With the exception of your jewellery, and maybe a veil if you're wearing one, your wedding shoes will most likely be the standout accessory in your bridal trousseau. But with so many designs out there, how to choose the perfect pair?
Comfort is crucial, especially if you plan to wear the same shoes from the ‘I dos’ to the dance floor. A regular heel-wearer? You’ll be spoiled for choice with the number of statement stiletto styles on offer. But if you’re not used to wearing heels, you may want to look to block heel designs, and there are some stunning wedding-worthy ones of those out there too.
Whether you dare to wear a contrasting colour or opt to keep things traditional in white or ivory, our edit has something to suit.
From high street to high end, here are the best bridal shoes to walk down the aisle in.
Jimmy Choo ARI
Best for: marrying Prince Charming
Inspired by the world-famous fairy tale, Jimmy Choo’s Swarovski encrusted pumps brings Cinderella’s glass slippers to life. The shoe is a work of art; each crystal has been painstakingly hot-fixed on and there’s a hand-embroidered crystal cluster on the toe that looks like sculpted pieces of glass. The pumps also feature the label’s classic pointy toes and a spiked heel measuring 4.3 inches.
If you’re not comfortable in heels this high, the good news is that Jimmy Choo’s Cinderella range includes designs of all heights, with ARI at the tallest through to kitten-heeled ALLURE (2 inches) and even ATTILA flats. Who needs a fairy godmother when you can say "I do" in Choo?
£2,995 | Jimmy Choo | Buy it now
Christian Louboutin Aimantaclou Nappa Shiny
Best for: Parisienne glamour
Bring a little Gallic edge to your bridal ensemble in a pair of white and gold studded pumps from France’s most revered footwear designer, Christian Louboutin.
A new incarnation of the iconic Pigalle Follies stiletto, the Aimantaclou features a pointy toe as well as the low décolleté and those red lacquered soles that the label is famous for. Made with soft yet long-lasting Nappa leather, they stand at 85mm high.
£865 | Christian Louboutin | Buy it now
Alameda Turquesa Silver Paloma Flats
Best for: destination or beach weddings
The idea that flat shoes can't be fancy goes out the window when you visit Alameda Turquesa. Founded by a mother and daughter team, the brand evolved from pom pom bracelets to pom poms and tassels on the shoes. The result? Seriously envy-inducing heels, sandals and flats for a whimsical walk down the aisle.
We've fallen head-first for the silver metallic flats, given the Alameda Turquesa treatment with a statement band of baubles, pom poms and tassels over the foot. We'd see this at an intimate destination wedding where they would fit in with the laid back, easy going vibe.
£276.17 | Alameda Turquesa | Buy it now
Emmy London Bluebell
Best for: honouring old traditions
Looking to nail that old tradition of ‘something blue’? Look no further than Emmy London’s open-toed Bluebell design. Made with soft kid suede and metallic silver calf leather, they’re finished with mirrored glass, aquamarine-coloured Swarovski crystals and bugle beads.
There’s no need to worry about anything snagging the hem of your beloved gown, either. The brand lacquers over the detailing to minimise the chances of it catching on delicate fabrics. Featuring cross t-bar straps with double buckle crystal buckles, these stand at 3.7 inches in height.
£745 | Emmy London | Buy it now
Valentino Garavani Leather Rockstud Pumps 100
Best for: rocking the aisle
No rule states brides must opt for delicately dainty ensembles. If you want to toughen up your Big Day look, without straying too far from traditional white, this pair of Rockstud pumps will help you do it in style. Made in Italy, the Valentino heels feature those instantly-recognisable straps and pyramid studs as well as pointed toes and stiletto heels. We see this paired with short dresses as well as longer gowns.
£745 | Harrods | Buy it now
Sophia Webster Wifey for Lifey
Best for: photo opps
Delighting the fashion set with dreamy, whimsical designs since 2012, Sophia Webster shoes are another favourite for brides with their finger on the fashion pulse. The statement ‘Wifey for Lifey’ will add a dash of humour to your great day look, and the sentiment is repeated on the sole in shiny foil lettering.
Made with satin and calf leather, these shoes are a snug fit, so it’s advisable to buy them half size up from your regular - and be sure to wear them in before you tie the knot. Heel height stands at nearly 4 inches.
£495 | Sophia Webster | Buy it now
Malone Souliers Maureen Satin Mules
Best for: the modern bride
Made in Italy, and with a heel height of 4 inches, Malone Souller's pale pink slip-on mules offer a lovely alternative to an all-white shoe.
They're distinctive, thanks to its signature sloping silhouette and backless heel. Metallic straps will ensure the design stays securely on your foot all throughout your celebrations, and perhaps best of all, the soft blush tones means the shoes will be easy to pair with other outfits in your wardrobe after you're married. We're nothing if not fans of cost-per-wear.
£475 | Selfridges | Buy it now
M&S Collection Stiletto Heel Mesh Spot Court Shoes
Best for: bridal style on a budget
If you would prefer to spend your wedding budget on a fabulous cake or luxury honeymoon treats, you can find a stunning pair of shoes that won't break the bank, such as these pretty mesh courts from M&S that come in at just under £40.
Featuring a spotted mesh design across the body of the shoe and opaque heels and toes, the shoes are wedding-ready with a silver glitter underside along with Insolia® supportive technology to keep them comfy from dawn to dusk. Available in sizes 3 - 8, half sizes are also available.
£39.50 | Marks & Spencer | Buy it now
Dune London Breanna
Best for: traditional with a twist
Dune London's wedding collection is inspired by high-end designs and work for most wedding styles, but we like the Breanna the best. There's a touch of Manolo Blahnik about this shoe, but they're sold for a fraction of the designer price.
With a crystal-covered square brooch on the toe, the look is perfect for brides who want traditional with a twist. Turn the shoe over and you'll discover a blue crystal embedded in the sole, a subtle style nod to your 'something blue'.
£79 | Dune London | Buy it now *On sale from £99
Charlotte Olympia Miss Cha Cha Cha
Best for: making a statement
Shimmy and sashay your way to your nuptials in these playful sandals by Charlotte Olympia. Everything about the design is made for celebration, from the Swarovski crystal pom pom to the tassel covered heels.
On first glance they may appear to be sky-high but the platform shoe cleverly hides 35mm of the 145mm total height, making them ideal for petite brides who are keen to rack up the inches. What’s more, these sandals are currently on sale with a whopping 60 per cent off! Now there’s something to say 'yes' to.
£276 | Charlotte Olympia | Buy it now *On sale from £690
Rainbow Club Frankie T-Bar Block Heel Court Shoes
Best for: heel newbies
If you're not used to wearing heels, the thought of having them on all day could be daunting - unless you have a solid block heel you can count on.
The t-bar and rounded toes on this Rainbow Club style are perfect for brides opting for a vintage theme, while the 8.5cm block heel and padded insoles mean they should be comfortable to wear right up until you depart. They're available in sizes 3 - 8 and colour customisation is available too, if you want the shoes to match the shade of your dress exactly.
£89 | John Lewis | Buy it now
Russell & Bromley Pearlmule
Best for: wearing after the I Do’s
The perfect finishing touch for wedding dresses and jumpsuits alike, this powder blue suede mule is opulently adorned with a chunky strap of pearl beads. The kitten heel ensures you get a bit of height but with maximum comfort levels, making it an all-round win. We're head over heels.
£225 | Russell & Bromley | Buy it now
