What are the best shoes to wear to a beach wedding?

If you're getting married directly on the sand, flat shoes like flip flops or block heels are ideal for a smooth trip down the aisle . If you're getting married near the beach, espadrilles, stacked heels or mules are an appropriate choice.

What shoes should you not wear to a beach wedding?

It all depends on the venue but if you're going to be walking on sand or grass, it's best to avoid stiletto shoes.

Can I wear flip flops to a beach wedding?

Of course! Flip flops are a practical choice for a beach wedding, whether you choose to wear them down the aisle or to change into them after the ceremony .

16 Best Beach Wedding Shoes of 2023

From sweeping views and stunning sunsets to balmy weather, there's so much to love about a waterfront wedding. But if you're planning to say "I do" with your toes in the sand, choosing practical and beach-friendly wedding shoes is key for ensuring a smooth walk down the aisle.

If you're exchanging vows directly on the sand, opt for shoes that are supportive and comfortable like flat sandals, low block heels, and even sneakers. For seaside nuptials set away from the sand, woven wedges, espadrilles, or stacked heels will complement any beachfront venue.

Whether you are a clean and classic bride, a modern bride, or a boho bride, there is a coastal-appropriate shoe to suit every bridal style, too. Look for shoes with natural materials like woven raffia or braided jute to complement a laid-back venue or go sleek with a few embellishments for a beachy black-tie affair.

Read on for the best sand-friendly shoes for every type of beach wedding.

Our Top Picks

For the Classic Bride:

Loeffler Randall Pleated Bow Heel at Bloomingdales

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Best Chunky Slides:

Alexandre Birman Espadrille Slides at Net-a-Porter

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Best Simple Details:

Reformation Block Heel Mule at Reformation

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Best Wedges:

Castañer + Charo Ruiz Cini Wedge Espadrilles at Net-a-Porter

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Best Pattern:

Larroude Block Heel Sandals at Shopbop.com

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For the Minimalist Bride:

Lulus Ankle Strap Heels at Lulus

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Best Subtle Sparkle:

Porte & Paire Leather Sandals at Net-a-Porter

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Most Embellished:

Jimmy Choo Wedge Sandals at Nordstrom

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Best Slingbacks:

Zara Slingbacks at Zara.com

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Best Sneakers:

Tretorn Platform Espadrille at Amazon

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In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Brides

Courtesy of Loeffler Randall

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These tried and true Loeffler Randall sandals are a timeless choice for a beach wedding. Thanks to the sturdy block heel and padded footbed, this popular style is equal parts fashionable and comfortable. Pair yours with a simple gown for the ceremony and a mini dress for the reception.

Price at time of publish: $350

Clarita Knotted Leather Espadrille Slides

Courtesy of Net-a-Porter

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This flat version of Alexandre Birman's popular Clarita heel is begging to be worn to a seaside wedding. The combination of the sleek leather straps and chunky raffia soles give these espadrille slides a modern yet laidback look while the pretty bow embellishments feel especially bridal.

Price at time of publish: $425

Courtesy of Reformation

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If woven natural fabrics like raffia and jute aren't your style, consider these block sandals from Reformation. The simple silhouette and ruched leather still straps still give off a laidback, beachy vibe but feel a little more polished than a casual espadrille.

Price at time of publish: $198

Courtesy of Net-a-Porter

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Nothing says beach wedding quite like a pair of woven wedges! Crafted from broderie anglaise cotton with canvas panels, these luxe espadrilles feel elevated and utterly bridal. The woven jute heel ensures lasting comfort while the elegant ankle ties provide stability and support.

Price at time of publish: $250

Courtesy of Shopbop

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What could be sweeter than the Brigette block heel from Larroude? Crafted from burlap and flocked with daisy embellishments, these textured shoes should be in every summer bride's wardrobe. We love them paired with everything from a crisp white jumpsuit to a silky midi dress.

Price at time of publish: $315

Courtesy of Lulus

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If you're a bride who appreciates clean lines and simple silhouettes, these sandals are for you. As timeless as they are versatile, the Julie block heel can be worn with a wide array of wedding day ensembles from sleek jumpsuits to tea-length frocks. Plus, they retail for under $40 making them a budget-friendly option.

Price at time of publish: $38

Courtesy of Net-a-Porter

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Looking to add a little sparkle to your seaside wedding ensemble? Give them understated glamour in this Porte & Paire style featuring a crystal-encrusted toe strap. Crafted from buttery leather, these flats are supremely comfortable and perfect for walking down a sandy aisle.

Price at time of publish: $250

Courtesy of Moda Operandi

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What's a wedding shoe without pearl embellishments? Not for the faint of heart, these Jimmy Choos are covered with lustrous imitation pearls and finished with white satin for a statement-making look. We love these woven beauties for a formal or black-tie wedding.

Price at time of publish: $1,525

Courtesy of Zara

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For an instantly beachy vibe, go for these woven slingback flats from Zara. They feature a pearl-embellished toe that feels oh-so-bridal and are made with AIRFIT®–a technical flexible latex foam sole designed to offer added comfort. Still not sold? These stylish slingbacks are wallet-friendly and retail for under $60.

Price at time of publish: $60

Courtesy of Shopbop

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Finding wedding shoes that are comfortable and supportive is key – especially if your aisle is made of sand. These espadrille sneakers will make every step towards the altar a breeze and can easily be worn with your favorite pair of jeans after the wedding weekend has come and gone.

Price at time of publish: $85

Courtesy of Anthropologie

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All brides should have a pair of pearl-encrusted flip-flops in their wedding wardrobe. These bridal-inspired flip-flops feel elevated and are just what you need to take you from the beach to the dance floor. If you're looking to forgo stilettos for flats, this is the perfect style for you.

Price at time of publish: $168

Courtesy of Net-a-Porter

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Featuring a low wedge heel and a retro square two silhouette, these Staud wedges feel like a callback to the '90s. The mix of leather and woven raffia gives this style the ability to complement a variety of bridal aesthetics from clean and modern to romantic and boho.

Price at time of publish: $325

Courtesy of ASOS DESIGN

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For shoes that can easily traverse sand but don't look too casual, consider these pearl studded sandals from ASOS DESIGN that are both functional and fashionable. If flat sandals don't work for your wedding day ensemble, consider having these handy to change into at the after-party.

Price at time of publish: $26

Courtesy of Reformation

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A neutral heel goes with everything and is always a smart wedding shoe choice. Not only would these Reformation block heels be right at home at a beach wedding, but they're the perfect wardrobe staple to pair with party dresses or casual outfits.

Price at time of publish: $248

Courtesy of Neiman Marcus

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Almost too beautiful to wear, these unique sandals truly feel like a work of art. The heel is stacked on two gold, sculptural pebbles and the strap is crafted from clear (and waterproof!) PVC. Pair yours with an ankle-baring gown or cropped jumpsuit–these sandals are too stunning to keep hidden!

Price at time of publish: $398

Courtesy of Free People

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Soft pastel hues for a spring wedding are a must. We love these powder blue strappy sandals for the bride who rather forgo bridal white for a pop of color. Plus, the blue hue serves as the perfect complement to a dreamy ocean backdrop.

Price at time of publish: $148

What to Look For in Beach Wedding Shoes

Whether your wedding is on the beach or beach-adjacent, your wedding shoes should strike the perfect balance between style and practicality. Brides getting married with their toes in the sand should look for flat sandals and espadrilles, open-toed slides, and flip-flops that feel elevated. These styles are foolproof options for safely walking across the sand and are the perfect solution for brides who rather not go for the barefoot look.

However, if your ceremony isn't taking place on the beach but by the beach, your wedding shoes don't have to be as practical–but they should still complement your seaside venue and beachy aesthetic. Styles like block sandals, strappy kitten heels, embellished espadrilles, simple wedges, and raffia slingbacks are all fun and appropriate options for waterfront vows. What's more, beach weddings are the perfect opportunity to inject a little color into your look with bridal shoes offered in fitting colors like seafoam green and ocean blue.

FAQ

What are the best shoes to wear to a beach wedding?

If you're getting married directly on the sand, flat shoes like flip flops or block heels are ideal for a smooth trip down the aisle. If you're getting married near the beach, espadrilles, stacked heels or mules are an appropriate choice.
What shoes should you not wear to a beach wedding?

It all depends on the venue but if you're going to be walking on sand or grass, it's best to avoid stiletto shoes.
Can I wear flip flops to a beach wedding?

Of course! Flip flops are a practical choice for a beach wedding, whether you choose to wear them down the aisle or to change into them after the ceremony.

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, wedding parties, and more.

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