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23 Comfortable Wedding Shoes That You Won’t Have to Kick Off Mid-Reception

Comfy and cute down to the last dance

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most comfortable wedding shoes editors pick

Finding the right pair of comfortable wedding shoes is tough. While being able to dance the night away—pain-free—is definitely a priority, nailing down options that are also trendy (and actually go with your dress) require some extra digging. Whether you're looking for high stilettos with a pointed toe or you want a short block heel if you're headed to an outdoor wedding this spring, this comprehensive list will give you the options you need to feel confident in purchasing a cute, comfy pair that is sure to last you year after year.

The Top Five Most Comfortable Wedding Shoes at a Glance

Meet the Experts

  • Dr. Bob Baravarian, DPM, FACFAS is a Board-Certified Podiatric foot and ankle specialist, a member of UCLA Medical Group and Chief of Podiatric Surgery at Santa Monica/UCLA medical center and Orthopedic Hospital.
  • Dr. Brad Schaeffer, DPM is a Board Certified Foot Surgeon with the ABFAS at his NYC podiatry office, Central Park SOLE.

What to Look For in Comfortable Wedding Shoes

The ideal pair of wedding shoes comes down to a few key things: arch support, height and heel shape. You know your feet best, so if you know you can't withstand pointed, close-toed heels, opt for a pair of heeled sandals instead. "If you're attending an event that requires wearing heels for a long period of time, heels with a platform are a more comfortable option because they relieve the feet from the extreme arch that non-platformed heels have. Heel height and width plays a great part in the comfort of the shoes as well and can make a huge difference in how your feet feel if you opt for a shorter or chunkier heel," says Dr. Brad Schaeffer, DPM.

Another great option? "Open-toed heels avoid toe crowding which can create a lot of discomfort while standing, walking or dancing for long periods of time," advises Dr. Schaeffer.

Have a high instep? Extra arch support will be your best friend. If you have bunions, you'll probably want to avoid a pointed toe. And according to Dr. Bob Baravarian, DPM, FACFAS, there are a few things you can look for. "Good shoes for bunions will have a wide toe box, good arch support, and a cushioned footbed," he mentions on The Bunion Institute.

How Do I Stop My Wedding Shoes from Hurting?

Aside from the obvious (ahem, taking them off), if your heels are especially painful, you may want to chat with your podiatrist about cushioned inserts or a sensible shoe option that will help you make it through your wedding day. For example, if you have bunions, your heels may put you in more extreme pain. "For less severe bunions, over-the-counter inserts can also provide relief from foot pain. You can find inserts with extra arch support, memory foam, and cushioned heels. Some over-the-counter inserts are also labeled with the condition they aim to help with," says Baravarian. Pro tip: Break in your shoes before you walk down the aisle by wearing them around the house a few times.

If you’ve looked everywhere and can’t find shoes you love, keep scrolling because we’ve found 23 stunning pairs that may just catch your eye.

Summer Wedding Guest Dresses That Work For Any Dress Code


Best Overall

1. Sarah Flint Wedding Perfect Pump

Sarah Flint

  • What We Like: wide toe box, steel rod heel
  • What We Don't Like: very expensive
  • Heel Height: 3.3 inches

A pearlescent white pump is a great option for basically any wedding dress style. But it’s worth noting that with a heel of just over three inches, these may not be right for you if you’re not comfortable walking in pumps (although the center steel rod heel does provide extra stability). The footbed is made with anatomical arch support for your instep and the wider toe box provides more breathing room.

Best for Your Something Blue

2. Bella Belle Viola Wedding Shoes

Bella Belle

  • What We Like: blue accents, steel rod heel
  • What We Don't Like: thin ankle straps
  • Heel Height: 3 inches

Still need your "something blue"? Wear it on your toes. These ultra-feminine, hand-sewn floral heels have just the right touch of blue stitching throughout. They're designed for all day comfort, thanks to the handmade construction and extra padding. The heel height clocks in at three inches, and is formed around a steel rod, so no broken heels for you.

Best Ballet Style

3. Margaux The Heel

Margaux

  • What We Like: Italian suede upper, 5-mm of foam padding
  • What We Don't Like: not super dressy
  • Heel Height: 2.5 inches

Want a sensible, cute option for your big day instead of towering pumps? These balletcore heels are equal parts stylish and comfortable. The heel is only 2.5-inches high and the sole has a structured-yet-moldable design to keep your feet optimally cushioned during wear.

Best for Stability

4. Aerosoles Landon Sandals

Aerosoles

  • What We Like: sturdy block heel, diamond flex outsole
  • What We Don't Like: no non sparkly neutral colors
  • Heel Height: n/a

If you aren't so great at the whole walking around in heels thing, this style has a short and sturdy block heel to offer stability, no matter how long your ceremony is. They're made with the brand's diamond flex outsole to offer comfort and support to your arch while looking totally chic. Plus, they're available in seven colors.

Best Silver Pumps

5. Naturalizer Everly Pumps

Naturalizer

  • What We Like: padded footbed, leather upper
  • What We Don't Like: no higher heels available
  • Heel Height: 2.5 inches

This brand's goal is to create comfortable yet stylish shoes for women, and these silver ones are made to keep your feet supported through your whole day. They have a padded footbed made to contour the shape of your foot and arch, while the low heel (just above two inches) will help your ankles from giving out.

Best for Narrow Feet

6. Birdy Grey Natalie Chunky Heels

Birdy Grey

  • What We Don't Like: vegan leather, slim strap
  • What We Don't Like: reviewers mention the midsole is a little slim
  • Heel Height: 2.5 inches

Keeping it simple on your feet is a smart option—especially since the star of the show is obviously the dress. These vegan leather heels are amply padded in the footbed, combined with the low block heel, they're basically a foolproof comfort option (though we can't control if you're a natural klutz).

Best for Bunions

7. Sole Bliss Thea Heels

Sole Bliss

  • What We Like: arch support, memory foam cushioning
  • What We Don't Like: no neutral shades
  • Heel Height: 3.5 inches

Who said you couldn't add a little height and keep your ankles in tact? The bottom of these heels have a rubber piece to absorb impact, and the toe box has a cushioned stretch panel to cradle bunions and keep them supported.

Best for Arch Support

8. Sarah Flint Perfect Block Sandal

Sarah Flint

  • Why We Love It: wide toe box, supportive arch
  • What We Don't Like: only three color options
  • Heel Height: 3.5 inches

This sandal is a trendy wedding shoe style that makes for a comfortable walk down the aisle thanks to the wide block heel and ankle support in the form of a dainty (but durable) strap. Bonus: The brand creates its shoes with anatomically-made arch support to ensure your feet are comfortably cradled. "They are a classic, stylish shoe that [are] surprisingly comfortable. I would totally wear these on a regular, as they can be dressed up and down. I would buy these again in different colors and height," says one customer.

Best Mules

9. Dear Frances Scrunch Mule

Dear Frances

  • What We Like: scrunchy straps, wooden heel
  • What We Don't Like: can slip off easily
  • Heel Height: 2.1 inches

Mules are for the the bride who prefers the ease of slipping their shoes on and off (hey, it’s a long day). The leather arch straps on this chic pair won't cut into your skin and are super stretchy for lasting comfort.

Best Closed-Toe Block Heel

10. Marc Fisher Ltd Zala Block Heel

Marc Fisher

  • What We Like: timeless silhouette, many color options
  • What We Don't Like: reviewers say the bottoms are a little slippery
  • Heel Height: 2.75 inches

Keep things timeless with this closed-toe number, available multiple nude shades. The low block heel is supportive and won't lead to any strain to your soles.Reviewers say the toe box is great for wide feet, too. "I generally have wide feet, so I was pleasantly surprised that the shoe didn't squeeze my toes too much, even with the pointed toe. The height is comfortable, and the block heel is pretty stable," says one reviewer.

Best for the Extra Bride

11. Jewel Badgley Mischka Cook Sandal

Badgley Mischka

  • Why We Love It: cushioned footbed, endless sparkles
  • What We Don't Like: sparkles may cause itchiness
  • Heel Height: 3.75 inches

If you're a bride who loves some extra sparkle, these shimmery heels are for you. The mid straps ensure your feet don't slide around while you're walking down the aisle and the block heel is great for stability. The footbeds are cushioned to keep your feet supported while the heel strap holds them in place.

Best Strappy Heel

12. Lulus Leylia Sandals

Lulus

  • What We Like: Low heels, strappy midfoot
  • What We Don't Like: toe straps may be a little tight
  • Heel Height: 2.25 inches

Don't want too much extra height, but still want some lift? We love these low heels, which are just over two inches, to keep your arches closer to the ground (ahem, easier on the ankles). The best part is you'll be able to wear these long after the wedding because they can just as easily be dressed down with jeans.

Best Sneakers

13. Betsey Johnson Sidney Rhinestones

Betsy Johnson

  • What We Don't Like: bedazzled upper, soft lining
  • What We Don't Like: a few rhinestones may fall off
  • Heel Height: 1.5 inches (platform)

Commerce editor Olivia Dubyak says these sneakers were a godsend for dancing her reception away. "I didn't pick the comfiest heels for my ceremony, and being able to throw these on while I danced and I didn't get blisters or need a sitting break at all," she says. We love the unexpected glitz and glam of rhinestones on sneakers. And this bedazzled pair has them in abundance—plus, a one-and-a-half-inch platform to give you a bit of height.

Best Low Heel

14. Sarah Flint Parker Sling

Sarah Flint

  • Why We Love It: vintage look, extra footbed padding
  • What We Don't Like: very expensive
  • Heel Height: 2 inches

If you have a more vintage or boho style, these slingback heels with a sweet trail of nappa flowers across the vamp are a great choice. The footbed has an extra six millimeters of padding for an ultra-comfy fit and the heel strap will keep your feet nice and secure. Adorable feature: the “something blue” leather lining on the soles. "I’m a physician, on my feet all day, walking back and forth during clinic, these shoes have been professional but not boring and so comfortable all day long," says one customer.

Most Affordable

15. Birdies The Swan

Birdies

  • What We Like: crystal embellished midstrap, quilted footbed padding
  • What We Don't Like: can slip off easily
  • Heel Height: 0.6 inches

These embellished slip-ons have a vegan velvet upper that pairs beautifully with the crystal mid strap, while the footbed has quilted padding for maximum comfort. Available in multiple colors (including gold, gold sparkle and snow crystal bracelet), they also have a very slight heel that gives them an understated yet classy look. We honestly want to wear them every day.

  • What We Like: pointed toe, rhinestone embellishments
  • What We Don't Like: a few reviewers note it's easy for the pinky toe to pop out here and there
  • Heel Height: 1.75 inches

These satin baby heels will give some extra bling to your wedding look, thanks to a rhinestone-accented strap and vamp. The short, two-inch heel is great for walking and the enclosed toe box will keep your feet from slipping forward.

Best High-End Shoes

17. Jimmy Choo Ade Mary Janes

Jimmy Choo

  • Why We Love It: flat heel, rubber sole
  • What We Don't Like: not great for high arches
  • Heel Height: n/a

Ballet flats are all the rage in 2023 and these are a gorgeous choice for brides. Sure, they may lack a bit in footbed support, but they make up for it in stability. Plus, the flat heel ensures you won't trip down the aisle and they'll be easier to dance in.

Best Amazon Pick

18. Dream Pairs Ballet Flats

Dream Pairs

  • What We Like: flexible sole, embellished upper
  • What We Don't Like: contain latex
  • Heel Height: 0.15 inches

According to more than 4,600 five-star ratings on Amazon, the rubber outsole of these ballet flats offers great flexibility for walking and dancing all night long. With a shiny rhinestone upper, they also up the glam factor on any outfit—be it your wedding dress or even a pair of Levi’s. Note: Reviewers say to order a half-size up as they run a smidge small. "They have a little bit of a cushioned sole in them, which is comfortable for me, as I’ve had some flats that have nothing at all," says one customer.

Best for Outdoor Weddings

19. Jewel Badgley Mischka Giona Sandal

Badgley Mischka

  • Why We Love It: low block heel, thin ankle strap
  • What We Don't Like: may be too sparkly for some tastes
  • Heel Height: 2.25 inches

At 2.25 inches, these heels are a solid option for an outdoor wedding since you won't have to worry about them spiking into the grass and you can avoid rolling your ankle thanks to the low and sturdy construction. We’re big fans of the Art Deco–style embossed plate at the front of the heel and the shimmer effect throughout. "Comfortable and true to size with great stability with respect to the heel. Jewel decoration just enough bling. No wobbling here," one buyer mentions.

Best Rounded Heel

20. Loeffler Randal Camellia Heels

Loeffler Randal

  • What We Like: taffeta bow, high heel
  • What We Don't Like: hard to clean
  • Heel Height: 3.75 inches

How cute are the rounded heels on these? The taffeta bow strap on the front gives them a flirty element to complete your wedding look. Happy customers note that the shoe runs small so you may want to order half a size up from your usual size.

Most Minimalistic

21. Alohas Cannes Beige

Alohas

  • What We Like: thin, rectangular heel, double midstraps
  • What We Don't Like: heel isn't too sturdy for inexperienced heel wearers
  • Heel Height: 3.15 inches

These backless heels have a strap farther up on the foot to ensure they stay secure while you walk. We also love the heel shape and the simple design because, let’s face it, your dress is the star of the show.

Best Sandals

22. Bella Belle Hera Heels

Bella Belle

  • What We Like: pearl and rhinestone detailing, leather upper and outer sole
  • What We Don't Like: rhinestones could itch
  • Heel Height: n/a

From getting ready in the morning to dancing the night away, a pair of sandals can go a long way when it comes to wedding accessories. The brand says the handmade design is engineered to ensure comfortable wear for up to 12 hours, which is a godsend for a day of wedding duties. The pearl and rhinestone details on this pair take them from casual to bridal and the slight heeled bottom give them extra support, making these more comfortable than a completely flat pair.

Best Block Heel

23. Nisolo Stella Go-To Block Sandals

Nisolo

  • What We Like: waterproof leather, antimicrobial lining
  • What We Don't Like: not available in wide sizes
  • Heel Height: 2.5 inches

Made of a super breathable, waterproof leather, these shoes are going to be great if you get some rain on your wedding day. They have a shock-absorbing, cushioned insole to keep your arch supported, and the flared block heel will help you feel stabilized during all the standing and dancing. "I tried these for a long event and my feet felt great even after hours of wear. The straps are the perfect width, and ditto for the heel height," one reviewer notes.

Where to Buy A Wedding Dress Online That Actually Fits


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Why You Should Trust Us

Olivia Dubyak is PureWow's Commerce Editor and textbook Capricorn. She studied journalism at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, but has gone from New York City to West Texas to Chicago to Northern Colorado since then experiencing new things to broaden her perspective as a writer. She writes across the board in fashion, beauty, wellness and home, focusing on product reviews and roundups that can elevate your everyday life. She's been writing in the commerce-sphere for nearly five years and loves trying new products, sharing her honest experiences to help you decide whether what you’re buying is worth it or not (yup, Augustinus Bader is a must-have).

PureWow is the best friend you never had when it comes to finding the best, most useful lifestyle products online. Founded in 2010, our company’s editors and writers have spent more than a decade shopping online, digging through sales and putting our home goods, beauty finds, wellness picks and more through the wringer—all to help you determine which ones are actually worth your hard-earned cash. From our PureWow100 series, which sees each and every item we test being ranked on a 100-point scale of awesomeness, to the painstakingly curated lists our fashion, beauty, cooking, home and family editors create as vertical experts, you can trust that our recommendations include some of the greatest items you’ll find on the internet. Whether you're looking for travel-size hair dryers you can take on-the-go or women’s walking shoes that won’t hurt your feet, we’ve got you covered.