Finding the best bridal shoes can feel like an impossible feat — while your heart may be set on a chic pair of sky-high heels with Instagram-worthy details, your head may be urging you to settle for a more practical option. The good news? You don't actually have to compromise here. I've tested two dozen different pairs of shoes and found plenty of styles that strike a balance between stylish and comfortable.
Whether you're looking for simple white pumps, sparkly ballet flats, or something a little edgier, here are the best bridal shoes for every dress — and occasion.
And for more of our rigorously tested guides to the best footwear, see our articles on the most comfortable heels, the best flats, the best travel sandals, and more.
Best overall: Scarlett Chase Scarlett 75 Pump
You can never go wrong with a 3-inch pointed-toe pump — and these timeless beauties would work for a wide variety of wedding dresses, from all-lace mermaid styles to silky slips and full-skirted princess-style ball gowns. While I tested them in a blush pink patent, they also come in other bridal-ready options like a gorgeous bone croc and versatile nude nappa.
When I first slipped the Scarlett 75 Pumps on, they felt a tad snug — but miraculously, within minutes of standing and walking in them, it felt like they expanded and molded to my feet for a flawless fit. Whereas most pointy pumps squeeze my toes, these are thankfully made with a slightly wider toe box.
Scarlett Chase shoes are handmade in Italy, so you know the quality is on point — but what really sets them apart is the thoughtfully designed built-in support system. That includes a patent-pending, orthotic quality cushioned footbed for maximum comfort. The shoes are engineered to distribute weight and pressure more evenly, and I could definitely feel the difference during testing — my feet weren't nearly as miserable as they would normally be after a few hours of wear.
I also love that the heel strikes a nice balance between a streamlined stiletto and a chunky block heel — it looks sleek while still feeling practical.
Most comfortable: Alterre White V Mule + Marilyn Strap
What sets Alterre apart is that the brand offers removable and interchangeable straps, thus offering countless ways to customize your footwear. I love that I can pop on the ankle straps in seconds simply by pushing the holes down onto the patented studs built into the bottom of the shoes. And then I can also take them off or swap them out just to achieve a different look.
The Alterre White V Mule is designed with comfort in mind, with an extended point, cushioned foam mid-sole, and block heel. I tried it both with the ankle strap and without, and found that I felt equally comfy in both — although the strap offers a slightly more formal look, as well as little extra support and stability on more slippery surfaces. Because the block heel flares out with a slightly wider base, I feel super sturdy and confident walking in these. I also appreciate that the point is extended to give my toes a little extra room.
I'm between sizes and followed Alterre's advice to size up to the next whole size, which turned out to work perfectly. Pro tip: To give these shoes a pop of personality, consider adding on a statement-making gold metallic or glittery strap.
Best budget: ISNOM Bow Knot Heeled Sandals
If you're on a tight budget or you already splurged on your dress, rest assured, you don't need to spend a lot on bridal shoes — these ultra-affordable block heel sandals are a stellar option. They come in a number of wedding-appropriate hues, like white, nude, and gold; they're surprisingly well made, and they only cost $50. I bought these in blue for my recent baby shower, but they could also easily serve as your "something blue" on the big day (though they also come in white, gold, and other traditional bridal colors).
Even while wearing these Bow Knot Heels for five hours on a hot and humid day at seven months pregnant, my feet remained happy — and if that's not a testament to the comfort, I don't know what is. The organza fabric and cross-knot bow design give these a party-ready flair, but they're also sensible, too, thanks to the block heel is a sensible 2.36 inches, and adjustable ankle strap. I found that they fit true to size, and I got a ton of compliments on them.
Best for outdoor weddings: Naturalizer Mila Dress Shoe
I'll admit I'm a bit biased when it comes to this brand — I wore a pair of Naturalizer patent wedges on my own wedding day, and I didn't even have to take them off for the reception or the after-party. So, I can definitely vouch for the line when it comes to comfort.
For outdoor weddings, you ideally need either a wedge, flat, or low block heel that won't sink into the grass or the sand and provide the support and stability you need on potentially uneven or slippery ground. The Mila fits the bill here: The Mila Dress Shoe which are made with Naturalizer's Contour+ Comfort technology, feature a sturdy, thick 1.75-inch block heel that lends just enough lift without feeling impractical. The adjustable slingback strap enabled me to get a secure, customized fit, while the side cutout and d'Orsay style offer a flirty touch. Best of all, due to the ridged grippy sole, I felt like I could strut with ease on any surface without worrying about any embarrassing falls.
Also worth noting? Whether you opt for the vintage mauve patent (a perfect blend of nude and blush) or silver, these shoes don't scream "bridal" — so you're sure to get a ton of wear out of them long after your vows have been exchanged.
Best statement: Sam Edelman Bella Kitten Heel Mule
For brides who want their show-stopping shoes, the Sam Edelman Bella is bound to grab some attention. Better yet, unlike so many of the other statement-making bridal shoes that feature impractically high heels or scratchy embellishments, they're actually super comfortable. There's some decent cushioning on the insole, and the soles have been cleverly texturized to ensure they don't slip. In fact, I planted my feet and tried wiggling around in these on my hardwood floors, but was pleasantly surprised to discover that my feet didn't budge.
The feminine floral appliqués, pleated satin texture, and eye-catching metallic accents on these mules offer that "wow" factor that so many brides are looking for in their wedding-day shoes. But because the Bella features a modest 2.38-inch kitten heel, I found that it's totally doable to wear them for long hours. As long as you aren't planning an outdoor ceremony on grass, sand, or an otherwise soft surface, these are an excellent pick.
Best flats: Everlane Day Mary Jane
Everlane's line of Day Gloves has long been our holy grail of comfortable flats. They won our top overall award for the best flats, and nearly everyone on our team swears by them.
Executive Editor Sally Kaplan is so devoted to them that she wore the Day Mary Janes to her wedding. In her Everlane Mary Jane flats review, she wrote about how these were a godsend for post-ceremony dancing and celebrations.
She writes: "I ended up dancing the night away in these with no discomfort, and I've worn them so many times since with casual jeans and T-shirts. The insoles have a little bit of cushioning, and the strap across the midfoot keeps the shoes secure on your feet.
The backs of the heels are soft enough that they won't cause blisters, even when worn straight from the box. The soles are made of rubber with a lot of traction, which makes them great for walking, and I had zero break-in period for these shoes — they went from the packaging to the dance floor without a single sore spot!"
Though Everlane no longer stocks the specific blue velvet color that Sally wore to her wedding, you can get the Day Buckle Mary Jane in wedding-ready colors like blue and pink satin. Or stick to the original Day Mary Jane, which you can get in white.
Best platforms: Margaux The Platform Sandal
As a general rule, I don't tend to bother investing in heels that are higher than 3 inches (at least not since I turned 35). That said, I couldn't resist testing the Margaux Platform Sandal — even though the heel is 3.5 inches, it feels a lot more like 2.5-inch heels thanks to the 1-inch platform. I was truly blown away at how comfortable these are, and not just because of the platform. They also feature a 5-millimeter layer of foam on the insole, which makes wearing these feel like walking on a cloud.
Margaux's shoes are nothing if not high-quality, and like their other products, these are made with premium Italian nappa leather. I tried the sandals in gold nappa, but they also come in a stunning rose nude and classic ivory. The best part? These shoes are available in three different widths — medium, narrow, and wide — so you can get the best fit for your foot shape. I felt incredibly stable walking around in these, in part because of the block heel and thick adjustable ankle strap.
Due to the open-toe style, I'd say these are a great pick for spring and summer weddings. These also get points for versatility: They're a perfect shoe for vacation dinners, date nights, and cocktail parties alike.
Style writer Jada Wong wore the slightly lower version of these shoes to her wedding. She writes in her City Sandal Review: "I wore the Margaux City Sandal right out of the box for my wedding, and even after 10 hours, my feet didn't hurt or get any blisters."
Best slingbacks: Inez Mia
Best high heel: Antonia Saint The Vida Half D'Orsay
If you've never heard of Antonia Saint New York, this brand makes high-quality, handmade shoes in Spain with sustainable materials and a number of strategic comfort-promoting design features. That includes the patented SoftSurround System — which cushions your feet from every angle (even on the straps).
The moment I slipped my feet into the Vida Half D'Orsay, I could feel the nappa leather stretching around the widest part of my foot — no squeezing or pinching whatsoever. Even though these heels are a whopping 3.5 inches, they don't feel quite so high, probably due in part to the patented SoftSurround System, which cushions my feet from every angle. Lining the upper is an impossibly soft ultrasuede material, and I feel very secure walking in these thanks to the traction-grip outsole.
Did I mention that Antonia Saint wraps all their heels in nylon to prevent unsightly nicks? Genius.
Best second look shoe: Vivaia Square-Toe Lace-Up Sneakerina (Cristina)
If a sneaker and a ballet flat had a lovechild, it would be the Vivaia Christina. And with a breathable mesh upper, this particular iteration is ideal for carrying you through a sweltering summer reception or epic dance battle. The Cristina is proof that you don't have to sacrifice style for the sake of comfort: The lace-up style feels laidback while the sheer ribbon gives these shoes an elevated, elegant edge.
I've consistently been impressed by Vivaia's shoes when it comes to comfort, and this particular style is no different. The square toe box is plenty roomy, the elastic back wards off blisters, and the suede-like integrated insole feels like a dream underneath my feet. I can — and have — worn these all day into the night with no issues whatsoever.
That said, they're also a perfect pair to keep on hand if you plan to change out of heels after your ceremony. You can dance the night away without a care in the world. We love the white mesh, but there are also fun satin shades like light pink, blue, ivory, and yellow for a pop of color under your dress.
And while this probably goes without saying, their versatility is practically unmatched. The Cristina is a phenomenal travel shoe, and works equally well to dress down suiting as it does to dress up a distressed pair of jeans.
Read our full Vivaia shoes review and check out more of our favorite ballet sneakers.
Most unique: Dingo 1969 Love Bug Leather Boot
Planning a rustic-themed wedding at a barn or ranch? A pair of white cowgirl boots may be an unexpected choice with a gown, but they're right on target if you're looking to bring a country Western aesthetic to their wedding-day look. There's an element of practicality to boots, too — they're a smart choice if you're planning a ceremony or first look photo shoot on grass, dirt, or gravel.
Dingo 1969 is a brand I've long trusted — not only because it's been around for over five decades, but also because it's known for excellent craftsmanship. Fortunately, the line actually has a number of white boot styles with a bridal vibe. The Love Bug, though, stands out due to the delicate white floral embroidery, which glimmers against the white leather background for a subtle but romantic look.
The just-right calf height would work with a range of dresses, and probably thanks to the reasonable 2-inch block heel and foam insole, I found these to be ridiculously comfortable to stand and walk in for long stretches. As an added bonus, the pull-on tabs make it super easy to get these on and off.
For more of our Western-inspired picks, see our guide to the best cowboy boots for women.
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