12 Comfortable Wedding Shoes That You Won’t Have to Kick Off Mid-Reception, According to PureWow Editors

If I learned anything from being the co-Maid of Honor at my sister’s wedding, it’s that finding the right pair of comfortable wedding shoes can be just as tough as searching for the perfect wedding dress. To save brides-to-be the stress of tracking down the perfect pair, I chatted with two board-certified podiatrists who could answers my most pressing questions. Namely, what makes a comfortable wedding shoe? According to Dr. Brad Schaeffer, DPM, it’s determined by a few things. He says, “Heel height and width play a great part in the comfort of the shoes and can make a huge difference in how your feet feel if you opt for a shorter or chunkier heel.” I also checked in with a handful of married PureWow editors who told me that being able to dance the night away—pain-free—is definitely a priority, so finding good options that make for comfortable wedding shoes, like a pair of comfortable heels or comfortable sneakers that are trendy (and actually go with your dress), requires some extra digging.

Thankfully, my colleagues were eager to help me find the crème de la crème, suggesting comfy shoes they wore on their big day or hope to wear when the day comes. So, whether you're looking for high stilettos with a pointed toe like this tango-inspired Dream Pairs style from Amazon ($40) to complete your after party dress or you want something with a short block heel, like this Reformation sandal ($248) for that upcoming outdoor wedding, this comprehensive list of comfortable wedding shoes will give you the options you need to feel confident in purchasing a cute, comfy pair that is sure to last you year after year.

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• Dr. Bob Baravarian, DPM, FACFAS, is a board-certified podiatric foot and ankle surgeon at the University Foot & Ankle Institute and the CEO of patented arch support sock company ArchTek.
• Dr. Brad Schaeffer, DPM, is a board certified foot surgeon with the ABFAS who works out of his NYC podiatry office, Central Park SOLE. He also starred in the TLC series My Feet Are Killing Me from 2020 to 2021.

When curating my list of the most comfortable wedding shoes, I sought out suggestions from PureWow editors, many of which they tested—and loved—on their big day. From high heels to block heels to sneakers, PureWow brides consider everything when it comes to wedding shoes, including arch support, roomy toe boxes, cushioned padding and style. The editors also considered the flexibility of the outsole, heel height and heel width. Furthermore, I relied on the insights from Dr. Baravarian and Dr. Schaeffer to find out what makes for a comfortable option.

If you’ve looked everywhere and can’t find shoes you love, keep scrolling, because I’ve found 12 stunning pairs that may just catch your eye.

The ideal pair of wedding shoes comes down to a few key things: arch support, height and heel shape. You know your feet best, so if you know you can't withstand pointed, close-toed heels, opt for a pair of heeled sandals instead. "If you're attending an event that requires wearing heels for a long period of time, heels with a platform are a more comfortable option because they relieve the feet from the extreme arch that non-platformed heels have,” says Dr. Schaeffer.

Another great option approved by Dr. Schaeffer: open-toed heels. He says, ”Open-toed heels avoid toe crowding which can create a lot of discomfort while standing, walking or dancing for long periods of time.”

Have a high instep? Extra arch support will be your best friend. And if you have bunions, you'll probably want to avoid a pointed toe. And according to Dr. Baravarian, there are a few things you can look for. "Good shoes for bunions will have a wide toe box, good arch support and a cushioned footbed," he mentions on The Bunion Institute.