I have become, over the years, much more selective about whose shoes I buy, and try to stick to designers and brand names with quality reputations. I have simple wedge heels by Amalfi and fabulous Prada wedge boots that have become a mainstay in my wardrobe for nearly 10 years. Yes, the initial investment is huge for designer shoes, but I would have had to buy 10 pairs for $50 0r $100 during that same time and my Prada wedge boots were on sale for less than $600, so in the end I have saved and have reliable, ultra-stylish footwear that I can depend upon day in and day out.

To help you, I have created a list of the main shoe designers and what they offer, giving a little history about the company as well as some popular wedge sandals, wedge shoes and wedge boots that I recommend for this year. Here is part I -from Amalfi to Aquatalia:

Amalfi

Amalfi is part of Rangoni Firenze Shoes from Italy. All their wedge shoes and wedge sandals are made from leather exclusively for the Rangoni collections. Amalfi designer wedge shoes come with a long history of quality that dates back to the 1930′s when all their shoes were cobbler crafted shoes and sandals made by hand. They have since made shoes for designers as Christian Dior. Most of their lines are built for comfort with low and medium heels. One example is their famous pump wedge shoe.

• Amalfi – Celt – Taupe Suede Pump Wedge Shoes- $235.00

Andre Assous

Known initially for high quality Spanish-style shoes (and linked in the 70’s to Jacques Cohen), Andre Assous brought a new look to ladies footwear with the peasant style shoe which became poplar across Europe and the US. These shoes were originally made of linen with hemp on a wedge heel. Americans popularized this look because they were comfortable and natural and went well with hippie.

Since the inception of the peasant wedge sandals in the ‘70s, Assous has added many variations to women’s wedge shoes with sophisticated sexy wedge shoes and espadrilles that continue with the hippie-chic and East Indian-inspired influences. They use embroidery and colorful adornments to enhance their designer wedge shoes and sandals that now grace the runways in France. It is interesting that while Andre Assous wedge shoes may have been pioneers in the wedge shoe industry, the wedge heel, hemp wedge sandals and espadrille have even entered the collections of the best fashion designers such as Yves St. Laurent.

• Andre Assous – Pamela – Black Canvas Espadrille Wedge Shoe -$105.00/Natural canvas upper/ Jute natural fiber insole/2 ½” jute wedge/ rubber outer sole/made in Spain/order ½ size smaller
• Andre Assous – Pamela – Natural Canvass Espadrille Wedge Shoe – $105.00
• Andre Assous – Dodie-4 – Beige Silk Sling Wedge Shoe – $125.00
• Andre Assous – Dodie-4 – Navy Silk Sling Wedge Shoe – $125.00

Aquatalia by Marvin K.

Aquatalia shoes have been around since 1989 in Montreal, New York and Milan and are known for being a family run company. They use Italian leather and advanced technology to create ladies footwear that is sophisticated and versatile. Their wedge shoes, for which they are famous, make use of soft metallic leathers, colorful patents and two texture wedges in cork, wood, linen and straw. They also incorporate into their ladies footwear the newest technology of stretch fabrics, padded footbeds and fully leather lined inner soles. They are also well known for heir trademark weatherproofing which separates their wedge boots from others on the market. Their footwear is designed for rain, snow, sleet or sun. This waterproofing is based on a special sealant they use on the leather during the tanning process.

Unlike many wedge boots that are treated with a sealant after being made, Aquatalia adies boots and women’s wedge shoes are treated when still just pieces of leather. The sealant applied in this manner penetrates the fibers of the leather and will not wear off. It also makes the leather for their shoes very soft and provides salt and stain resistance, helps the leather to breathe naturally and ensures that your wedge shoe or wedge sandal or wedge boot will keep you cool or warm and maintain your comfort.

• Aquatalia by Marvin K. – Jello – Black Microfiber Wedge Shoe – $325.00
• Aquatalia by Marvin K. – Jello – Brown Microfiber Wedge Shoe – $325.00
• Aquatalia by Marvin K. – Plushy – Black Suede Mid Shaft Wedge Boot – $395.00/soft black weatherproof suede/square finished toe/ side zipper with elastic back panel/breathable microfiber lining/leather insoles/2 ¼” wedge heel/slip resistant rubber soles/made in Italy