Naturally, any discussion of royals and espadrilles begins with the Princess of Wales and her beloved Castañer Carina 80s. Those suede-soled staples have appeared so frequently on her feet, they’ve practically become part of the Windsor dress code for off-duty engagements. But dig a little deeper and the espadrille obsession proves delightfully widespread. Sister Pippa Middleton has taken to them with equal enthusiasm; her woven wedges made a cameo at Wimbledon and, most recently, the British Grand Prix (her first public appearance of 2025, no less). Meghan, Duchess of Sussex – never one to miss a minimalist moment – favours Castañer’s iterations in black, while Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, leans towards understated neutrals that harmonise with her collection of printed sundresses. Even Queen Letizia of Spain, who has quietly become one of Europe’s most compelling dressers, seems to keep a steady rotation of espadrilles on standby.
But when exactly did this royal footwear romance begin? Cast your eye back to the 1980s and you’ll find photographs of Princess Diana looking chic in a crimson pair of espadrille wedges. Just a decade earlier, Castañer joined forces with none other than Yves Saint Laurent to create the very first wedge espadrille — a transformative moment that elevated the humble Spanish shoe into a fixture with a fashion pedigree.
Fast-forward to present day and the espadrille wedge has evolved into a full-blown design spectacle: sky-high platforms, peep-toes, winding ankle ties — each pair boasting its own personality while still retaining that breezy, sun-drenched soul of Spain. Discover the 15 best espadrille wedges below, curated by Bazaar editors (with a nod to the style cues of their high-born wearers).
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We’d be remiss not to include the undisputed doyenne of espadrille brands on our list. Beloved by virtually every modern European royal—from Kate to Meghan—Castañer’s signature wedges are, quite frankly, Cinderella’s slipper reimagined for Riviera summers. The appeal? Blatantly obvious. They style with effortless ease, gliding from breezy sundresses to crisp linen trousers without missing a step. And despite their homespun composition, they manage to strike that elusive balance: polished enough for a garden soirée yet relaxed enough to suggest you arrived by sailboat rather than sedan.
Sizes: 5–10
Color: ivory, carmine, charcoal, amber, sand, and more
Material: organic cotton lining, sheepskin leather, rubber sole
Heel height: 3.15 inches
What reviewers are saying: “These wedges are so versatile! I get so many compliments when I wear them to work. They can also be worn for a night out. They’re super comfortable and well made. I love the strap detailing.”
Leave it to Loewe to engineer the ideal espadrille slide for those of us who prefer our summer sandals strap- and fuss-free. But don’t mistake minimalism for monotony; these are anything but plain. The embossed leather upper, stamped with Loewe’s iconic motif, delivers just the right dose of visual intrigue.
Sizes: 5–11
Colors: brown
Material: calf leather and raffia upper, TPU outsole
Heel height: 3.15 inches
A Bazaar editor says: “I don’t usually wear high heels, but a pair of espadrille wedges add the perfect height I want while retaining the comfort I need from my shoes. Loewe’s espadrille wedges are super stylish for wearing throughout the summer. I love that they don’t have any fussy ties, so I can just slip them on—and go. They’re ideal for styling with everything from midi dresses to jeans and skirts.” —Julie Tong, senior commerce content lead
Looking for a wedge with a bit of edge? Valentino, naturally, delivers. Known for its signature metallic accents, the house reimagines the espadrille with a corded heel and intricately woven silk and leather straps. It’s a bold, modern take on the classic silhouette that’s equal parts structure and shine and perfect for catching the light and attention on sunny afternoons.
Sizes: 5–12
Colors: light ivory, poudre, tobacco, black
Material: wedge heel covered in silk cords, calfskin ankle strap
Heel height: 4 inches
What reviewers are saying: “These wedges are beautiful and a great summer item! These are my first designer wedges, and I love their color and the studs give them that extra sparkle. They are definitely worth the splurge. Complete head turners! I went a half size up.”
Peep-toed shoes are enjoying a quiet renaissance, and if you ask me, they’re at their most compelling when paired with an espadrille heel—like this fabulous pair from Coach. Beyond the charming open toe, this style has a few sleeper details worth noting: a wedge height that flatters without teetering into stilts territory and an ankle strap that ensures your foot stays perfectly in place.
Sizes: 5–11
Color: chalk, black, deep blue, coca/burnished amber
Material: jacquard and leather upper, synthetic leather lining and footbed, rubber outsole
Heel height: 2.75 inches
What reviewers are saying: “These wedges are so versatile! I get so many compliments when I wear them to work. They can also be worn for a night out. They’re super comfortable and well made. I love the strap detailing.”
This wedge sandal by Paige strikes a thoughtful balance between espadrille classicism and gladiator edge—a hybrid silhouette that channels the sculptural poise of ancient Greco-Roman footwear with a modern twist. The strappy gold detailing nods to that glamazon aesthetic, lending a bold, slightly mythological air. It’s the ideal crossover for anyone looking to tap into two trends with one shoe.
Sizes: 5–11
Colors: gold, black, sand, bone
Material: leather upper, lining, and sole
Heel height: 2.25 inches
What reviewers are saying: “I bought these sandals in my usual size. Some comments said they ran small, but I found them true to size. They are a little narrow, and my foot is a little wide, but they still worked well. My little toe is at the edge of the footbed but not over. I purchased the gold and it is a nice gold color. The straps do not dig into my foot and fit over my instep even though I have a high arch. The wedge is a medium wedge so that it gives height but isn’t too high.”
A black sandal in summer might seem like a sartorial misstep, but Saint Laurent makes a compelling case otherwise. Sleek and structured, this pair is perfect for anchoring tailored warm-weather looks—think summer tuxedo shorts or dark-wash capris. And for those who value a secure fit, the classic T-strap offers just the right amount of support, keeping your foot comfortably in place without compromising style.
Sizes: 4–12
Colors: black, amber, ivory
Materials: calf skin leather
Heel height: 5.1 inches
What reviewers are saying: “Vertically challenged? Well so am I! I’m 5’2″ and I love how these wedges give me some serious height! I’m 5’7″ with the wedges on. You would think that with that amount of height the shoe would be hard to walk in, but they’re actually easy to walk in. I feel stable and they’re comfortable! Winner! I got the black on black and I love them! I hate how the light color on the wedge portion of many espadrille wedges is light… so they get dirty fast! And make the shoe look less attractive. These are black. So the wedge stays looking good forever! Get these!”
If your summer calendar is filling up with dressier events, a pair of leather espadrilles is a smart investment. They retain that effortless, sun-soaked ease while offering just enough polish for evening occasions. The Philene espadrille wedge sandals from Veronica Beard strike the desired balance, thanks to their smart combination of woven raffia and smooth leather in a simple silhouette.
Sizes: 6–10
Colors: coconut, caramel
Material: leather upper, lining, and sole
Heel height: 3.75 inches
What reviewers are saying: “Great shoe for nearly all purposes. It’s versatile and cute and comfortable with the platform wedge. I like the strappiness of this espadrille-like shoe for a lighter feel. It fits true to size.”
A ballet flat can be reimagined for summer; just ask Free People. This charming platform espadrille blends the ease of a flat with the lift of a wedge, featuring a minimalist leather upper and a squared-off toe for a subtle architectural touch. The real statement, however, lies in the satin-like ribbons. Extra-long and endlessly versatile, they can be wrapped high up the ankle or tied into an oversize bow for a bit of drama.
Sizes: 6–10
Colors: light tan, lemon, black
Material: leather and woven raffia upper, rubber sole
Platform height: 1.5 inches
What reviewers are saying: “I read the reviews on this shoe, so I sized up one size (normally wear a 9, purchased a 10). I was worried they would still be too small, but I was pleasantly surprised when I got them and they fit perfectly. Such a cute shoe. So happy I got them. I have a narrow foot so that may be why one size up worked for me.”
Wedge espadrilles can sometimes come with heels so high, they feel more like a balancing act than a shoe. But this Burberry pair keeps things grounded without sacrificing style. The signature check print on the upper brings a timeless, preppy sensibility, while the geometric heel adds a touch of sculptural modernity. Chic, approachable, and anything but ordinary.
Sizes: 5–11
Color: sand check
Material: linen and elastane upper, rubber sole
Heel height: 2.5 inches
For a softer, almost cottagecore interpretation of the espadrille, look to the Marguerita wedge by Stuart Weitzman. With its crochet toe and extra-long ribbons, the design leans into a light, romantic aesthetic that feels effortlessly feminine. The jute sole is also remarkably lightweight, making the shoe feel as lightweight and airy as it looks.
Sizes: 5.5–10
Colors: linen
Material: jasmine crochet and nappa leather, upper leather insole, rubber outsole
Heel height: 3.2 inches
What reviewers are saying: “Feminine, sultry, just elegance all over. Grab it before it’s gone. Timeless piece.”
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