Brides / Kevin Liang
Preparing to attend a wedding requires finding the perfect dress or jumpsuit and a chic pair of shoes to complete your ensemble. The best wedding guest shoes are ideally stylish, versatile (so you can sport them to multiple ceremonies), and comfortable, not to mention appropriate for the celebration's dress code and venue.
Thankfully, many shoe styles are available to complement different types of wedding guest attire; you can choose stilettos, platforms, low heels, or flats. To save you time searching for the perfect wedding guest footwear, we researched the best online options and narrowed down our top picks.
Best Classic
Sam Edelman Hazel Pointed Toe Pump
You can't go wrong with a classic pair of pointed-toe pumps like this one from Sam Edelman. Comfortable, simple, and elegant, these heels are a true investment that will last for all the special occasions in your life.
Size Range: 6.5–14 | Heel Height: 4 inches | Materials: Leather, suede, fabric, liquid metallic, linen, patent, or Brahma hair
Best Nude
Naturalizer Vera Dress Sandal
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A nude heel makes for versatile footwear that works with different outfits. We prefer this Naturalizer pair because of the inclusive shade range, which offers 11 nude options plus staple colors like black and white. With an arch-supporting insole and slip-resistant sole, these sandals are also the most comfortable you'll wear.
Size Range: 4–12 | Heel Height: 2.5 inches | Materials: Leather (upper), synthetic (lining and sole)
Best Heeled Sandal
Inez Sofia
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Glitzy yet versatile, these strappy heeled sandals work with any wedding guest dress. The adjustable ankle strap and different widths ensure the perfect fit on your feet.
Size Range: 5-10.5 (slim, standard, roomy widths available) | Heel Height: 2.8 inches | Materials: Spanish patent upper, leather sole
Best Stiletto
Schutz Hilda Stiletto Sandals
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We're fans of this fashion-forward shoe with a classic stiletto heel, crisscross vamp, adjustable ankle strap, and fabulous metallic colorways. At almost 4 inches tall, we should note that this pair is better suited for heel-wearing veterans.
Size Range: 5–11 | Heel Height: 3.9 inches | Materials: Synthetic (upper), cow leather (outsole)
Most Versatile
Dolce Vita Manji Heels
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This simple, strappy option will last you through wedding season and beyond. Choose between a black patent, snakeskin, or gold metallic colorway—there aren't many dresses that these options won't match.
Size Range: 5–13 | Heel Height: 3 inches | Materials: Leather (upper), synthetic (outsole, lining, sock)
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The metallic shades, knot detailing, supportive wedge heel, and adjustable ankle strap make this pair one of our favorites for a wedding guest. While these heels surely make a statement, we love that they're not so bold that they distract from your dress.
Size Range: 5B-11B | Heel Height: 3 inches | Materials: Leather (upper, lining, and outsole)
Best Block Heel
Margaux The City Sandal
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Featuring a low block heel and supportive straps, this versatile pair can stand its ground on all kinds of terrain—ideal for outdoor weddings that involve walking on grass or gravel. With multiple colors and patterns to choose from, you won't think twice about hitting "add to cart."
Size Range: 2.5–14 | Heel Height: 2.5 inches | Materials: Italian Nappa leather upper and lining
Best Platform
Chinese Laundry Theresa Platform Sandal
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If you want extra height from your footwear but prefer something other than stilettos, opt for these chic leather or suede platforms. The block platform heels are more supportive and steady and help this 4-inch-tall pair look killer.
Size Range: 5–11 | Heel Height: 4 inches | Materials: Synthetic, textile (upper); synthetic (lining and sole)
Best Low Heel
Dolce Vita Odela Heels
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Whether you're walking on uneven terrain or typically avoid tall stilettos at all costs, these chic slingbacks with a low heel will get you through weddings in any season. The black patent and brown suede work for fall and winter weddings, while the silver and red shades are fun for warmer weather.
Size Range: 5-13 (standard and wide widths available) | Heel Height: 2.5 inches | Materials: Suede (upper), rubber (outsole), synthetic (sock and lining)
Best Metallic
Cult Gaia Leora Sandals
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Make a statement with these metallic slip-on sandals with a unique spherical heel. We love the idea of pairing these with an understated dress to ensure the shoes are the star of the show.
Size Range: 35–42 | Heel Height: 2.25 inches | Materials: Leather (upper), rubber (outsole)
Best Clear
Tony Bianco Fresco Sandal
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With a perfectly minimalist style and a sleek, modern look, these square-toe heels make a statement while allowing your dress to shine. The clear straps and neutral-tone soles ensure you can sport these for occasions beyond your loved one's wedding day.
Size Range: 5–10 | Heel Height: 4.5 inches | Materials: PVC (upper), leather (lining), synthetic (sole)
Best for a Garden Wedding
Loeffler Randall Emilia Brown Gingham Bow Heel
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The chic gingham pattern on these heels reminds us of an outdoor picnic surrounded by flowers and trees, making them perfect for a garden wedding. With a thick block heel, this pair supports you on uneven grass.
Size Range: 5–12 | Heel Height: 2 inches | Materials: 100% polyester (upper); 100% bovine leather (outsole)
Best Ankle-Strap
Stuart Weitzman Women's Carmen Midi Platform Sandals
If you love block heels with a platform, the Carmen sandals from Stuart Weitzman are a perfect choice for style and comfort. These open-toe sandals feature crossover straps at the vamp and ankle straps for support. Available in light gold and black, they have a leather upper and sole and are sure to become a closet staple long after the wedding.
Size Range: 5-11 | Heel Height: 2.95 inches | Materials: Leather upper and sole, leather/thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) lining
Best Color Options
Sam Edelman Bianka Slingback Pump
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With a classic, closed-toe look and 14 available color/material combinations, this style lets you fine-tune your footwear to match your wedding guest dress. Grab a neutral pair to sport at multiple ceremonies, or pick a patterned floral shade for a fun pop of color.
Size Range: 5-12 | Heel Height: 2.4 inches | Materials: Leather, fabric, synthetic (upper); synthetic (insole)
Best Texture
Inez Camilla
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The Italian embossed leather on this shoe gives it a textured look that adds interest. And because it has a platform, you'll feel stable despite the high heel. It also has a rubber insole to help with grip.
Size Range: 6.5-10.5 | Heel Height: 3.9 inches | Materials: Leather (upper, lining, and sole)
Best for a Destination Wedding
Larroudé Valerie Knotted Satin Mules
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Destination weddings provide an opportunity to play with your style, and we think these kitten heels are the cutest options for the occasion. The bright, multicolored, knotted vamp style would look perfect against the backdrop of a tropical, white sand beach.
Size Range: 5.5-11 | Heel Height: 1.75 inches | Materials: Textile (upper), leather (sole)
Best Flats
Guilhermina Slingback Flats
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Flats are undoubtedly more comfortable than heels—this pair lets your feet breathe and feels chic and formal enough to wear to a ceremony. With several colorways, a delicate slingback, and a square-toe style, you'll have fun styling this unique footwear with your wedding guest dress.
Size Range: EU 36-EU 41 | Heel Height: N/A | Materials: Leather (upper and insole), rubber (sole)
Best Open-Toe Sandals
Jimmy Choo Women's Azie 85 High Heel Sandals
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If you’re looking for a pair of stylish open-toe sandals, these gold stunners from Jimmy Choo are a glamorous choice. The Azie 85 High Heel Sandals have an open square toe for comfort and a buckled ankle strap for added security. They’re crafted entirely of leather and will look stunning for any occasion.
Size Range: 5-11 | Heel Height: 3.3 inches | Materials: Leather (upper, lining, and outsole)
Best With Shine
Cole Haan Women's Paxton Mary Jane Pumps
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A low-heeled shoe can still offer plenty of pizzazz. The square toe and double straps across the top of this one look on-trend, and the shiny patent leather gives it party-ready panache.
Size Range: 5-11 | Heel Height: 1.4 inches | Materials: Leather (upper and lining), recycled rubber (outsole)
Best Slip-On
Inez Yvonne
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This shoe would work perfectly at a destination wedding or a casual ceremony. The slip-on style has asymmetrical straps for visual interest and a mirror-like sheen. You'll definitely wear these on other occasions.
Size Range: 6-10.5 | Heel Height: 2.8 inches | Materials: Leather (upper, lining, and sole)
What to Look for in Wedding Guest Shoes
- Comfort: Know your tolerance for high heels or any other type of footwear that may cause discomfort—you want to wear wedding guest shoes you'll be able to stand, walk, and dance the night away in. Low heels or flats are a great option if you're not used to 4-inch heels. Consider a pair of wedges or block heels if you still want height but can't stand on a stiletto. You can also buy gel inserts for additional comfort.
- Venue: It's equally important to consider the terrain of the wedding venue. While you may wear stilettos to a black-tie event in a ballroom, you'll probably want to rock flats or block heels while attending an outdoor wedding. A low block heel or wedge works best for outdoor events where grass, gravel, or sand get in the way of walking smoothly.
Why Trust Brides
Madison Barber is a commerce writer at Brides, not to mention a fashion and shopping obsessive. She spent hours researching the best wedding guest footwear options, deciding on only the chicest options for Brides readers. Contributing writer Jessica Booth contributed to a previous version of this article. She is a professional freelance writer with over seven years of editing experience and three years of professional freelance writing experience.
