12 Best Bridal Shoes for an Outdoor Wedding


11 months ago 343

Outdoor weddings offer an enchanting experience for both the couple and their guests. There’s nothing quite as beautiful as a vast mountain landscape or crashing ocean waves as your ceremony backdrop. While the gentle breeze, golden sunlight, and picturesque surroundings make for an unforgettable aesthetic, finding the proper bridal shoes for an outdoor venue can be a challenge. 

If you’re getting married on grass, gravel, or sand, then stilettos probably aren’t the right choice. When searching for your perfect pair of bridal shoes, the first thing to consider is the type of ground you’ll be walking on. Sandals and comfortable platforms work well for beach weddings, but bridal sneakers or boots are better suited for rougher terrain. Then, determine your ideal bridal footwear based on your personal style and wedding aesthetic. To help you find the best pair of shoes for your wedding location, from sand to snow to grass, we’ve researched the best options available, judging our final selection based on comfort, style, price point, and overall quality.

Emmy London Josie Ivory Block Heel Shoe

Credit: Emmy London

If you want the look of a classic ivory pump, but also want to be comfortable walking outside on the lawn, opt for these understated shoes. We love that they look like a traditional pump, while the thicker block heel makes them sturdier for a variety of surfaces. The padded insole ensures they stay comfortable from the ceremony to the final dance at the reception.

Size Range: US 5-12 | Heel Height: 3.2 inches

Nordstrom Loeffler Randall Camellia Knotted Sandal

Credit: Nordstrom

Still looking for your lucky something blue? Opt for this cult-favorite wedding shoe from Loeffler Randall, famous for being both comfortable and chic. One bride who hosted a wedding completely outdoors chose to wear these sandals for that reason. She loved that they’re stylish, incredibly comfortable, and can be worn on grass. She felt great after wearing them for hours on the dance floor and says they were the perfect blue wedding shoe for her nuptials.

Size Range: 5-11 | Heel Height: 3.75 inches

Nina Nigella Glitter Ankle Wrap Sandal

Credit: Nordstrom

With the glittering fabric and peep-toe design, this affordable sandal is perfect for an outdoor garden wedding. The 2.5-inch block heel gives you a little lift, while keeping you stable over grass or uneven surfaces. The ankle-wrapped design also features arch support and a cushioned footbed for comfort all day or all night.

Size Range: 5-11 | Heel Height: 2.5 inches

Stuart Weitzman Dayna Platform Sandal

Credit: Nordstrom

Opting for an outdoor wedding doesn't mean you have to settle for low heels or flats. These Stuart Weitzman platform sandals feature a 4-inch height, but the block heel and secure straps ensure your foot stays secure. With an almond-shaped toe, a padded footbed, and a beautiful "seashell" color, these sandals make a fantastic choice for your special day.

Size Range: 5-12 | Heel Height: 4 inches

Naturalizer Vera Dress Sandal

Credit: Naturalizer

Instead of thin stiletto heels, which can get stuck in grass or feel unstable on uneven surfaces, block heels offer enhanced stability and support. This Naturalizer shoe is designed for all-day comfort, as the block heel provides a slight lift without compromising wearability. It is available in 22 colors, but we are fans of the white leather option, which is both simple and elegant.

Size Range: 4.5-13 | Heel Height: 2.38 inches

J. Crew Lace-Up High Heels Espadrilles

Credit: J. Crew

Espradilles are a wonderful choice for a seaside wedding, as they have a wedge heel that provides support on sand or other uneven surfaces. We love the hand-stitched detailing at the heel, along with the ivory ankle ribbon. This classic rope-sole gives a coastal vibe perfect for a wedding, and can also be worn with a sundress for the honeymoon.

Size Range: 5-12 | Heel Height: 3.74 inches

Naturalizer Morgan Dress Sandal

Credit: Amazon

If you're looking for a bridal shoe that offers both style and comfort, this strappy heel is an excellent choice. Naturalizer’s contoured footbed is crafted to conform to the natural shape of your foot, helping to distribute pressure and prevent blisters. Additionally, it is designed to reduce fatigue, making it ideal for dancing the night away at your reception. This shoe also gets bonus points for the wide range of sizes and width options available.

Size Range: 5-12 | Heel Height: 3.88 inches

Larroudé Dolly Verona Sandal

Credit: Larroudé

The Dolly Verona Sandal is a stylish mix of white leather and raffia, bringing the perfect beachy feel to your look. With their platform heels, these shoes are fantastic for making your legs look longer, which is perfect if you're wearing a short wedding dress. Even though they do have a tall heel, the block design gives you great stability. To top it all off, the memory foam cushioned insole keeps your feet comfortable.

Size Range: 6-11 | Heel Height: 4.5 inches

Manolo Blahnik Ruched Leather Slide Sandals

Credit: Bergdorf Goodman

A special occasion calls for an extra-special shoe, such as the Manolo Blahnik Leather Slide Sandals. The ruched leather detailing adds an elegant touch, while the 2-inch block heel makes them perfect for any outdoor venue. These sandals are stylish and comfortable, making them an excellent choice for anyone seeking designer footwear for their special day.

Size Range: 5.5-11.5 | Heel Height: 2 inches

Manolo Blahnik Patobar Leather Slingback Sandals

Credit: Bergdorf Goodman

If you like the look of a slide sandal but desire a bit more stability, a slingback sandal is the perfect choice. We adore the embroidered trim detail on these Manolo Blahnik leather designer sandals, as well as the stretchy leather slingback strap. They are available in white and blue, making them a great option for anyone looking for their "something blue.”

Size Range: 5.5-11.5 | Heel Height: 1.25 inches

Steve Madden Lasso Bone Leather

Credit: Steve Madden

Going for a full country wedding? These Steve Madden leather cowboy boots are the ultimate finishing touch to your bridal ensemble, especially if you plan to do a reception outfit change. We’ve worn these trendy boots for hours at a time, and our feet never got sore—but we do recommend ordering a half size up. The off-white shade, whipstitching detail, and knee-high fit make these a no-brainer for brides with Western flair. 

Size Range: 5-12 | Heel Height: 3.75 inches

Reef Water Vista Slingback Platform Sandal

Credit: Famous Footwear

If you’re getting married with an intimate ceremony and your toes in the sand, these slingback platform sandals are for you. We wore this pair to the beach and found that the ankle strap and rubber material kept these snug and comfortable on our feet, preventing us from sliding around in the sand. Plus, the bridal white hue goes well with a variety of wedding dresses and styles.

Size Range: 5-11

What to Look for in Outdoor Wedding Shoes

  • Venue and Location: The type of shoes you wear to your wedding will depend on your venue, especially if it is located outdoors. If you’re hosting a ceremony in the mountains, cozy boots or shoes with plenty of ankle support are a good choice. Getting married in the sand? Go for slip-on sandals or stylish flats.
  • Comfort and Fit: Of course, the most important thing when shopping for your wedding shoes is comfort. The last thing you want is for your feet to be aching as you walk down the aisle. This is especially important when planning for outdoor terrain, such as grass, sand, uneven surfaces, or cobblestones. Make sure that whatever style you choose fits correctly and feels easy to walk around in—you can even practice walking in them outside before the big day! 
  • Style: When shopping for outdoor wedding shoes, it's important to consider the overall theme and the style of your wedding dress. For formal weddings, opt for shoes made of satin or leather to complement the elegant atmosphere. In contrast, for more casual weddings, such as those held by the beach, a raffia or espadrille-style shoe would be a perfect fit.

FAQ

  • Sturdier heels, like block heels or wedges, are best for outdoor weddings. Stiletto heels and even kitten heels can easily sink into the grass or sand. Not only will this quickly ruin or discolor them, but it's also really uncomfortable and makes it hard to walk around, let alone dance. If you’re worried about your shoes being uncomfortable or a hassle at your outdoor wedding venue, consider going with simple sandals, flats, or even sneakers. 

  • If you envision a barefoot beach wedding, then go for it. However, if you want to wear shoes in the sand, there are still plenty of options. For ceremonies directly on the sand, opt for shoes with a flat sole, like sandals or platforms. If you’re getting married at a venue with even surfaces next to the beach, go with wedges or a block heel to stay on theme with the beachy aesthetic.

Why Trust Brides

Chloe Caldwell is a writer for BRIDES who specializes in shopping and lifestyle topics. She has more than six years of journalism experience writing about all things fashion, beauty, travel, weddings, and wellness. For this article, she wore and tested a variety of comfortable shoes that are a fit for outdoor weddings.

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