Who Needs Heels? This Comfortable Anti-Flats Trend Is the Chicest Shoe Around

I never thought I'd get here but. honestly, I'm a little over my ballet flats and Mary Janes. Pretty as they are, I've been wearing them relentlessly for months now and I'm concerned that my style is becoming a bit too predictable because of it. That said, after growing so used to the ease of a flat shoe, I’m also not ready to teeter around in stilettos and I'm currently finding that prospect daunting when I think about all of the occasions filling up my calendar this summer. So, for moments when the dress code calls for something a touch more elevated, I know I'll find myself turning to the wedge mules shoe trend.

A far cry from the cork wedges of the early '00s, today’s take feels refined and grown-up. With a subtly lifted sole and a sleek, minimalist profile, wedge mules offer the height boost I sometimes crave, minus the discomfort of a traditional heel.

While wedges have ebbed in and out of favour for many seasons, it's been a while since we've seen them quite so popular again. After an oversaturation during the 00s, this shoe trend took a back seat to heels. Lately, however, brands have come back to the classic silhouette, reimagining it with a thoroughly modern energy.

Rather than being decorated in raffia and lacing up the legs, the new wave of wedge mules features sharp lines, glossy leather finishes for a sleek, fuss-free finish. With a backless design, the shoes feel lighter and fresher than their enclosed counterparts, making them an easy addition to a summer shoe rotation.

Unfussy yet elegant, I have a feeling this shoe trend is only just getting started. Click through to discover my edit of the best pairs below.

SHOP WEDGE MULES:

Toteme

Sharp Croc-Effect Leather Mules

The small wedge heel adds a little height without sacrificing any comfort.

Topshop

Farah High Wedge Heeled Mule in Red

I'm banking these ahead of high summer.

Alaïa

75 Suede Point-Toe Wedge Mules

These feature an elongated pointed-toe that gives them a sleek and polished feel.

Le Monde Béryl

Micro Wedge Mule in Lime Satin

Ideal if you crave some colour in your summer wardrobe.

Zara

Asymmetric Wedge Sandals

Style these with loose-leg jeans or pair with a billowy skirt.

Anonymous Copenhagen

Gwen 75 Wedge Natural Cotton-Linen Leopard

While I love these in the leopard print, they also come in five other shades.

The mesh finish gives these a lightweight, summery feel.