Call them ugly, call them fashionable, call them whatever you wish, but wedge sneakers are a trend and they’ve finally hit Victoria. Wedge sneakers are like Uggs for fashion-conscious people, because even they need to relax, right? It was almost like Uggs hired a plastic surgeon and stylist and completely reinvented themselves as the new, more over-the-top stylish alternative to lazy shoes.
Wedge sneakers are defined by their hidden wedge and lace-up or Velcro exterior. Love it or hate it, there’s just something about wedge sneakers’ sports-luxe appearance that piques people’s interest.
Even in sleepy, conservative Victoria, which tends to favour a vintage west coast look, the trend of wedge sneakers is catching on. Jason Tuttle, owner of Complex Clothing on Johnson St., has been carrying Nike’s take on the wedge sneaker trend.
“Girls that are in the know are up on the hidden wedge sneaker trend,” explains Tuttle. “In my opinion the Isabel Marant wedge sneakers made a huge impact and spawned a grip of knockoffs, as well as more original and slightly more functional wedge-sneaker styles like the Nike Dunk Sky Hi.”
Since Isabel Marant debuted her Willow Wedge sneakers as part of her spring 2012 collection, celebrities and street-style bloggers everywhere have been embracing the trend. Kate Bosworth, Beyonce, Lucy Liu, and Alicia Keys are just a few celebrities of note sporting the trend. But Tuttle believes wedge sneakers are for “any fashion-forward woman.”
Footloose Shoes on Fort St. has ordered in Ash wedge sneakers for spring. Store manager Aleisha Gage-Cole thinks the target market for wedge sneakers is 15Đ30-year-olds, and she’s excited to see how Victorians will react to them in general.
“Wedge sneakers are a fun twist on something that most women don’t want to wear as an everyday shoe,” says Gage-Cole. “Regular sneakers are not always the most flattering look. Adding a slight wedge gives a whole different fashionable and comfortable feel to sneakers, and lends itself to dresses and skirts.”
Top fashion bloggers, such as Chiara Ferragni of The Blonde Salad and Leandra Medine of The Man Repeller, have been wearing the shoes for over a year now. Edmonton-based street-style blogger Alyssa Lau, who has been featured in Fashion Magazine’s Style Panel and runs her own blog, has embraced the trend as well.
“Wedge sneakers are both comfortable and a practical way to spice up an outfit, yet keep your feet safe from sprained ankles and cramping toes,” says Lau.
Lau recommends wearing wedge sneakers with a casual sporty look, but admits they can be worn with almost anything if you keep an open mind.
“When I wear wedge sneakers,” says Lau, “I’ll usually wear them with some denim shorts and a plain white tee.”
Tuttle emphasizes simplicity when pairing wedge sneakers with an outfit.
“They look great with skinny jeans and leggings with an oversized tank,” says Tuttle.
Whether they are practical or impractical, a fad or rad, fashion has spoken and wedge sneakers are going to be a trend for the foreseeable future.
Yes, maybe you won’t remember them in 10 years, but they are current right now.