Not Flats, Not Really Heels—This Is the Shoe Trend I Keep Seeing the Coolest Girls in Europe Wearing

They're everywhere.

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women wearing wedge sandals
(Image credit: @hannahjuneva; @chloekathbutler; @luciacuesta_)

Every time I walk outside, there is another chic neighbor who turns my head. Lately, the stylish outfits I've noticed European cool girls and my fellow New Yorkers wearing have one common denominator: a pair of shoes that aren't exactly heels but definitely not flats. They are the perfect in-between shoes, comfortable enough for walking a couple of blocks and stylish enough to wear to dinner. I'm talking about wedge sandals. Not only do I keep seeing this trend IRL, and I mean from West Village to Brooklyn, but I also spot it on the chicest dressers in Europe when I scroll through my Instagram feed.

Once considered "dated," the wedge trend had a resurgence last spring and summer. It even made it to sneakers, in line with 2010s-era fashion, cycling back. Now, wedge sandals are becoming the norm among cool girls, who are opting out of their usual pumps for this fun, fresh, nostalgic style. I predict that by June, everyone will be in a pair. If you want to beat the crowd, keep scrolling to find a pair of wedge sandals that fits your personal style from my top selections.

a woman wearing black wedge sandals, a white bandana, black jacket, and black capri pants

(Image credit: @chloekathbutler)

Style Tip: Try styling your pair with capri pants for an elegant, but casual outfit.

a woman wearing a white t-shirt, beige pants, white wedge sandals, and white purse

(Image credit: @hannahjuneva)

Style Tip: Match your wedge sandals to your shirt for a chic monochrome look.

a woman wearing a blue shirt, gold skirt, blue and clear wedge sandals, and LV monogram mini bag

(Image credit: @luciacuesta_)

a woman wearing a black polo shirt, gray shorts, clear wedge sandals, and animal print bag

(Image credit: @annelauremais)

Style Tip: If you want to make your basic outfits look cooler, wear a pair PVC wedge sandals

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Kerane Marcellus
Associate Fashion Editor

Kerane Marcellus is a New York-based writer. She joined the Who What Wear team in 2025 after writing for Essence Magazine and freelancing for a number of other arts and culture publications. Fashion is a form of expression that she encourages everyone to take part in. There is no right or wrong in getting dressed! When she's not writing, she's reading in the park or gallery hopping in the city.