20 Best Wedding Shoes of 2021

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Commerce Photo Composite — Brides / Chloe Jeong

Decisions, decisions! Planning a wedding is all about them and if you've already secured your dream wedding dress, the time has come to make a decision about your wedding shoes. Whether you're opting for an intimate backyard wedding, chic courthouse ceremony, or a destination wedding – we've found the perfect pair of wedding shoes for every bridal style, venue, and budget.

To help narrow down the abundance of options available, look to your wedding dress and venue for inspiration. If you're having a winter wedding at a venue with a snowy backdrop, consider lace booties or sumptuous velvet pumps. Summer brides opting to wear a short wedding dress should seize the opportunity to showcase their wedding shoes and pick styles in easy, breezy fabrics like raffia and woven linen. Brides looking to up the ante at their black-tie wedding will love investment pieces like mules and slingbacks crafted from fine satin and encrusted with pearls and crystals. Still searching for your "Something Blue"? We've got you covered there too with styles in the most beautiful shades of blue from dusty pastel to deep navy. And, of course, there's no shame in playing it safe with a pair of timeless white pumps – they're a classic for a reason!

Read on for the best wedding shoes for every style and budget.

Best Sparkle: Badgley Mischka Embellished Sandal

embellished heel — Courtesy of Nordstrom

These Badgley Mischka sandals are consistently a favorite among brides-to-be because they're stylish and practical. We love this shimmering satin style for the bride-to-be who loves feminine pieces with a touch of glamour.

Best Summer Wedding Pumps: Bella Belle Illusion Lace Cross Strap Pumps

Danity lace details and elegant straps make this pair of pumps a no-brainer for your wedding day. Subtle yet sophisticated, these shoes will complement any style of wedding dress.

For the Romantic Bride: Loeffler Randall Knot Mule

bridal shoe — Courtesy of Loeffler Randall

Stylish and comfy wedding shoes can be hard to come by but luckily this knotted mule falls into both categories. Beyond its ivory pearl fabric and chic bridal bow, this block heel sandal will support and hug your feet all the way from the aisle to the afterparty.

Best Flat: Badgley Mischka Jeweled Slingback Flat

Flats are a practical and comfortable choice and there are tons of chic options out there for any bridal style or season. Plus, you won't even have to think twice about your flats sinking into grass or stopping you from dancing the night away.

For a Formal Wedding: Jimmy Choo Lace and Pearl Heels

Is there anything more bridal than pearls and lace? These Jimmy Choo sandals have wedding written all over them and are the perfect complement to any style of wedding dress. If you're changing into a short dress for your afterparty, these beauties will undoubtedly steal the show out on the dancefloor.

Best Embellished Heel: White by Vera Wang Crystal Back Heels

Sleek and sophisticated in the front and all glam in the back, these crystal back heels will photograph beautifully from every angle and go with any and every bridal outfit.

Most Timeless: Saint Laurent Knot Mule

These knotted mules are equal parts timeless and comfortable and can easily be worn long after your wedding weekend has come and gone. We love this style paired with a simple sheath dress or a modern mini.

Most Comfortable: Bella Belle Pearl Flats

These pearl-lined beauties are proof that flats are anything but dull or frumpy. Walk confidently down the aisle in these flirty flats or change into them before you hit the dancefloor.

For a Beach Wedding: Castaner White Espadrilles

Calling all beach brides! If your wedding is set in the sand, espadrilles are the way to go. Not only do they embody the carefree vibe of seaside nuptials, they're also supremely comfortable and supportive. This particular style also comes in many different colors making it a great choice for your bridal party, too!

For the Classic Bride: Sam Edelman Pointed Toe White Pump

A classic white wedding pump remains a classic for a reason: it will always be timeless. This versatile pump from Sam Edelman can be worn with any style of dress from a clean and modern ball gown to a sheath dress with allover beading.

For the Glamorous Bride: Valentino Garavani

For a shoe with a little built-in jewelry and a pop of metallic, you can't go wrong with this sophisticated gold slingback pump. We love this crystal-embellished style paired with a simple slip dress or a classic ball gown.

For a Fall Wedding: Malone Souliers Lace Mules

A fall or winter wedding calls for a bridal bootie but if you're not into wearing completely enclosed shoes, direct your attention towards these lace mules. Open at the top and at the back, these mules are easy to slide on and have all the benefits of a winter wedding shoe without the constricting nature of a bootie.

Best Classic Flat: Margaux The Pointe Shoe

For brides with traditional tastes, these classic flats are a dream come true. Opt to personalize the sole of the shoe with your new monogram to create a keepsake that you'll cherish for years to come.

For the Traditional Bride: Sarah Flint Perfect Pump

If you're stuck on what shoes to wear for your wedding day, a classic white pump is always a smart pick. This style from Sarah Flint is called the "Perfect Pump" and we couldn't agree more!

For a Winter Wedding: Manolo Blahnik Embellished Velvet Mules

velvet shoe — Courtesy of Manolo Blahnik

Calling all winter brides! Whether you're saying "I do" at the city courthouse or in a grand ballroom with a snowy backdrop, these luxurious velvet shoes are an utterly stylish pick for your cold-weather nuptials. Plus, they pull double duty as your wedding shoes and your "Something Blue".

Most Feminine: Christian Louboutin Satin Pumps

These pretty point-toe pumps feel almost ballet-inspired and feature sweet details like feminine satin ties and hand-pleated chiffon and tulle.

Best Budget: Aldo Embellished Pump

This budget-friendly Aldo shoe strikes the perfect balance between sleek and glamorous and looks just as luxe as other more expensive brands. Plus, this seriously sparkly style is comfy, to boot!

Most Statement-Making: Alexandre Vauthier Crystal Flower Sandals

If you're not one to shy from a statement-making shoe, opt for this wedding-worthy pair featuring a sculptural flower and pin-thin strap that wrap elegantly around the ankle.

Most Classic: ASOS Block Sandals

You can never go wrong with a simple sandal like this one from ASOS. Its classic silhouette is timeless and can easily be worn to all of your other parties and beyond.

Best Sneaker: Stuart Weitzman Pearl-Embellished Sneaker

pearl sneaker — Courtesy of Stuart Weitzman

We're totally coveting these non-cheesy bridal sneakers embellished with luminous pearls. As stylish as they are versatile, this pair can easily be worn your ceremony, afterparty, honeymoon, and beyond!

What to look for in wedding shoes

When it comes to picking out the perfect pair of wedding shoes, let your venue, wedding dress, and personal style help guide you in the right direction. If you're throwing a seaside or garden wedding, make sure to choose shoes that are sand and grass friendly like espadrilles, block heel sandals, or flats. For formal ballroom weddings, closed-toe pumps or embellished sandals always make for a timeless choice. Lastly, comfort is key when walking down the aisle so it's important to pick a pair of shoes that you know you can walk confidently in. Look for styles with ankle straps for support and padded foot cushions for added comfort.

FAQs

What are the most comfortable wedding shoes?

For brides looking for added comfort and support, shoes with a kitten or block heel, flats, and bridal sneakers will take you comfortably from the aisle to the dance floor.

Do wedding shoes have to be white?

Definitely not! Wedding shoes come in an array of sophisticated and statement-making colors from soft pastels to rich jewel tones. If you're a bride-to-be with bold tastes, colorful wedding shoes are a great way to have fun with your look.

What shoes are best for a beach wedding?

Espadrilles, flats, and sandals are all great options for a seaside wedding. If your nuptials are taking place directly on the sand, opt for beach-friendly options like flat sandals.

Why Trust Brides

Contributing writer Sophie Moore is a former fashion editor at Brides and is an expert in all things bridal attire, from couture wedding gowns to the perfect "something blue" accessory. She researches and sources the best fashion items for brides, grooms, wedding guests, bridal party, and more.

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