Weddings

12 Comfortable Wedding Shoes That You Won’t Have to Kick Off Mid-Reception, According to PureWow Editors

Comfy and cute, down to the last dance

Olivia Dubyak

By Olivia Dubyak

Published Aug 13, 2024

Additional reporting by
Stephanie Meraz

PureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and some items may be gifted to us. Additionally, PureWow may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. All prices are accurate upon date of publish. You can learn more about the affiliate process here.

comfortable wedding shoes

Meet the Experts

How I Tested the Most Comfortable Wedding Shoes

When curating my list of the most comfortable wedding shoes, I sought out suggestions from PureWow editors, many of which they tested—and loved—on their big day. From high heels to block heels to sneakers, PureWow brides consider everything when it comes to wedding shoes, including arch support, roomy toe boxes, cushioned padding and style. The editors also considered the flexibility of the outsole, heel height and heel width. Furthermore, I relied on the insights from Dr. Baravarian and Dr. Schaeffer to find out what makes for a comfortable option.

If you’ve looked everywhere and can’t find shoes you love, keep scrolling, because I’ve found 12 stunning pairs that may just catch your eye.

What to Look for in Comfortable Wedding Shoes

The ideal pair of wedding shoes comes down to a few key things: arch support, height and heel shape. You know your feet best, so if you know you can't withstand pointed, close-toed heels, opt for a pair of heeled sandals instead. "If you're attending an event that requires wearing heels for a long period of time, heels with a platform are a more comfortable option because they relieve the feet from the extreme arch that non-platformed heels have,” says Dr. Schaeffer.

Another great option approved by Dr. Schaeffer: open-toed heels. He says, ”Open-toed heels avoid toe crowding which can create a lot of discomfort while standing, walking or dancing for long periods of time.”

Have a high instep? Extra arch support will be your best friend. And if you have bunions, you'll probably want to avoid a pointed toe. And according to Dr. Baravarian, there are a few things you can look for. "Good shoes for bunions will have a wide toe box, good arch support and a cushioned footbed," he mentions on The Bunion Institute.

Commerce Editor

Olivia Dubyak

Commerce Editor

  • Covers commerce content, including personal and collaborative reviews and product roundups across beauty, home, fashion and family verticals
  • More than 5 years of professional experience in journalism
  • Studied journalism at Duquesne University

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