Choosing The Perfect Wedding Shoe: Comfort And Style

Wedding shoes are an important part of a bridal ensemble, and finding the perfect pair can be a challenge. While some brides may prioritise style over comfort, it's important to remember that you'll likely be on your feet for most of your wedding day, so choosing comfortable wedding shoes is crucial. Here are some tips to help you find the perfect pair:

- Define your bridal style: If you're going for a vintage or retro look, match your shoes to that era. Pay attention to any details or embellishments on your gown that could be echoed in your footwear, and consider matching specific materials like lace, satin or tulle.

- Find your dress first: It's best to find your wedding dress before deciding on your bridal shoes, as you want your footwear to complement your dress in every aspect – style, colour and details.

- Start researching: While dress shopping takes priority, you can start exploring wedding shoe styles online. Many stores offer a wider range of options online compared to in-store, so you can easily browse and figure out what details you like and dislike.

- Try them on: While it's convenient to shop online, some experts recommend trying on your wedding shoes before purchasing. This is because you'll be standing in them for hours, so it's important to ensure they're comfortable.

- Don't be afraid of colour: Traditional brides may lean towards white, champagne, ivory or nude tones, but you can add a playful twist with something blue or go for metallics to add a bit of glitter and shine.

- Consider your venue: Your wedding venue will influence your choice of shoes. For example, if you're having an outdoor ceremony on grass or a beach, you might want to opt for a lower heel or even flats for easier walking.

- Prioritise comfort: On your wedding day, you'll likely be on your feet for longer than usual, so comfort is key. Look for shoes with a lower heel, chunkier heel or flats. Also, consider width, especially if you have narrow or wide feet. Shoes with laces or buckles offer adjustability for a perfect fit.

- Don't wait until the last minute: While it's best to find your dress first, you should start shopping for your wedding shoes and honing in on a few key styles at the same time. Your dressmaker will need to know the exact height of your wedding shoes to adjust the length of your dress accordingly.

With these tips in mind, you're well on your way to finding the perfect wedding shoes that strike the right balance between style and comfort!

Comfort and support are key

When it comes to your wedding day, comfort and support are key. You'll likely be on your feet for most of the day, so it's important to choose shoes that will provide comfort and support from the ceremony to the after-party. Here are some tips to keep in mind when selecting your wedding shoes:

• Start by defining your bridal style. If you're going for a vintage or retro look, choose shoes that match the style and era of your dress. Pay attention to any detailing or embellishments on your gown that you may want to echo in your footwear.
• It's important to find your dress first before committing to your bridal shoes. While you can start researching styles, the length of your dress will impact the type of shoe you choose. If you're wearing a shorter dress, your shoes can be a statement accessory, while a full-length gown may call for a more understated pair.
• Don't be afraid to add a pop of colour with your shoes. While traditional brides may stick to white, champagne, ivory, or nude tones, a playful pop of colour or a metallic hue can add a unique touch to your ensemble.
• Consider your venue when selecting your wedding shoes. A lower heel or flat shoe may be more suitable for an outdoor ceremony on grass or sand, while a higher heel may be more appropriate for a formal indoor setting.
• Prioritize comfort by choosing shoes with a lower heel, chunkier heel, or flat sole. Look for styles with ample padding in the footbed and insole, as well as adjustable straps for a secure fit.
• Don't forget to try on your shoes before purchasing, as you want to ensure they are comfortable for long periods. Walk around in them for at least an hour to get a feel for how they will perform on your big day.
• Start shopping for your wedding shoes at the same time as you're dress shopping. Your dressmaker will need to know the exact height of your wedding shoes to make any necessary alterations to your gown.

Remember, your wedding day is a celebration, and you want to be able to enjoy every moment without sore feet. So choose a pair of shoes that strike the perfect balance between style and comfort!

Style and design

When it comes to the style and design of your wedding shoes, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it's important to define your bridal style and find a dress before choosing your shoes, to ensure that your overall look is consistent. This means paying attention to the era of your dress (if you're going for a vintage or retro vibe), any detailing or embellishments that could be echoed in your footwear, and specific materials that could be matched.

For instance, if your dress is lace, you might want to try a lace shoe. If your dress is a clean satin or crepe fabric, a simple pump or an open-toe shoe might be more suitable. If your dress is sparkly, a statement sparkly shoe could be a fun option.

Another thing to consider is the length of your dress. If you're wearing a shorter dress, your shoes can be a statement accessory, adding a pop of colour or some glitz and glam to your outfit. If your dress is a full-length gown, your shoes are likely to be less visible, so you might want to opt for something more understated.

Of course, comfort is also key. You'll likely be on your feet for a large portion of your wedding day, so it's important to choose a shoe that you'll be able to walk and dance in comfortably. A low-to-mid heel or a chunkier heel can provide more comfort and support than a stiletto, and there are also plenty of stylish bridal flats available. If you have narrow or wide feet, shoes with laces or buckles can offer a more adjustable fit. Ultimately, the most important thing is to choose a shoe that you love and that makes you feel confident.

Heel height and type

When it comes to heel height and type, there are a few things to consider when choosing the perfect wedding shoe.

First, it's important to think about the overall bridal style you're aiming for. If you're going for a vintage or retro look, choose a heel style that matches that era. For example, if you're wearing a vintage gown from the '80s with puffed sleeves and delicate lace, a pair of sleek, modern stilettos might look out of place. Instead, opt for a more classic heel style, like a kitten heel or a low-heeled pump.

Another thing to keep in mind is the length of your dress. If you're wearing a shorter dress, your shoes will be more visible, so they can make a statement and add a touch of glamour or elegance to your ensemble. In this case, you might want to choose a more eye-catching heel type, such as a stiletto or a block heel. On the other hand, if you're wearing a full-length gown, your shoes will be mostly hidden, so you might opt for a simpler heel style or even a flat.

Comfort is also key when choosing the right heel height and type for your wedding shoes. You'll likely be on your feet for long periods of time on your big day, so it's important to choose a heel height that you can comfortably walk and stand in. If you're not used to wearing high heels, it might be a good idea to opt for a lower heel or a wedge, which can provide more stability and comfort. Additionally, if you have narrow or wide feet, look for shoes with laces or buckles that can be adjusted to ensure a perfect fit.

Finally, consider your wedding venue when choosing the right heel type. If you're having an outdoor wedding on grass or sand, for example, a stiletto heel might not be the best choice, as it will be difficult to walk in. Instead, opt for a block heel, wedge, or even a flat shoe that will be easier to navigate uneven terrain.

Ultimately, the right heel height and type for your wedding shoes depend on your personal style, the length of your dress, and your comfort level. Choose a pair that makes you feel confident and beautiful, and don't forget to break them in before the big day!

Venue and weather

When it comes to choosing the right wedding shoe, the venue and weather play a crucial role. Here are some tips to consider:

• If you're having an outdoor ceremony, especially on grass, gravel, or sand, avoid stilettos. Opt for sandals, comfortable platforms, bridal sneakers, or boots instead.
• For beach weddings, go for slip-on sandals, stylish flats, or even bare feet if you prefer.
• Mountain or countryside venues call for cozy boots or shoes with good ankle support.
• Consider the weather conditions. If there's a possibility of rain or cold temperatures, choose closed-toe shoes or boots. If it's going to be hot, opt for open-toe shoes or sandals.
• If your venue has a dance floor, choose shoes that will allow you to move comfortably, such as flats or low heels.
• Consider the terrain at your venue. If you'll be walking on uneven surfaces, grass, or cobblestones, choose shoes with a thicker heel or a flat sole for better stability.
• If your venue has strict noise restrictions, avoid shoes with loud soles that may create excessive noise when walking.
• If your venue allows for it, have a backup pair of shoes in case the weather changes or you need to walk on different terrain.

Remember, your comfort is essential, so choose shoes that you can confidently walk and stand in for extended periods.

Cost

Set a Budget

It's important to establish a budget for your wedding shoes before you start shopping. This will help you narrow down your options and ensure you don't overspend. Designer bridal shoes from brands like Manolo Blahnik, Jimmy Choo, and Stuart Weitzman can cost upwards of $1,000. However, there are also many other brands that offer beautiful and comfortable wedding shoes at more affordable price points.

Prioritize Comfort

Comfort should be a top priority when choosing your wedding shoes, especially if you plan to be on your feet for long periods. Look for shoes with features like padded footbeds, adjustable straps, and arch support. Comfortable wedding shoes don't have to break the bank. Brands like Naturalizer, Betsey Johnson, and Bella Belle offer stylish and comfortable options at more affordable prices, typically ranging from $100 to $400.

Consider Your Venue

Your wedding venue can also impact the cost of your shoes. For example, if you're having an outdoor wedding on a grass lawn or a beach, you may need to opt for flat shoes or wedges instead of stilettos. Flat shoes and wedges tend to be more affordable than stilettos, so this could be a factor to consider when budgeting for your wedding shoes.

Shop Around

Don't be afraid to shop around and compare prices from different brands and retailers. Many online retailers offer a wide range of wedding shoes at various price points. You can also look for sales or discounts to help you stay within your budget. Additionally, consider the long-term value of your wedding shoes. If you choose a classic style that you can wear again after your wedding, it may be worth investing a little more.

Plan for Alterations

Keep in mind that you'll need to purchase your wedding shoes before your dress fittings and alterations. The height of your shoes will impact the length of your dress, so it's important to have them beforehand. This means you'll need to factor the cost of your shoes into your overall wedding budget.

Factor in Accessories

Don't forget to consider any accessories you may need for your wedding shoes, such as insoles, heel pads, or shoe clips. These additional items can add to the overall cost, so be sure to include them in your budget.

In conclusion, cost is an important factor when choosing your wedding shoes. By setting a budget, prioritizing comfort, and considering your venue, you can find beautiful and affordable options that fit your style and needs. Remember to shop around, plan for alterations, and factor in any necessary accessories to ensure you stay within your budget.

Frequently asked questions