Are designer wedding shoes worth the investment?

"If you love them, then yes,” says Maragos. "It's your wedding day, and this is your day to wear and rock whatever you want." She notes that it’s also a good excuse to splurge on a particular shoe or brand you've had your eyes on. "Consider it an investment, and you could always resell them after your wedding," she says.

How do you break in wedding shoes?

To break in wedding shoes, Maragos recommends strutting your stuff at home. "In the weeks leading up to your wedding day, I suggest wearing them around the house, even if it is only for 15 to 20 minutes here and there while cleaning," she explains. If your shoes are a little snug, Maragos also recommends wearing them with socks to give them a little stretch.

How much should you spend on wedding shoes?

"This varies by bride, and there is no right or wrong answer," says Maragos. She recommends building a budget for yourself and trying to stick within it based on what is most important to you. If the shoes are ultra-important to you, then allocate more of your budget to them.

The 9 Best Designer Wedding Shoes

Once you say yes to the dress, the shoes come next. Much like your bridal jewelry, your wedding day footwear is an extension of your personality. And although you might not be able to see your shoes with some wedding dress styles, you still want a pair that'll carry you down the aisle in confidence and everlasting style. Designer wedding shoes are like high-end jewelry for your soles—they're an investment, but they're also something you'll treasure forever.

Designer wedding shoe shopping can be a bit overwhelming—as is everything wedding-related! We tapped a Chicago-based wardrobe stylist Gabbi Maragos for expert shopping and styling tips. So whether you prefer timeless wedding shoe styles or heels with a little more personality and flair, the perfect pair is out there. To help you narrow it down, we evaluated dozens of options based on style, material, color, embellishments, formality, versatility, heel height, and sizing.

Keep reading for our list of the best designer wedding shoes worth buying.

Our Top Picks

Best Kitten Heel:

Dolce & Gabbana Lace Pump at Dolcegabbana.com

Jump to Review

Best Pointed-Toe:

Manolo Blahnik Lurum Jewel Leaf Mule Jewel Leaf Mule at Nordstrom $1,395

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Best Slingback:

Gianvito Rossi Leather Slingback Pumps at Net-A-Porter $950

Jump to Review

Best Embellished:

SALE

Betsey Johnson Dani Ankle Strap Sandal at Amazon ~~$129~~ $82

Jump to Review

For a Black-Tie Wedding:

Mach & Mach Double Bow Pointed Toe Pump at Nordstrom $418

Jump to Review

Best Slide:

Christian Louboutin Me Dolly Crystal Embellished Slide at Nordstrom $1,695

Jump to Review

Best Pump:

Jimmy Choo Romy 100 Ivory Pump at Net-A-Porter $695

Jump to Review

Best Simple:

SALE

Sam Edelman Daniella Sandal at Amazon ~~$120~~ $100

Jump to Review

Most Elegant:

SALE

Badgley Mischka Women's Cher Pump at Amazon ~~$235~~ $178

Jump to Review

Best Kitten Heel

Dolce & Gabbana Lace Pump

Dolce & Gabbana Pump in Taormina Lace with Crystals

PHOTO: Dolce & Gabbana

View on Dolcegabbana.com

These kitten heels are truly special. The 2-inch heel creates an eye-catching look when paired with delicate Taormina lace and the Swarovski crystal embellishment. They're a great shoe for long and short wedding dresses, but would also look incredible with an all-white pantsuit or formal jumpsuit. The heels are made from high-quality buttery leather and come in different colors like nude and light blue, in case you want to venture beyond white shoes.

Size Range: 4–11 | Colors: Beige, pink, blush, white | Heel Height: 2 inches

Best Pointed-Toe

Manolo Blahnik Lurum Jewel Leaf Mule Jewel Leaf Mule

Manolo Blahnik Lurum Jewel Leaf Mule Lurum Jewel Leaf Mule

PHOTO: Neiman Marcus

$1,395 at Nordstrom $609 at Neiman Marcus $1,395 at Saks Fifth Avenue

There is something about a pointed toe heel that feels sexy—yet so classy—and is perfect for a wedding day look. These 3.5-inch Manolos have that timeless almond toe design, with chunky embellishments for a glamorous twist. The construction is high-quality—these are shoes you will cherish forever—and are ultra-comfortable, so you can get your groove on the dance floor all night long.

Size Range: 5–12 | Colors: Silver, beige, white | Heel Height: 3.5 inches

Best Slingback

Gianvito Rossi Leather Slingback Pumps

Gianvito Rossi Ascent Leather Slingback Pumps

PHOTO: Saks Fifth Avenue

$950 at Net-A-Porter $950 $665 at Saks Fifth Avenue

Slingbacks offer the same security and support as a pump while still exposing the heel. Handmade in Italy from supple white leather, these slingbacks from Gianvito Rossi are clean and sophisticated. We also love the cute gold bow buckle. The low heel makes standing during the ceremony and reception an easy and pain-free experience.

Size Range: 4–12 | Color: White | Heel Height: 2 inches

Best Embellished

Betsey Johnson Dani Ankle Strap Sandal

Courtesy of Betsey Johnson.

$129 $82 at Amazon $129 at Nordstrom View on Dsw.com

Not all designer shoes are exorbitantly expensive. Case in point: these bridal sandals from Betsey Johnson. Available with pearls or rhinestones, the all-over embellished design will reflect the light, adding a hint of glamour to your wedding-day ensemble.

Size Range: 5–11 | Color: Ivory pearl, silver rhinestones | Heel Height: 3.75 inches

For a Black-Tie Wedding

Mach & Mach Double Bow Pointed Toe Pump

pumps topped with crystal-dusted bows that trace the line of the vamp and ankle strap

PHOTO: Courtesy of Net-A-Porter

$418 at Nordstrom $1,220 at Net-A-Porter $438 at Saks Fifth Avenue

If your wedding has a black-tie dress code, you'll want to look the part. With silky-smooth satin strappy uppers topped with gleaming crystal-dusted bows, these stunning Mach & Mach pumps are not only formal but are also incredibly glamorous and eye-catching.

Size Range: 6–12 | Color: White | Heel Height: 3.75 inches

Best Slide

Christian Louboutin Me Dolly Crystal Embellished Slide

Courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue.

$1,695 at Nordstrom $1,695 at Saks Fifth Avenue

Reminiscent of Cinderella's glass slippers, these slides from Christian Louboutin are the perfect bridal shoes for more formal, high-glamour events. The suede uppers gleam with scattered crystal embellishments while the peep toes add a flirty touch. And the signature red soles speak for themselves.

Size Range: 4–12 | Color: Silver | Heel Height: 3.75 inches

Best Pump

Jimmy Choo Romy 100 Ivory Pump

Jimmy Choo Romy 100 Ivory Satin Pointy-Toe Pumps

PHOTO: Jimmy Choo

$695 at Net-A-Porter View on Jimmychoo.com $775 at Farfetch.com

If you're looking for a classic pump, you can't go wrong with the Romy. These simple yet stunning wedding shoes feature chic satin uppers, pointed toes, and stiletto heels that elevate your look without distracting from your dress. Best of all, the seasonless, closed-toe style can be worn year-round for indoor or outdoor events.

Size Range: 4–13 | Color: Ivory | Heel Height: 3.9 inches

Best Simple

Sam Edelman Daniella Sandal

PHOTO: Amazon

$120 $100 at Amazon $120 at Nordstrom $84 at Bloomingdales

Classic, comfortable, and chic, these simple yet beautiful white sandals are the perfect choice for just about any wedding ensemble. The open-toe will allow you to show off your bridal pedicure, while the ankle closure and wide strap will keep secure and comfortable as you head down the aisle and get on the dance floor.

Size Range: 5–12 | Color: White | Heel Height: 3.5 inches

Most Elegant

Badgley Mischka Women's Cher Pump

$235 $178 at Amazon $235 at Shopbop.com $235 at Macy's

This famous pump from Badgley Mischka is a fan-favorite style for a reason, and it's perfect for brides with elegant and classic tastes. We love that these offer a traditional style with a touch of glamor, thanks to the bedazzled toe embellishment. These also come in other shades of blue if you're still looking for that "something blue" accessory.

Size Range: 5–11 | Color: White | Heel Height: 3.75 inches

What to Look for When Buying Designer Wedding Shoes

Formality: "While shopping for designer wedding shoes, I would first consider formality," says Maragos. She recommends considering what type of shoe will complete your bridal look and what style will make you feel the most confident. For example, if you aren't typically comfortable walking around in ultra-high heels, a shorter heel like the Dolce & Gabbana Kitten Heel or even a flat might be a better option. In the end, you'll feel far more confident in something you can walk and dance in.
Versatility:"Since it is an investment, it is also important to consider if you would or could ever wear them again," says Maragos. If you want a shoe you can wear beyond your wedding day, Maragos suggests looking for simple, versatile styles you could rock as wedding guest or to another formal event, like Gianvito Rossi Ascent Pumps or Jimmy Choo Romy 100 Satin Pumps.
Material and Embellishments: Pay attention to the material as well. To nod to the occasion, many bridal shoes feature satin uppers. You'll also find options made of leather, suede, mesh, and transparent plastic, the latter two of which offer an illusion effect. Beyond material, wedding shoes often features various embellishments, such as crystals, rhinestones, fringe, bows, or pearls.

FAQ

Are designer wedding shoes worth the investment?

"If you love them, then yes,” says Maragos. "It's your wedding day, and this is your day to wear and rock whatever you want." She notes that it’s also a good excuse to splurge on a particular shoe or brand you've had your eyes on. "Consider it an investment, and you could always resell them after your wedding," she says.
How do you break in wedding shoes?

To break in wedding shoes, Maragos recommends strutting your stuff at home. "In the weeks leading up to your wedding day, I suggest wearing them around the house, even if it is only for 15 to 20 minutes here and there while cleaning," she explains. If your shoes are a little snug, Maragos also recommends wearing them with socks to give them a little stretch.
How much should you spend on wedding shoes?

"This varies by bride, and there is no right or wrong answer," says Maragos. She recommends building a budget for yourself and trying to stick within it based on what is most important to you. If the shoes are ultra-important to you, then allocate more of your budget to them.

Why Trust Brides

Contributing writer Jessie Quinn is a bridal-obsessed lifestyle journalist with a bachelor's degree in fashion journalism. At Brides, she puts a style spin on wedding day fashion and covers everything from sparkling diamond accessories to dance-floor-worthy shoes. Jessie believes weddings are the perfect time to splurge on a pair of designer shoes and thinks of them as investment pieces, just like your wedding day jewelry. When researching the best designer wedding shoes, she considered style, fit, and timeless design, but also put a lot of weight on personality, as she feels shoes are where you should let your personal style truly shine. Commerce writer and Brides contributor Theresa Holland updated this article with additional shoe selections and insights.