Folks who aren’t a fan of heels are often still lovers of wedges, and for good reason. For many, heels are too painful or too hard to walk in, but wedges are very forgiving on both of those issues. And these Martinique wedges look good while forgiving our feet!

Shoes: Tan Martinique Wedges gifted by Hotter Shoes (A/L)
Cardigan: Short sleeved cropped cardigan by MAK (Affiliate code yemak-amymay for 40% off)
Dress: Mint Luna dress previously gifted by Unique Vintage (A/L)
Bag: Collapsible bamboo bag from eBay (A/L)
Brooch: Vintage
Bangles: Wooden bangles by Grass Fields

Rewind a few years and I loved to have rock a high pair of wedges in summer, it was one of my favourite parts of dressing for the season. When I developed Plantar Fasciitis in my left foot in August 2018, it felt like I would never be able to wear heels or wedges again. These days my PF is very low level, only niggling slightly if I make poor footwear choices or have a significant change to my levels of activity. One thing I’ve learned in maintaining it, surprisingly, is that occasionally wearing shoes that aren’t totally flat is actually a great way to stave off pain, as a well-made shoe of a modest height uses the muscles in my feet in a different way to the work boots I live in during the week for my job.

Well made shoes aren’t cheap, but they also don’t have to be expensive. Price alone, like most things, isn’t necessarily an indicator of good quality. With shoes it’s the quality of the materials used, the design and the way it interacts with proper fit, the thought dedicated to adequate support through the sole that are the true markers of good quality, and my life (and my foot health) became a lot simpler when I realised I could rely on Hotter to deliver all of those things. It’s a relief when I order from Hotter because I know I’ll be getting a pair of shoes that not only won’t hurt during wear, but also won’t potentially trigger a PF flare up a day or so after I’ve worn a new pair of shoes.

Spotting these Martinique wedges on Hotter’s site was a happy day for me, as I’d been missing my days of sporting summer wedges after having to ditch all my pre-PF cheap, high street wedges that were stacked too high and built too poorly to keep my feet content. The Martinique wedges come in pink, rose gold and tan, and it’s this tan version that fills me with joy because being able to rock a pair of brown wedges with a stack of wooden bangles and a cool bamboo handbag makes me feel the most summery and fresh when the weather is nice.

They’re a simple design which means they easily pair with a wide variety of clothing types and styles, looking equally as good worn with your favourite summer dress as they do with a pair of capri pants or even your beach cover up. The t-bar style is comprised of thick straps, which looks clean and casual while you feel supported and secure. No stray pinky toe threatening to poke out through delicate straps here, no chance. The buckle is well made, so doing up the shoes is easy compared to the frustration of trying to fasten cheap, frail buckles that feel like they could snap just from your struggle of trying to find the hole (can you tell I don’t miss cheap fast fashion shoes?)

The wedge is a gift for ladies who can’t handle height. Made of a lightweight cork and finished with a rubber tread, they’re only 2 inches tall so there’s no need to worry about the chances of turning your ankle or that awful sensation of feeling unsteady walking down stairs. At such a sensible height they’re the kind of wedge you can commit to wearing all day, whether that’s for sight seeing, shopping or even a day at work. They’re even comfortable enough to wear around at home, if you’re the type of person who feels they need to get themselves dressed for the day properly in order to retain a sense of normality right now, during this distinctly unreal feeling there is to the way many of us are living currently. The upper is made from soft genuine leather, while the footbed is cushioned, offering just enough give for comfort while still prioritising the support your feet need.

I asked for these in the same standard width UK 7.5 I wear in most Hotter shoe styles and they’re a truly perfect fit. I love them so much I’m tempted to order them in the Rose Gold, even though I already bought the Soft Gold Palmas wedges also by Hotter a few weeks back–what can I say? Hotter do really cute and comfortable wedges. I apologise for nothing!

The Martinique wedges (A/L) come in 3 colours, all in UK sizes 3-9, including half sizes. The Rose Gold colourway also comes in Wide Fit. Hotter run a new money-saving offer every week (follow their social media or sign up to their newsletter to check them out,) and right now you can find a ton of bargains in their mid-season sale.

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Disclaimer: The shoes featured in this review were gifted to me by Hotter in exchange for an honest review. The dress was previously gifted to me by Unique Vintage for a past review. The use of my MAK affiliate code will generate me a small commission from your order. Items marked with (A/L) are Affiliate Links. All opinions expressed are truthful and my own, with no input from any of the companies listed or any other individuals. 

COVID-19 NOTE: These pictures were taken in the safety of my garden, thus abiding by the strict social distancing rules currently in place to help reduce the spread of Covid-19. Please stay home, and when necessary to leave the house for work or necessities remember to keep at least 6 ft away from any persons you may encounter.