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21 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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Comfortable Wedding Shoes: collage of a few wedding-inspired shoes around an image of a bride against a pink background
Dasha Burobina for PureWow

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 like this pair by Sarah Flint ($550) or you want something with a short block heel, like this Badgley Mischka sandal ($69) for that outdoor wedding you have approaching 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 10 Most Comfortable Wedding Shoes at a Glance

1

Best Overall

Naturalizer Leather Everly Pumps

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2

Best for Your Something Blue

Bella Belle Viola Wedding Shoes

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3

Best Value

Dream Pairs Ballet Flats

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4

Best Ballet Style

Margaux The Heel Suede Pumps

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5

Best for Stability

Aerosoles Landon Sandals

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Meet the Experts

How We Chose the Most Comfortable Wedding Shoes

When curating our list of the most comfortable wedding shoes, we sought insights from board-certified podiatric foot and ankle specialist Dr. Bob Baravarian and board-certified foot surgeon Dr. Brad Schaeffer to find out what makes for a comfortable option. We specifically looked for shoes that boast ample arch support, roomy toe boxes and cushioned padding in the insoles to keep you boogying on the dance floor during the reception. We also considered the flexibility of the outsole, heel height and heel width.

If you’ve looked everywhere and can’t find shoes you love, keep scrolling because we’ve found 21 stunning pairs that may just catch your eye.

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Best Overall

1. Naturalizer Leather Everly Pumps

What We Like

  • padded footbed
  • leather upper

What We Don't Like

  • sizing varies

Naturalizer

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 2 inches) will help your ankles from giving out.

Fast Facts

  • Heel Height: 2.5 inches

Best for Your Something Blue

2. Bella Belle Viola Wedding Shoes

What We Like

  • blue accents
  • steel rod heel

What We Don't Like

  • thin ankle straps

Bella Belle

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.

Fast Facts

  • Heel Height: 3 inches

Best Value

3. Dream Pairs Ballet Flats

What We Like

  • flexible sole
  • embellished upper

What We Don't Like

  • contain latex

Dream Pairs

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.

Fast Facts

  • Heel Height: 0.15 inches

Best Ballet Style

4. Margaux The Heel Suede Pumps

What We Like

  • Italian suede upper
  • foam padding

What We Don't Like

  • not super dressy

Margaux

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.

Fast Facts

  • Heel Height: 2.5 inches

Best for Stability

5. Aerosoles Landon Sandals

What We Like

  • sturdy block heel
  • diamond flex outsole

What We Don't Like

  • no non sparkly neutral colors

Aerosoles

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.

Fast Facts

Heel Height: n/a

Best for Narrow Feet

6. Birdy Grey Natalie Heels

What We Like

  • vegan leather
  • slim strap

What We Don't Like

  • midsole may be slim

Birdy Grey

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).

Fast Facts

  • Heel Height: 2.5 inches

Best for Wide Feet

7. Marc Fisher Ltd Suede Zala Heels

What We Like

  • timeless silhouette
  • many color options

What We Don't Like

  • slippery bottoms

Marc Fisher

Keep things timeless with this closed-toe number, available in 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.

Fast Facts

  • Heel Height: 2.75 inches

Best Mules

8. Dear Frances Leather Scrunch Mules

What We Like

  • scrunchy straps
  • wooden heel

What We Don't Like

  • can slip off easily

Dear Frances

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.

Fast Facts

  • Heel Height: 2.1 inches

Best for the Extra Bride

9. Jewel Badgley Mischka Cook Sandals

What We Don't Like

  • cushioned footbed
  • endless sparkles

What We Don't Like

  • sparkles may cause itchiness

Badgley Mischka

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.

Fast Facts

  • Heel Height: 3.75 inches

Best Strappy Heel

10. Lulus Leylia Sandals

What We Like:

  • low heels
  • strappy midfoot

What We Don't Like:

  • toe straps may be a little tight

Lulus

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.

Fast Facts

  • Heel Height: 2.25 inches

Best Sneakers

11. Betsey Johnson Sidney Sneakers

What We Like

  • bedazzled upper
  • soft lining
  • comfy

What We Don't Like

  • rhinestones may fall off

Betsy Johnson

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.

Fast Facts

  • Heel Height: 1.5 inches (platform)

Best Low Heel

12. Sarah Flint Parker Sling 50 Heels

What We Like

  • vintage look
  • extra footbed padding

What We Don't Like

  • expensive

Sarah Flint

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.

Fast Facts

  • Heel Height: 2 inches

Most Affordable

13. Birdies The Swan Flats

What We Like

  • crystal embellished midstrap
  • quilted footbed padding

What We Don't Like

  • can slip off easily

Birdies

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.

Fast Facts

  • Heel Height: 0.6 inches

Best Flats

14. Lulus Boxton Flats

What We Like

  • pointed toe
  • rhinestone embellishments

What We Don't Like

  • satin may dirty easily

Lulus

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

Fast Facts

  • Heel Height: 0.25 inches

Best Designer Shoes

15. Jimmy Choo Suede Ade Mary Janes

What We Like

  • flat heel
  • rubber sole

What We Don't Like

  • not great for high arches

Jimmy Choo

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.

Fast Facts

  • Heel Height: n/a

Best for Outdoor Weddings

16. Jewel Badgley Mischka Giona Sandals

What We Don't Like

  • low block heel
  • thin ankle strap

What We Don't Like

  • may be too sparkly for some tastes

Badgley Mischka

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.

Fast Facts

  • Heel Height: 2.25 inches

Best Rounded Heel

17. Loeffler Randal Camellia Heels

What We Like

  • taffeta bow
  • high heel

What We Don't Like

  • hard to clean

Loeffler Randal

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.

Fast Facts

  • Heel Height: 3.75 inches

Most Minimalistic

18. Alohas Cannes Heels

What We Like

  • thin, rectangular heel, double midstraps

What We Don't Like

  • heel isn't too sturdy

Alohas

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.

Fast Facts

  • Heel Height: 3.15 inches

Most Classic Pump

19. Sarah Flint Wedding Perfect 85 Pumps

What We Like

  • wide toe box
  • steel rod heel

What We Don't Like

  • expensive
  • high heel height

Sarah Flint

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.

Fast Facts

  • Heel Height: 3.3 inches

Best Sandals

20. Bella Belle Hera Leather Sandals

What We Like

  • pearl and rhinestone detailing
  • leather upper and outer sole

What We Don't Like

  • rhinestones could itch

Bella Belle

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.

Fast Facts

  • Heel Height: n/a

Best Block Heel

21. Nisolo Stella Go-To Block Sandals

What We Like

  • waterproof leather
  • antimicrobial lining

What We Don't Like

  • not available in wide sizes

Nisolo

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.

Fast Facts

  • Heel Height: 2.5 inches

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.

Where to Buy A Wedding Dress Online That Actually Fits



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Olivia Dubyak

Commerce Editor

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...
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