October is the most popular month to get married, according to The Knot, so chances are you've gota lot of wedding invitations crowding your fridge. Translation? It's party time—and time to prepare your feet for spending hours on the dance floor.
Sure, you could kick your shoes off at a more casual wedding, but you'll score major style (and safety) points if you have a solid pair of heels, sandals, or flats that are just as comfortable as they are chic—whether you're the bride or a guest. Aesthetic podiatrist Dr. Suzanne Levine, DPM, says that when purchasing a comfortable shoe, the first thing to look for is something with breathable material that conforms to the foot and won’t create skin irritation.
But since every type of foot is different, you'll want to find a shoe that caters to your needs. Whether you have arthritis, plantar fasciitis, bunions, or all the above, see below for the 19 best stylish, comfortable wedding shoes in 2022, according to podiatrists.
Levine loves a low, chunky heel with straps, and the crystal embedded detail on these sandals make them a total knockout, whether you're a bride or guest. Dozens of five-star reviewers love them.
Yes, this is another pick from Vionic, but nearly every podiatrist I asked was a huge fan of the brand, and so am I. One of my favorite picks on this list because of the sexy, strappy look, it's also made with a deep heel cup to make sure your feet are fully supported and won't move around too much. I also love the nude shade it comes in.
3
Best Comfortable Wedding Sandals For Plantar Fasciitis
Skechers Cali Tea Wedge Sandal
3
Best Comfortable Wedding Sandals For Plantar Fasciitis
I've had these sandals for years and they're so comfy that I feel like they shouldn't actually be as stylish as they are. I swear they're more comfy than some of my house slippers, and they're also approved by Oldani for those of you with plantar fasciitis because they have both arch support and a cushioned heel for shock absorption.
The bed is completely made with memory foam, the straps are stretchy, and they look great with everything from evening gowns to jeans.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
4
Most Comfortable Wedding Shoes For Shock Absorption
NAOT Progress Heel
4
Most Comfortable Wedding Shoes For Shock Absorption
"Naot as a brand produces high-quality handmade shoes and sandals," says Oldani. "They're all designed to provide support through the arch and shock absorption across the ball of the foot. This can be helpful in women dealing with issues such as plantar fasciitis and neuromas, which can be significantly worsened by wearing traditional heels and shoes."
Plus, you may not fully be able to tell through pictures, but the sandals have a really elegant velvet finish.
Heels haters, rejoice! Even though these are flat, they feature Odani-approved padded arch support. "This is a good choice if you're looking for something other than a sandal," he says. "These come in wide sizes as well, ideal for those dealing with bunions."
It's a wedge! It's a flat! It's...both! Dream Paris' mid-wedge shoe offers all the support of a small wedge shoe with the comfort of a flat, all wrapped in a glittering metallic exterior. Levine is a huge fan of short wedges like this for those of you with high arches—she warns that wearing flats can lead to plantar fasciitis.
Note: If you're in between sizes, reviewers say you'll want to size up.
I'm a personal fan of Vionic and their podiatrist-designed shoes, so it's no surprise that Splichal is also a fan of the brand. Sure, they make comfy AF sneakers, but their heels are almost just as comfortable, and these sandals are the proof. Plus, the cream-colored version is perfect if you're the bride! (If not, no worries—there's a chic black and beige version just calling your name!)
The narrow fit, so most people will want to opt for the wide
Of course, it's always important to have shoes that fit well, but Oldani stresses that the right fit is extremely important if you're prone to calluses. He also says that you'll want to make sure to find a shoe with a wide toe box, because that'll put less pressure on the toes.
These sandals from LifeStride not only have a wide toe box, but the strap across the foot is stretchy to support movement—a great bonus if you have wider feet.
People are obsessed with these shoes, and with good reason. Not only are they super stylish, Levine recommends them because they have a softer material that makes for less rubbing and blisters.
Yes, they're pricey, but if you can afford these sandals, you'll happily dance in them all night long. You may not get the exact same quality in this Amazon dupe version, but dozens of reviewers seem to like them, anyway.
Another great bridal option, these sandals look way pricier than they actually are. Levine recommends a shoe like this one that has a little bit of a heel for those of you with heel pain, because it'll provide shock absorption.
RSVPd to a beach or garden wedding? You'll find a cute pair of waterproof wedges handy, and these are particularly stylish, too. Splichal is a personal fan of Aetrex as a brand—these shoes in particular are great for providing arch support.
Levine loves a chunky mid-sized heel like these. Plus, the square toe provides roominess, and the insoles are cushioned with memory foam. Pssst—they're available in white for a casual bridal look, too.
The twist detail on these sandals is super stylish, but it's also specifically designed by Rebecca Allen to be breathable and comfortable. Yes, this is one of the pricier options on this list. But, the Levine-approved mid-sized heel, Oldani-approved wide toe box, and neutral color offerings mean you could just as stylishly and comfortably pair them with jeans as you could with your ball gown at your bougie friend's nuptials.
The stylish straps on these shoes look really great, but they're also fully functional, too. Specifically designed to provide support to the foot so it won't move around too much, Levine recommends a resilient shoe like this one to people with flat feet or low arches because it has a low heel and cushioned footbed to provide unmoving support from ankle to toe.
Those with larger ankles say the strap isn't big enough
Hey, athlete's foot happens! Whether you are prone to getting it or just have a particularly humid wedding coming up, Levine recommends a fully leather shoe like Naturalizer's 100-percent leather sandals because the fabric is more breathable.
"Fungus loves humidity," she says. "So, you'll want to opt for fine leathers and avoid synthetic materials."
Steve Madden's Slinky Wedge Sandals feature the platform style that Levine loves along with a stretchy upper that Splichal is a fan of (and a style that I personally love). Basically, that means they provide trendy support without being restrictive—the last thing you need while you're dancing to "Single Ladies".
Flexible footbed that contours to the shape of your foot
Lightweight
Cons
Most color options are summery
Not available in wide sizes
Splichal notes that a narrow toe box can be one of the biggest culprits of an uncomfortable shoe, so if you're specifically prone to toe pain or cramping, you'll love this breathable, lightweight option from Anne Klein. The minimalist look is super trendy, too.
You may think high heels would be something a doctor would tell you to run away from, but Levine says she actually loves Michael Kors' platform shoes. She recommends them if you want height with comfort—yes, you can have it all!
According to Oldani, heel pain that's not plantar fasciitis is commonly called a 'pump bump' because it's exacerbated when wearing high heels. "In addition to a shoe with a heel of less than two inches, look for something without a back to avoid direct pressure to the pump bump," he says.
This option from Steve Madden ticks all of Oldani's boxes—a perfectly stylish and trendy option that's comfortable, too.
Short answer: Comfort means different things for different people. "Comfort is subjective, so what is comfortable to one person may not be comfortable to the next," says functional podiatrist Dr. Emily Splichal, DPM. But, she says that those of you with flat feet, high arches, plantar fasciitis, or Achilles tendinitis may find flat shoes to be uncomfortable. So, you'll want to opt for something with a bit of a heel, especially for a wedding at which you may be wearing the shoes from a morning ceremony till a late night reception.
Jacqueline Tempera is an award-winning writer and reporter living in New Jersey with her many pets. She is a business owner and a double Scorpio who loves all things astrology and reality television. She is passionate about body diversity and representation, mental health, and the fight to end sexual assault and harassment. To learn more about Jackie, follow her on Instagram @jacktemp or visit her website at jackietempera.com.
Neha Tandon is the senior commerce editor of Women's Health—she's an expert in discovering the best products and services you can buy and giving recommendations. She discovered her love for magazines when as a teen, she started stealing her mother's magazines. Determined to see more women who look like her and her family members on the glossy covers of magazines, she was guided by seasoned editors and mentors to write for brands including New York Magazine, Cosmopolitan, BRIDES, Harper's Bazaar, Business Insider, Byrdie, and Well+Good. When she’s not grilling dermatologists about the latest skincare trends, she’s doing candlelit yoga or watching Humphrey Bogart movies over vegan pizza. Follow her on Instagram.