Yes, Isabel Marant’s wedge sneakers are trending again. See why the Bekett is back, how to style it in 2025, and where to find authentic pairs.
Isabel Marant’s Bekett, explained in two lines
Spotted from Paris to Seoul, wedge sneakers by Isabel Marant are reappearing on streets and resale pages, led by the cult Bekett. The formula still hits today, a hidden heel that adds height without sacrificing that laid back, Parisian stride.
The context matters. Isabel Marant sent wedge sneakers down the runway in 2011, and the shoe exploded the year after when Beyoncé wore a pair in the 2011 video “Love On Top”. In August 2012, The Guardian called the wedge trainer the shoe of the season. More than a nostalgia kick, the design solved a daily dilemma, looking taller while staying in sneakers.
Why the Isabel Marant wedge became a trend, and why it reads modern now
The idea was simple. Hide a lift inside a sleek high top. Most Isabel Marant models feature an internal wedge around 6 to 8 cm, which changes posture and line while keeping the foot stable. That balance, fashion and function, is why the silhouette still lands in 2025.
Names help when hunting. The best known is the Bekett, first seen in 2011. The Bobby is lower and softer, often in suede. Later versions like the Bilsy or Balskee kept the concealed heel but tweaked straps and soles. The story tracks with early 2010s fashion, yet the clean color blocks and velcro details now sit next to today’s streamlined wardrobes without clashing.
Press at the time captured the craze, with late 2011 and 2012 coverage across Vogue and The Guardian documenting a mass shift toward the wedge sneaker. That dates the boom. The renewed interest aligns with the current revival of 2010s pieces charted across fashion media in 2023 and 2024, as cycles swing between retro comfort and polished basics.
How to wear Bekett, Bobby and more in 2025 without the costume effect
There is one pitfall. Styling them like 2012 makes the look feel frozen in time. The update sits in proportions and textures, not in loud logos.
Start with denim. Straight or barrel jeans skim the top of the shoe and balance the lift. A minimilist knit or a crisp poplin shirt keeps the eye high. Monochrome sets also work, especially cream or charcoal, letting the shoe’s volume do the talking.
For tailoring, swap pumps for wedge sneakers with a relaxed suit. The internal heel lengthens the leg under a slightly cropped trouser. If skirts come into play, aim for knee length and heavier fabrics. Think wool, leather, structured cotton. Floaty chiffon plus chunky velcro reads off.
Quick styling checklist to nail the new silhouette
- Pick neutral suede or full black for maximum mileage, then add color later
- Keep trousers straight, not skinny, to avoid a top-heavy ankle
- Match sock color to the sneaker to extend the leg line
- Pair with a compact crossbody bag to echo the shoe’s volume
- Limit statement pieces to one per outfit so the wedge stays hero
Fit, authenticity and where to find the right pair today
Sizing runs differently by model. Many report the Bekett runs slightly large, while the Bobby feels closer to size. Trying both EU and US conversions helps, especially across EU 35 to 42, since half sizes can change the arch over a 6 to 8 cm wedge.
Authenticity checks matter. Look for weight that feels substantial, crisp stitching around the straps, and suede that shades when brushed. Insoles carry clean “Isabel Marant” branding, not blurry stamping. Original boxes list model names like “Bekett”, “Bobby”, “Bilsy”, plus color codes that match the shoe tags.
Availability shifts season to season. Core wedge sneakers still appear in Isabel Marant collections, with fresh colorways dropping periodically. For past-season gems, reputable resale platforms such as Vestiaire Collective, The RealReal and eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee segment track stock daily. Condition notes should include outsole wear, strap velcro grip, and insole creasing. Those three details decide comfort over time.
The outlook: a practical lift for the post-sneaker fatigue era
After years of flat dad trainers and sleek runners, many wardrobes crave height without returning to stilettos. The hidden-wedge answer predates today’s comfort-first mood, yet slots right into it. It delivers a few extra centimeters, an upright stance, and that precise Isabel Marant ease that never shouts.
Trend cycles come and go, but the daily problem they solve tends to stay. That is the quiet reason the shoe keeps resurfacing, from 2011’s runway moment to this season’s street snaps and shop windows. When function meets silhouette, the wear rate tells the story more clearly than any headline.