12 Comfortable Wedding Shoes That You Won’t Have to Kick Off Mid-Reception, According to PureWow Editors
PureWow Editors select every item that appears on this page,, and the company may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story You can learn more about that process here. Yahoo Inc. may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below.
Read the original article on Purewow.
If I learned anything from being the co-Maid of Honor at my sister’s wedding, it’s that finding the right pair of comfortable wedding shoes can be just as tough as searching for the perfect wedding dress. To save brides-to-be the stress of tracking down the perfect pair, I chatted with two board-certified podiatrists who could answers my most pressing questions. Namely, what makes a comfortable wedding shoe? According to Dr. Brad Schaeffer, DPM, it’s determined by a few things. He says, “Heel height and width play a great part in the comfort of the shoes and can make a huge difference in how your feet feel if you opt for a shorter or chunkier heel.” I also checked in with a handful of married PureWow editors who told me that being able to dance the night away—pain-free—is definitely a priority, so finding good options that make for comfortable wedding shoes, like a pair of comfortable heels or comfortable sneakers that are trendy (and actually go with your dress), requires some extra digging.
Thankfully, my colleagues were eager to help me find the crème de la crème, suggesting comfy shoes they wore on their big day or hope to wear when the day comes. So, whether you're looking for high stilettos with a pointed toe like this tango-inspired Dream Pairs style from Amazon ($40) to complete your after party dress or you want something with a short block heel, like this Reformation sandal ($248) for that upcoming outdoor wedding, this comprehensive list of comfortable wedding shoes 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.
Want to know which buzzy products are *really* worth buying? Sign up for our shopping newsletter to uncover our favorite finds.
The Most Comfortable Wedding Shoes at a Glance
Meet the Experts
How I Tested the Most Comfortable Wedding Shoes
When curating my list of the most comfortable wedding shoes, I sought out suggestions from PureWow editors, many of which they tested—and loved—on their big day. From high heels to block heels to sneakers, PureWow brides consider everything when it comes to wedding shoes, including arch support, roomy toe boxes, cushioned padding and style. The editors also considered the flexibility of the outsole, heel height and heel width. Furthermore, I relied on the insights from Dr. Baravarian and Dr. Schaeffer to find out what makes for a comfortable option.
If you’ve looked everywhere and can’t find shoes you love, keep scrolling, because I’ve found 12 stunning pairs that may just catch your eye.
1. Nina Neya Satin Heels
“I can now confirm post-wedding that [these satin pumps] are incredibly comfortable,” gushes PureWow Fashion Editor Abby Hepworth, who admittedly wanted to wear this style long before she said ‘I do.’ “I wore them literally all day, dancing until the wee hours and, although I had a pair of sneakers tucked away to potentially change into, I didn't touch them until it was time to walk home. And when I say I danced, I mean I was literally jumping up and down for hours.” She’s not the only one who attests to this pair’s comfortability, either. Reviewers say that the medium heel height is comfortable to walk in and the enclosed toe box will keep your feet from slipping forward. “The front toe box fit has plenty of room, despite the pointed toe, and the heel is just the right height to actually look like a heel without stressing your arches. They were gorgeous, comfy and everything I could have hoped for in a wedding day shoe,” Hepworth adds.
2. Dreamcia Silver Slingback Kitten Heels
“These Dreamcia kitten heels are a much more affordable version of the similar Aeyde, Sam Edelman and Reformation styles,” says Sally Herrod, senior director of SEO and product at PureWow. Equipped with a striking pointy toe and diamond-adorned finish, these sexy slingbacks are daring, fashionable and comfortable despite their lack of toe space. “The soles are a little slippery and slick at first so you have to mark them up, but the low heel means you can wear them for late nights,” Herrod adds. “I wore them at a beach wedding (on the sand!) and didn't have to take them off on the dance floor later.”
3. Reformation Eleonora Slingback Block Heel Sandals
Between the long ceremony and dancing the night away at the reception, you’re going to want to wear a cute shoe that won’t leave your feet in excruciating pain. Good news: PureWow’s Director of Affiliate Strategy, Pamela Masin, found just the pair that kept her feet blister-free after more than eight hours. “I was looking for low, gold wedding shoes and when I saw these, I knew I found a winner,” she tells me. “I prefer a heel strap over an ankle strap since I find them less likely to pinch or irritate my skin. That was surprisingly hard to find until I stumbled upon these. The under 2-inch block heel was perfect for my grass ceremony and the adjustable heel strap kept them securely on my feet as I danced the night away. I love that they're not white because they've become a staple shoe for plenty of weddings I've attended as a guest ever since.”
4. Betsey Johnson Sidney Sneakers
Commerce Editor Olivia Dubyak says these sneakers were a godsend for dancing the night away at her reception. "I didn't pick the comfiest heels for my ceremony, and being able to throw these on while I danced was everything, and I didn't get blisters or need a sitting break at all," she says. I 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. Not to mention, it’s available in both a standard and wide fit, so there’s no need to squeeze into the shoe or double up on socks.
5. Loeffler Randall Emilia Knot Slide Sandals
Behold: one of the few pairs of heels PureWow Director of Audience Development Mary Rogers trusts on her feet. She says, “After knee surgery, my high heel days are mostly behind me. I got these for my wedding, and they were the best purchase.” She warns me they run notoriously small and narrow, suggesting one size up for a true fit. Loeffler Randall’s comfortable wedding shoes boast a padded footbed designed to cushion your step and are made with a delicate pleated fabric. “They were the perfect accessory for my dress and my feet held up through the night. I’ve used them for so many events since then and love them to add a pop of fun to even a simple black dress,” she adds.
6. Dream Pairs Nile Open-Toe Stilettos
Michelle Varat, senior software engineer at Gallery Media Group, advises that I should never rule out a dance heel, especially if you plan on spending the most of your night on the dance floor. She says, “I wore tango shoes! [They were] by far the most comfortable heel to dance in.” While the exact pair she wore on her wedding day ten years ago is no longer sold, I happened to find tango stilettos from Dream Pairs that have a similar stylish essence to it. Crafted with gorgeous straps that curve along the foot, the Nile stilettos—which received impressive 5-star reviews from more than 6,500 customers on Amazon—are sleek, elegant and just the right amount of drama. What else would you expect from a tango-inspired heel? What’s more, it boasts a lightweight TPR outsole that’s purportedly flexible and supportive, plus an ankle strap and padded PU insole.
7. Margaux The Heel Suede Pumps
Want a sensible, cute option for your big day instead of towering pumps? These balletcore heels are equal parts stylish and comfortable, though some reviewers say they do require a small break-in period, so we suggest you wear them around the house before the big day. 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. But don’t just take our word for it: “These are hands down one of the most comfy heels I’ve worn in my life! I regularly wear them to work and have had no blistering or aching issues after a long day,” writes one customer.
8. Sam Edelman Peonie Square Toe Sandals
Don't want too much extra height, but still want some lift? I love these low heels, which are just over two inches, to keep your arches closer to the ground (ahem, easier on the ankles). “I've worn [them] every time I've been a bridesmaid and thanks to their low heel and padded footbed, they've stayed comfy throughout the whole day,” says PureWow Assistant Commerce Editor Natalie LaBarbera. And there’s an adjustable ankle strap that won’t dig or cut into your skin during your first dance. The best part is—like LaBarbera mentioned—you'll be able to wear these long after the wedding because they can just as easily be dressed down with jeans. One reviewer loves her pair so much that she chooses to wear them every day to work, “and my feet do not hurt me at the end of the day.” I’m sold!
9. Converse Chuck Taylor All Star
“The shoes I bought for the end of the night (should I need them) were custom high-top Converse with our anniversary date and hearts on them,” says Hepworth, who admits she didn’t need them on her wedding day, except for the walk home. They’re made with the brand’s ultra-supportive OrthoLite cushioning that’ll feel great as you hit the dance floor during the reception or (in Hepworth’s case) for the walk home. The classic canvas shoe truly transcends modern wedding trends, and will surely make for memorable photographs, too. “They're so lightweight and comfortable; the sole has more support than you'd expect for a skater shoe, and there are so many color combos to choose from to really make them your own. They also come in a platform version if you want to add a little height without stressing your arches,” mentions Hepworth.
10. Sam Edelman Hazel Pumps
A classic pointy-toe pump will forever be a go-to heel—just ask LaBarbera. She says, “The Sam Edelman Hazel's are honestly my go-to for events like weddings and showers. They're surprisingly comfortable, despite their height and slim stiletto heel, thanks to the cushioned footbed that's slim but makes all the difference.” The style is sleek and polished and can easily be worn for a day in the office or out on the town at night. This pair has a leather upper, and the 4-inch heel is high, but not too high, as LaBarbera mentioned. Reviewers note that they take some time to break in, but once stretched out they're as good as gold. "After I wore them for a few times, they stretched out,” one shopper writes. “Now, they are my favorite heels and to my surprise, I’m wearing heels more often because of these.”
11. Gucci Marmont Block Heel Sandals
If you want to splurge on designer high heels, go for a pair that will keep your foot comfortable. PureWow Senior Editor Dana Dickey loves this Gucci option for the sleek look and easy wear. “These are a nice, walkable heel,” she says. “The festive gold sparkle and leather class up my fast fashion.” The Italian fashion house’s open-toed block heels are made in Italy with a premium leather that’s also used in the lining and sole. Plus, there’s an ankle buckle strap for a customizable fit that will eradicate any unnecessary squeezing or spaciousness. Reader note: According to the brand’s description and a few customer reviews, this style does run about a half to one size small.
12. Sam Edelman Gigi Sandals
Casual brides with an aversion to heels will adore these Sam Edelman sandals, which just so happen to be another favorite of LaBarbera. “They have a slightly padded footbed that’s super comfortable and the ankle strap keeps them from slipping off,” she says. Other reviewers agree that the padded footbed is surprisingly supportive and comfortable even after long days. And as LaBarbera noted, the adjustable ankle strap makes it impossible for your sandals to come flying off as you maneuver from table to table greeting your guests.
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,” says Dr. Schaeffer.
Another great option approved by Dr. Schaeffer: open-toed heels. He says, ”Open-toed heels avoid toe crowding which can create a lot of discomfort while standing, walking or dancing for long periods of time.”
Have a high instep? Extra arch support will be your best friend. And if you have bunions, you'll probably want to avoid a pointed toe. And according to Dr. Baravarian, 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.
The 20 Best Wedding Clutches for Completing Your Bridal Look
Why You Should Trust Us
PureWow'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 are actually worth your hard-earned cash. From our PureWow100 series (where we rank items on a 100-point scale) to our painstakingly curated lists of fashion, beauty, cooking, home and family picks, you can trust that our recommendations have been thoroughly vetted for function, aesthetics and innovation. 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.
