(We Got To Have It)

Wedding Guest Shoes Are Tricky To Shop For, So Here Are TZR’s Vetted Picks

We stand by these beauties.

by Alison Syrett and Marina Liao

July 9, 2023

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When it comes to weddings, what you wear to the celebration can make or break how much fun you’ll have. Pick the wrong dress — say a long-sleeve number for an outdoor ceremony in July and you’ll be too distracted by your own sweat to hear the vows. Choose the wrong footwear, like a pair of six-inch stilettos with no arch support, and you might find yourself unable to feel your toes or worse — your heels covered in bubble blisters once the reception ends. If you’re having difficultly shopping for wedding guest shoes in particular, know that TZR’s editors went on a deep dive to help find the best ones to buy right now.

The picks ahead don’t sacrifice style for the sake of comfort, and most importantly, the designs aren’t overly trendy so you can bet on them lasting for another several years or so. For those who are seeking more neutral and minimalist options with a bit of pop in design, you’ll love Rebecca Iloulian’s (BDG’s director of newsletter revenue and marketing) René Caovilla suggestion that features bejeweled straps, which snake around your ankles. If your style veers into the whimsical and playful territory, go for Social Media Strategist Maggie Haddad’s floral adorned Nensi Dojaka selection or Beauty Editor Amanda Ross’ ruffled cotton-candy colored mules.

Shoes are not mere accessories at a wedding, they are a gateway to self-expression so select the pair that aligns with your taste and comfort level, ahead.

Larroudé

Valerie Sandal

$300

“A pair of kitten heel mules is a fail-proof option for summer weddings that won’t result in blisters, or worse, taking off your shoes mid-reception. In my book, gold is a neutral, and this pair of Larroude knotted sandals would complement printed dresses or a number of solid color ones.” — Erin Lucas, deputy beauty editor, TZR

Mach & Mach

Double Bow Square Toe Platform Sandal

$1,090

$763

“What? These are a little intense for a wedding? Maybe so, but as a working mom with two little kids, I only get so many chances to run around in wildly impractical shoes — and I’m going to take every one I get. The way I see it, these sparkly beauties may be high, but the platform to heel balance is definitely danceable in.” — Alison Syrett, deputy fashion editor, TZR

“I tend to wear colorful or printed wedding guest dresses, so I always need a pair of neutral heels to balance out my look. My favorite all-occasion sandals right now are from Koio because they have a sturdy block heel for comfort while the thin straps give the shoes a more delicate feel. Contrary to how they look, the heels are quite comfy, too!” — Marina Liao, senior fashion news editor, TZR

Amina Muaddi

Dalida 140 Satin Platform Sandals

$660

“Like most things in my closet, even special occasion shoes need to be multifunctional. This platform pair may be a little overtop when it comes to height, but the classic design and black satin fabric make it a pair I will wear time and time again, wedding or not.” — Kathy Lee, editor-in-chief, TZR

Tamara Mellon

Reverse Sandal 75

$695

“I am attending a grand total of five weddings this year. Yes, five. So, many outfits are currently being planned. And while my dresses will likely not be repeated, I have no problem doing so with my footwear, especially if the shoes in question are as chic as they are easy to move in. I love this pair from Tamara Mellon as it comes in a number of colors (including this tomato-red shade, that I absolutely love), and the pillow-top insole makes for super comfy wear.” — Angela Melero, executive editor, TZR

René Caovilla

Cleo High-Heel Sandals

$935

“Definitely a splurge, but these timeless, strappy René Caovilla sandals are worth the investment. The gold-neutral tone matches every dress, and the jeweled ankle wrap offers an instant wow factor, elevating your look. I feel so special every time I slip these beauties on!” — Rebecca Iloulian, director, newsletter revenue & marketing, BDG

Kat Maconie

Desiree Ruffle Sandal

$380

“All of the weddings I’m attending this year are outdoors, which makes a thicker, lower heel an essential for teetering around anywhere without a walkway — I’ve seen rogue grass patches take down some of the best shoes of our generation. Because I’m going for simpler dresses for the events, I thought a fun, summery pair of sandals would be perfect for all the garden party nuptials. The only thing left on my list is to get all my outfits hemmed so people can actually see the shoes.” — Amanda Ross, beauty editor, TZR

Stuart Weitzman

Nudistcurve 100 High Heel Sandals

$475

“Stuart Weitzman's barely-there Nudistcurve sandals continue to be my go-to wedding shoes for two reasons: They go with almost any style of dress and are comfortable enough to make it through the full day-to-night celebration.” — Jessica Fields, beauty writer, TZR

Nensi Dojaka

Appliqué Leather Thong Sandals

$834

$417

“My favorite part of a wedding is the dancing, so footwear choice can make or break my night. I always try to pick a lower, block heel to ensure I’m comfortable while out on the dance floor. This style by Nensi Dojaka made my jaw drop. Not only do they look easy to walk in, but the dainty floral appliqués are stunning and will elevate any wedding guest look.” — Maggie Haddad, senior social media strategist, TZR