There's no question that a bride's most difficult decision during the wedding planning process is finding their dream dress, yet settling on the pair of shoes that will take them down the aisle is just as important. As a bride, your entire ensemble should feel special, meaning each piece you wear should be intentional—investing in a beautiful pair of heels ensures you'll cherish your look years later.
Whether you're hosting an intimate backyard wedding, a chic courthouse ceremony, a destination wedding, or classic church nuptials, BRIDES editors found a wedding shoe style for every bride that is guaranteed to satisfy diverse personal preferences. Read ahead for our top picks, from lacy slingbacks to timeless leather pumps.
Gabby Rello Duffy, BRIDES senior editorial director, wore this stunning pair of high-heeled sandals on her wedding day. We're not sure which detail on these leather block heels is our favorite: the knotted strap on the toe band, the self-tie at the ankles, or the flattering D'Orsay silhouette. This glamorous style would work with a variety of dress styles, from a ball gown to a mini.
Size Range: 5-12 | Heel Height: 3.5 inches | Materials: Leather
If you're wondering whether to splurge on a pair of Manolos for your special day, this is your sign to invest in these iconic satin pumps. These classic cream heels will go with most bridal ensembles, and the 3.5-inch heel provides the perfect amount of height–you'll cherish this pair forever.
Size Range: 5-12 | Heel Height: 3.5 inches | Materials: Leather
A white wedding pump remains a classic for a reason. It will always be timeless. This versatile pump from Sam Edelman can be worn with any style, from a clean and modern ball gown to a sheath dress with allover beading.
Size Range: 4-14 (narrow, wide, and medium available) | Heel Height: 3.75 inches | Materials: Leather
Ask any bride who's prioritized comfort over anything on their wedding day: Naturalizer heels (specifically the Joy Dress Sandal) are the best option. The size and shoe width range are unbeatable, the Contour+ Comfort technology cushions your feet, and the block heel keeps you stable while walking down the aisle and on the dance floor.
Size Range: 4-12 (medium, wide, and extra wide widths available) | Heel Height: 3.75 inches | Materials: Leather
Heeled sandals are a classic choice for spring and summer brides—Aquazzura understands how to make the perfect pair, as demonstrated by the So Divine sandal. With a crisscross vamp made of luxe shiny satin and a delicate (and adjustable!) ankle strap, it's a surefire choice for any warm-weather nuptials.
Size Range: 5-12 | Heel Height: 3.3 inches | Materials: Satin, leather
Stuart Weitzman's Nudist sandal is another fabulous option for brides yearning for nothing more than a simple stiletto. This timeless heel is recommended for experienced heel-walkers due to its slimmer shape and three-inch heel height, though the adjustable ankle strap will keep the wearer secure no matter what.
Size Range: 4-12 | Heel Height: 3 inches | Materials: Leather
With so many styles of classic white pumps available, there's a reason we love these from Reformation so much. The patent leather gives a cool-girl spin to the typical matte leather material, plus the flared heel is chic and more comfortable and supportive than a skinny stiletto.
Size Range: 5-11 | Heel Height: 75 mm | Materials: Bovine leather
Traditional brides will obsess over the sophisticated satin construction of these pumps. They're classic but still feel distinguishable from the many satin pumps available to brides thanks to the delicate lace trim on the vamp.
Size Range: 5-12 | Heel Height: 80 mm | Materials: Satin, leather
Platform shoes with sturdy block heels are a must for any bride who expects to tear up the dance floor at the reception, and thankfully, this Margaux pair is equally wedding-appropriate and comfy with this heel type.
Size Range: 3.5-14 (medium, narrow, wide widths available) | Heel Height: 3.5 inches | Material: Leather
Stylish and comfortable wedding shoes can be hard to come by, but luckily, this knotted style falls into both categories. Beyond its ivory pearl fabric and chic bridal bow, this block heel sandal will support and hug your feet from the aisle to the after-party.
Size Range: 5-12, fits narrow, size up 1/2 for wider feet | Heel Height: 3.5 inches | Materials: Polyester, faux leather
With a satin exterior, creamy-white hue, and exaggerated bows at the toes, we don't think these Loeffler Randall mules could get any more bridal. Imagine these with a chic bridal mini? They make a statement without taking away from the rest of your ensemble. BRIDES Copy Editor, Cher Checchio, is already married, but she would certainly wear these to a vow renewal.
Size Range: 5-10.5 | Heel Height: 3.15 inches | Materials: Leather, silk
Love vintage styles but don't want to risk run-down soles or creased leather? These 1920s-inspired Naturalizer pumps have the same vibe as the shoes you'd find in your favorite vintage store—perfect for any bride partial to a retro aesthetic.
Size Range: 5-12 | Heel Height: 3.4 inches | Materials: Leather
We're forever obsessed with D'Orsay silhouettes, especially for a bride who wants to forgo embellishments or unique materials like lace or tulle, but wants something more unique than a simple white pump. The Eloy Heels execute this style perfectly, with the pointed toe and white leather adding extra-sleek touches.
Size Range: 5-13 | Heel Height: 2.9 inches | Materials: Leather
An appliqué never fails to add flair to otherwise simple wedding footwear, as seen with this pair of flower-adorned pumps. We love imagining these with a shorter-hem dress as a second look or for courthouse nuptials—any occasion where the florals are on full display.
Size Range: 6-11 | Heel Height: 1.97 inches | Materials: Satin
If there's any event to fully embrace lace details, it's your wedding day. These Black Suede Studio pumps feature elegant allover lace embroidery, though the subtle sequins and pointed toe give it a modern feel.
Size Range: 5-12 | Heel Height: 3.1 inches | Materials: Lace
Not every bride wants a towering stiletto for their big day, and we don't blame those who prefer a lower-heel option. We're obsessed with the elegance of these bridal kitten heels, emphasized by the unique tulle knot detail.
Size Range: 5-11 | Heel Height: 50 mm | Materials: Satin
Slingbacks not only secure your feet while walking and dancing, but they look effortlessly cool, too. This understated white leather ALDO pair is ideal for a bride with minimalist taste, and it's under $100 for anyone searching for budget-friendly footwear.
Size Range: 5-11 | Heel Height: 3.25 inches | Materials: Leather
Tired of satin and leather taking over the bridal shoe market? Consider wearing these tulle Lola Cruz pumps in a chic pleated pattern for your big day instead of these traditional styles. They're unique, but they'll still likely match whatever gown you plan on wearing down the aisle.
Size Range: EU 36-EU 41 | Heel Height: 3.25 inches | Materials: Leather
We're obsessed with the unconventional design of these Loeffler Randall sandals—they're perfect for a bride wanting to make a fashionable statement on their big day. As a bonus, the block heel will keep foot pain at bay while walking down the aisle and dancing for hours at the reception.
Size Range: 5-12 | Heel Height: 2.5 inches | Materials: Leather
These Inez heels will satisfy any bride with a bold personal style who wants a touch of sparkle amidst a sea of white fabric and accessories, though the crystal knot detail still won't take away too much attention from your gorgeous gown.
Size Range: 6-10.5 | Heel Height: 3.5 inches | Materials: Leather
An exemplary example of versatility, this supportive block heel can be worn four ways. It features a gorgeous ivory (or blue) hue and suede material, accompanied by a satin bow that can be tied in the back or on the side of your ankles. Consider wearing a bow for a fun reception look, and opt for a more understated elegance at the ceremony, allowing your gown to shine.
Size Range: US 5-12.5 | Heel Height: 3.2 inches | Materials: Suede, silk, leather
For brides with traditional tastes or who can't stand wearing heeled shoes, these classic flats are a dream come true. Personalize the shoe's sole with your new monogram to create a keepsake you'll cherish for years to come.
Size Range: 3-14 | Heel Height: 3/8 inches | Materials: Italian suede, foam padding
What to Look for in Wedding Shoes
- Design: Think about your style and what wedding shoes best fit your dress. Brides looking to up the ante at their black-tie wedding will love investment pieces like classic leather pumps or crystal-adorned styles, while brides wearing short wedding dresses should seize the opportunity to showcase elaborate wedding shoes.
- Venue and Weather: Your wedding venue and season matter when choosing your footwear. Wear sand- and grass-friendly wedding shoes, like espadrilles, wedges, or block heels, if you're throwing a seaside or garden wedding. On the other hand, closed-toe pumps are always a timeless wedding shoe choice for formal ballroom weddings.
- Comfort: Comfort is key when walking down the aisle, so it's crucial to pick a pair of wedding shoes that you know you can walk confidently in. Look for wedding shoe styles with ankle straps for support and padded foot cushions for added comfort, or you can even opt for sneakers or pearl- and crystal-encrusted flats.
Why Trust BRIDES
Maddie Barber is a BRIDES writer and shopping expert. She spent hours searching through BRIDES-trusted retailers to determine the best wedding shoes for every bridal style and even tapped other BRIDES team members to include their own cherished wedding shoes.


