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Photo by India Earl
After saying yes to the dress, shoes are often the next step in your wedding day look. While classic pumps, whimsical heels, comfortable flats (and even sneakers!) are popular choices for brides on their wedding day, we understand that they’re not for everyone! And if you're looking for an alternative choice, bridal booties and ankle boots are a fresh option we love. From romantic lace designs to minimalist leather and glitzy takes, there's an array of options on the market that are itching to be scooped up by brides-to-be.
Now, before you assume this shoe is only suited to fall and winter weddings, think again. Full-coverage versions are certainly ideal during the cold weather–think high cut and lace-up styles made from supple suede, luxurious velvet, or embossed metallic leather. However, delicate iterations are just as lovely for spring and summer “I do’s,” such as sheer mesh or fanciful lace.
Suppose you love the idea of a bridal bootie but feel like it doesn’t suit your wedding dress, no stress! Booties are an elegant option to pair with other bridal outfits, be it an engagement party, bridal shower, or rehearsal dinner look. “Bridal booties are a fun way to add extra personality to your wedding day look,” says Andrea Louie Brown, BHLDN’s divisional merchandise manager. “They’re a great alternative to heels (and more comfortable!) and can lend themselves to the boho vibe.”
Pia Panaligan, director of styling and visual design at David’s Bridal, adds, “Booties are my go-to option in all situations! I’m very into the short dress with booties and a long veil for the fashion-forward bride—it’s perfect for a low-key ceremony or any party surrounding the big day. Plus, you can re-wear [booties] after wedding festivities have ended for a date night or girl’s night out.”
Meet the Expert
- Andrea Louie Brown is a divisional merchandise manager at BHLDN and is based in San Francisco, CA. She oversees buying for all categories at the brand, working with internal and external teams to curate BHLDN’s full product assortment–from wedding gowns to accessories and lingerie.
- Pia Panaligan is the director of styling and visual design at David’s Bridal and is based in Philadelphia, PA. With a thorough knowledge of bridal fashion, current trends, and an acute eye for fit and detail, she articulates the brand's voice each season by styling their digital and print fashion editorials and brand visuals.
If you think a bridal bootie or ankle boot is right for you, ahead, shop the edit of 20 styles for every style and budget.
Best Budget Bootie: Penny Loves Kenny Skylar Pump
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Courtesy of Amazon
Size range: 10 medium-12 wide | Material: Tulle | Shipping: Shipping rates vary | Return policy: Free returns accepted
Romantic and delicate, this sheer bootie is versatile with a range of wedding dresses, from minimal to intricate. The best part, other than their under $50 price? They won’t catch on tulle layers since they’re sans embellishment.
Most Romantic: Bella Belle Nikki Ivory Lace Embroidered Bootie
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Courtesy of Bella Belle USA
Size range: 5-11 | Material: Embroidered lace, silk, ribbon, and leather | Shipping: Free standard shipping | Return policy: Free returns accepted within 30 days of receipt
These delicate booties are pretty as can be and perfect for a classically romantic bride. They pair well with duchess satin and embroidered layers of tulle.
Price at time of publish: $395
Best Wardrobe Staple: Lulus Selenah White Pointed Toe Ankle Booties
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Courtesy of Lulus
Size range: 5-11 | Material: Rubber and vegan leather | Shipping: Shipping rates vary | Return policy: Free returns accepted within 30 days of delivery
There’s no better bridal shoe than a style you’ll wear again and again after your wedding. This perfectly sleek (and super affordable!) pair of ankle boots fit the bill, appearing elegant with a wedding gown and stylish with everyday staples like jeans, dresses, and skirts post-nuptials.
Price at time of publish: $44
For the Edgy Bride: Jeffrey Campbell Studd Bootie
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Courtesy of Nordstrom
Size range: 6-10 | Material: Leather, studs, and synthetic lining | Shipping: Shipping rates vary | Return policy: Free returns accepted within guidelines
Western, but make it glamorous in this gold pair of metallic studded booties. Whatever your venue or theme, this Jeffrey Campbell design strikes a chord.
Best Square-Toe Bootie: Zara Heeled Square Toe Ankle Boots
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Courtesy of Zara
Size range: 5-11 | Material: Poly blend | Shipping: Free shipping on full-priced items for orders exceeding $50 | Return policy: Free returns accepted within 30 days of shipment date
A square-toe silhouette makes for a sleek and trendy bridal bootie moment. This leather pair has a slight sheen to it, for a dressed-up appeal that’s perfect with wedding attire.
Most Whimsical: Badgley Mischka Isadora Bootie
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Courtesy of Amazon
Size range: 5.5-11 | Material: Leather, mesh, rhinestones, and floral appliqué | Shipping: Shipping rates vary | Return policy: Free returns accepted within 30 days of delivery
Flowers! Rhinestones! Beading! Satin! This bootie has it all and is the perfect complement to a whimsical bridal gown with wispy layers of embellished tulle.
Best Gold Bootie: Mia Becar Allegra Bootie
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Courtesy of Mia Becar
Size range: 35-42 | Material: Premium Italian leather and tulle mesh | Shipping: Free shipping | Return policy: Free returns accepted
If you're looking for a golden heel to wear on your wedding day, this elegant bridal bootie is one to consider. The pointed-toe silhouette features mesh panels for the illusion of a regular pump while providing more support around your entire foot—a winning feature when you're guaranteed to be spending hours in heels.
For a Subtle Statement: BCBGeneration Hedina Bootie
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Courtesy of Nordstrom
Size range: 5-11 | Material: Beaded and synthetic lining and sole | Shipping: Shipping rates vary | Return policy: Free returns accepted within guidelines
Chic, sleek, and subtle—but make it a statement. This white bridal bootie does just that with its polished fit and silver beaded detail along the trim.
Price at time of publish: $169
Best Victorian-Inspired Bootie: Fabulicious Victorian-30/IVSA Lace Bootie
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Courtesy of Amazon
Size range: 6-12 | Material: Lace and rubber | Shipping: Shipping rates vary | Return policy: Free returns accepted with exceptions
Bridal booties are synonymous with Victorian style, and this affordable pair perfectly captures the mood for retro-leaning brides. The low block heel is comfortable, too, so you can dance for hours, feeling comfy and supported.
For Subtle Glam: Mioke Pointed Toe Dressy Ankle Booties
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Courtesy of Amazon
Size range: 4-11 | Material: Rubber and rhinestone detail | Shipping: Shipping rates vary | Return policy: Free returns accepted within guidelines
Whether you're toeing the line between aesthetics, or always tend toward simple designs with a distinct feature, these bridal boots come with mass appeal. The sleek white leather feels modern and fresh, with a rhinestone detail for a unique, wedding-ready touch.
Best White Ankle Bootie: Schutz Mikki Mid Leather Booties
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Courtesy of Schutz
Size range: 5-11 | Material: Leather and rubber | Shipping: Shipping rates vary | Return policy: Free returns accepted within 30 days of delivery
Simple and sleek, this white ankle boot is impeccably cut, featuring clean lines and a 2.5-inch heel. It's a must for minimalist brides in the mood for a wedding bootie.
Price at time of publish: $158
Best Shimmer: Dyeables Lotus Metallic Shimmer Bootie
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Courtesy of David's Bridal
Size range: 5-11 | Material: Metallic mesh and synthetic sole | Shipping: Shipping rates vary | Return policy: Free returns accepted within 7 days of purchase
With a glamorous '70s feel, these shimmering booties are golden for the bride searching for a metallic shoe. The cut-outs are an alluring touch, from the mesh panels to the exposed ankles.
Price at time of publish: $70
For the Rustic Bride: Freda Salvador Ace Tavi Suede Booties
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Courtesy of BHLDN / Zappos
Size range: 5-11 | Material: Suede, leather, and rubber | Shipping: Shipping rates vary | Return policy: Return rates vary
Suede ankle boots are perfect for the bride with a bohemian sensibility. They're also an excellent option for rustic venues, fall and winter weddings, or engagement photos taken outdoors.
Price at time of publish: $550
Best Lace Detail: Lulus Mazzy Light Nude Satin Peep-Toe Booties
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Courtesy of Lulus
Size range: 5-11 | Material: Satin, embroidered lace, and rubber | Shipping: Shipping rates vary | Return policy: Free returns accepted within 30 days of delivery
This lace embroidered bootie simply exudes elegance and practically screams bridal. Its delicacy and open-toe detail makes it ideal for spring or summer nuptials.
Price at time of publish: $44
Most Striking: Rene Caovilla Galaxia Crystal Mesh Metallic Snakeskin Sandals
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Courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue
Size range: 6-9.5 | Material: Metallic snakeskin, leather, and rhinestone embellished mesh | Shipping: Free standard shipping | Return policy: Free returns accepted within 30 days of purchase
If your style veers a bit extra—no shame!—this crystal mesh bootie is assuredly for you. They're particularly killer for a New Year's Eve bride and incredible for upping the ante of any wedding-related looks.
For the Dreamer: Zadig & Voltaire Tyler Vintage Star Bootie
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Courtesy of Nordstrom
Size range: 6-10 | Material: Leather, synthetic lining, and star embellishment | Shipping: Shipping rates vary | Return policy: Free returns accepted within guidelines
Wish upon a star—or a shoe! These star-embellished white booties are perfect for the dreamer. Plus, the low block heel is super comfortable making it even more of a dream on the dance floor.
Best After-Party Bootie: Betsey Johnson Kyla Bootie
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Courtesy of Betsey Johnson
Size range: 5.5-11 | Material: Iridescent rhinestones and rubber | Shipping: Shipping rates vary | Return policy: Free returns accepted within 90 days of purchase
These booties scream razzle-dazzle, making them perfect for the after-party following a wedding reception. Team them with a mini dress to really show them off, and go even bigger with a rhinestone statement earring!
Price at time of publish: $149
For the Western Bride: Dolce Vita Solei Stud Leather Cowboy Boots
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Courtesy of Dolce Vita
Size range: 6-11 | Material: Leather | Shipping: Shipping rates vary | Return policy: Free returns accepted within 30 days of delivery
These boots were made for walking—down the aisle! Ideal for a barn or western chic wedding, a pair like these white leather stunners speak for themselves.
Price at time of publish: $295
Best Texture: Matisse Caty Ivory Snake Fashion Booties
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Courtesy of Boot Barn
Size range: 6-10 | Material: Leather and suede | Shipping: Free same-day shipping on order exceeding $50 | Return policy: Free returns accepted
But your best foot forward in these textured snakeskin booties. We're sure that you'll find yourself grabbing these statement shoes out of your closet long beyond your wedding day.
Price at time of publish: $215
For the Statement-Making Bride: Steve Madden Viceroy Studded Bootie
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Courtesy of Nordstrom
Size range: 5.5-10 | Material: Studs, rhinestones, and synthetic lining and sole | Shipping: Shipping rates vary | Return policy: Free returns accepted within guidelines
There's no doubt that all eyes will be on you when you strut down the aisle in these ultra-embellished white stilettos. The flurry of these silver spiky studs and dazzling rhinestones just may steal the show. Talk about a dangerously chic bridal look!
What to Look for in a Bridal Bootie
The best news? Bridal booties complement all kinds of wedding attire, from classic gowns to unique bridal separates and jumpsuits. So, no matter the look you're going for, there's likely a bridal bootie to fit the bill. In fact, use your countless footwear options as an opportunity to truly elevate your bridal look in a way that reinforces the vibe of your nuptials. For instance, Victorian-inspired designs will create a romantic and retro vibe, while glittering booties guarantee an incredibly glamorous look. And if you’re embracing a western theme for your wedding, there are even stylish cowboy-boot-inspired styles that look gorgeous when peeking out from a wedding dress. A black bootie is also a gorgeous way to take your bridal look in an edgier direction–especially if you’re wearing a colored or noir gown. Equally important, take into account the grounds you'll be walking (or dancing!) on. Luckily, booties typically provide a lot of support and comfort. However, some are certainly more secure than others. If you know you'll be outdoors, opt for a block heel or a bootie with lace-up detail. Indoor venues allow for more freedom when it comes to choosing a bootie with a stiletto heel. Whichever bootie you ultimately showcase on your big day, make sure to break them in prior to your walk down the aisle—you can thank us later!
Why Trust Us / About the Author
Contributing writer Laura Lajiness Kaupke is a writer and editor with expertise covering all things fashion, accessories, and fine jewelry. With a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and as the former senior fashion editor at The Zoe Report and Pop Sugar, she has extensive expertise sourcing and researching the best fashion items.