17 Wedding Guest Shoes That Will Keep Your Feet Comfy After Hours of Dancing
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I was invited to a string of weddings this year, and after RSVP’ing yes! to every single one, the first thing that came to mind (after my wedding guest dress, of course) was: What shoes am I going to wear? Like many people, I have a penchant for pretty footwear, but I am also cursed with flat feet, bunions and the need for wide widths. When it comes to searching for the most comfortable wedding guest shoes, you can trust that I know a thing or two about what makes a pair of heels worthy of the title. Below, I spoke to bridal stylist Maisie-Kate Keane about what makes a good pair of shoes and then took many for test drives. The results include Taylor Swift-approved brand Larroudé’s Blair Pump ($330), Keane’s clients’ beloved Jimmy Choo Saracria 120 Sandal ($2,050) and my favorite, ride-or-die Margaux The Pointe ballet flats ($275). I promise that no matter what you choose, my 17 picks will have you tearing up the dance floor.
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The 10 Most Comfortable Wedding Guest Shoes at a Glance
Meet the Expert
Maisie-Kate Keane is a luxury bridal stylist and seamstress based in New York. She has extensive training and experience in the fashion industry, holding a degree in fashion design from Limerick School of Art and Design and having trained as a couture pattern maker. Keane has collaborated with department stores, magazines and celebrities on design and styling projects.
How I Vetted the Most Comfortable Wedding Guest Shoes
When researching the most comfortable wedding guest shoes, I asked Keane to share advice regarding the qualities you should prioritize when shopping, plus any hacks she tells her styling clients. With her expertise in mind, I looked to see which brands were trending on the internet and asked PureWow staffers about the shoes they swear by. Additionally, I tested many pairs on my own wide feet. I prioritized lower block heels, styles with variations on width, materials that would mold and stretch and shoes that had some form of arch support. To be deemed “comfortable,” I needed to wear the shoes in the office all day and/or walk at least a mile with minimal discomfort (and the base understanding that many formal shoes, usually heels, are on principal uncomfortable in some way). Below are the shoes that passed the test.
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1. Inez Frida Pump
Inez’s Frida Pump hit every single criteria for best overall wedding guest shoes. The block pump helps to more evenly distribute weight and caps at two inches. In my opinion and experience, two inches is the maximum height at which one can objectively say they walk truly comfortably. There are also three widths available, and I’m glad I opted for roomy. While I’m a suck for pointed toes, they often squish my bunions, so I found that this tapered square toe provided the sleek line I wanted without squeezing the life out of my toes. The heels are available in four neutral colors, and it’s easy to repurpose them for days in the office or other formal events.
2. Loeffler Randall Natalia Platform Heels
“It’s hard to find a high heel that hold up to my sprint test, but boy do these beauties pass with flying colors,” raves PureWow Associate Fashion Commerce Editor Stephanie Meraz. “For more context, I like to see if a high heel is practical and actually worth buying by running in them (because I’m always running late), and these platforms held their own without a hitch. The platform sole makes it surprisingly easy to walk in and its height less daunting than it appears. My mom also owns the same pair and always wears them whenever she has a special occasion or wedding because they’re just so dang cute and comfortable enough to wear for hours on end. It took me some time to get used to the metallic fabric, finding the rough texture a little scratchy on my feet at first, and I wish the straps were fixed on the ankle instead of a wrap-around because it did feel loose in the backs of the ankles if I didn’t secure it tightly enough. Despite those minor details I’m looking at with a fine tooth comb, these are so worth it, especially when you’re getting a boost of height without sacrificing on the comfort.”
3. Bared Nene 2
If the word “orthopedic” makes you skeptical about anything, I’m here to say, these cute slingback pumps are anything but matronly. They’re available in three colors, including lipstick red, which I love wearing to give my outfit a pop of color. Though my feet are small, I have bunions that require a wide width whenever possible. At first, I was skeptical about the extremely pointed toe, but was pleasantly surprised at how roomy the toe box was. The real star, though, is the footbed. A metatarsal dome relieves pressure on the ball of your foot, while a cuboid notch and inner arch support provide stability. I walked a couple miles in these, trekking through the subway, around the West Village and then on NJ transit without so much as a blister or achy feet, thanks to the walkable heel, which is just under two inches. Safe to say, these will keep you on the wedding dance floor long past midnight.
4. Stuart Weitzman Stuart Kitten Pump
I have the nude slingback version of these kitten heels, along with the smooth black leather iteration. Stuart Weitzman is the king of the “invisible” shoe—aka, sleek, pretty pairs that are elevated on their own, but never steal attention from the outfit. Because of the narrow heel, I wouldn’t bill either as an ideal shoe if you’re at a venue that will require extensive walking. But, if you’re minimally on your feet, they’re great. I brought a pair to wear to the opera in Milan, and the pumps were comfortable enough to take me from the taxi across the cobbled streets into the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II for cocktails, and then the short walk to the theater. The biggest hinderance is probably that the shoe runs, in my opinion, a bit narrow, so those with wider feet may want to opt for a different pair.
5. Jimmy Choo Saracria 120 Sandal
“I love a block heel for maximum comfort and if you want some extra height, go for a platform with a block heel,” Keane tells me. One of her favorites is the Jimmy Choo Saracria sandal. Keane’s brides have worn this pair on their wedding days without complaint. Though, she does advise breaking them in and adding a gel foot petal for additional support. These peep-toe, 4.75-inch stunners come dripping in pearls, including a large accent at the toe with the iconic Jimmy Choo logo.
6. Soludos The Lauren Lace-Up
Espadrilles are the ultimate summer shoe and a cute choice for weddings. I found Soludos’s The Lauren Lace-Up to be good quality, with sturdy, supportive soles and a fun range of colors. The toe box is quite roomy, and I may have been able to get away with sizing down. However, I did take their platform espadrilles for a spin, and the fabric was quite stiff at first and required a break-in period to stretch out the linen. The brand advises that the shoes should initially run on the snugger side, so just keep in mind that you won’t want to take them right out of the box and to the wedding reception. But after the break-in period, you’ll find that the shoe has molded to your foot.
7. Larroudé Blair Pump
If you have somehow, impressively, managed to live under a rock this year, newsflash: Balletcore is still alive and well. Give the humble flat an elevated take with some ballet pumps—specifically, these charming and sophisticated Larroudé Blair Mary Janes. I walked about a mile in these (in addition to wearing them at the office all day) and was pleasantly surprised. The patent leather is stiff, as to be expected, but the rounded toe box is squarish enough to accommodate my wider feet. (Though I hope they do stretch a tad as I wear them more.) Two additional details did impress me. The first is that I had no blisters on my heels, and the second is that the adjustable strap has an elastic that moves with your foot as you walk, so it’s never digging into your skin. I found the cloud memory insole supportive and comfortable, and the 2-inch heel manageable—it didn’t even feel like I was wearing heels.
8. Margaux Lena Sandal
All my coworkers can attest that I have been a Margaux fan for the longest time. (And the brand is also Keane-approved.) I bought my first pair of flats from them a couple years ago, and since then they have become the dominant brand in my shoe closet. Last year I purchased the City Sandal, but when the Lena model came out this year, I was instantly intrigued by the 1.5-inch heel, as the City Sandal’s 2.5-inch heel, while walkable, at times felt steep to me, especially living in NYC where walking is my main form of transportation. That’s all to say that I think the Lena will be a closet staple. The heel gives me just the right amount of lift without shifting my weight painfully to the ball of my foot. Meanwhile, the straps didn’t give me any blisters across the bridge of my feet. (I did opt for the wide size, which always works quite well. Something I love about Margaux is how inclusive their sizing is.) The ankle straps will, similarly to my experience with the City Sandal, need some breaking in, but for a first wear, they were incredible. I wouldn’t hesitate to wear these to a wedding and leave the backup shoes at home.
9. Loeffler Randall Emilia Sandals
“After knee surgery, my high heel days are mostly behind me,” PureWow’s Director of Audience Development, Mary Rogers, says. However, she raves about Loeffler Randall’s Emilia sandals, which come in six colors and are embellished with the brand’s signature bow. “I got these for my wedding and they were the best purchase. They were the perfect accessory for my wedding dress and my feet held up through the night. I’ve used them for so many events since then and love them to add a pop of fun to even a simple black dress. One piece of advice: Size up as they run super small.”
10. Katy Perry The Meadow Platform
“Last year, when I was in a pinch for neutral-colored heels for a wedding, I searched ‘chunky platform heels’ on Amazon and came across this pair from Katy Perry’s shoe brand (who knew?!),” says PureWow Social Content Lead Emily Brozyna. “I find that shoes with a thick heel and a bit of a platform are the key to keeping my shoes on all night, and an added bonus with these are the criss-cross straps that really keep your foot in place for optimal dancing capabilities—which was very important for me. I’ve worn these to four weddings, getting many compliments—but not a single blister—and just ordered them in black to have for whenever I might need them.”
11. M. Gemi The Lustro 90mm
“I am obsessed with M. Gemi’s Lustro, which comes in at 3.5 inches high,” raves PureWow Senior Director of Special Projects, Rachel Bowie. Though nearly four inches tall, she swears by their comfort and versatility. “I have worn them on numerous occasions, and the block makes this shoe feel incredibly sturdy and balanced while keeping my feet blister-free and comfortable, too. I have worn them for multiple hours in a row [to functions including] dinner parties, but also work events.” So, if you find yourself needing a height boost but want a neutral design, these are the way to go.
12. Dolce Vita Paily Sandal
“These are surprisingly super comfy,” PureWow’s Senior Director of Brand Partnerships, Randee Cerota, shares when recommending the Dolce Vita Paily Sandal. “They are inexpensive yet well-made I can wear them for long periods of time without the ball of my feet or back hurting.” The heels have trendy rope braided straps and a 3.25-inch block heel. When shopping, consider sizing up if between sizes, and know the straps might initially be tight, per other buyers.
13. DREAMCIA Pointed-Toe Slingbacks
Sam Edelman and Reformation have both come out with similar styles at a much higher price point, but with DREAMCIA’s slingbacks, you can get the look for a fraction of the cost. PureWow’s Senior Director of Audience Development, Sally Herrod, loves them. “I wore them at a beach wedding (on the sand) and didn’t have to take them off on the dance floor later. The soles are a little slippery and slick at first so you must mark them up, but the low heel means you can wear them for late nights.”
14. Margaux The Pointe
I’ve been wearing these shoes for a couple years and own many pairs. The pointed toe instantly elevates a casual outfit but also pairs seamlessly with a sundress or more formal outfit. The footbed is a dream, having carried me literal miles at a time in NYC, and as per usual, the shoes come in three widths. My only real gripe is that I’m clumsy sometimes and will stub my toe, and I find the finish peels more easily than I think the price point warrants. That aside, I wear these everywhere, and may even do so to a bridal shower later this year.
15. Alterre Rattlesnake Slide
Something I will always be a proponent of is sustainability, and I’m constantly looking for wardrobe pieces that can be repurposed. Alterre’s interchangeable shoes caught my eye because one pair of shoes can transform into two, three, even 40 with the brand’s detachable straps and accessories. I find that the brand does run narrow, but lower-cut styles like these rattlesnake mules work for my wider feet. You can also expect the leather to stretch a bit as time goes on. (I’ve found that the shoe feels much roomier even one day into wearing them.) Despite the lower cut, it was easy to keep the shoes on my feet if I wanted to wear them strapless, and the 1.5-inch heel (made from recycled plastic) provided a subtle lift. They paired equally well with my black-tie wedding guest dress as they did with my simple, everyday sundresses.
16. Sarah Flint Perfect Pump 85
Luxury shoe lovers know that this under-the-radar brand is beloved by many a celeb, including Amal Clooney, Lady Gaga, Karlie Kloss and Reese Witherspoon. And while the prices are steep, they’re still half the price of the Jimmy Choos on this list—and dare I say, more comfortable. I’ve tried on shoes from both brands, and Sarah Flint wins thanks to its contoured footbed, walkable 3.3-inch heel and wide toe box, which are all music to my ears. The insole has six millimeters of padding (one more than even my treasured Margaux shoes), a stabilizing steel rod in the heel and hefty arch support to keep you on your feet...and more importantly, the dance floor.
17. Jimmy Choo Saeda 85
When it comes to designer shoes, Jimmy Choos are the clear favorite with Keane’s clients. The other pair she recommends from the brand is the Saeda 85, a delicate, pointed-toe strappy pump with crystal embellishments at the ankle. Your color options are black and linen with a 3.3-inch heel. To maximize comfort, slip in some gel pads for additional support.
What to Consider When Shopping for Comfortable Wedding Guest Shoes
When it comes to shopping for the most comfortable wedding guest shoes, there’s always a tug-of-war between looking chic and wanting the support of orthopedic running shoes. Luckily, the options on this list are a good compromise. There are two camps you can fall into: heels or flats. If you want to wear the former, Keane advises prioritizing block or platform heels for maximum comfort, height and stability. “A block heel or platform will offer height without as much pressure on your feet,” she explains. “Stilettos often sink into soft surfaces, so they’re best for indoor or hard-surface venues. Straps around the ankle can add support and stability while also adding a touch of elegance, and some heels offer built-in arch support, which can help reduce foot fatigue and improve comfort.”
However, if you don’t wear heels on a normal basis, it’s OK to stick with flats. The key is choosing the right ones. “Pointed-toe flats create a lengthening effect on your legs, making them look longer compared to round-toe or square-toe shoes,” Keane shares. “Shoes with minimal detailing and slim silhouettes tend to appear sleeker, contributing to the illusion of length.”
Of course, the territory naturally comes with the possibility of blisters and achy feet. For these concerns, Keane recommends using gel foot petals ($7), a blister block ($10) and blister prevention spray ($16) to minimize the occurrences. (And keep blister band-aids on you just in case.)
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