What is a bridal bootie?

A bridal bootie is a heeled boot that hits at or below the ankle, covering more of the foot than a pump or stiletto. Low-cut ankle boots can be considered a bridal bootie, too.

When can you wear a bridal bootie?

Bridal booties can be worn year-round, though they are often chosen by brides getting married in the fall or winter as they're warmer than other heels and sandals. Many bridal booties work well in warmer weather , such as lace, mesh, and cut-out designs.

How do you style a bridal bootie?

If you want to show them off, pair yours with a mini, midi, or high-low silhouette. They can also be worn with a full-length gown for just a peek of bootie with every step.

Are bridal booties comfortable?

Depending on your personal preference, bridal booties can be a lot more comfortable than heels. Many brides find bridal booties to be more supportive as they cover more of the foot, especially designs that feature a lower stacked, block, or kitten heel.

30 Best Bridal Booties of 2021

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wedding day bridal boots — 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.

19 Gorgeous Wedding Shoes for Every Bridal Style, Season and Budget

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.

Bridal booties complement all kinds of wedding attire, from classic gowns to unique bridal separates and jumpsuits. 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.

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 30 styles for every style and budget.

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Best for Glamorous Brides: Jewel Badgley Mischka Metallic Illusion Open Toe Booties With Crystals

Add glitz and glamour to any bridal look with this pair of gleaming booties. If not for your wedding day, they’re super fun with a bachelorette or after-party outfit.

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Best Budget Bootie: Penny Loves Kenny Skylar Pump

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.

15 Amazing and Affordable Bridal Heels Under $200

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Best Metallic Bootie: Schutz Loiva Bootie

For a megawatt bridal bootie moment, embossed metallic leather is the way to go. We love these with a wide-leg jumpsuit for a ‘70s-inspired rehearsal dinner or after-party look.

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Most Romantic Bootie: Bella Belle Nikki Ivory Ribbon Tie Lace Embroidered Bootie

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.

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Best Velvet Bootie: Chelsea Paris Sabrine Booties

Velvet booties are perfect for fall or winter brides, with a luxurious touch to boot. This lace-up pair comes with retro vibes while feeling modern, thanks to the croc-embossing.

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Best Bootie You’ll Wear Regularly After Your Wedding: Lulus Selenah White Pointed Toe Ankle Booties

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.

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Best Victorian-Inspired Bootie: Fabulicious Victorian-30/IVSA Boot

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.

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Best Square-Toe Bootie: Steve Madden Joan Bootie

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.

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Best Luxury Bootie: Galia Lahav Lucinda Lace

For the luxury-loving bride, a lace bootie crafted from lace and crepe satin is utter perfection. We can picture this pair peeking from beneath a whimsical gown, or teamed with a simple slip dress for an elegant statement.

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Best For Subtle Sparkle: ASOS DESIGN Wide Fit Esmerelda High Heeled Sock Boots

There are many ways to achieve sparkle with a bridal bootie, but if you're after something subtle, this sock silhouette is flawless. After your wedding day, pair them with jeans and a bodysuit for a dazzling dinner or date night look.

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Best Shimmer Bootie: Dyeables Lotus Metallic Shimmer Bootie

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.

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Best Designer Lace Bootie: Jimmy Choo Kaiana 100mm Lace Sandals

For some brides, there's no other option than a pair of Jimmy Choo shoes for the big day. If this is you, meet your perfect bridal bootie, featuring intricate floral-lace detailing.

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Best Sparkly Black Bootie: Blossom Crystal And Illusion Mesh Open Toe Shootie Sandals

If you're wearing a black wedding dress and want a coordinating shoe, this bootie is a winner. It's equally stunning and comes in additional creamy shades, and fun colors, if you're into more of a contrast.

23 Elegant Black Wedding Dresses for Every Bridal Style

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Best Romantic Vintage Bootie: Brock Collection Lace Up Booties

For a designer version of a Victorian-inspired bridal bootie, Brock Collection's lace-up design is exquisite. The low heel boasts comfort, meaning, you won't need to plan a shoe change on the big day.

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Best Whimsical Bootie: Badgley Mischka Collection Isadora Open Toe Bootie

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.

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Best For Rustic Brides: Freda Salvador Tavi Suede Boots

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.

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Best Gold Bootie: Mia Becar Allegra Bootie

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.

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Best Minimal-Glam Bootie: Mioke Pointed Toe Dressy Ankle Booties

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.

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Best Kitten-Heel Bootie: Rejina Pyo Erin Boots 30mm

A kitten heel is typically a bride's go-to for all-day comfort on the wedding day. This design is utterly romantic when taking the bootie route, complete with ruched detailing for a vintage feel.

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Best White Ankle Boot: Nine West Feina Booties

Simple and sleek, this white ankle boot is impeccably cut, featuring clean lines and a 3.5-inch heel. It's a must for minimalist brides in the mood for a wedding bootie.

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Best After-Party Bootie: Gianni Bini Annina Rhinestone Embellished Dress Booties

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!

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Best ’70s-Inspired Bootie: Ghazal Leyth Boot

Go for the gold in this lustrous pair of ankle booties, made from buttery soft gold leather. Whether you wear yours with a fluid A-line gown or a mini dress with puffy sleeves, they're the ultimate footwear statement that's equally glamorous and refined.

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Best Rhinestone-Adorned Style: Agnes Bethel Lena Booties

There's sparkly, and then there's downright dazzling—these booties are unquestionably the latter. To really showcase them, opt for a high-low hemline, mini, or tea-length dress.

22 Tea-Length Wedding Dresses

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Best For Modern Minimalists: Amina Muaddi Giorgia Leather Ankle Boots

There's no better bridal bootie for a modern minimalist than this optic-white style by Amina Muaddi, featuring the designer's signature flare-heel design. They're incredibly versatile with any wedding dress, from embroidered ball gowns to silky slips.

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Best For Spring Brides: Bella Belle Peep Toe Bootie

Bella Belle Belle Peep Toe Bootie — Courtesy of Nordstrom

Peep-toe silhouettes are a breathtaking bridal bootie for spring or summer brides. This pair features feminine pearl and floral detailing, and were designed in collaboration with legendary wedding planner Joy Proctor.

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Best Glitter Bootie: Linea Paolo North Bootie

If glitter is your ideal way to sparkle, look no further than this pair of ankle booties by Linea Paolo. Perhaps more eye-catching than the shimmer is the modern, architectural touch achieved through the angled fold-down cuff.

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Best Western-Glam Bootie: Paris Texas Metallic Python-Embossed Leather Ankle Boots

Western, but make it glamorous in this gold pair of python-embossed ankle booties. Whatever your venue or theme, this Paris Texas design strikes a chord.

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Most Versatile Stilleto: Christian Louboutin Trouble Snakeskin-Embossed Leather Mesh Booties

If you're a bride who's been dreaming about red soles, this bootie is for you. The simple but incredibly detailed design is highly versatile and will live on in your wardrobe long after your wedding day.

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Best With A Black Dress: Manolo Blahnik Mage Metallic Embroidered Velvet Ankle Boots

For a fall or winter bride wearing black, this velvet bootie by Manolo Blahnik is a dreamy pairing. Note the metallic embroidery!

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Best Statement-Making Bootie: Rene Caovilla Galaxia Crystal Mesh Metallic Snakeskin Sandals

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.

20 Fringe Wedding Dresses for Festive Brides

FAQ

What is a bridal bootie?

A bridal bootie is a heeled boot that hits at or below the ankle, covering more of the foot than a pump or stiletto. Low-cut ankle boots can be considered a bridal bootie, too.
When can you wear a bridal bootie?

Bridal booties can be worn year-round, though they are often chosen by brides getting married in the fall or winter as they're warmer than other heels and sandals. Many bridal booties work well in warmer weather, such as lace, mesh, and cut-out designs.
How do you style a bridal bootie?

If you want to show them off, pair yours with a mini, midi, or high-low silhouette. They can also be worn with a full-length gown for just a peek of bootie with every step.
Are bridal booties comfortable?

Depending on your personal preference, bridal booties can be a lot more comfortable than heels. Many brides find bridal booties to be more supportive as they cover more of the foot, especially designs that feature a lower stacked, block, or kitten heel.

How to Find the Perfect Wedding-Day Shoe

30 Bridal Booties For Every Style

They’re not just for winter brides.

Best for Glamorous Brides: Jewel Badgley Mischka Metallic Illusion Open Toe Booties With Crystals

Best Budget Bootie: Penny Loves Kenny Skylar Pump

Best Metallic Bootie: Schutz Loiva Bootie

Most Romantic Bootie: Bella Belle Nikki Ivory Ribbon Tie Lace Embroidered Bootie

Best Velvet Bootie: Chelsea Paris Sabrine Booties

Best Bootie You’ll Wear Regularly After Your Wedding: Lulus Selenah White Pointed Toe Ankle Booties

Best Victorian-Inspired Bootie: Fabulicious Victorian-30/IVSA Boot

Best Square-Toe Bootie: Steve Madden Joan Bootie

Best Luxury Bootie: Galia Lahav Lucinda Lace

Best For Subtle Sparkle: ASOS DESIGN Wide Fit Esmerelda High Heeled Sock Boots

Best Shimmer Bootie: Dyeables Lotus Metallic Shimmer Bootie

Best Designer Lace Bootie: Jimmy Choo Kaiana 100mm Lace Sandals

Best Sparkly Black Bootie: Blossom Crystal And Illusion Mesh Open Toe Shootie Sandals

Best Romantic Vintage Bootie: Brock Collection Lace Up Booties

Best Whimsical Bootie: Badgley Mischka Collection Isadora Open Toe Bootie

Best For Rustic Brides: Freda Salvador Tavi Suede Boots

Best Gold Bootie: Mia Becar Allegra Bootie

Best Minimal-Glam Bootie: Mioke Pointed Toe Dressy Ankle Booties

Best Kitten-Heel Bootie: Rejina Pyo Erin Boots 30mm

Best White Ankle Boot: Nine West Feina Booties

Best After-Party Bootie: Gianni Bini Annina Rhinestone Embellished Dress Booties

Best ’70s-Inspired Bootie: Ghazal Leyth Boot

Best Rhinestone-Adorned Style: Agnes Bethel Lena Booties

Best For Modern Minimalists: Amina Muaddi Giorgia Leather Ankle Boots

Best For Spring Brides: Bella Belle Peep Toe Bootie

Best Glitter Bootie: Linea Paolo North Bootie

Best Western-Glam Bootie: Paris Texas Metallic Python-Embossed Leather Ankle Boots

Most Versatile Stilleto: Christian Louboutin Trouble Snakeskin-Embossed Leather Mesh Booties

Best With A Black Dress: Manolo Blahnik Mage Metallic Embroidered Velvet Ankle Boots

Best Statement-Making Bootie: Rene Caovilla Galaxia Crystal Mesh Metallic Snakeskin Sandals

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