A heel joined continuously to the sole beneath the middle or front of a shoe.
A wedge heel fills the space beneath the arch, creating a continuous shape between the heel and the sole farther forward. Its construction can use different materials. The V&A holds a Ferragamo sandal with a cork wedge covered in coloured suede and Biba espadrilles with plaited rope wedge heels. A platform describes added sole thickness under the forefoot, so a shoe can combine both features. The Museum at FIT’s Roger Vivier shoes from 1944–1945 demonstrate that combination with a platform wedge made in alternating layers of kid and suede.
In job listings
This name is more common in design and buying notes than in listings. A women’s footwear advisor may suggest a wedge to a client who wants height with more contact underfoot than a separate heel provides. Search local jobs for “footwear”.
