Friends Like These Patent Wedge Court

Finding the Friends Like These Patent Wedge Courts

I’ve always been a fan of a good wedge heel. There’s just something about the lift and lengthening effect they provide without compromising comfort and walkability like a stiletto. So when I first laid eyes on the Friends Like These Patent Wedge Court shoes, it was practically love at first sight. Their sleek patent leather finish, timeless court shoe silhouette, and the perfect mid-range wedge height made them an instant object of my affection.

But before taking the plunge and committing to a pair, I wanted to do my due diligence. As a seasoned shoe shopper, I knew that researching before buying is shoe shopping 101. I wanted to gather intel on all the must-know details and consider all my options when it came to buying these wedge court shoes. Whether it was tracking down the best price, making sure they’d fit well, or figuring out how to style them, I was on a mission to become a Friends Like These wedge expert so I could decide if these shoes were truly meant for my feet!

Pinpointing the Best Place to Buy

First things first – where could I actually get my hands on these coveted patent wedge courts? A quick Google search revealed that the Friends Like These brand isn’t carried by many retailers. It looked like the only real options for purchasing were either direct from the Friends Like These website or from the ASOS online shop.

I browsed around on both sites to compare prices and availability. The shoes retailed for $69 on both sites, so at least that made price matching easy! Now it was just a matter of weighing the pros and cons of each retailer. The Friends Like These site had a larger selection of styles and colors available, while ASOS offered free shipping and returns.

In the end, I decided ordering direct from the brand was the way to go to get the exact color I wanted – the gorgeous Pale Pink patent. While I don’t love paying for shipping, the free returns policy gave me peace of mind that I could send them back if the shoes didn’t fit or live up to my expectations once I tried them on at home.

Investigating Size and Fit

The next big question was what size to order. I read through reviews and sizing guidance on both retail sites and found that most customers recommended ordering a half size up. TheFriends Like These wedge courts apparently run quite narrow, so sizing up provides a little more width to prevent pinched toes.

For reference, I’m typically a size 8 and went with an 8.5. My feet tend toward the wider side, so I crossed my fingers this would be the ideal size. When the shoes arrived, I anxiously tried them on and was relieved to find the 8.5 fit like a dream! For once, the reviews steered me right. The added half size gave my toes plenty of room without leaving too much space around my heel.

So for anyone wondering about sizing for these wedge courts, definitely consider ordering a half size larger than your normal shoe size. Just make sure to reference the store’s return policy in case you need to swap your first pair for a different size.

Examining Reviews and Comfort

Before taking the online reviews’ advice for sizing, I made sure to read through comfort feedback on the Friends Like These shoes. I wanted to make sure they’d truly be enjoyable to wear all day, not just cute to look at.

Luckily, the consensus was overwhelmingly positive when it came to the comfort factor. The padded insole and mid-height 2.5 inch wedge heel prevent foot fatigue. Many customers reported wearing their Friends Like These courts everywhere from work to weekends with no issues. There were very few complaints of shoes feeling too tight or uncomfortable which reassured me I’d be able to get a good amount of wear out of them.

I was pleasantly surprised by just how comfy they felt right out of the box. The subtle platform under the ball of the foot distributes your weight so you avoid that strain on the front of your foot. The wedge height is perfect for a little lift without throwing off your center of gravity. And the patent leather gives just enough structure while still having some give to avoid pinching. Suffice to say, I was thrilled by both the look AND feel of these wedge court shoes!

Considering Color Options

An iconic court shoe deserves an iconic color, so I opted for the bright Pale Pink patent for my pair. But for those who want something a little more versatile or understated, Friends Like These offer some great options:

• Black Patent – This polished black pair is ideal for workwear or formal occasions.
• Nude Patent – A warm nude shade will elongate the leg and is perfect for everyday wear.
• White Patent – Make a statement with a bold white patent court. Stunning for summer!
• Red Patent – For the bold dressers, a fiery red court shoe is sure to turn heads.
• Pale Blue Patent – Subtle pastel vibes with this soft powder blue shoe.

No matter your personal style, there’s a Friends Like These court ready to compliment your wardrobe! I’m already eyeing up some other colors to grow my collection.

Dressing Up or Down

A wedge court shoe offers versatility to take you from day to night. During the day, I love pairing my pink Friends Like These courts with cropped jeans or a fit and flare dress for easy weekend wear. Come nighttime, they effortlessly glam up an LBD for cocktails or date night.

I also plan to wear them to the office with trousers, a blouse and blazer for an elevated workwear vibe. Their sleek silhouette makes them feel polished and put-together. But the subtle platform and manageable heel height prevents that intimidating stiletto vibe.

Whether dressing up for a wedding or event or just running errands on the weekend, these wedge court shoes make any outfit instantly feel more fun and feminine! They’re now a staple pair I know I’ll reach for again and again.

Putting Safety First

Considering I planned to wear these shoes in a variety of settings, I wanted to make sure they would feel secure on my feet and offer enough traction. Nothing ruins an outfit faster than taking a tumble!

Happily, the Friends Like These wedge courts checked the boxes for both comfort AND safety. The textured rubber sole prevents slips and the adjustable ankle strap ensures your foot feels snug and supported. I wore my pale pink courts all day long at a recent outdoor wedding without any mishaps, even navigating grass and dancefloors!

For extra stability, I recommend having a cobbler add on rubber sole guards to reduce wear and tear and maintain the shoes’ grip over time. Taking this preventative measure will lengthen the life of your courts and minimize your risk of slipping as the soles age. Peace of mind for under $20!

Mastering the Art of Styling

Pulling together a complete outfit around a statement shoe can seem daunting. But rest assured, the Friends Like These Patent Wedge Courts play nicely with almost anything in your closet!

As I mentioned, cropped and ankle-grazing jeans are an effortlessly chic pairing. Show off those shoes by leaving your ankles bare! For dresses, opt for hemlines that hit around the knee – either bodycon styles or breezy fit-and-flare silhouettes. The courts complement the femininity of a dress perfectly.

You can also easily incorporate the wedge courts into ladylike looks. Pair them with midi skirts, tailored trousers, and blouses or sweaters. To offset the girly vibe, add a menswear-inspired blazer or topper. For textures, try pairing patent leather with suede, tweed, or knits to ground the look.

And be sure to accessorize to elevate your whole ensemble! Statement earrings, a structured handbag, and a stack of bangles will make your Friends Like These courts really shine.

Workplace Appropriate Style

For many office wardrobes, a low heel or flat is the norm. But I was thrilled to discover that the Friends Like These Patent Wedge Courts work beautifully for workplace attire while still providing lift and polish.

At 2.5 inches high, the wedge heel strikes that ideal balance of adding height without teetering into sky-high stiletto territory. And the sleek, simple silhouette exudes professionalism. They’re an easy way to take a basic work trouser and blouse combo up a notch.

For the office, it’s best to stay neutral – black, nude or white patent leather will be your safest options. And be mindful of hemlines and necklines to keep things conservative. But the subtle flash of patent leather against a tailored silhouette will still stand out!

The wedge heel also makes commuting easier than in a flat. Walks to public transit won’t leave your feet aching thanks to the subtle platform under the toe. And they transition seamlessly to happy hour or social plans straight from the office. Just leave an extra pair of flats at your desk for the commute home after a long day.

Caring for Patent Leather

Patent leather offers such a satisfying shine, but can also show scuffs and marks easily. To keep my Friends Like These wedge courts looking pristine, I follow a few simple care tips:

• Use a soft cloth to gently buff away any dirt or dust. Avoid harsh scrubbing or chemicals.
• For stubborn marks, apply a small amount of liquid shoe polish and wipe in a circular motion.
• Storing in the included dust bags prevents scuffing and yellowing when not being worn.
• Avoid extreme weather conditions like rain or snow which can damage patent leather irreparably.
• Apply Vaseline to small scuffs to minimize their appearance.
• Stuff with tissue paper to retain the shoe’s shape if storing for long periods between wears.

With occasional conditioning and cautious wear, those glossy patent courts will maintain their like-new sheen for many seasons worth of stylish wears!

Buy With Confidence

The affordability and return policy of Friends Like These makes it easy to take the plunge on their patent wedge courts without buyer’s remorse.

At $69, they deliver serious style and versatility at a price point that won’t break the bank. And the ability to return for free within 30 days if sizing or style doesn’t work out eliminates the risk that comes with online shoe shopping.

I’m thrilled to have found my new go-to pair that will effortlessly elevate so many outfits. And I feel good knowing I invested the time to make sure I found the right color, size and retailer to ensure a perfect shoe-shopping experience.

So if you’ve been eyeing up these wardrobe-boosting wedge courts, I wholeheartedly recommend joining me in the Friends Like These fan club. Run, don’t walk to add them to your virtual shopping bag – your feet and your outfits will thank you!