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The wedding dress of your dreams may be the piece you pay the most attention to, but once it’s finally been chosen, the next step is to find an equally occasion-worthy pair of wedding shoes. For brides who aren’t accustomed to sky-high heels or don’t want to worry about achy arches, flat wedding shoes are a wise choice since they’re comfortable and don’t sacrifice style.
“Some of today’s brides may be in flat wedding shoes, but they still want them to be just as chic as if they were wearing high heels,” says Gabrielle Hurwitz, founder of Gabrielle Hurwitz Bridal Styling. “That might mean an interesting silhouette, luxe embellishments, or even a pop of color.”
Thankfully, there’s a whole roster of nuptial-ready styles that are just as elegant as their stiletto counterparts. Alongside established bridal shoe companies, a growing number of designers — both icons like Manolo Blahnik and emerging favorites such as Alaïa — now carry ultra-elegant ballet flats, dressy flat sandals, and even some embellished sneakers suitable for the wedding processional. And for anyone seeking under-$200 wedding flats, a variety of mid-tier favorites like Birdies are getting in on the action, too.
And if that’s not enough to convince you to choose comfortable flats for your wedding day, remember that celebrities like Keira Knightley, Elizabeth Taylor, Amy Schumer, Serena Williams, and Yoko Ono are among some of our favorite brides who wore flats to say ‘I do.’
Keep scrolling to find the 22 stunning pairs of flat bridal shoes that are perfect for your wedding day — and beyond. Plus, keep reading for expert tips, including notes on what to consider when shopping for a pair.
Best Classic Wedding Ballet Flats
You can’t go wrong with a timeless white flat like Sarah Flint’s Natalie. Courtesy of the Italian-made brand worn by everyone from Amal Clooney to Meghan Markle, the style offers a low vamp and asymmetrical bow detail for a slightly modern twist — plus, three millimeters of padding to cushion your steps. The style is available in smooth leather and suede finishes, but if you want to add more texture to your look, go for a gunmetal lamé or lacy version. “Sarah Flint’s signature ballet flat gets the bridal update in a beautiful lace without sacrificing any of the features that make it great, like a rubber bottom to minimize slipping and extra padding for increased comfort,” Hurwitz says.
What reviewers say: “Coco Chanel is widely attributed with the quote “before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off.” This lovely shoe epitomizes that philosophy to me: it’s noticeable without being showy, it’s both restrained and “new.” And, bonus, it’s really comfortable to wear. I own two pair so far…pretty sure there will be others in my
Best Embellished Flat Wedding Sandals
Designer Badgley Mischka’s more affordable line, Jewel, makes some of the best bridal flats and heels on the market that won’t cost you a fortune. Topping out at $102, this style offers an elevated take on the classic flat ankle strap sandal done in a metallic synthetic finish with crystal embellishments at the toe. Complete with a lightly padded footbed and adjustable buckle detail, these wedding flats are beloved by customers for their lasting comfort. As one shopper says: “This was just what I needed. I used these as my flat options for my wedding reception. I was able to dance all night long without my feet hurting!” Pick your pair in silver, navy or champagne to match your shoes to the theme of the after-party (aka flowing bubbly).
Best Dressy Slingback Bridal Flats
From the designer who specializes in bold, whimsical fashion, these Betsey Johnson flats are striking yet elegant. The shoe’s satin upper is decked out in pearl and crystal accents that will offer some major bling when peeking out from underneath your dress or jumpsuit. Plus, the padded footbed adds plushness, and an elasticized slingback strap helps comfortably keep feet locked in place. The ornate style is available in classic colors like ivory but also comes in bolder options like this rich navy blue if you’re looking to switch things up.
Best Summer Wedding Flats
For a playful touch to your white or ivory-colored wedding gown, these jelly thong sandals from classic brand Stuart Weitzman are not to be missed. A pearl-adorned T-strap vamp set atop a rubber sole gives these a high-glam feel, while a roomy square toe and adjustable ankle strap help keep feet comfortable. Bonus: These are also perfect for dressing up casual outfits on the weekends and while on vacation.
What reviewers say: “Great, comfortable sandals that go with everything. The Pearl accent gives them a very feminine touch. They run true to size. I would recommend them.”
Best Budget Flat Bridal Sandals
Dress shoe brand Nina has been crafting comfortable, chic, and wallet-friendly bridal shoes for decades and continues to churn out a range of traditional to contemporary silhouettes for every type of bride. This sleek suede sandal offers just enough bling for those who want a dose of sparkle but nothing too glitzy. And not only are the front straps eye-catching, but they also help keep feet secure, as this style is backless. Additionally, a super low heel makes these easy to wear during every part of your big day. “Fun and comfortable shoe,” writes one reviewer. “I can dress it up or down; great buy.”
Best Gold Flat Bridal Sandals
Emme Parsons is an Italian footwear brand tackling the women’s shoe market with timeless sandals and a less-is-more approach. The Hope Sandals speak to everything the brand is known for with their supple calfskin leather composition, minimal square toe, sleek strap design, and exposed ankle. These also feature a padded insole, making each step as comfortable as the next. Sport them the day before your wedding day with a breezy white dress and your hair slicked back.
If your big day is set for an elaborate ballroom or a private chateau in France, consider Jimmy Choo’s Metallic Love Flat. These stay true to the brand’s aesthetic with their glamorous and playfully daring spirit. They feature shimmering metallic silver fabric with an ivory tulle overlay, a dramatic point toe, and a cut that rests higher on the foot than a typical ballet flat.
Best Custom Wedding Flats
Known for its super wearable flats and loafers, cult-favorite luxury shoe brand Margaux offers custom-made, comfortable bridal flats that are sure to wow. The label allows you to customize two of its best-selling ballet flats (a pointed toe and rounded toe style) in a variety of aisle-ready finishes, including metallic leather, satins in soft pastels, and ivory-colored lace. You can also choose between three insole colors and personalize your look with the date of your wedding or initials. Each pair is handmade in Spain with fine materials sourced from Italy and comes in inclusive sizing, from three to 14. Plus, these dainty flats are even available in narrow to wide-width options to suit your specific foot shape. Keep in mind these will ship to you within 12 weeks, so make sure not to wait until the last minute to order them.
What reviewers say: “I bought these flats to wear as my ‘something blue’ in my wedding, and they are gorgeous. The blue color is beautiful, and the flats fit true-to-size. They are very comfortable, and I have no concerns about wearing them for my entire wedding day. I added our wedding date on the bottom, and it is the perfect touch.”
Best Fringe Bridal Flats
Even if you’re not the boho type of bride, these Lulus fringe sandals are still sophisticated for many types of ceremonies. They’re done in all-over sleek satin with an almond toe and two tiers of wispy fringe on the upper. And priced at just $24, they’re also a perfect option if you’re looking for some cute, wallet-friendly bridal slides that you can sport from getting ready to walking down the aisle and busting a move on the dance floor.
Best Ankle Wrap Bridal Flats
“Perfect for a beach wedding, these strappy Brother Vellies sandals are effortlessly cool,” Hurwitz says. “And the best part? You can absolutely wear them again after your big day.” Like the rest of the brand’s offerings, these wedding flats are handmade by artisans around the globe using traditional African design techniques, meaning you’ll get a pair that’s totally unique and supports equitable work practices, too. The luxe, minimalist style offers boho vibes with its strappy ankle ties and gets a modern touch via croc-embossed leather details on the sole. Wear them to say “I do” and with breezy dresses and jeans all summer long.
Best Wedding Sneakers for Brides
Instead of opting for ballet flats or strappy sandals, more casual brides may go the wedding sneaker route. This pretty pair from the experts at Alexandre Birman is made for every part of your big day — and beyond. Birman drew from his Brazilian roots to create the flirty and fun silhouette that features the label’s signature bow, front and center. Plus, these are made in Italy with hand-crafted leather and have a flat rubber sole for a luxurious shoe that’s equally as stylish as it is comfortable.
It’s easy to incorporate the every-poplar ugly sandal trend into your wedding day wardrobe with a glitzy take on the silhouette. This version from storied French luxury shoe brand Roger Vivier certainly hits the mark with its smooth calf leather upper and signature buckle details done with crystal accents. It’s also complete with a recessed footbed and toothed outsole for even comfort and stability, especially when walking on any slick surfaces.
What reviewers say: “I had been eyeing this RV sandal for months. I was hesitant at first cause I wasn’t familiar but the sandals are beautiful and the quality is spectacular. I can’t wait to buy more:)”
It-girl-favorite brand Alaïa has been slaying the game lately — especially when it comes to dressing Rihanna. Its Confettis Sandals suggest why RiRi is always donning something from the brand. These lust-worthy flats are decorated with handmade patent leather confetti and shaped with open toes and flat soles. While these beautiful wedding flats are definitely some of the most expensive shoes on our list, we guarantee you’ll be super proud to own them and wear them out for other special occasions.
“For the bride who wants her classic Carrie Bradshaw moment but doesn’t want to be teetering on stilettos all night, these are a fabulous flat wedding shoe option, Hurwitz says, adding that “the range of colors allows you to tie in your wedding design if you’re feeling a little adventurous.” A flat take on the Sex and the City character’s iconic wedding shoes, the made-in-Italy silhouette includes a recognizable blue satin upper, jewel detail and pointed toe. For additional wearability, these have a smooth leather lining and padded insole.
Also Consider Best Budget Bridal Sandals
Another great affordable sandal option comes courtesy of the popular Amazon-owned label Dream Pairs. Backed by over 3,500 four and five star reviews, the strappy silhouette is available in both smooth Pu leather and rhinestone-embellished versions in various neutral, metallic and jewel tones to suit any bridal style. Four thin straps at the ankle help keep feet locked in while a zipper at the heel allows for easy on and off. And, they’re finished with a super slight wedge heel and cushioned latex insole for extra supported steps.
Best Bridal Flip-Flops
While there are a growing number of supportive flip-flops on the market these days, finding a stylish, dressy flip-flop that won’t kill your arches can feel like an almost impossible feat. But thankfully, Bernardo makes the perfect wedding flats for your beach wedding, tropical getaways and even everyday outings when you feel like getting a little fancy. The silhouette features a faux-leather, pearl-embellished upper and full-length padded footbed. We love that the look offers dimension, too, with its double front straps and a row of pearls in different sizes.
What reviewers say: “I have lots of issues like high arches and plantar fasciitis — wore them all day and they seemed good!!”
Most Comfortable Bridal Flats
Ultimate comfort meets opulence in Birdies’ The Swan. These editor-approved women’s slippers from the celebrity-loved shoe brand give us major Great Gatsby vibes with their all-over glitter finish and contrasting crystal accents formed into the prettiest brooch-like design. (For something a little less blingy, you can also try the Swan featuring a velvet upper and bracelet-like strap across the vamp.) Underfoot, you get the brand’s silky, quilted footbed and seven layers of cushioning that make it feels as if you’re walking on clouds.
What reviewers say: “I love love love these beautiful super-comfortable flat mules!! I have the Swan in literally 20 plus styles. Hands down my favorite shoes. So well made, affordable & versatile.”
Having a hard time deciding on exactly what style of bridal flats to choose? This stunning white option from wedding shoe brand Bella Belle offers a few eye-catching designs in one look. The pointed-toe, low vamp style features a decorative T-strap hand-strung with pearls and crystal rings and silky satin ankle ties for a lovely mixed media effect. The ties are also ideal, as they offer extra security without the rubbing or chafing that can come with stiff leather alternatives. And like all the brand’s pairs, these feature extra layers of padding underfoot, too.
What reviewers say: “So so so beautiful and comfortable shoes! I choose the for my wedding and have been dancing all night. They still look perfect!”
Brides who crave understated glamour and appreciate supporting small businesses should turn to Titi Adesa for beautiful investment pieces. Founded in 2019, the luxury footwear label and 2021 winner of Dídì Slide, a sleek pointed-toe mule featuring a partial PVC upper and dainty braided details. For both comfort and style, it also has an under one-inch heel and signature lavender-colored genuine leather insole. Although it comes in eye-catching fuchsia suede and ribbed chartreuse satin, we think the ivory leather and glittering rose gold versions are perfect for weddings. The site suggests these styles run up to a full-size big, so make sure to order down.
To top it all off, the brand provides young, aspiring female designers in under-served African communities with resources like educational sponsorship and mentorship — making any purchase from the brand a truly feel-good buy.
Best Bridal Slippers
If you decided take the plunge on those lofty heels for the ceremony, you’ll probably want to wear something else while getting ready and during the after-party. Instead of going barefoot or opting for some run-of-the-mill flip-flop sandals, try these cute slippers from Olivia Von Halle. Perfect for the woman with bold style, the pair falls right in line with current bridal footwear trends, featuring a plume of billowing feathers on the upper. These also have a sleek yet wearable pointed toe and recycled PU heel. Show them off in all their glory with a short reception dress and pack them in your suitcase to pair with your favorite silk pajamas when hanging in your hotel room on your honeymoon.
Best Blue Bridal Flats
The tradition of brides wearing something blue on their wedding day comes from the 19th-century Old English rhyme: “Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, a sixpence in your shoe.” It has since become a tradition that represents purity, love, and fidelity. So if you’re looking for a pair of blue bridal shoes, Loeffler Randall has the pair for you. The Daphne slide is a take on the wedding-favorite Camellia shoe with the organza upper fabric, signature knotted bow and padded footbed, but now with a lower profile. Even after your wedding day, this comfortable and stylish pair will quickly become your go-to summer sandal.
Malone Soulier is an eponymous line of luxury footwear that has been quietly preferred by celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow, Kylie Jenner, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus. Its Bella Crystal-Embellished Grosgrain Point-Toe Flats are produced in Italy under a steady, trendless aesthetic. They feature a curved profile with a slim crystal strap along the arch of the foot and a 10mm heel. Because the designer and founder Mary Alice Malone has a history in outdoor sports and an appreciation for the functional requirements of footwear, her shoes are also known for their excellent comfort over long periods of wear.
Sam Peters is the senior style commerce editor at Fairchild Media Group (FMG). She previously oversaw Footwear News’ shopping vertical for three years, where she became an expert on the latest footwear trends and innovations by testing and reviewing shoes in a wide range of categories — from athletic to streetwear styles. Prior to her role at FMG, she has written about wedding trends, including bridal fashion, for Bridal Guide.
Nikki Chwatt is the Style Commerce Editor for Fairchild Media Group, where she writes and edits shopping stories for Footwear News and WWD. Prior to her current role, she wrote countless buyer’s guides, trend stories, and reviews on fashion and beauty products, including shoe-focused stories for women. Chwatt wrote the updated version of this wedding flats story for 2023 featuring the best bridal flat with trend information, new products, and additional expert information to help you find your perfect wedding shoe.
Gabrielle Hurwitz is the founder of Gabrielle Hurwitz Bridal Styling, where she dresses clients in some of the best wedding flats. She was previously the h
Carrie Goldberg is the founder and creative director CLG Creative, a creative consulting agency and luxury styling firm with a focus on everyday and bridal fashion. She was formerly the weddings and travel director at HarpersBAZAAR.com, where she oversaw the site’s Bride channel and travel and dining content and styled fashion and bridal editorials for BAZAAR.com.
Dr. Najwa Javed is a Silicon-Valley based podiatrist and founder of E’mar Italy, a luxury heels brand focused on creating wearable elevated styles. Her shoes all feature a patent-pending inlay that uses biomechanically-designed arch inclines to redistribute pressure, and many are designed to be comfortable wedding or everyday heels.
