Once dismissed as a quirky relic of the early 2010s, the wedge trainer is quietly reclaiming its place in fashion’s spotlight. Popularised by Isabel Marant’s iconic Bekett range, these trainers with hidden heels became a global sensation. From Beyoncé to Miranda Kerr and countless street-style stars, they dominated early Instagram feeds, mixing sport with subtle elevation. High-street retailers like Dorothy Perkins rushed to release their own versions, but just as quickly, the trend faded. Loved and loathed in equal measure, they have now resurfaced, driven by nostalgia, cultural shifts, and the lasting desire to stand taller in style.
By Mayudi Patel
Cult Classic to Controversy
The genius of the original wedge trainer was simple. Just add 5–8 cm of height while keeping the comfort of a trainer. Psychologically, height has long been linked to confidence and authority. Marant’s design offered women this subtle boost without sacrificing ease of movement, making the shoe both empowering and chic.
But as with many viral trends, oversaturation brought backlash. By the mid-2010s, wedge trainers were dismissed as “clunky” or “hooves,” a reminder that ubiquity can strip a trend of its original allure. Fashion cycles, however, are forgiving. Just as Crocs, UGGs, and Fila Disruptors returned to favour, wedge trainers are ready for a comeback.
Modern Trends That Make Wedges Relevant
- Nostalgia and Comfort: After the pandemic, fashion turned to the familiar. Early-2010s revivals offer the comfort of slipping back into a time that felt easier and lighter. For millennials, wedge trainers carry that sense of nostalgia, a reminder of when these shoes first ruled the streets and Instagram feeds.
- Height and Empowerment: Wedge trainers add a subtle lift that can change posture, gait, and presence, giving the wearer quiet confidence. In many ways, they’re like power dressing in miniature: a small boost with a big psychological impact.
- Streetwear Influence: Chunky trainers have shifted our perception of what looks “right.” From Balenciaga’s Triple S to Air Jordans, oversized and edgy shapes are no longer awkward and wedge trainers fit into this streetwear mindset, fusing comfort with an edge that feels deliberately fashion-forward.
- Circular Fashion and Resale: Platforms like Vinted, Depop, and eBay have reignited interest in vintage wedge trainers. Fans are reclaiming original Bekett and Balskee models. This resale culture not only reinforces the shoes’ cultural cachet but also aligns with the broader circular fashion movement.
Latest Finds
- Isabel Marant Bekett & Balskee. View here
- Chloé Nama Wedge trainer. View here
- Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Wedge Platform. View here
- Skechers Million Air Up There trainer. View here
- Michael Michael Kors Georgie Trainer. View here.
- Steve Madden Mavis Wedge trainer. View here
- Ash Boradia High Top Wedge trainers. View here
- Michael Michael Kors Lolly Trainer Wedge. View here
- ALDO Ereliclya Lace-Up Zip Wedge High-Top. View here
Styling Tip: Pair with wide-leg trousers to elongate your frame, or wear with oversized blazers, mini skirts, or dresses layered with tights and socks. They work equally well with sportswear.
Conclusion
The wedge trainer’s resurgence goes beyond nostalgia. It reflects empowerment, familiarity, and the subtle psychology of height and presence. Whether seen as a chic throwback or a polarising oddity, the wedge trainer poses a question every fashion lover knows: do we dress for practicality, or for how we want to feel? Increasingly, the answer is both, and that is precisely why the wedge trainer is ready to rise again.
Note: All products mentioned in this article are for reference only and not part of a paid sponsorship.