The wedge heel was created by Salvatore Ferragamo (June 5, 1898 – August 7, 1960) an Italian shoe designer in the late 1930s. The wedge gained popularity during the war years of the 1940s having a solid triangular base, raised at the back, and being of easy construction. The bases were made of wood or cook which manufacturers could still obtain. They used what ever resources were available to decorate the wedges, for example paint to look like leather or animal skins. Suede, plastic strips and canvas were used to make uppers. After the war materials slowly became more readily available and designers and manufacturers were able to construct wedge shoes in varied designs and materials throughout the 1940s and 1950s remaining a popular shoe style up to the present day. |
