Sneakers, but make them heels
Why choose between comfy and cute? Sneaker heels take the laces, mesh, contrast stitching and gum soles of your favorite kicks and put them on a wedge or a stiletto. The result is a shoe that looks sporty and dressed up at the same time.
The trend comes in two flavors: hidden wedge sneakers for everyday height you can walk in, and sporty point-toe stilettos for when you want full drama. Here are our favorites of both.
What to look for in sneaker heels
- Wedge or stiletto. Hidden wedges add height you can wear all day. Stilettos are for when you want to dress up.
- The sporty details. Lace-ups, mesh panels, contrast stitching, toe caps and gum soles are what give sneaker heels their athletic edge.
- The closure. Velcro straps and zippers make high-tops and booties easier to get on and off.
- The toe. A round toe looks most like a real sneaker. A pointed toe makes it more fashion-forward.
- The comfort. Padded collars and platforms make a big difference for all-day wear.
Shop the sneaker heels
Wedge sneakers
TEMPEST Genuine Suede Wedge Sneaker ($119)
TEMPEST is retro sport-luxe. Chestnut-brown genuine suede meets leopard-print hair-on-hide panels on a high-top with a 4-inch hidden wedge and a 1-inch platform. A triple Velcro strap and a padded collar make it easy to wear. It has a 3.5-inch shaft and an 11-inch calf circumference, and it comes in Leopard or Black.
LUMUS Burgundy Lace-Up Wedge Sneaker ($99)
LUMUS is boho-chic sporty. Glossy burgundy synthetic leather and soft tan microfiber panels get retro contrast stitching, double Velcro straps plus laces, a 12cm shaft, a subtle 4cm heel and a 3cm gum platform.
Sporty stilettos
CROSSWALK Sporty Point-Toe Stiletto Pump ($89)
CROSSWALK is track-star energy. Breathable mesh panels, a sharp pointed toe, laces and a 3.7-inch stiletto. Choose futuristic Light Grey or bold Burgundy.
FIRESTRING Black Cream Sporty Point-Toe Stiletto Pump ($79)
FIRESTRING is varsity prep with a stiletto. Perforated synthetic leather and an oversized lace-up closure in crisp black and cream, on a 3.7-inch stiletto with a pointed toe.
AMBRE Olive Multi Wrap-Around Stiletto Pump ($79)
AMBRE is street-luxe glam. An olive multi-tone finish with burgundy and cognac accents gets a dramatic wrap-around lace-up, a pointed toe and a 4.3-inch heel.
COSIMA Black Sporty Point-Toe Stiletto Bootie ($89)
COSIMA is streetwear with a high-heel attitude. A black textile upper with crisp white contrast stitching, a white toe cap and laces sits on a 3.7-inch flared stiletto. It has a 6.3-inch shaft.
ELEVEN Mustard Sporty Stiletto Bootie ($99)
ELEVEN is loud in the best way. Mustard meets crisp white laces and a black collar, on a 3.7-inch stiletto with a 0.3-inch platform, a 6.5-inch shaft and a zipper.
AMADA Sporty Point-Toe Stiletto Bootie ($89)
AMADA is combat-chic. An olive, black and cream colorblock with a lace-up front, a side zip and a 3.7-inch stiletto. It also comes in Brown Multi.
Quick outfit ideas
- Athleisure glam: CROSSWALK or COSIMA with cargo pants and a cropped hoodie.
- Weekend errands: TEMPEST or LUMUS with leggings and an oversized sweatshirt.
- Date night: FIRESTRING or AMBRE with a slip dress.
- Game day: ELEVEN with straight-leg jeans and a vintage jersey.
- Street style: AMADA with a mini skirt and a moto jacket.
Sneaker heels FAQ
What are sneaker heels? Shoes that combine sneaker details, like laces, mesh, padded collars or gum soles, with a wedge or a stiletto.
What's a hidden wedge sneaker? A high-top with a wedge built inside, so you get extra height while it still looks like a sneaker from the outside.
Are wedge sneakers comfortable? Wedges spread your weight across the whole foot, so styles like TEMPEST and LUMUS are easy to wear all day.
What do you wear with sneaker heels? Cargos, joggers, jeans, mini skirts and slip dresses all work. Mixing sporty and dressy is the whole point.
Lace up and level up
Who says sporty can't serve? Shop all Azalea Wang sneakers and find the pair that does both.