Kate Hudson Wore the Controversial Boot Trend I’m Scared to Try

I don’t know about you, but the minute (nay, second) it gets cold enough to wear boots, I wear the heck out of them. I’m just not really a flats or sandals type of girl, which is why you’ll find me in sneakers most of the summer, but come fall, winter, and spring, boots are all I wear. Cowboy! Knee-highs! Uggs! You name the shoe style, I probably own them — well, except for wedge boots, the divisive style Kate Hudson recently wore. Do I need? Possibly.

Hudson has been busy doing press tours, celebrating 20 years since the iconic How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days film won the hearts of millions (and still continues to do so). The actress stepped out in New York City wearing a simple, fun, stylish look (really, a trifecta of awesome!) that included the one skirt trend I have been wearing nonstop — a high-slit denim midi skirt that’s showing zero signs of going away. She paired the jean bottoms with a colorful striped sweater, an XXL shearling coat that’s perhaps the best coat I’ve seen all season — so no wonder she’s worn it back-to-back, too — and those tall, suede wedge boots that might raise some eyebrows. 

The actress’ wedge boots are certainly bold, and that’s because of two features: the ultra-high silhouette that hits right by the knee, giving them an almost dominatrix feel, like the pair Amal Clooney wore last year, and the chunky wedge heel that’s eye-catching and practical. Hear me out!

Open Edit Erik Wedge Tall Boot

Anne Klein Vella Knee-High Wedge Boot

Wedge boots might conjure up thoughts of some pretty “meh” outfits of the early aughts — like cork wedges that were a pinnacle of J.Lo’s music videos — but if you really dig deep into the heart of the heel style, you’ll realize, “hey, it’s actually pretty darn practical.” Unlike ultra-thin stiletto heels or even block heels, a wedge option covers ample surface area to keep you securely on your feet all day — no matter how many grates you walk across on your daily commute. It’s also a bit more comfortable, as the heel covers the entire sole, not just a teeny, tiny portion, which means your weight is more evenly distributed. Genius!

All that to say, while wedges certainly have their fair share of haters — and TBH, I used to be one — I am now fully convinced that my extensive boot collection isn’t complete without a pair of these Hudson-worn wedge knee-highs.

Shop wedge boots inspired by Hudson’s below. Because hey, these boots were, in fact, really made for walking.

Eileen Fisher Kasana Wedge Boot

La Canadienne Getup Boot

Sam Edelman Vance Pointed-Toe Knee-High Boot

Franco Sarto Emina Pointed-Toe Wedge Bootie 

Steve Madden Corenne Pointed-Toe Knee-High Boot