What shoes should a guest wear to a beach wedding? This is one of those wedding guest questions that sounds simple until you picture yourself trying to walk through sand in a pair of stilettos.
For a beach wedding, the best shoes are comfortable, easy to walk in, and dressy enough for the occasion. Think flat sandals, espadrilles, wedges, block heels, barefoot sandals, or pretty flats. The right choice depends on the terrain, dress code, and how much walking you’ll be doing.
If you’re wondering what shoes to wear to a beach wedding as a guest, you’re in the right place. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite beach wedding shoes for guests, plus a few tips to help you choose the right pair for sand, boardwalks, grass, and everything in between.
Looking for beach wedding shoes for the bride? Read: 24 Beach Wedding Shoes That Will Make Brides Happy.
Beach Wedding Shoes for Guests
So, what should you wear on your feet to a beach wedding? Look for shoes or sandals that are:
- Sand-friendly: You don’t want your heels sinking into the sand or your shoes making it impossible to walk.
- Comfortable: You’ll probably be standing, walking, taking photos, and dancing, so comfort matters.
- Dressy enough for a wedding: Beach wedding attire can be relaxed, but you’re still attending a wedding. Choose shoes that coordinate with the formality of your outfit.
If you’re wondering what to call beach wedding attire, you’ll often hear terms like beach dressy or beach semi-formal. The shoes should follow the same general idea: polished, pretty, and practical enough for the setting.
The biggest thing to remember? You do not have to wear heels to a beach wedding. Flat sandals, espadrilles, flats, wedges, and block heels can all be great choices, depending on the terrain and dress code.
What Shoes Are Best for a Beach Wedding?
The best shoes for a beach wedding are usually flat sandals, espadrilles, low wedges, block heels, or comfortable flats. If the ceremony is directly on the sand, avoid thin high heels that can sink into the ground. If the wedding is on a boardwalk, patio, grass, or another firm surface, you have a little more flexibility.
Here are some of our favorite beach-friendly options for wedding guests:
Barefoot Sandals
If you want to go barefoot but LOOK LIKE you’re wearing shoes, here’s a great alternative: barefoot sandals.
Yes, it’s all the glam of a sandal but without the sole. Barefoot sandals are great for walking on the beach, skipping along the shoreline, vacationing, dancing the night away, etc. Barefoot sandals are especially popular for brides to wear, but also a big trend for guests.
Nelipots offers a beautiful collection of handmade barefoot sandals, like these shown below.
TIP: Make sure you bring a pair of flats like these along, just in case the reception is indoors. It counts as “no shoes” and many venues are strict on the policy of making guests wear shoes for safety reasons. :) But, outdoors on the sand? They are the BEST shoes to wear to a beach wedding!
Espadrilles
A pair of espadrilles are perfect for wearing on the sand. These shoes are made of a durable cotton canvas natural rubber, and if you spring for the wedge espadrilles shown here, they also have a jute sole to make it easier to walk on sand. (You can even make custom espadrilles now, did you know that? I just found out a few weeks back!)
These flat espadrilles are handmade and available in many colors; I love the wrap-around ankle detail! By LasMediterraneas.
Here is one pair as an example (by Viscata):
There are many colors from which to choose here.
Prefer a flat? There’s an espadrille for that! In fact, flats are the primary style of espadrille shoes which are perfect to wear on the beach. Pick a color that will coordinate with your dress. Also by Viscata.
With either style you choose for these beach shoes, you’ll find one thing in common: a closed-toe style. This is great because it keeps your toes protected from getting stuck on sand or in reeds; it’s also easier for walking on boardwalks and aisle runners. As a secret bonus, if your pedicure isn’t quite beach-ready, it’ll hide your toes. Sometimes, even the best intentions of nice always-pedicured feet are harder to do in the summer, thanks to chlorinated pools, lots of swimming, gritty sand wearing away the finish on your polish, saltwater, camping, etc. Hey, it happens! :)
Block Heels
If you want to wear heels to a beach wedding as a guest, do it! Just be careful you don’t pick something too high and be mindful the heel might get caught in sand, dirt, gravel, grass, etc. If you want to avoid this worry, yet you still want a high-heel, try a block heel.
This pair of Loeffler Randall heels are one suggestion. These remind me of crepe paper! So pretty!
Or these metallic low block heels, also by Loeffler Randall:
Huaraches
Can you beat a classic pair of huaraches?! These are handmade which makes them even more amazing for the beach! By TradicionAutentica.
Flats
Flats are an obvious, easy, comfortable choice for wedding guests to wear at a beach wedding. Make sure you wear ’em in very well so you don’t get that annoying back-of-heel pain that happens on a fresh pair of flats. These are handmade by RAWSONSTUDIO and are a beautiful option for flats. I love the soft neutral shades for the beach.
TIP: For flats you can wear anywhere, travel, dance the night away, and more, see our guide to wedding flats for guests.
Sandals
Flat sandals are undoubtedly the easiest thing to wear on your feet as a beach wedding guest. It’s nice to have a pair of sandals to wear to the ceremony and reception, but then again anytime on vacation, to a resort, the pool, etc.
If you’re not as good at flipping and flopping, but you like a sandal, try on these elastic flats instead. They’re great for staying put, providing comfort and style… and they’re completely versatile. This pair of flat elastic sandals are one option; by Trary.
Go with seashell-embellished sandals like these. So cute! By Cushionaire.
Love a classic Birkenstock? Try these with rivet embellishments. By Birkenstock via Anthropologie.
And you can’t go wrong with a classic leather t-strap sandal. Here’s one example (also by Tommy Hilfiger):
If you’re looking for something a bit fancier, yet still beach-friendly, try these Dream Pairs flat rhinestone sandals. They are cute and wildly affordable (under $30!)
Wedges
We briefly mentioned wedges with the espadrilles earlier. Here’s a great tip: if you’re going to wear a wedge, make sure the heel height isn’t so high that you’re toppling over. The best kind of wedge for walking on sand is a low wedge with a T-strap, which will provide you with more ankle support.
Here’s one example (by Kenneth Cole).
As another option, try these higher wedges in a neutral color. By Dream Pairs.
Prefer a lower heel? Try these low wedge sandals. By Shibever.
Boat Shoes + Sandals for Men
What do guys wear to a beach wedding? Great question.
For men, boat shoes can be a great choice for a beach wedding, especially when the dress code is casual or the wedding is taking place on a boardwalk, patio, or other firm surface.
Boat shoes like these, in a variety of colors and styles, are comfortable, stylish, and they’re beach-friendly with a casual look. They also pair easily with a nice pair of summer khakis or shorts. These are great shoes for guests to wear to a beach wedding.
For a step slightly more formal — yet still definitely perfect for a beach or nautical wedding — you’ll never go wrong with a pair of leather boat shoes like these classic shoes by Sperry. They are supremely high-rated and comfortable, stylish, and very versatile.
You can wear any kind of sandals you’d like: just make sure they’re comfortable, easy to walk in, and won’t bust or break mid-party. I once was at a mall and my flip flop literally blew out. Let’s just say it’s not that much fun to walk around anywhere with one shoe that won’t cooperate. :)
Beach wedding guest shoes can be any color that works with your outfit. Metallics, neutrals, colorful sandals, soft pastels, and pretty prints can all work beautifully. Just keep the overall look appropriate for the wedding dress code and setting.
Quick Tips for Choosing Beach Wedding Guest Shoes
- For sand: Choose flat sandals, barefoot sandals, espadrilles, or a low wedge.
- For a dressier beach wedding: Try a block heel, elegant sandal, or polished espadrille.
- For lots of walking: Prioritize comfortable flats or supportive sandals.
- If you’re unsure about the terrain: Bring a backup pair of flats.
- For men: Clean leather sandals or boat shoes can work well for a casual beach wedding.
When you’re choosing beach wedding shoes as a guest, comfort and the terrain should be your first considerations. You don’t need a towering heel to look dressed up. Pretty sandals, flats, espadrilles, block heels, and low wedges can all work beautifully.
And if you’re still worried about what the sand will be like, bring a backup pair. Your feet will thank you later. 😉
Tell us: What shoes would you wear to a beach wedding? Are you team sandals, flats, espadrilles, or wedges?
Happy Planning!
xo
Emma
