Shopping
The 16 Best Shoes For Outdoor Weddings
Wedding szn is upon us.
Wedding attire is always fraught with extra considerations, and that is especially true of outdoor weddings where weather and terrain factor into your wardrobe decisions. From casual to cocktail and beachy to black tie, the best shoes for outdoor weddings are festive pairs that match the happy event’s dress code and are easy to walk in whether you’re facing down grass or gravel. The stilettos, unfortunately, should probably stay home — if you want a heel, opt for a block or wedge that offers more stability. (But, if you just can’t help yourself, there’s a brilliant product below that will let you wear your heels without fear of sinking in).
A casual wedding shoe can be something you’d wear for nicer occasions during the day: If it dresses up denim but still looks chic with a dress, you’re on the right track. Try embellished flat sandals, a very low, minimalist block heel, or espadrille wedges in natural rope. There are also rhinestone flat sandals that start to veer into cocktail territory — here you’ll find the most room to run with trends (think clear acrylic heels and chunky braided sandals). For black-tie, though, nothing beats designer styles, which are available in a spectrum of affordability in glowing satin and chandelier-cut crystal.
Whether you’re the bride, part of the wedding party, or attending as a guest, here are 12 gorgeous shoes to wear for the outdoor wedding on your calendar.
1Block Heels That Are So Comfortable
These block heels are sturdy and won’t sink in to grass out outdoor venues. The comfortable straps keep them secure on your feet even if you are dancing for hours, and the 2.5-inch heel height is a great middle ground that won’t hurt your feet throughout the wedding. One fan says, “I tried these for a long event and my feet felt great even after hours of wear. The straps are the perfect width, and ditto for the heel height.”
- Available colors: 4
- Available sizes: 5 - 11
2Some Beautiful Flat Embellished Sandals
In pearl cabochons and icy rock crystal, these dressy flat sandals are jewelry for your feet. Soft faux leather straps underneath keep delicate skin protected from the finery, while the sole is lined with rubber for light, waterproof traction. No, they don’t have a ton of padding, but they’re as flat as can be and keep you steady on sand, grass, and gravel in breathtaking style. Plus, you’ll get so much use out of them through the summer.
According to one reviewer: “I ordered these to attend a beach wedding. The sizing is accurate and the shoes are beautiful! I got many compliments on them.”
- Available colors: 11
- Available sizes: 5.5 — 11.5
3These Minimalist Block Heels You Can Wear With Everything
Pared-down yet party-friendly, these casual heeled sandals are a polished and versatile shoe that could get you through an entire wedding weekend if necessary. The two whisper-thin straps and low block heel scream ‘90s chic while still being totally equipped to handle outdoor terrain with grace. The faux leather has smooth edges to stave off hot spots, and a full 5 millimeters of memory foam pads their footbeds so you can dance all night.
According to one reviewer: “This shoe is so comfortable and versatile! I've worn them to 3 weddings this year and didn't even take them off to dance. Very satisfied”
- Available colors: 3
- Available sizes: 5 — 13
4Some High-Fashion Braided Sandals That Are So On-Trend
Chunky braids, square toes, and sculpted block heels — this fashion girl sandal is a stylish option across the board. The soft faux leather braids look super luxe and are gentle on skin, and there’s a similar lining across the footbed. Their wooden block heels clock in at about 3.5 inches, and a rubber sole means they can handle a little grass and dew.
According to one reviewer: “These are the best dupe I’ve seen of the Dolce Vita shoe! Totally true to size and comfy. I wore these all day and night at a wedding with no issues. I shared the link to these with like 4 girls at the wedding asking where I got them. Such a good buy.”
- Available colors: 13
- Available sizes: 5 — 11
5Some Luxe Slides With Vegan Leather Bows
These pretty slide sandals embody casual glamour. You might buy them for a wedding, but you’ll wear them to brunch in a few weeks. This luxe mule is slightly cushioned and runs narrow according to shoppers so you might want to size up! Choose from a selection of bright and bubbly colors such as mint, blue, lavender, and yellow, or go with a classic white or black.
According to one reviewer: “So adorable! I brought them for my trip to Cabo and I received so many compliments!!”
- Available colors: 8
- Available sizes: 5 — 11
6A Drop-Dead Gorgeous Designer Sandal That’s Outdoor-Friendly
— Also available on Nordstrom, $235
If you’re investing in an heirloom pair for your special day, Badgley Mischka’s Everafter bridal shoes are a beautiful yet practical option. This fairy tale of a shoe is made from luxe leather topped in satin for a black-tie shoe that breaks in easily. A cage strap rhinestone ankle and adjustable satin ribbon tie add to the overall stunning aesthetic. Their high block heel is just under 4 inches and it’s capped with a nonslip base for sturdy footing all through the ceremony. The designer’s Feather wedge is just as ethereal, but you might also want to consider Betsey Johnson’s low block heeled sandals as a more budget-friendly alternative.
According to one reviewer: “Bought for my wedding and I’m obsessed. Nude is the perfect champagne color. I love everything about them.”
- Available colors: 2
- Available sizes: 5 — 11
7A Chic Block Heeled Sandal That Comes In So Many Colors
These dressy sandals turn it up a notch with a high heel and several bright colorways. The 4-inch heel is definitely party height but the wide base makes them a lot more manageable than stilettos. A bit of padding in the footbed helps here, and the adjustable ankle strap keeps your foot securely seated at the top of the shoe so they’re steady underfoot all night.
According to one reviewer: “The heels were perfect for the wedding. I was able to wear them all day without an issue. We even ended up walking through the woods with them haha. I would highly recommend these shoes!”
- Available colors: 16
- Available sizes: 5 — 11
8An Espadrille Wedge With A Breezy Bow
For peak summer style, it’s hard to beat the French girl espadrille. It’s a casual wedge with lots of charm wrapped in a natural braided rope and ballet-inspired ankle ties. A thick platform offsets the 3-inch wedge heel, and the wedge base offers a stable standing surface from heel to toe. Their soft woven ties ensure a secure fit (lace them up the calf for a gladiator look) and a covered toe gives you leeway to wear them into early fall if you want.
According to one reviewer: “These shoes fit great and I love them. Wore them for 8 hours at a wedding and only had minimal soreness the next day.”
- Available colors: 16
- Available sizes: 5 — 11
9A Studded Gladiator That’s Casually Luxe
Edgy, chic, and oh-so-comfortable, Steve Madden’s Travel sandal is a budget-friendly alternative to designer pairs. They promise to elevate just about any casual outfit, including laidback wedding attire. Glittering pyramid studs adorn faux leather straps, while an adjustable buckle at the ankle makes them secure while still being easy to slip off at the end of the night. There’s noticeable padding throughout the footbed, and a low half-inch heel gives them a little contoured lift so they feel supportive when you’re on your feet mingling with friends.
According to one reviewer: “I love these! They’re perfect for summer. I can wear them on walks to get ice cream or toss them on to dress up a summer outfit. I’ve already worn them during a wedding reception when it was time to say goodnight to my heels. I recommend going up a half/full size depending on how sandals tend to your feet.”
- Available colors: 20
- Available sizes: 5 — 11
10These Ultra-Trendy Acrylic Heels With Lace-Up Straps
These chic modern sandals blend a timeless gladiator look with strappy shoe laces and an airy clear toe strap. The result? A delicate statement sandal that feels so fresh. A second set of faux suede straps cross over the instep and attach to the shoe at three points for a barely-there look with a fit that’s more secure than you’d expect, while a lightly padded footbed and lower 2.4-inch block heel gives you plenty of lift and cushioning all the way through the reception.
According to one reviewer: “Wore these on my wedding day! They were comfortable and sturdy walking in grass. I also have thick ankles and these were long enough and held up just fine.”
- Available colors: 5
- Available sizes: 5 — 15
11Some Metallic Wedges With Subtle Sparkle
Dazzling but not too flashy for daytime affairs, these metallic wedges were designed with outdoor events in mind with a wedge heel that stands less than 3 inches so it’s eminently walkable. A web of delicate curving straps ensures a foot-hugging fit with an adjustable buckle at the heel so they easily slip off. Their muted metallic tones are festive and great for letting dresses or statement accessories shine.
According to one reviewer: “Wore this as I walked down the aisle at my outdoor wedding. Wedges were a must because of all the gravel and grass, and these looked beautiful.”
- Available colors: 2
- Available sizes: 5 — 11
12Some Peep-Toe Evening Wedges In Luminous Satin
For a truly elegant yet affordable evening shoe, here’s a satin pair that’s slim and curvy on the foot without sacrificing comfort: Look at that nice comfortable wedge. Double crossover straps keep you securely buckled over a 3.5-inch heel, and a rubber sole protects delicate fabric from wet pavement, and they even come with a set of heel cushions. Shop them in sizes 6 through 9.5 as well
According to one reviewer: “Wore the shoes the entire wedding and reception up until the final hour of dancing. They were surprisingly easy to maneuver in while wearing. Wedgeheel made walking in the grass for the outdoor ceremony attainable. Felt nice and secure, didn’t worry about falling over while they weren’t too clunky either.Understated enough to be versatile, and bold enough with the color and nice wrap design to stand out. Would definitely recommend.”
- Available colors: 2
- Available sizes: 6.5 — 11
13These Crystal-Encrusted Stilettos With A Something-Blue Sole
If the wedding is technically outdoors but you know you’ll be on solid surfaces the whole time, spring for a pair of sparkly heels you can wear to every remotely festive occasion. The Betsey Johnson Sage sandal has a sharp pump style with crossover straps and it’s studded with all different sizes of glittering stones for a more organic pavé look. Their Tiffany blue sole is a playful thematic touch and just a fun conversation piece even if you don’t need something blue. Great for date nights, girls’ nights, and other dress-to-kill opportunities.
According to one reviewer: “These are incredibly beautiful! They catch the light for photographs and went perfectly with my dress to complete my look of a Princess Bride. I do recommend inserting a cushion for the balls of your feet.”
- Available colors: 4
- Available sizes: 5 — 12
14A Pair Of Chic Square-Toed Flats With A Quilted Strap
Snug, chic, and right on trend — these open-toe square flats are an easy way to maintain both comfort and elegance at your next outdoor wedding. According to shoppers, these flats are well cushioned and the fit is true to size. They’re offered in nine vibrant colors and with a price tag under $25, it will be hard to not stock up on more than one pair. They may even become your next go-to sandal.
According to one reviewer: “These are so cute & comfy! They’re very classy sandals that can be dressed up or down. They’re very comfortable as well. The bottom of the sandal has a good grip on it so you won’t feel like you’re sliding around. Highly recommend!”
- Available colors: 9
- Available sizes: 5 — 11
15These Chunky Platforms Heels That Will Add On Some Serious Height
Chunky block heels are currently having a moment in fashion right now. Don’t let the height of these platform heels intimidate you! Despite their four-inch heel and elevated peep toe vamp, customers rave about how easy these shoes are to walk in and even bust a few moves on the dance floor. They’re available in 11 colors and styles including a few suede options.
According to one reviewer: “I needed a high heel for a long dress (wedding) and this one was perfect. I danced all night and my feet were never sore. Highly recommend if you need height for a long dress (or other) and will be in the shoe for hours. This is your shoe!”
- Available colors: 11
- Available sizes: 5 — 11
16A Comfortable Pair Of Crochet Ballet Flats For Simple Elegance
If you prefer to slip your feet into a comfortable pair of flats, these crochet ballet flats are a fabulous option. The crochet design offers a breathable lining while the non-slip durable rubber outsole provides support and even a bit of a small heel. Choose from a variety of styles and colors of this shoe whether you’re a guest or the bride.
According to one reviewer: I was really surprised how comfortable these shoes were being flats and really don't have a thick sole, but they were. I stood in them for about 10 hours for my wedding total and they never bothered my feet. They were comfortable, roomy and just the right "true to size" and I just recently has reconstructive foot surgery.
- Available colors: 17
- Available sizes: 6 — 9.5
17Also Nice: These Protective Stiletto Heel Caps For Walking On Grass Without Sinking In
If you want to wear stilettos outside, these protector caps slip over spike heels to create a wider base with extra traction for stable footing on sod. The transparent rubber caps come in multiple pairs of three sizes each to accommodate most standard shoes and the flexible, waterproof material fits easily around virtually every heel shape.
According to one reviewer: “Have only used the smallest ones for my stilettos but worked amazingly. Spent all day at a wedding in a field and lasted in my heels without sinking at all. Took one off and stood up to see what would happen and immediately my heel sank into the ground. Would definitely recommend.”
This article was originally published on