Just when you thought that 2021’s Crocs renaissance had signalled the end of wacky shoe comebacks, 2022 brings with it the revival of wedge trainers. Yep, heeled sneakers are back.
Here’s the fashion 101 on the predecessor of Dad trainers. Sporty heel-trainer hybrids are for people who want the comfort of a sneaker, but with the sass of a heel. Like Crocs, wedge trainers are truly divisive.
Wedge kicks originator Isabel Marant – who unveiled her Bekett style in 2011 – counted everyone from Rihanna to Kate Bosworth, Gisele Bündchen to Irina Shayk as fans during the Bekett’s heyday. Beyoncé even wore them with tights, a leotard and an embellished captain’s hat in her “Love On Top” music video.
Elsewhere, Marc Jacobs caused a frenzy with his preppy rainbow wedge sneakers during the spring/summer 2012 season. Iconic trainer styles, including Nike’s well-loved Dunks and Adidas’s timeless Stan Smith, have also been given the platform treatment over time. Several years before wedge sneakers were even on the fashion circuit, Victoria Beckham attended a Dodgers game wearing heeled Dries Van Noten plimsoles.