What type of heel works best for an outdoor wedding shoe?

Sturdier heels like block heels or wedges are best for outdoor weddings. Stiletto heels and even kitten heels can easily sink into the grass or sand, and not only will this quickly ruin or discolor them, but it's also really uncomfortable and makes it hard to walk around, let alone dance.

Do I have to wear shoes to a beach wedding?

If you envision a barefoot beach wedding then go for it! However, if you want to wear shoes in the sand, opt for a sandal or another flat shoe.

18 Best Bridal Shoes for an Outdoor Wedding

Outdoor weddings, as beautiful as they may be, come with their own set of complications. One of the tricky things about getting married outside is figuring out exactly what shoes to wear. As the bride, you want your footwear to be eye-catching and picture-worthy, but also comfortable and durable. The goal is to find a pair of shoes that you can wear all day long, from the moment you get ready and start taking photos to the end of the night when you're on the dance floor.

For an outdoor wedding, you also need to find shoes that work with your surroundings. A wedding that takes place on a lawn or at the beach requires shoes that won't cramp your style. If you know you'll be spending a lot of time outside for your wedding, opt for sturdier heels, like block heels or wedges. If you're not into heels, detailed flats or sneakers are also a great idea—you can have them as an option for the end of the night when you're ready to swap out your shoes, too!

The below options are versatile enough to wear in a lot of different settings, and they're just as pretty to look at as your classic white pump.

Our Top Picks

Most Simple:

Dolce Vita Heeled Sandal at Amazon

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Best Ankle Strap:

Sam Edelman Daniella Block Heel Sandal at Samedelman.com

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Best Embellishment:

Bella Belle Fabiola Pearl Wedding Shoes at Bellabelleshoes.com

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Prettiest Ballet Shoes:

Bella Belle Alicia Ballerina Shoes at Bellabelleshoes.com

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Best Something Blue Option:

Loeffler Randall Camellia Pleated Bow Heel at Shopbop.com

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Best Boho:

Bella Belle Willow Skimmer Flat at Nordstrom

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Best Budget:

Be Mine Block Heeled Shoes at Asos

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Most Trendy:

Sam Edelman Kia Block Heel Sandal at Samedelman.com

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Best Sneakers:

Lulu's Calissa White Bow Flatform Sneakers at Lulus

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Best for a Beach Ceremony:

Badgley Mischka Reed Slip On Embellished Sandal at Bloomingdales

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Amazon

View On Amazon View On Dolcevita.com View On Zappos

Size Range: US 5-15 | Heel Height: 3.35"

These simple ivory sandals are a classic option that will go with most wedding dresses and styles for spring or summer. The sturdy block heels keep them from sinking into the ground and they look more delicate than they feel.

Price at time of publish: $100

Courtesy of Sam Edelman

View On Samedelman.com

Size Range: US 5-11 | Heel Height: 3.5"

Another great spring or summer option is this pair of block-heeled ankle strap sandals. The strap gives a little extra support, and the chunky block heel adds comfortable height.

Price at time of publish: $130

Courtesy of Bella Belle

View On Bellabelleshoes.com

Size Range: US 5-11 | Heel Height: 3"

If you're looking for something with a little flair, these pearl embellished sandals are a lovely option. The pearls make a flower and vine shape that is really nice for a garden ceremony.

Price at time of publish: $385

Courtesy of Bella Belle

View On Bellabelleshoes.com

Size Range: US 6-9.5 | Runs: True to size

With the delicate bow straps and hand-sewn illusion mesh detailing, these flats are feminine and romantic. They feature plenty of padding to make them more comfortable and a very small heel so that you don't feel like your feet are too flat.

Price at time of publish: $325

open toe sandals with a distinctive bow and pleated organza

Courtesy of Shopbop

View On Shopbop.com

Size Range: US 5-11 | Heel Height: 3.5"

A fun way to incorporate the "something blue" tradition is to wear blue shoes. These dreamy sandals feature ruching and a feminine bow, and the blue shade is beautiful.

Price at time of publish: $395

Courtesy of Nordstrom

View On Nordstrom

Size Range: US 6-9.5 | Runs: True to size

These bohemian-inspired flats feature transparent mesh and pretty floral details embellished with silver pearls. The blue sole is a nice touch.

Price at time of publish: $375

Asos

View On Asos

Size Range: UK 3-9 | Heel Height: 3.5"

If you don't want to spend a lot on white shoes that are inevitably going to get pretty filthy outside, we don't blame you. These classic sandals are less than $50 and are extremely versatile.

Price at time of publish: $44

Courtesy of Sam Edelman

View On Samedelman.com

Size Range: US 5-11 | Heel Height: 3.5"

An interesting block heel shape, strappy silhouette, and square toe make these wedding shoes look trendy and cool. You'll also be able to wear them after the wedding as well.

Price at time of publish: $140

Courtesy of Lulu's

View On Lulus

Size Range: US 5-11 | Platform Height: 1.5"

Whether you're doing something casual and want to wear sneakers the whole time or you just want to change into them at the end of the night, these are a great option. They're inexpensive and simple, and the bow makes them perfect for a wedding.

Price at time of publish: $38

The 19 Best Wedding Sneakers of 2023

Courtesy of Bloomingdales

View On Bloomingdales

Size Range: US 5-11 | Runs: True to size

If you're getting married on the beach, flat sandals are the best way to go. These have pretty embellishments for photos, and since they're not white, they won't get filthy as soon as you step in the sand.

Price at time of publish: $185

Courtesy of Sonia Webster

View On Sophiawebster.com

Size Range: EU 35-46 | Runs: True to size

Pretty details on your shoes make your whole ensemble more fun. These satin ivory flats feature crystal and pearl embellishments in the shape of a butterfly and are such a nice option for an outdoor garden wedding.

Price at time of publish: $550

Courtesy of Jimmy Choo

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Size Range: US 4-13 | Heel Height: 3.9"

These luxe satin shoes feature all-over pearl detailing that make them stand out at any event. The chunky block heel makes them suitable for outdoor situations.

Price at time of publish: $1,950

Courtesy of Bella Belle

View On Bellabelleshoes.com

Size Range: US 5-8.5 | Heel Height: 2"

Vintage-looking Mary Jane shoes get a romantic update with ruffles, bows, lace, and a d'Orsay cut. Small block heels make these easy to walk in and very comfortable.

Price at time of publish: $329

Courtesy of Nordstrom

View On Nordstrom

Size Range: US 5-12 | Runs: Runs small; order half size up

Flat sandals are perfect for any kind of outdoor wedding in warmer weather. These leather ivory sandals are low-key and sophisticated all at once.

Courtesy of Kate Whitcomb

View On Katewhitcomb.com

Size Range: US 5-11 | Heel Height: 0.5"

These low-heeled sandals offer just enough sparkle so that it's noticeable without being overwhelming. Plus, the ribbon bows make these extra feminine.

Price at time of publish: $175

Courtesy of Bella Belle

View On Bellabelleshoes.com

Size Range: US 6-9.5 | Heel Height: 0.5"

Simple flats are a perfect choice for a rustic-chic barn wedding. This ivory pair has the prettiest floral embellishments that make them fit the vibe exactly.

Price at time of publish: $327

Courtesy of Emmy London

View On Emmylondon.com

Size Range: US 5-12 | Heel Height: 3.2"

If you want the look of a classic ivory pump, but you want to be comfortable walking outside on the lawn, opt for these shoes. They look like a traditional pump, but the thicker block heel makes them more sturdy and comfortable.

Price at time of publish: $420

Courtesy of Bella Belle

View On Bellabelleshoes.com

Size Range: US 5-8.5 | Heel Height: 0.5"

For an ultra-feminine look, these flats are such a pretty way to go. With the pearl embellishments, bow design, point toe, and tiny heel, these are quintessentially "girly."

Price at time of publish: $375

FAQ

What type of heel works best for an outdoor wedding shoe?

Sturdier heels like block heels or wedges are best for outdoor weddings. Stiletto heels and even kitten heels can easily sink into the grass or sand, and not only will this quickly ruin or discolor them, but it's also really uncomfortable and makes it hard to walk around, let alone dance.
Do I have to wear shoes to a beach wedding?

If you envision a barefoot beach wedding then go for it! However, if you want to wear shoes in the sand, opt for a sandal or another flat shoe.