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Here’s Definitive Proof That Comfortable Wedding Shoes Actually Exist

Don’t bring blisters on your honeymoon.

By Lauren Puckett-Pope and Ashley Achenbach
comfortable wedding shoespinterest icon

Walking down the aisle is a pretty big deal, so why take the risk of stumbling—or worse, falling—down the aisle as a result of perilous or uncomfortable shoes? It’s 2023; there’s no reason why we can’t buy elegant pumps and comfortable wedding shoes that won’t send our bridesmaids hunting for Band-Aids by the end of the night. And for those of you suiting up in your best wedding guest attire, you don’t need to ditch your shoes to be able to get down on the dance floor (contrary to popular practice and belief).

  • Elodie Satin Bow Pumps

    The Elegant Classic

    Kate Spade Elodie Satin Bow Pumps

    $188 at Saks Fifth Avenue
    Read more
  • Rosie Crystal-Embellished Pumps

    The Cinderella Style

    Amina Muaddi Rosie Crystal-Embellished Pumps

    Read more
  • Halie Slide

    The Pearly Whites

    Dolce Vita Halie Slide

    Read more
  • Penny Knotted Lamé Sandals

    The Fan Favorite

    Loeffler Randall Penny Knotted Lamé Sandals

    Read more
  • Low-Heel Pump Sandals

    The Best On Amazon

    Dream Pairs Low-Heel Pump Sandals

    Read more

The tricky thing about selecting the right wedding shoes is that they not only need to be comfortable, but they usually need to adhere to a specific dress code; a strappy sandal to pair with a summer wedding guest dress, an elegant loafer to pair with a modish jumpsuit, or a sleek and clean pump for a black-tie affair. Whatever the case, find our expert picks for the most comfortable wedding shoes below (and for the bride-to-be: most styles come in white).

The Elegant Classic

Kate Spade Elodie Satin Bow Pumps

Elodie Satin Bow Pumps
The Elegant Classic

Kate Spade Elodie Satin Bow Pumps

Now 30% Off
$188 at Saks Fifth Avenue$268 at Neiman Marcus

A bridal shoe doesn’t get any more classic than this all-white satin Kate Spade heel, topped off with faux pearls and subtle crystal beading.

Customer review: “I can’t say enough good things about these shoes...I decided they were too cute to pass up and that I’d regret it if I didn’t get them. So I bought them and I’m happy I did. The heel isn’t too low or too high; it’s just right. I have a slight bunion issue, and the minute I tried them on I noticed they didn’t bother me at all and were actually pretty comfortable!”

Sizes: 5-11

Colors: Ivory

Material: Textile, leather

Heel height: 3.5”

The Cinderella Style

Amina Muaddi Rosie Crystal-Embellished Pumps

Rosie Crystal-Embellished Pumps
The Cinderella Style

Amina Muaddi Rosie Crystal-Embellished Pumps

The next best thing to a true, princess-inspired glass slipper, this Amina Muaddi pump features a sculptural heel for a sturdier base, and a tiny crystal bow that adds just the right amount of sparkle for happily ever after.

Customer review: “I absolutely love these shoes...perfect for a nice formal event. They are snug at first and run small so I sized up a half size...more comfortable than other PVC style pumps. I got so many compliments when I wore them for a wedding in the summer! I have the clear and they go with everything.”

Sizes: 5-13

Colors: Clear

Material: PVC, crystal embellishment

Heel height: 3.8”

The Pearly Whites

Dolce Vita Halie Slide

Halie Slide
The Pearly Whites

Dolce Vita Halie Slide

So maybe you can’t roll up to your best friend’s wedding in pool slides, but you can sport these pearl cluster slides, and reviewers say they’re as practical as they are comfy.

Customer review: “Cutest bridal shoe for pre-wedding hangouts. The pearls are dainty and beautiful and the shoe is very comfortable.”

Sizes: 5-13

Colors: Vanilla Pearls

Material: Textile, recycled materials, leather alternative

Heel height: 1.1”

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The Fan Favorite

Loeffler Randall Penny Knotted Lamé Sandals

Penny Knotted Lamé Sandals
The Fan Favorite

Loeffler Randall Penny Knotted Lamé Sandals

These gorgeous sandals are dainty, so they might not hold up well if you’re prone to raucous raving or breakdancing, but reviewers stated that they stretch well and pair great with everything from jeans to bridesmaid gowns.

Customer review: “These shoes are SO beautiful..definitely size up!! These are very easy to walk in and super chic.”

Sizes: 5-12

Colors: Gold, Platinum

Material: Textile, leather

Heel height: 3.25”

The Best On Amazon

Dream Pairs Low-Heel Pump Sandals

Low-Heel Pump Sandals
The Best On Amazon

Dream Pairs Low-Heel Pump Sandals

Now 42% Off
Credit: Dream Pairs

Don’t count out Amazon for wedding attire. These simple, straight-to-the-point block heels have 4.3 stars from over 10,400 reviewers who have attested to their captivating comfort and style versatility.

Customer review: “I did not expect to find my perfect wedding shoes on Amazon, but alas—I wore these babies to my wedding last year, and I didn’t take them off once from 3 P.M. to midnight. After multiple hours of walking, running, skipping, and dancing, I suffered not one single blister.”

Sizes: 5-11

Colors: 21 options

Material: Polyurethane, rubber, latex

Heel height: 2.25”

The Pretty Pastel

Aerosoles Emmex Heeled Sandal

Emmex Heeled Sandal
The Pretty Pastel

Aerosoles Emmex Heeled Sandal

Credit: Aerosoles

Summer weddings call for pastels, and these light blue slingback heels from Aerosoles nail the balance between pretty and practical. They’ll be a staple in your wardrobe regardless of whether or not you’ve got a wedding to attend.

Customer review: “I don’t wear heels very often, but I found these to be easy on my feet. The chunky heel adds stability and the flexible sole allows my foot to move naturally when walking. And, they’re cute!”

Sizes: 5-12

Colors: Blue, Tan, Black, Off-White

Material: Faux leather, rubber

Heel height: 2.25”

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The High-Fashion Flat

Badgley Mischka Gigi Crystal Pointed-Toe Flat

Gigi Crystal Pointed-Toe Flat
The High-Fashion Flat

Badgley Mischka Gigi Crystal Pointed-Toe Flat

Credit: Badgley Mischka

Sometimes, a wedding look calls for a bit of sparkle. These cream bedazzled flats would look especially impressive with a champagne-colored gown. Reviewers did recommend breaking them in a bit prior to the big day (the sides are known to rub), but once they’re adjusted, these shoes should keep your feet happy and snug all night long.

Customer review: “I can’t get over how comfortable they are!! I thought maybe the little crystals would scratch my skin but not at all! It also doesn’t pinch my feet either. I made sure to walk around with them on with my actual wedding dress and it felt and looked great.”

Sizes: 5-13

Colors: Ivory Satin, Black Satin

Material: Mesh, leather, synthetic materials

The Embellished Block Heel

Kelly & Katie Hildie Pump

Hildie Pump
The Embellished Block Heel

Kelly & Katie Hildie Pump

Now 41% Off
Credit: Kelly & Katie

An embellished alternative to the Dream Pairs above, these block-heel sandals from Kelly & Katie feature a pearl-adorned front strap and a high heel that’s thick enough to prevent any ankle wobbling.

Customer review: “Bought these for my wedding, and they are perfect. So comfortable with the chunky heel.”

Sizes: 6-11

Colors: Off White Pearl

Material: Satin, synthetic materials

Heel height: 3”

The Sophisticated Loafer

Journee Collection Nysaa Horsebit Loafer

Nysaa Horsebit Loafer
The Sophisticated Loafer

Journee Collection Nysaa Horsebit Loafer

For winter weddings, consider a loafer over a boot or a pump. The 2.5” heel and subtle horsebit on these platform loafers add dimension to a classic style.

Customer review: “These shoes are very sleek and stylish! I loved the heel at first sight, and it is comfortable.”

Sizes: 5.5-12

Colors: Blue, Gold, Sand, Taupe, Black

Material: Faux leather, synthetic materials

Heel height: 2.5”

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The Slip-On

The Swan Snow Velvet Crystal Bracelet

Snow Velvet Crystal Bracelet
The Slip-On

The Swan Snow Velvet Crystal Bracelet

If you’re a boho bride (or bridesmaid, or guest!) and heels aren’t your thing, these elegant closed-toe flats are comfy enough to slip on and slip off as you float from one event to another.

Customer review: “Absolutely gorgeous shoes. They are so comfortable too! I normally wear heels, but these are so dressy I don’t mind wearing flats instead!”

Sizes: 5-12

Colors: 15 options

Material: Velvet, rubber, faux crystal embellishment

The Stylish Sneaker

Nike Air Force 1 ’07

Air Force 1 ’07
The Stylish Sneaker

Nike Air Force 1 ’07

Sneakers go with almost anything in 2023—more and more brides are slipping into Converse or Nikes shortly after the ceremony, so it’s becoming a necessity for modern nuptials. If your affair is laidback enough to allow sneaks throughout the day’s events, you can’t go wrong with the Nike Air Force 1.

Customer review: “I’ll admit that I bought these because they are a super popular style. What I didn’t expect was the comfort and the fit of these shoes...I can wear these all day at work and come home and my feet aren’t in pain. I like the height boost they give me.”

Sizes: 5-12

Colors: White, Black, White/Blue/Green, Mantra Orange

Material: Leather, textile, synthetic

The Best Black

Sarah Flint Parker 85

Parker 85
The Best Black

Sarah Flint Parker 85

Now 46% Off

Now that bridesmaids in black is a trend rather than a taboo, it’s the ideal time to pull out these gorgeous, vintage-inspired heels made with suede and polka dot mesh. Plus, you can avoid changing shoes once it’s time to hit the dance floor because these have anatomical arch support and an extra 6mm of footbed padding.

Customer review: “Danced all night long under the stars with these spectacular shoes. It’s like wearing beautiful slippers to a party...love the arch support.”

Sizes: 4-13

Colors: Black, Navy

Material: Suede, mesh, leather

Heel height: 3.3”

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The Mega-Platform

Melissa + Viktor & Rolf Party Heel

Party Heel
The Mega-Platform

Melissa + Viktor & Rolf Party Heel

Melissa is a brand you’ll want to keep on your radar. The eco-friendly, cruelty-free, vegan brand boasts a wide selection of super fun sneakers, heels, sandals, and jellies—not to mention their products of iconic collaboration, like this fun and sturdy party-tie block heel.

Customer review: “Beautiful!! I’ve loved Melissa shoes for years now.”

Sizes: 5-10

Colors: Brown, Pink, Beige, Red, Black

Material: Rubber/PVC

Heel height: 4”

The Strappy Sandal

Alohas Sophie Tie-Fastening Sandals

Sophie Tie-Fastening Sandals
The Strappy Sandal

Alohas Sophie Tie-Fastening Sandals

Weddings are a fabulous opportunity to take trends on a subtle test run. These strappy lace-up sandals are a sustainable summer favorite, but the low heel and gentle ties make them ideal for long-term wear.

Customer review: “I am such a brat when it comes to shoes—I only wear Air Forces and Birkenstocks because I can’t bear uncomfortable shoes. I had a fancy event and couldn’t get away with wearing Birks so invested in a pair. These shoes are awesome, I danced for hours with no pain or blisters. I am in between sizes and have wide feet, so I sized up counting on being able to lace them a little tighter. Fit perfectly.”

Sizes: 5-11.5

Colors: 13 options

Material: Faux leather

Heel height: 2.5”

The Handmade Mule

Bells & Becks The Mirella Gold

The Mirella Gold
The Handmade Mule

Bells & Becks The Mirella Gold

These buttery leather Bells & Becks flats are snug yet soft enough to sport support for hours on end—an excellent pared-back pick for a refined and simple wedding look.

Customer review: “I wear these all the time, throughout the year, in every climate. They are super comfortable, last forever, and look great...I walk a lot in them and never have to think about blisters. And they are fancy enough to complement whatever I wear without being too much.”

Sizes: 6-12

Colors: Gold, Black, Gray, Red

Material: Leather

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The Kitten Heel

Anine Bing Nina Heels

Nina Heels
The Kitten Heel

Anine Bing Nina Heels

There are one-use-only, single-occasion shoes, and then there are these ruched slingbacks from Anine Bing. Additionally, the kitten heel has long been the ideal stiletto alternative for those seeking sophistication without risking a sprain.

Customer review: “Anine Bing! Everything fits as always...the rubber band at the back is so comfortable...the gold cap is the icing on the cake!”

Sizes: 6-11

Colors: Black

Material: Cow leather

Heel height: 2.4”

The Wedge

SARTO by Franco Sarto Frita Wedge Sandal

Frita Wedge Sandal
The Wedge

SARTO by Franco Sarto Frita Wedge Sandal

Credit: Franco Sarto

A super-soft wedge in a color tailor-made for a garden wedding? Snap these up before they sell out.

Customer review: “So happy with these sandals, I want them in every color! Stylish & comfortable enough to wear all day!!”

Sizes: 5-11

Colors: Black, Aqua, Spiced Clay

Material: Textile, leather, synthetic materials

Heel height: 3.5”

The Airy Floral

Bella Belle Blush Block Heels

Blush Block Heels
The Airy Floral

Bella Belle Blush Block Heels

Ethereal and dainty, these heavily padded, fairy-fantasy block heels from Bella Belle are adorned with wispy, pastel flowers and embroidered vines making up the ankle strap. If you feel like you need to take things down a notch, these are also available in a 2” heel.

Customer review: “I have been waiting for these shoes to come to life since the first design was released, and I was not disappointed! They are so beautiful, well cushioned for comfort, and the 3D flowers are what garden wedding dreams are made of. By far the most beautiful pair of shoes for my big day!”

Sizes: 5-10

Colors: Blush

Material: Silk, leather

Heel height: 4”

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The Ballet Flat

Brother Vellies Picnic Shoe

Picnic Shoe
The Ballet Flat

Brother Vellies Picnic Shoe

Credit: Brother Vellies

Flower girls aren’t the only ones capable of rocking Mary Janes. These cutesy flats feature a heart-shaped Swarovski buckle for an extra dose of glamour.

Customer review: “Really nice leather, classic look and a nice bit of flair with the crystal embellishment!”

Sizes: 5-12

Colors: Dove, Maya, Yoko, Midnight

Material: Leather

The Pop of Pink

Old Navy Faux-Leather Strappy Block Heel

Faux-Leather Strappy Block Heel
The Pop of Pink

Old Navy Faux-Leather Strappy Block Heel

Now 35% Off

While weddings are typically a formal affair, that doesn’t mean you can’t step outside the box now and again. These mule sandals add a pop of color without overstepping the basic style code. And no need to break them in before the big day because they’re equipped with soft ruched straps and a cushioned footbed.

Customer review: “Very comfortable even for someone who doesn’t wear heels! I wore them all day...no aches at the end of the day! True to size.”

Sizes: 6-11

Colors: Dragonfruit, Bone, Mocha Taffy, Black Jack

Material: Faux leather/polyurethane, recycled rubber

Heel height: 2.5”

Headshot of Lauren Puckett-Pope
Lauren Puckett-Pope
Culture Writer

Lauren Puckett-Pope is a staff culture writer at ELLE, where she primarily covers film, television and books. She was previously an associate editor at ELLE. 

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