling we’re going to be seeing a lot of variations on this theme in upcoming seasons.
I think those of us with teen daughters might look at some clothing items differently than we would have in the pre-kid days. I think I had a pair of these about 25 years ago, but there are so many casual wedge options available today that I’ll probably pass this time.
I wouldn’t say personally. To me, it looks too teenager-y. I can imagine my 16-year-old niece or a college-age girl in these. Not to say it wouldn’t work for other women, but count me out.
It depends on how comfortable they are. They look cute, but I can’t stand wearing a shoe that hurts.
Looks like there are lots of different opinions on these! Probably depends on how trendy of a town you live in, your age and several other factors. Pro or Con…Love hearing from all of you!
I am definitely planning to add a pair (or two) to my shoe wardrobe this season. I’m 5’2″ if that tells you anything. I love them and they look so cool under straight leg jeans.
No. I don’t wear sneakers except for exercise. In general, they’re ugly, and I think they aren’t improved by adding wedges. Then, they just look ugly and silly, which is fine for a 14 year old, but not an adult of any age.
Absolutely NOT!! These are too trendy- and in my opinion- very silly looking!
I love these, but I bet I can’t find them in my size (11 ss). If I can, I will definitely get a pair. Love the pants, too.
I just bought these and I think they’re cute and comfortable and age appropriate!
http://www.6pm.com/david-tate-pillow-black-suede
I bought these with my 26 yr old daughter. (Me 46) They are cute and comfortable. They don’t make me look tarnished! If you like them, rock them. OH, and you can find them in size 11.