Wooden platform sandals and espadrille wedge sandals are two of the most popular choices when it comes to summer footwear. While both styles can bring a fashionable edge to any outfit, they each offer very different features and benefits. It can be hard to choose between the two, so let’s take a closer look at both to help you decide which style is right for you.
History of Wooden Platform Sandals
The wooden platform sandal has been around in some form or another since ancient times. In the Middle Ages, certain styles of these sandals, such as cork and heelless sandals, were common amongst European travelers. There also exists evidence of platform sandals used in ancient Egyptian and Indian civilizations. These early platform sandals took many different forms, with some being made out of leather, bamboo, and various vegetable-based products.
History of Espadrille Wedge Sandals
Espadrilles have a long history that dates back to 14th century France. Initially made from handcrafted pieces of fabric, canvas, or straw, espadrilles were a popular choice for peasants and tradesmen who needed lightweight yet sturdy footwear. Eventually, the traditional cloth espadrilles evolved into the modern wedge sandal style we are more familiar with today. Usually comprised of a canvas or jute upper and a leather or rubber sole, the wedge sandal offers a unique design that can add a lot of flair to any outfit.
Materials Used in Wooden Platform Sandals
Today’s wooden platform sandals are usually made out of either genuine or faux leather, or synthetic materials such as PVC, polyurethane, or vinyl. The wooden sole can either be real wood (typically cork or balsa wood) or composite wood made from recycled materials. Although some wooden platform sandals come with a closed toe design, the majority are open-toe styles.
Materials Used in Espadrille Wedge Sandals
Espadrille wedge sandals are made from lightweight fabrics such as canvas, linen, or cotton. The wedge sole is formed from woven jute or textile strands and is covered with a protective rubber outsole. These sandals also come in both open-toe and closed-toe styles.
Advantages of Wearing Wooden Platform Sandals
Wooden platform sandals offer a few key benefits that make them a great functional piece of footwear. First and foremost, they provide excellent support and cushioning, making them ideal for long days on your feet. The materials used in their construction are also highly durable, meaning that you don’t need to worry about them wearing out quickly. Finally, because of their thick soles and sturdy construction, wooden platform sandals do a great job of protecting your feet from bumps and bruises.
Advantages of Wearing Espadrille Wedge Sandals
Espadrille wedge sandals are incredibly lightweight, making them perfect for warmer weather and active lifestyles. They are also extremely comfortable and offer excellent breathability. Plus, because of their woven soles and breathable fabrics, they won’t trap moisture or cause your feet to overheat. Additionally, many people find the design of espadrille wedge sandals to be quite fashionable.
Disadvantages of Wearing Wooden Platform Sandals
The main disadvantage to wooden platform sandals is their relatively high cost compared to other footwear options. Additionally, the thick soles can cause your feet to become uncomfortably warm during hot days. Lastly, depending on the type of wood used in the construction of the sole, some wooden platforms are not suitable for wet surfaces.
Disadvantages of Wearing Espadrille Wedge Sandals
Espadrille wedge sandals don’t provide as much cushioning and support as other styles of shoes, which could cause discomfort during long days on your feet. The lightweight construction also means that they can be more prone to wear and tear than other types of shoes. Additionally, due to their woven soles, espadrilles aren’t going to provide as much protection from bumps and sharp objects.
Maintenance Tips for Wooden Platform Sandals
Wooden platform sandals require more maintenance than other types of shoes because of the nature of the materials used in their construction. For example, you should make sure that the leather upper is conditioned regularly to help preserve its suppleness and avoid cracking. Additionally, composite wooden soles should be treated with weatherproof protectant to keep them looking their best, while real wood soles should be oiled on a regular basis.
Maintenance Tips for Espadrille Wedge Sandals
Espadrille wedge sandals should be treated with care since their woven soles can easily become frayed or worn down. Make sure to only wear espadrilles on dry days since excess moisture can degrade the fibers in the sole. Additionally, after each wear you should gently brush away any dirt or debris that has accumulated on the sole using a soft bristled brush.
Price Comparison between Wooden Platform and Espadrille Wedge Sandals
The price difference between wooden platform sandals and espadrille wedge sandals depends greatly on the materials used in their construction and the brand you are buying from. Generally speaking, you can expect wooden platform sandals to cost anywhere from $50 to $100 per pair while espadrille wedge sandals can range anywhere from $35 to $60 per pair.
Styling Options with Wooden Platform and Espadrille Wedge Sandals
Wooden platform sandals work best with relaxed outfits such as shorts and t-shirts or sundresses. Their chunkier soles can give your look an edgy vibe perfect for outdoor adventures and summer festivals. On the other hand, espadrille wedge sandals look great when paired with more dressy outfits such as maxi skirts and summer dresses. They also pair nicely with skinny jeans and tanks tops for more casual days in the sun.
Popular Brands Offering Wooden Platform and Espadrille Wedge Sandals
Some of the most popular brands that offer both styles of sandal include Nike, Teva, Steve Madden, Birkenstock, Skechers, and Clarks. Each brand has its own unique selection of wooden platform and espadrille wedge sandals made with different materials and designs in mind, so be sure to check them all out before making your choice.
Wooden platform sandals and espadrille wedge sandals offer two very different yet stylish looks for summertime fun. Before you purchase either one, consider your lifestyle, budget, and personal style preferences to choose the style that suits you best.
