Your wedding dress is stressful enough without pinching your feet into high heel shoes. It’s why brides are searching for alternative wedding shoes, from sneakers to booties and even combat boots, more comfortable alternatives to the usual satin heels or a style that better reflects their aesthetic.
While Cinderella had her glass slipper, you might want something more low-key. Our list of the best alternative wedding shoes will help the modern bride find a non-traditional shoe that fits their personality.
Brides are becoming more laidback with their style – moving away from the archetype of a white dress and satin pumps.
1. Blue Shoes
Are you known for your love of shoes? If you’re the Carrie Bradshaw of your friend group, make your wedding shoes your ‘something blue.’
The most famous blue wedding shoes are the ‘Hangisi’ style from Manolo Blahnik – the shoe Mr. Big proposed to Carrie with in the Sex and the City movie.
Badgley Mischka Kiara Crystal Back Open-Toe Pump, $245; Nine West Tatiana Pointy Toe Pump, $99; Badgley Mischka Cher Crystal-Embellished Pump, $235; Karl Lagerfeld Caslynn Slingback Pump, $139
Choose a baby blue shoe for a softer look, or go all out with a sapphire or satin shade to put your shoes front and center. You can find plenty of blue wedding shoes at Nordstrom.
You might as well want to incorporate this wedding trend across your whole bridal party by having your bridesmaids also wear blue shoes.
We love this alternative wedding shoe trend for seaside weddings.
2. Ballerina Flats
You want to be comfortable on your wedding day. You’ll spend most of it on your feet greeting guests, dancing, and posing for photographs.
If you’re not used to wearing high heels every day, it can be a daunting prospect to spend several hours standing in them on your wedding day.
Ballerina flats are a non-traditional alternative to bridal heels. They look just as chic and feminine, from sparkly bows to bedazzled styles and floral prints. Choose white ballerina flats for a classic look, or go bold with prints.
Linea Paolo Newry Ballet Flat, $119.95 at Nordstrom; Journee Collection Karissa Flat, $49.99 at Zappos; Jimmy Choo Ade Flat Ballerina Pumps, $850 at Farfetch; J. Renee Vesey Flat, $109.95 at Zappos
More brides are choosing to follow the trend of a ceremony and wedding dress but doing the same with their shoes. Swap your heels out for ballerina flats to stay stylish but comfortable while partying with your family and friends.
3. Platform Heels
A simple stiletto heel is a traditional choice for brides. A platform heel is an alternative wedding shoe gaining popularity with modern brides.
Vivetta Patent-Leather Platform Pump, $636 at Farfetch; Steve Madden Kassiani Platform Sandal, $99.95 at Nordstrom; Schutz Aileen Platform Sandals, $168 at Zappos; Mach & Mach Silver Triple Heart Platform Pump, $857 at Matches Fashion
Platform heels can be easier to walk in and boost your height if you’re significantly shorter than your partner. You’ll likely want to take these shoes along with you when trying on dresses.
The additional height may leave the shoes peeking out from under your dress, and you might want to tailor the hem accordingly.
4. Whimsical Shoes
Brands like Sophia Webster, Kate Spade, and Irregular Choice have paved the way for the trend of whimsical bridal shoes. These shoes tell a story, incorporating fairytale elements and ‘out of the box’ silhouettes.
Sophia Webster Wifey for Lifey Pumps, $700 at Sophia Webster; AGL Plume Floral-Embroidered Jute Platform Sandals, $525 at Nordstrom; Rene Caovilla Butterflies Crystal-Embellished Sandals, $1,770 at Mytheresa; Dolce & Gabbana Floral Sandals, $2,495 at Farfetch
These quirky shoes are perfect for showing off with a short dress or peeking out as a surprise under a full-length gown.
Sophia Webster’s ‘Wifey for Lifey’ collection is a best-seller with multiple silhouettes and a matching clutch bag to complete your look.
5. Booties
These boots were made for walking up the aisle! If you’re having a fall or winter wedding, don’t dismiss the option of bridal booties.
If you’re looking for a chic, low-key option or want to show off your signature style with boots, these shoes are perfect for your wedding day.
You’ll find booties as low-key or as statement focus as you want. Rhinestones, flowers, satin, feathers – you’ll find everything with these shoes!
Dolce and Gabbana Floral-Print Ankle Boots, $565 at Farfetch; Steve Madden Valentia Bootie; Simkhai Crystal-Embellished Boot, $795 at Farfetch; Christian Louboutin Constella Crystal Mesh Boot, $1,695 at Matches Fashion
Some of our favorite booties for a non-traditional bride include the ‘Valentia Bootie’ from Steve Madden and the ‘Party Favour’ western boots from Free People.
6. Sneakers
Sneakers are becoming one of the most popular options for alternative wedding shoes. The rise of designer sneakers has led brides to swap out their heels for a more casual option post-ceremony.
Your sneakers can take you from walking up to the aisle to jetting away on your honeymoon!
Le Silla Lace-Embroidered Leather Sneakers, $643 at Farfetch; Chloe Lauren Lace Sneakers, $595 at Mytheresa; Giuseppe Zanotti Eco-Blabber Glitter Sneakers, $595 at Farfetch; Christian Dior Walk’N’Dior
Look out for sneakers that squeak as this can occasionally happen with sequin shoes and may become annoying if you intend to wear sneakers during your ceremony.
The ‘Trista’ sneaker by Kate Spade is one of the most iconic types of sneakers for brides and features a glittered textile in various color options. Check out Dior’s ‘Walk’N’Dior’ sneaker for a luxury bridal sneaker option.
7. Feather Shoes
Add a touch of burlesque glamour to your bridal look with feather shoes. It’s an easy way to add a twist to a simple gown without weighing you down.
These shoes work with any type of bridal outfit, whether you’re wearing a jumpsuit, cocktail dress, or traditional gown.
Saint Laurent Mae Feather-Trimmed Slingback Sandals, $1,190 at Mytheresa; Aquazzura Concerto Feather-Trimmed Sandals, 626 at Mytheresa; Pucci Feather Sandal, $518 at Farfetch; Jeffrey Campbell Caprica Mule, $160 at Revolve
You’ll find feather shoes in every silhouette, from boots to stilettoes and flats. Make the ‘Caprica Mule’ by Jeffrey Campbell your something blue with a feather touch.
8. Rain boots
Hear us out. Are you having a countryside wedding? Consider rain boots. These alternative wedding shoes are a must-have if you plan on photographing outdoors or trekking across a country estate during your reception.
Amina Muaddi Rain Leather Boots, $953 at Mytheresa; Chloe Betty Shearling Rain Boot, $675 at Farfetch; Hunter Original Play Boot Short Nebula, $115 at Zappos; Hunter Original Tall Boots, $174.95 at Zappos
Hunter – the iconic rain boot brand – offers a short iridescent style for their ‘Nebula’ booties that are the perfect option for the countryside bride.
You’ll also find the brand’s original tall Wellington boot available in an array of colors, including seasonal options, for the bride who wants to make a statement.
9. Couples’ Loafers
Are you a couple that loves to twin with each other? Consider wearing couples’ loafers!
Brands like Gucci have made loafers one of the chicest alternatives to sneakers. This unisex style means that the bridal couple can wear matching shoes.
Roger Vivier Leather Loafers, $995 at Mytheresa; Tod’s Leather Chain-Link Loafer, $895 at Farfetch; Gucci Horsebit Loafers, $920 at Mytheresa; Sam Edelman Loraine Loafer, $149.95 at Zappos
The Gucci ‘Blonde’ shoes are a timeless style that will work for any wedding, whether it’s a summer beach wedding or a snow-covered reception in winter.
10. Mules
Want heels but need a little extra comfort? Try a pair of bridal mules. These backless shoes can be less irritating than normal heels and have a slip-on design for easy wear.
Emmy London’s ‘Colette Crystal’ mules are ballet-inspired mule shoes for the bride who is pulling out all the stops.
Gia Borghini x Pernille Teisbaek Pernie Sandals, $395 at Mytheresa; Amina Muaddi Gilda Crystal Mules, $1,104 at Farfetch; Emmy London Colette Crystal Mule, $795 at Emmy London; Christian Louboutin Degramule PVC and Leather Mule, $1,195 at Matches Fashion
Have your own Cinderella moment with these alternative wedding shoes for the modern bride.