However, this shoe addiction problem of mine qualifies me, almost as much as Carry Bradshaw (from Sex and the City), to talk about shoes. Although I haven’t managed to acquire as many pairs of Monolo Blahnik creations as Carry, I am in a similar position financially – unable to finish my house while my closet glimmers and glistens with a small fortune in SHOE Investments (although I have already found MY Mister Big!).

I have a diverse shoe portfolio, from very high stilettos to my favorite strappy cork wedge shoes I wear even in the garden. Since I’m a 24/7 high-heel kind of gal, and I know it isn’t always practical, I was delighted when ladies wedge shoes made a comeback because high heeled wedge shoes are much more comfortable and practical than thin stilettos or even platform wedge shoes that were popular in the 70’s which I personally find too heavy.

Most women’s wedge shoes these days are light and easy to wear for any occasion, daytime or glamor without being out of place. The other great thing about wedge shoes is the large array of colors they come in. I have brown and black wedge shoes and a simple pair of white wedge shoes for the seaside. I have three pairs of different shades of red wedge shoes for informal evening wear and a pair of orange and gold wedge shoes that my husband adores because they strap around my ankles. I don’t have a single pair of pink or purple wedge shoes because I don’t own a pink or purple dress but I have four black patent leather pairs and one silver pair that are super sexy wedge shoes because they have gemstones that are attached to thin straps and make my feet sparkle. I wear them barefoot, no pantyhose or nylons.

I have seen some very funky wedge tennis shoes, especially in Asia, in which I doubt anyone actually plays tennis, but I don’t own a single pair of sports shoes, wedge or other. My sport is dancing tango, salsa, rumba and a little flamenco, and for that, high-heels are the required footwear!

Naturally all shoe-aholics like me are in love with designers. Not because of the truly scary price tags, but for their creations that just keep coming year after year, better and better. And because of the quality footwear they offer. This year, there are some designer wedge shoes to kill for. I’ll write about that in a separate article because there are just too many fantastic designers to not give each their own space.

Anyway, my favorite wedge shoe this year is orange- Attilio Giusti Leombruni Crisscross Wedge Sandal, and the runner up is yellow – Stuart Weitzman Saturn Espadrille Wedge Sandal. I don’t have either yet but I see they are both available Online. The wedge heel on each of these is a little different. One, the yellow one, has a natural weave wedge and the other, the orange one, has a leather covered wedge which is much more elegant. Since both are wedge sandals, I have had to remind myself that summer won’t last for ever because even here in the south of Spain it gets cold.

My next shoe project will be to research and buy myself a pair of wedge boots before November. The autumns and winter lines have already come out so it shouldn’t be too difficult.

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

My Prada wedge boots have lasted almost 10 years, and although my initial investment was about $600, in the long run they have saved me from buying half a dozen or more cheap boots. I prefer to have ONE elegant pair of boots that are dependable than many pairs that fall apart when least expected. I also choose a wedge heel boot because I walk a lot and have found the heels of wedge shoes and boots take a beating much better. The heels also break, or become loose, less frequently, in fact, I have never had a wedge shoe with a wedge heel fall off or leave me stranding with a heel in my hand.

So that is why I have made this list which encompasses some of the main quality shoe designers and what they offer. I also have researched a little about the shoe companies’ history so you know who you’re buying from.

This year wedge sandals, wedge shoes and wedge boots are hot, so here is part II – Womens Wedge Shoes -from Ash to Chinese Laundry:

Ash

• Ash shoes, since 2001 make edgy, comfortable footwear – notably sports shoes

• Ash – Virgin – Silver Buckle Hi-top Sneaker -$198.00/hi-top sneaker/silver metallic leather/adjustable straps/roller buckles/leather lined/ padded leather insoles/wedge heel/rubber bottoms
• Ash – Venus – Black Suede Sneaker -$160.00

Bernardo

Bernardo creates mostly low wedge sandals and wedge thongs in a wide variety of sizes and colors for the beach or street. Bernardo sandals and ladies wedge shoes are made simply for slipping into with no fuss.

Beverly Feldman

Beverly Feldman, although coming from a conservative New England town brings freshness and a touch of wild to her fashion shoes creations. I love the Beverly Feldman Gladiator Wedge Sandals with Antique Buttons – about $175.

Bloch London

Originally founded by Jacob Bloch in 1932 during the great depression, Mr. Bloch made all his shoes by hand in the workshop where he lived. Inspired by the ballet he loved so much he began to make ballet slippers as well. Jacob made shoes those in the ballet including Spessiva, Baranova, Riabouchinskaya, Toumanova, David Lichine and others. Today Bloch London carries an impressive line of what are ballets, which are low shoes that lightly cover the entire foot. Their line also includes a wide selection of low wedge heel shoes which are known for their comfort.

Blowfish

Blowfish is a new designer label, only about a year old, with the genius of Steve Hoyt of Rocket Dog and Don Weiss of Steve Madden. This new designer footwear label has become hugely popular in London, Israel, Australia and Greece. They are known for having some of the funkiest most colorful women’s wedge shoes available. Blowfish wedge shoes can be purchased from most reputable online shoe distributors.

Calvin Klein

• Calvin Klein – Yircle – Black Patent Low Wedge Thong – $80.00

• Calvin Klein – Yircle – Gold Metallic Low Wedge Thong – $80.00
• Calvin Klein – Yircle – Gun Metallic Low Wedge Thong -$80.00

Chie Mihara

Chie Mihara, a Brazilian-Japanese- New Yorker, launched her private collection in 2001. One popular and classic wedge shoe by Chie is a suede wedge sandal with ruffles on the front. It is different than some of her other work because it is a simple elegant wedge unlike many of her other more Japanese/retro/rounded toe shoes she is famous for.

• Ruffled Chie Mihara Wedge Sandal in Soft Gray Suede – $385.

Chinese Laundry

Originally started by Robert and Carol Goldman in1971 in Los Angeles and become Chinese Laundry in 1982 – for young women’s shoes in everything from daytime casual shoes to glamorous evening shoes worn by the stars. Chinese Laundry shoes have designer styles at affordable prices.

• Chinese Laundry Sparrow Black Wedge Sandal -$64.00
• Chinese Laundry Malini Coral Wedge Sandal -$59.00

If you wish, please go back and read the previous articles to get acquainted with a wide range of quality designers who create the latest trends in quality women’s footwear today.

I have already written a bit about my experiences as a shoe-aholic and my shoe selections as I traveled the world as a journalist and did an awful lot of shoe testing. My final conclusions have been that it is better to invest in One good quality designer shoe than to buy zillions of cheap imitations that often prove to be more than mere shoe annoyances.

For example: I was a lecturer at an Asian university. On one occasion I was stuck in traffic, so I left the taxi and walked, or better said, ran to the nearest metro, then walked the rest of the way. I was wearing a pair of elegant Evening Pumps that I had bought only a week or two before. However, I arrived at the university lecture hall with both shoes in my hand, one heel broken the other so loose I couldn’t stand on it. I ended up, before 150 university students and other professors, delivering my lecture on international culture, barefoot!

Needless to say I have learnt to invest in better quality shoes, because shoes are sometimes more than shoes to a busy woman. They often represent respectability and credibility for a career woman. Not only clothes but shoes make a woman!

Here is the final part of the list of designers who I believe offer high quality shoes and will not disappoint. I have added, where possible, snippets of corporate trivia and facts about their founders just for fun. I also offer you a few suggestions for wedge shoes, because I think a wedge heel is practical, comfortable and stylish for the modern woman. Here is Part VI – Womans Wedge Shoes -from Stuart Weitzman to Vic Matie:

Stuart Weitzman

Stuart Weitzman uses unique materials to create fashion footwear that joins fashion, fit and comfort. His shoes have been seen not only on runways but at the Oscars and the Emmys. His collection of ladies wedge shoes is immense and varied.

Superga Sneakers

Simple, understated sneakers and wedge tennis shoes from Italy for stylish comfort on or off the court.

Theory

Minimalist shoes designs, simple wood wedge sandals, platform wedge shoes and lots of black wedge shoes in sling and strappy styles for day or evening footwear.

• Theory – Sabrina – Brown Croco Wood Wedge Sandal -$295.00
• Theory – Sabrina – Grey Croco Wood Wedge Sandal-$295.00
• Theory – Vella – Black Leather Sling Wedge Sandal – $335.00

Thierry Rabotin

French designer Thierry Rabotin designs shoes to make the ladies feel as if they’re walking barefoot. I would say his shoes are “sensible shoes” with a twist.

• Thierry Rabotin – Nina – Black Suede Slip On Wedge Shoes – $445.00
• Thierry Rabotin – Chacha – Bronze Leather Open Toe Sling Wedge Shoes- $379.00
• Thierry Rabotin – Cass – Black Wedge Open Toe Wedge Shoes – $430.00

Tory Burch

Tory Burch creates colorful, classic and retro-inspired shoes, boots and sandals, and a huge selection od wedge boots, wedge heel sandals and sexy wedge shoes for evening or day. There is also a line of wedge flip-flop sandals in funky designs and colors.

• Tory Burch – Deanna – Black Suede Wedge Boot – $350.00
• Tory Burch – Patti Wedge – Tan Leather Slide – $225.00
• Tory Burch – FlipFlop Wedge – Black Rubber Thong -$55.00

Ugg Australia

Ugg Australia is about comfortable footwear with a large selection of wedge boots for this autumn and fall season.

Vaneli

Inexpensive designer line of ladies pumps and Wedge Shoes in basic style.

• Vaneli For Footnotes – Bamba – Cork Leather Sling Wedge -$84.00
• Vaneli For Footnotes – Dorlisa – Cork Wedge Sandal – $77.00

Vic Matie

Vic Matie wedge boots are all the rage this fall. They are modern, feminine and all Italian leather.