Are designer wedding shoes worth the investment?

"If you love them, then yes,” says Maragos. "It's your wedding day, and this is your day to wear and rock whatever you want." She notes that it’s also a good excuse to splurge on a particular shoe or brand you've had your eyes on. "Consider it an investment, and you could always resell them after your wedding," she says.

How do you break in wedding shoes?

To break in wedding shoes, Maragos recommends strutting your stuff at home. "In the weeks leading up to your wedding day, I suggest wearing them around the house, even if it is only for 15 to 20 minutes here and there while cleaning," she explains. If your shoes are a little snug, Maragos also recommends wearing them with socks to give them a little stretch.

How much should you spend on wedding shoes?

"This varies by bride, and there is no right or wrong answer," says Maragos. She recommends building a budget for yourself and trying to stick within it based on what is most important to you. If the shoes are ultra-important to you, then allocate more of your budget to them.

The 15 Best Designer Wedding Shoes of 2023

Once you say yes to the dress, the shoes come next. Much like your bridal jewelry, your wedding day footwear is an extension of your personality. And although you might not be able to see your shoes with some wedding dress styles, you still want a pair that'll carry you down the aisle in confidence and everlasting style. Designer wedding shoes are like high-end jewelry for your soles—they're an investment, but they're also something you'll treasure forever.

Designer wedding shoe shopping can be a bit overwhelming—as is everything wedding-related! We tapped a Chicago-based wardrobe stylist Gabbi Maragos for expert shopping and styling tips. So whether you prefer timeless wedding shoe styles or heels with a little more personality and flair, the perfect pair is out there. To help you narrow it down, we evaluated dozens of options based on style, material, color, embellishments, formality, versatility, heel height, and sizing.

Keep reading for our list of the best designer wedding shoes worth buying.

Our Top Picks

Best Nude:

Christian Louboutin Rosalie Leather Red Sole Sandals at Neiman Marcus

Jump to Review

Best Kitten Heel:

Dolce & Gabbana Lace Pump at Dolcegabbana.com

Jump to Review

Best Pointed-Toe:

Manolo Blahnik Lurum Jewel Leaf Mule Jewel Leaf Mule at Neiman Marcus

Jump to Review

Best Strappy:

Alexandre Birman Embellished Sandals at Saks Fifth Avenue

Jump to Review

Best Structured Heel:

Amina Muaddi Metallic Crystal Two-Band Sandals at Neiman Marcus

Jump to Review

Best Slingback:

Gianvito Rossi Leather Slingback Pumps at Net-a-Porter

Jump to Review

Best Stilleto:

Amina Muaddi Crystal-Embellished Leather Pumps at Intermixonline.com

Jump to Review

Most Elegant:

Jimmy Choo Anise Strappy Sandal at Nordstrom

Jump to Review

Best Embellished:

Betsey Johnson Dani Ankle Strap Sandal at Amazon

Jump to Review

For a Black-Tie Wedding:

Mach & Mach Double Bow Pointed Toe Pump at Net-a-Porter

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look for
FAQ
Why Trust Brides

Christian Louboutin Rosalie Leather Red Sole Sandals

Neiman Marcus

View On Neiman Marcus View On Nordstrom

If sparkle isn't your thing, a nude wedding shoe can feel just as elegant. These strappy sandals from Christian Louboutin are simple, yet sophisticated, and feature a design that works with virtually any style of dress. We also love that they come in three different shades to compliment a range of skin tones. The best thing about these shoes is you'll get tons of wear out of them after your wedding, considering their neutral hue and minimalistic design.

Price at time of publish: $825

Size Range: 5–12 | Color: Beige, medium beige, dark beige | Heel Height: 4 inches

Dolce & Gabbana

View On Dolcegabbana.com

These kitten heels are truly special. The 2-inch heel creates an eye-catching look when paired with delicate Taormina lace and the Swarovski crystal embellishment. They're a great shoe for long and short wedding dresses, but would also look incredible with an all-white pantsuit or formal jumpsuit. The heels are made from high-quality buttery leather and come in different colors like nude and light blue, in case you want to venture beyond white shoes.

Price at time of publish: $995

Size Range: 4–11 | Colors: Beige, pink, blush, white | Heel Height: 2 inches

Manolo Blahnik Lurum Jewel Leaf Mule Lurum Jewel Leaf Mule

Neiman Marcus

View On Neiman Marcus View On Nordstrom View On Saks Fifth Avenue

There is something about a pointed toe heel that feels sexy—yet so classy—and is perfect for a wedding day look. These 3.5-inch Manolos have that timeless almond toe design, with chunky embellishments for a glamorous twist. The construction is high-quality—these are shoes you will cherish forever—and are ultra-comfortable, so you can get your groove on the dance floor all night long.

Price at time of publish: $1,395

Size Range: 5–12 | Colors: Silver, beige, white | Heel Height: 3.5 inches

Alexandre Birman Sally 100 Moire Embellished Sandals

Courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue

View On Saks Fifth Avenue

If you want to walk down the aisle in a strappy shoe, we recommend something with a little bit of shimmer to add to your wedding day glow. We love these Alexandre Birman sandals because they are strappy—but not too busy—and are encrusted with shimmery baguette-cut rhinestones that wrap around the foot. The heels also feature an inside strap that helps keeps everything in place.

Price at time of publish: $750

Size Range: 5–10.5 | Colors: Ivory | Heel Height: 4 inches

Amina Muaddi Glida Metallic Crystal Two-Band Sandals

Courtesy of Neiman Marcus

View On Neiman Marcus

For a trendy shoe, we love a structured heel. This metallic pair from Amina Muaddi has a 3.8-inch stiletto heel with an exaggerated heel tip that touches on the trend without losing sophistication. We love these wedding shoes because they feel minimalist, but the rhinestone-embellished straps adds a touch of whimsy.

Price at time of publish: $1,140

Size Range: 5–12 | Color: Metallic Nappa | Heel Height: 3.8 inches

Gianvito Rossi Ascent Leather Slingback Pumps

Saks Fifth Avenue

View On Net-a-Porter View On Saks Fifth Avenue

Slingbacks offer the same security and support as a pump while still exposing the heel. Handmade in Italy from supple white leather, these slingbacks from Gianvito Rossi are clean and sophisticated. We also love the cute gold bow buckle. The low heel makes standing during the ceremony and reception an easy and pain-free experience.

Price at time of publish: $950

Size Range: 4–12 | Color: White | Heel Height: 2 inches

Amina Muaddi Ursina Crystal-Embellished Leather Pumps

Intermix

View On Intermixonline.com View On Saks Fifth Avenue

There are so many different styles that look great with a stiletto heel, but we adore the classy ankle-strap design on these closed-toed heels. These 3.75-inch wedding shoes feature a pointed toe in white leather with sparkly straps that look like necklaces for your feet—so chic. Plus, the heels have a leather insole that offers a little extra padding to the feet for maximum comfort.

Price at time of publish: $1,170

Size Range: 5–11 | Color: White | Heel Height: 3.75 inches

Courtesy of Bloomingdale's.

View On Nordstrom View On Bloomingdales View On Jimmychoo.com

You can't have a list of the best designer wedding shoes without at least one pair of Jimmy Choos. We adore the brand's elegant and oh-so-bridal Anise Strappy Sandal. It boasts a no-nonsense stiletto heel, a smooth satin upper, and curved buckle-free straps that wrap around the foot.

Price at time of publish: $825

Size Range: 5–12 | Color: Ivory | Heel Height: 3.5 inches

Courtesy of Betsey Johnson.

View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Betseyjohnson.com

Not all designer shoes are exorbitantly expensive. Case in point: these bridal sandals from Betsey Johnson. Available with pearls or rhinestones, the all-over embellished design will reflect the light, adding a hint of glamour to your wedding-day ensemble.

Price at time of publish: $129

Size Range: 5–11 | Color: Ivory pearl, silver rhinestones | Heel Height: 3.75 inches

pumps topped with crystal-dusted bows that trace the line of the vamp and ankle strap

Courtesy of Net-A-Porter

View On Net-a-Porter View On Nordstrom View On Saks Fifth Avenue

If your wedding has a black-tie dress code, you'll want to look the part. With silky-smooth satin strappy uppers topped with gleaming crystal-dusted bows, these stunning Mach & Mach pumps are not only formal but are also incredibly glamorous and eye-catching.

Price at time of publish: $1,045

Size Range: 6–12 | Color: White | Heel Height: 3.75 inches

Courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue.

View On Nordstrom View On Saks Fifth Avenue

Reminiscent of Cinderella's glass slippers, these slides from Christian Louboutin are the perfect bridal shoes for more formal, high-glamour events. The suede uppers gleam with scattered crystal embellishments while the peep toes add a flirty touch. And the signature red soles speak for themselves.

Price at time of publish: $1,695

Size Range: 4–12 | Color: Silver | Heel Height: 3.75 inches

Jimmy Choo

View On Net-a-Porter View On Farfetch.com View On Harrods.com

If you're looking for a classic pump, you can't go wrong with the Romy. These simple yet stunning wedding shoes feature chic satin uppers, pointed toes, and stiletto heels that elevate your look without distracting from your dress. Best of all, the seasonless, closed-toe style can be worn year-round for indoor or outdoor events.

Price at time of publish: $750

Size Range: 4–13 | Color: Ivory | Heel Height: 3.9 inches

Courtesy of Steven Dann.

View On Nordstrom View On Bloomingdales View On Cultgaia.com

For bold brides drawn to footwear with playful details, we recommend these trendy shoes from Cult Gaia. They have clear 4-inch heels and transparent uppers with crystal fringe that dance and sparkle with each step you take. This style is also available in a light sky-colored hue if you're looking for your "something blue."

Price at time of publish: $568

Size Range: 5–11 | Color: Clear, Pale Sky | Heel Height: 4 inches

Courtesy of Bloomingdale's.

View On Nordstrom View On Bloomingdales View On Saks Fifth Avenue

These heeled sandals from Sophia Webster flaunt smooth satin uppers with crystal-embellished straps and unique beaded stiletto heels. We appreciate how the buckled ankle straps not only offer an adjustable fit, but also help keep them secure on your feet while you walk down the aisle or dance the night away.

Price at time of publish: $650

Size Range: 5.5–11 | Color: Soft Ivory | Heel Height: 3.5 inches

Courtesy of Bloomingdale's.

View On Nordstrom View On Net-a-Porter View On Bergdorfgoodman.com

Fashionista brides should definitely consider these sleek, towering stiletto mules by Saint Laurent. The perfect complement to an illusion wedding dress, they feature semi-transparent mesh uppers with glistening crystals that look like they're floating over your skin.

Price at time of publish: $1,450

Size Range: 5–11.5 | Color: Nude | Heel Height: 4.3 inches

What to Look for When Buying Designer Wedding Shoes

Formality: "While shopping for designer wedding shoes, I would first consider formality," says Maragos. She recommends considering what type of shoe will complete your bridal look and what style will make you feel the most confident. For example, if you aren't typically comfortable walking around in ultra-high heels, a shorter heel like the Dolce & Gabbana Kitten Heel or even a flat might be a better option. In the end, you'll feel far more confident in something you can walk and dance in.
Versatility:"Since it is an investment, it is also important to consider if you would or could ever wear them again," says Maragos. If you want a shoe you can wear beyond your wedding day, Maragos suggests looking for simple, versatile styles you could rock as wedding guest or to another formal event, like Gianvito Rossi Ascent Pumps or Jimmy Choo Romy 100 Satin Pumps.
Material and Embellishments: Pay attention to the material as well. To nod to the occasion, many bridal shoes feature satin uppers, like Jimmy Choo Anise Strappy Satin Sandals. You'll also find options made of leather, suede, mesh, and transparent plastic, the latter two of which offer an illusion effect. Beyond material, wedding shoes often features various embellishments, such as crystals, rhinestones, fringe, bows, or pearls.

FAQ

Are designer wedding shoes worth the investment?

"If you love them, then yes,” says Maragos. "It's your wedding day, and this is your day to wear and rock whatever you want." She notes that it’s also a good excuse to splurge on a particular shoe or brand you've had your eyes on. "Consider it an investment, and you could always resell them after your wedding," she says.
How do you break in wedding shoes?

To break in wedding shoes, Maragos recommends strutting your stuff at home. "In the weeks leading up to your wedding day, I suggest wearing them around the house, even if it is only for 15 to 20 minutes here and there while cleaning," she explains. If your shoes are a little snug, Maragos also recommends wearing them with socks to give them a little stretch.
How much should you spend on wedding shoes?

"This varies by bride, and there is no right or wrong answer," says Maragos. She recommends building a budget for yourself and trying to stick within it based on what is most important to you. If the shoes are ultra-important to you, then allocate more of your budget to them.

Why Trust Brides

Contributing writer Jessie Quinn is a bridal-obsessed lifestyle journalist with a bachelor's degree in fashion journalism. At Brides, she puts a style spin on wedding day fashion and covers everything from sparkling diamond accessories to dance-floor-worthy shoes. Jessie believes weddings are the perfect time to splurge on a pair of designer shoes and thinks of them as investment pieces, just like your wedding day jewelry. When researching the best designer wedding shoes, she considered style, fit, and timeless design, but also put a lot of weight on personality, as she feels shoes are where you should let your personal style truly shine. Commerce writer and Brides contributor Theresa Holland updated this article with additional shoe selections and insights.