Fashion tennis in 2022: Wedge-heeled sneakers are back

The sneakers that will surely be all the rage in 2022 fashion are those that have a wedge heel built into the upper part. A nostalgic trend that takes us directly to the year 2010 and the iconic model launched by Isabel Marant.

Sometimes they come back. And after the recent revival of Ugg boots (in the "mini" and "ultra mini" versions that have been applauded by new generations), the time has come to talk about sneakers with wedges built into the upper part. Yes, because the year 2022 is full of nostalgic revivals, and these shoes are one of them.

Against all odds, these shoes with a minimalist air continue to reign.

By Alex Kessler

Many will wonder why we keep digging into the past: the answer lies in the times we live in. As uncertain as our future may be, fashion tries to provide certainty with some pieces that have been cult. Nothing new is created or destroyed, at most it is renewed. These 'returns' are, in fact, a sweet caress to rekindle happy memories.

The core of nostalgic creativity refers not only to the happier times (such as the economic boom of the 1950s and 1960s), but also to a reinterpretation of the 'recent past', the one in which we really live. And this explains the fashion trend of the 2000s that has taken the catwalk by storm, that has gone viral on social networks like TikTok and that we will soon find in physical and online stores with the spring summer 2022 collections already available.

Among the low-waisted jeans, the cardigans with fur collars, the very popular butterflies and the crystal chokers, we will also find the wedge sneakers. And do you know who is behind this iconic model? The French designer Isabel Marant who combined the aesthetics of sports shoes with the comfort of a wedge heel to stylize the figure. A personal need that became a fashion hit: 'I was young and wanted to look taller, so I added layers of cork to my shoes.'

Wedge-heeled tennis: from the Bekett to the Balksee

The original model was baptized in 2010 with the name 'Bekett', because it was a cross between basketball shoes and skate shoes. Isabel Marant took inspiration from the world of sportswear to create these sneakers with suede straps, a strap closure and a voluminous tongue, but she went a step further with a comfortable wedge. In no time, after Beyoncé wore them in the Love on top music video, they became every fashionista's must-have (a look that looks totally contemporary today thanks to the boy's hat and bodysuit). black).

By Alice Cary

12 years after her birth, the French designer relaunches the iconic model, with an authentic update of the original. The Balksee wedge sneakers will indelibly mark the casual fashion of 2022 with their 10-centimeter heel and 5-centimeter sole.

Ugly is better

This trend confirms a fact: that ugly shoes are not yet ready for retirement and that they are using the latest 'cartridges' to counteract the return of sharp-toed boots and shoes and dizzying stilettos. Thus, the Balksee wedge sneakers are the solution for those interested in haute couture and streetwear: a hybrid shoe ready to be a fashion staple in 2022. A practical and fashionable solution for everyday wear.

Article originally published in Vogue Italia, vogue.it