Choosing between flat and wedge espadrilles comes down to more than heel height. Both can work with dresses, trousers and relaxed occasion outfits, but they create different silhouettes and offer different design features. The right choice starts with how you like your shoes to feel and how you plan to wear them.
This flat vs wedge espadrilles guide compares the details that matter, using La Magerit's LENNY and CATALINA designs as examples. Rather than declaring one style better, it helps you decide which belongs in your wardrobe.
Flat vs wedge espadrilles: the main difference
Flat espadrilles have a lower-profile sole, while wedge espadrilles raise the heel above the front of the foot. A wedge also changes the visual proportions of an outfit, adding height beneath a dress or trouser hem.
“Flat” does not mean the sole has no height. LENNY – Natural has a listed total height of 2 cm. CATALINA – Kaki, by comparison, has a 10 cm total height and a 2.5 cm platform. Reading those measurements is more useful than judging height from a product photograph alone.
When flat espadrilles make sense
Start with flats if you enjoy a lower shoe profile and want an understated foundation for your clothes. They pair easily with cropped trousers, casual skirts and dresses that do not need extra height to clear the ground.
LENNY – Natural combines a linen upper with a natural jute footbed and a jute-and-EVA sole. Its semi-open toe design keeps the toes out of view, while a braided linen ribbon and a matching satin ribbon can be worn together or separately.
That choice of ribbons gives the same shoe different styling possibilities. Wear the braided ribbon for a textured, relaxed finish, or use the satin ribbon when you want a softer decorative detail. Check that the fastening feels secure in whichever arrangement you choose.
A low sole may suit your preferences, but it does not automatically guarantee comfort over a long day. Fit, footbed construction and the amount of walking you plan to do still matter.
When wedge espadrilles make sense
Consider wedges if you want added height and enjoy the look of a raised heel. They can complement wide-leg trousers, flowing midi dresses and outfits where a more pronounced shoe silhouette feels right.
CATALINA – Kaki has a leather upper and lining, a padded organic-cotton footbed and cotton ankle ties. Its natural jute wedge brings visible texture to the design. The 10 cm total height and 2.5 cm platform produce a 7.5 cm difference between the rear and front sole heights.
A platform raises the front of the foot, so two shoes with the same total height can feel different when their platform heights differ. Even so, measurements alone cannot tell you how a shoe will feel on your foot. Try the style and assess the fastening and fit before planning a full day around it.
Compare more than the heel
Upper and lining
The upper is the visible material around the foot; the lining is the material inside it. LENNY's linen upper creates a different look from CATALINA's leather upper. Choose the appearance you prefer, then read the full composition rather than assuming all parts of the shoe use the same material.
Footbed and sole
Look separately at what sits beneath your foot and what contacts the ground. Product descriptions may specify padding, jute, EVA, leather or other materials in different parts of the construction. These details help you compare individual shoes more accurately than the labels “flat” and “wedge” alone.
Fastening
Ribbons are part of the outfit, but they also need to hold the shoe securely. Make sure the heel stays in place and the ties do not dig into the ankle. A fastening that looks attractive in a photograph still needs to work for you in practice.
How each style changes an outfit
Flat espadrilles keep an outfit visually grounded. Try them with ankle-length trousers or a skirt that leaves the ribbon detail visible. If you switch from heels to flats with a long dress, check the hem again: it may sit closer to the floor.
Wedges add height and can balance the volume of wider trousers or a fuller skirt. Try the complete outfit before deciding on a hem length, and make sure the fabric does not catch beneath the shoe.
Neither style has to be reserved for one occasion. A carefully chosen flat can feel polished, while a wedge can look relaxed with simple clothes. Colour, fabric and accessories help set the tone.
Choose for your plans and your preferences
Think about the day ahead. A short lunch, a celebration and a day moving between several locations may call for different footwear choices. Consider stairs, uneven surfaces and how familiar you are with the heel height.
If you are unsure, start with the type of shoe you already enjoy wearing. Then compare the fit and construction of the specific espadrille, rather than expecting a flat or wedge category to solve every comfort concern.
For a special event, try your shoes indoors beforehand with the clothes you intend to wear. Check the toe area, heel security, ribbons and hem clearance. Do not rely on the event itself as the first test.
Frequently asked questions
Are flat espadrilles always more comfortable than wedges?
No. Comfort depends on the individual shoe and wearer. Height is one factor, but the fit, footbed and fastening are important too.
Can I wear flat espadrilles with a dress?
Yes. Flats work with many dress styles. Check the hem length, especially if the dress was previously worn with higher shoes.
Can wedge espadrilles work with trousers?
Yes. Wide-leg trousers are one option. Try them with the shoes on to check that the hem clears the ground and does not catch.
Do I need both flats and wedges?
Not necessarily. Choose the style that serves your wardrobe and preferences first. A second pair makes sense when it offers a genuinely different use, silhouette or height you want to wear.
Find the pair that fits your wardrobe
Choose flats for a lower profile or wedges for added height, then compare the materials, fastening and fit of the individual design. Explore La Magerit's collection to discover handcrafted Spanish espadrilles and find the details that suit your personal style.