If you’ve been paying attention to fashion recently, you’ve probably noticed those chunky high-top sneakers with the hidden wedge sole that are giving a 2011 vibe.
The Isabel Marant Bekett sneaker is having a full-on revival. It was originally released in 2011 and became a celebrity sneaker; Beyoncé wore them in the “Love On Top” music video, and Rihanna, Kendall Jenner and Gisele Bündchen were spotted in them constantly. However, they fell off by 2014; even Isabel Marant herself called them “super vulgar” and said she almost didn’t want to be known as the designer behind them.
But fashion is a cycle, and 2026 is apparently the year of the wedge sneaker comeback. Lyst reported a 630% increase in demand for the Beckett style.
The hidden wedge is actually the key to its appeal. Unlike regular platform sneakers, the Beckett’s lift is built into the sole in a way that’s comfortable enough to feel like you’re just wearing sneakers, but you walk out looking two inches taller. Isabel Marant reportedly came up with the idea in high school, stuffing cork into her own sneakers to gain height. So the shoe was literally born from a very relatable teenage insecurity.
Design-wise, the Beckett is interesting because it blends a basketball sneaker style with a wedge heel, a “weird” combination that somehow works. The upper is made of suede and mesh, with contrasting leather panels and a Velcro strap across the ankle that give an orthopedic, functional look. Because of this interesting design, you can spot a pair of Beketts easily from the shoe rack.
The shoe originally came in a few classic colorways: all-white and all-black. Over the years, Isabel Marant has released seasonal variations, navy, olive green and leopard-print, but the core aesthetic has stayed the same. The recent revival has focused mostly on the original white and black-and-white styles.
It’s also worth noting that the Bekett wasn’t Marant’s only wedge sneaker. She also released the “Dicker” boot with a wedge heel and a lower-cut sneaker called “Lazio.” But the Bekett was the one that blew up. It had the right combination of height, comfort and boldness, something that no other designer was really doing at the time. Even now, a decade later, it still has the same effect.
Though not everyone loves them, what’s nice about the comeback is seeing more girls willing to try something different and wear what makes them feel good, without caring too much about whether everyone else likes it.