What kind of shoes should you wear to a wedding as a guest? Do you have to wear heels? Should you only wear flats? Ah, so many questions. Let’s talk about what’s the most important: wearing the right shoes for a wedding guest and not killing your feet on the dance floor. Facts! Read on + subscribe for more to your inbox.
Ok, so last weekend I attended a beautiful wedding as a guest that was incredible from start to finish. The food? Perfect. Dancing? Amazing. Cake? Exquisite. However, I should have taken my own advice to avoid these wedding shoe mistakes but noooooooo, I wanted to show Andrew that I can, in fact, dress up once in awhile. The wedding guest shoes I picked? Bad!
They looked cute, but they didn’t last long until they started to hurt my feet. Which made me think about how many of you are probably looking for wedding guest shoes that won’t hurt your feet and now I know exactly what I should have worn instead. :)
You see, even though the heels I wore made my wedding guest dress look even better, I learned something: the best wedding guest shoes are the kind you don’t have to take off during dinner. Ha!
What kind of wedding shoes to wear as a guest
As a rule of thumb, the best wedding guest shoes to wear are comfortable ones.
Lucky for you, sacrificing style isn’t part of the equation. You can wear a stylish pair of wedding guest shoes that are also insanely comfortable, as I’ll prove on this list. Instead of having to take off your shoes off during dinner and swap to an old pair of flats, you’ll be happy and comfy all night long in your shoes long after the dancing has begun. So get ready to hustle, shake it, and macarena (yeah, they played it!) like you never have before: wearing shoes as a wedding guest that are comfy AND cute.
In this blog post, we’ll talk about the best wedding guest shoes to wear, how to pick out comfy pairs that you’ll actually love, and what kind of shoes won’t kill your feet by the time they hit the dance floor — or in my case, dinner.
Let’s get started! You have some shoe shoppin’ to do!
Best Wedding Guest Shoes
Here’s the list: if you’re looking for recommendations on what shoes to wear to a wedding as a guest, you’ve come to the right place! We’ve done all the digging to find you the most comfortable wedding guest shoes that are stylish and affordable. We’ve found guest shoes low heel, no heel, wide fit, heels, shoes for grass, and other comfortable options. These are the best wedding guest shoes 2024 has to offer, and we love ALL the pairs!
Great questions, Steph! Let’s tackle these guest shoe questions one at a time.
Best Shoes to Wear as a Wedding Guest
Let’s tackle the big question: what kind of shoes do you wear to a wedding as a guest? The answer will depend on how formal the wedding is and what kind of wedding guest dress you plan on wearing. Is it a cocktail wedding? Semi formal wedding attire? Black tie? Casual beach wedding?
In most of these cases, you’ll be wearing formal wedding guest shoes.
However, that doesn’t mean you have to wear a heel. There are plenty of comfortable heels for wedding guest wear, as well as non-heel evening shoe options that you can wear to the ceremony and the reception.
PRO TIP: For men’s guest shoes, choose a dress shoe or leather loafer. For nautical weddings or beach wedding shoes, opt for boat shoes. These are the best boat shoes you can buy, IMO.
“Can I wear white shoes to a wedding?”
Great question: can you wear white shoes to a wedding or will it “upstage” the bride because that’s her color? As a rule of thumb, guests are expected to avoid white completely in attire and accessories, so I recommend avoiding it altogether.
Can you? Sure, but should you? Probably not. :)
Now that you know the answer, here are the shoes to wear as a wedding guest. It’s a long list, but very thorough and I think you’ll appreciate how we found many options for wedding guest shoes that aren’t heels for a little variety.
What color shoes do I wear as a guest?
Anything except white! Coordinate with your outfit. You’ll most likely find dress shoes in black, brown, silver, or gold.
Is it ok to wear black shoes to a wedding?
Yes! As a rule of thumb, black shoes are a great option to wear to a wedding as they go with everything! You can also wear black to a wedding as a guest; that outdated rule is simply that, out of date! (Read: Can You Wear Black to a Wedding?)
Can I wear sneakers to a wedding?
People always ask if they can wear sneakers to a wedding and we say, typically not, unless you’re wearing bridal sneakers and it is your wedding day. ;)
Psst. These are amazing, aren’t they?! We found them at BlvdCustom.
For wedding guest footwear, always go slightly more formal if you’re unsure, just to be in line with the dress code.
Here are some suggestions for comfortable footwear you’ll love to wear. And don’t worry, there are plenty of wedding guest shoes that aren’t heels, too! :)
GIVEAWAY Don’t forget to scroll to the bottom of this page! There’s a giveaway for 3 winners to receive foldable travel flats, perfect for a bride-to-be!
1. Low Heel Ankle Strap Shoes, $42
These beautiful heels are your new fave pair to wear as a wedding guest: they’re low heel, wildly comfortable, and affordable. Plus, this shade of almond goes with everything. Also available in more colors here. By Lulus.
2. Pointed Toe Flats, $130
One of the most comfortable wedding guest shoes you could ever wear with no heel? Birdies! These pointy toe flats, just one example of their collection, are made with 7 layers of comfort so it feels more like a slipper than a shoe. No one will know you’re secretly wearing slippers as these look like perfect guest shoes for weddings! These are now available in three great colors to go with any wedding season: natural pink, black, and gold. To top it off, there’s a no-slip rubber sole so you can dance with ease! Buy here.
These are the best shoes to wear to a wedding that aren’t heels, period.
Or these beauties with gold metallic embroidery (also by Birdies:
3. Black Suede Pumps, $42
We’re calling these the most comfortable low-heel guest shoes because they’re wildly popular among customers. By Lulus. Buy them here.
4. Espresso Mules, $38
These slide-on shoes make great dancing shoes for the wedding and are super comfy! What a great price, too. By Buy here.
5. High Heel Sandals, $34
A pair of patent leather high heels never go out of style! By Lulus. Buy them here.
6. Black Wedge Pump, $58+
These comfortable pumps look great with a dress and will be perfect for dancing the night away! The comfort strap looks like it stays in place and the reviews sound great on these. By Anne Klein. You can buy them here.
7. Black Ankle Strap Low Heels, $34
Looking for wedding guest shoes with a low heel? You’ve got it! This pair of black heels make ultra comfortable wedding guest shoes. By Lulus.
8. Glitter Pointed-Toe Pumps, $38
Ooh, I love these! Adding to cart. Get them here.
9. Silver Rounded Toe Low Heels, $109
These Betsey Johnson brand silver heels are a great option if you want shoes with a low heel. They’re super sparkly, too! Shop here.
10. Cork Footbed Sandals, $24.99
If you’re looking for the most comfortable wedding guest shoes in a sandal, this is it! Great for beach or destination weddings. This particular sandal comes in many colors and has over 54,000 reviews. Amazing! Buy here.
11. Pointed Toe Pumps, $38
These comfy pointed toe heels make perfect guest shoes and go with any dress! Buy here.
12. Chunky Block Heels, $59.95+
Ooh, these neutrals go with everything! These make amazingly comfortable wedding guest shoes with a block heel, so they’re nice and low, yet elegant! By Chinese Laundry. You can buy here.
13. Natural Suede Ankle Strap Heels, $44
I love this pair of shoes! They make a great heel for many events and are ideal for wedding guest shoes. Super comfy! Get them here.
14. Open Toe Low Heel Shoes, $26.99+
These are highly-rated shoes! They’re one of the most comfortable pairs you can wear. By DreamPairs.
15. Red Lace Up Heels, $42
Oh wow, these are statement-making wedding guest shoes! Other colors are available, too, if red isn’t your thing. Buy here.
16. Flat Silver Sandals, $25
No heel, no problem! Wear these dressy silver sandals that are currently on sale! By Lulus. Buy here.
17. Slide Sandals, $24
These stylish sandals slide right on and sparkle, too! Get them at Lulus. Shop here.
18. Black Square Lace-Up Heels, $39
Get a pair of squared lace-up heels like these! Spotted at Lulus. You can buy here.
19. Black Wedges, $59.68+
Wedges are the best choice for wedding guest shoes for grass or outdoor weddings. They won’t sink into grass or mud, dirt, or sand. These are a demi wedge, so the heel height is just a pinch lower than a traditional wedge. By London Fog. You can buy here.
20. Silver Block Heels, $109
These short block heels are a great option if you’re looking for low heel shoes. I love these! They sparkle, shine, and they look fantastic for a formal event such as a wedding. By Betsey Johnson. Buy here.
21. Gold Low Heel Strappy Heels, $26.99+
Go with gold! I love this style for a metallic option. Buy here.
22. Pointed Toe Flats with Ankle Strap, $99
You can get this wedding guest footwear at Lulus. Shop here.
23. Black Pumps with Crossover Strap, $47.99+
Ooh, these look super comfy yet stylish! By LifeStride. You can buy here.
24. Gold Glitter Block Heel, $52.99
These are such a fun pair of heels to wear to a wedding! By IDIFU. You can shop here.
25. Black Block Heels with Ankle Straps, $14+
These are highly-rated with over 12,000 ratings. Wow! These make great wedding guest shoes for grass since the heel is nice and sturdy in a block shape; they’re much easier to walk in than a high stiletto heel and won’t stick into the grass. This footwear is shown in black, but you’ll find many other colors here. By TopModa. Buy here.
26. Silver Low Heel Dress Sandal, $58+
If you’re in need of comfortable guest shoes for a wedding that are low heel yet formal, these are the footwear for you! By Naturalizer. You can buy here.
27. Peep Toe Platform Heels, $39.69+
A slingback heel with a peep toe? You got it! We found these in silver by DreamPairs. You can buy here.
28. Silver Low Heel Sandals, $26.99+
Another metallic option in a comfortable low heel. These are wildly popular as wedding guest shoes! Get them here.
29. No heel, $23.99
My top pick for wedding guest shoes no heel? These pretty sandals with a zip-back ankle and plenty of rhinestones for sparkle. By Dream Pairs. Buy here.
30. Silver Rhinestone Dress Sandals, $28.99
These popular sandals make great dress shoes for weddings, particularly during the summer and fall months. By OliviaK. Buy here.
31. + 32. Bowknot Ankle Strap Heels, $44.99
You can get bowknot ankle strap heels like this from Coutgo. I love these strappy bows! So cute! Buy here.
Also available in black! See them here.
33. Closed Toe Strappy Heels, $52.31
These strappy heels are a dream come true! I love these as wedding guest shoes and they’re comfortable, too. By LifeStride. Buy here.
34. Gold Pointy Toe Ballet Flats, $22.94
You can’t go wrong with a pair of ballet flats, especially a pair like these with a pointed toe and glittery gold exterior. By Pennysue.
35. Champagne Dress Heels, $58
Champagne wedding guest shoes like these go great for receptions of all kinds! Love this style. By Naturalizer. You can buy here.
36. Flat Black Wedding Guest Shoes, $25.49
If black flats are on your list of must-haves, these are essential! Buy here.
37. Low Wedge with Floral Print, $26.99+
If you want to add a pop of color and a fun print, wear these wedding guest shoes from DreamPairs! Shop here.
38. Formal Wedding Guest Shoes with Low Stiletto Heel, $18.99+
If you want a stiletto heel but you still seek comfort, try these low heels on for size! They make fantastic formal wedding guest shoes with no fuss. By DreamPairs. You can shop here.
39. Rhinestone Slip-Back Heels, $158
Slip into these elegant dress shoes with a rhinestone bow detail. By Vicenza.
40. Sparkly Formal Heels, $49.99
If you want sparkly shoes to wear to an elegant wedding, you’ll love these comfortable dress shoes! They’re by IDIFU and are shown in gold glitter. Other colors are available. Buy here.
41. Cut-Out Kitten Heels, $50.99
These evening shoes are so stylish! Great reviews on this pair by IDIFU. Buy here.
42. Platform Heels with Comfortable Sole, $25.99
When you want high heels, go with these platform shoes! They’re popular and stylish. By IDIFU. Buy here.
43. Wedding Evening Shoes, $42.99
Dance the night away in these ultra-stylish and elegant wedding shoes, perfect in this shade of emerald green. By ERIJUNOR. Buy here.
44. High-Block Chunky Heels, $29.99+
Chunky heels with bow on the front make for a fun pair of party shoes! You can buy here.
45. Low Kitten Heel Gold Glitter Dress Shoes, $60.99
Fancy shoes, found, with a low heel! Get these short heeled wedding guest shoes for dancing at the reception and your feet will thank you. :) Buy here.
46. Silver Slingbacks, $38.99
Go metallic with these slingback heels that wedding guests love to wear! Buy here. (Note: There’s an extra $5 off coupon you can apply here for a limited time!)
47. Black Wedding Guest Shoes with No Back, $36.99
These shoes are great if the wedding is outdoors, since there’s a nice wide block heel. They’re also perfect wedding guest shoes if you’re not a fan of an ankle strap or too much going on; they’re minimalist in style and look great with all the best wedding guest dresses.
48. Black Sling-Back Heels, $130
This classic slingback heel typically in blush just got a new style: now in black! Love these as wedding guest shoes. By Vicenza. You can buy here.
49. Royal Blue Low Heel Stilettos, $18.99+
You don’t have to wear neutral wedding guest shoes only! Go bold with blue, like this shade in suede by DreamPairs. Buy here.
50. Glitter and Gold Ankle Strap Sandals, $79.99
And last but not least, check out these gold metallic and glittery ankle strap sandals, a perfect pair of dress shoes for anytime. Get them here.
What do you think? Which pair looks like the most comfortable wedding guest shoes that made the list? What kind of footwear do you plan to wear to a wedding this year? Tell us in the comment box below!
xo
Emma
13 comments
Loving the Royal Blue heels. I am a sucker for suede.
Ooh, I love those too, Leah! :)
Love the Cut-Out Kitten Heels! Super cute and easy to style!
Also love those suede chunky heels. Having an outdoor wedding, so I need a chunky heel Soni don’t get stuck in the ground!
The Pointed Toe Pumps
So. Many. Options! Definitely saving a link to this post.
Thanks so much, Christine! That means a lot to us. Happy to hear you like the variety! :)
Loving the Low Heel Ankle Strap Shoes, $42 for my bridesmaids! Comfy and still cute so they can dance all night!
Hi Nicole! I totally agree with you: great price, comfy, and cute!
I love all the sparkly shoes!!! My favorite is the silver low heeled sandal!
AnnMarie, that one caught my eye, too! You can never go wrong with a little sparkle. :)
My favorite shoe is 29, the no heel sandal! I LOVE heels but some of my bridesmaids can’t wear them, so I am always on the look out for cute heel-less shoes!
Good to hear! I was excited about finding that one and it makes me happy someone else loves it as much as I do! Heel-less shoes are so great for bridesmaids!
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