Espadrilles Are the Only Wedge Worth Packing

Espadrilles Are the Only Wedge Worth Packing

Espadrilles are the only wedge worth packing. This edit covers slides, woven sandals, tall wedges and designer rope-sole styles for warm-weather travel.

Espadrilles Are the Only Wedge Worth Packing

Espadrilles are my favorite wedge to pack because they give a little lift without making a full day away feel like a shoe challenge. The woven, rope-like finish reads like vacation, but the strongest pairs move from a daytime walk to dinner. Steve Madden's Beller is a simple slide, Sam Edelman's Pauleena Weave adds texture, and Saint Laurent's Tribute 130 and Jimmy Choo's Ayla, both leather on a rope wedge, make a bolder statement. Castaner's Paulina and Carina, LPA's Camellia and the Soludos Marseille are the closest to a classic lace-up espadrille wedge, while Dolce Vita's Akera and Naguisa's Moraira bring an ankle tie and a pink tie-up shape. Start with the silhouette you will actually wear, not the fantasy of a packed calendar.

Once the first group has helped me decide whether a wedge belongs in the suitcase, the next choice is about presence, not a promise that a taller shoe means all-day comfort. LPA's Nerina and RAYE's Bikini are the wedges here, Dolce Vita's Danila and Nora Lozza's Summer are the true espadrilles, and Schutz's Serena and Isabel Marant's Kitza are sandals. Tory Burch's Turnlock, Manebi's Three Bands and Wedge Knot and Castaner's Carina platform add taller rope soles to the mix, so this group is not a row of identical shoes. Tory Burch's Double T espadrille is flat, a useful counterpoint if the look matters more than added height. I look closely at the product name and construction before settling on a shape. If I wanted one polished pair for relaxed dresses and linen trousers, a named espadrille could make sense, and if I already had a wedge, the flatter option might earn its space more often.

More espadrille wedges

Vince Camuto, Tory Burch, Valentino Garavani, Dolce and Gabbana, Chloe and Christian Louboutin lead the espadrille wedges, with Brunello Cucinelli and Gucci in leather and suede, and Bottega Veneta, Alaia and Jacquemus in flatter shapes. Further down, Missoni's lamé, Burberry's check and the raffia pairs from Aquazzura and Manolo Blahnik take the same rope wedge somewhere louder, and Gianvito Rossi keeps it in suede. Look for an ankle tie so they stay put on long days.

Choose the pair for the day

A wedge is only a packing win if you like walking in it; a rope-look sole cannot rescue a fit that pinches or a platform that feels cumbersome. I would skip the tallest-looking option if a trip is built around long pavement days, and I would not choose a sandal simply because its label is familiar. The flat Tory Burch Double T espadrille is the clearest choice for anyone who wants a polished finish without more height, while Steve Madden's Beller is a straightforward way to try the slide shape. This edit is not for someone who wants one shoe for hikes, rain and formal evenings. I would pack one pair that works with at least two outfits and leave the backup wedge at home. Choose the pair you can comfortably walk in before the pair that looks best on the hotel bed. If you want to keep browsing, I also put together Wedge Sandals For All Day Wear.