Can I wear block heels to a beach wedding?

For beach nuptials, you may want to keep your block heels for the reception. “You can wear block heels for a beach wedding, but I would suggest having a fun pair of sandals or being barefoot for the ceremony,” says Greer. “It's an easy change into your wedding heels for the reception that will likely have more of a hard surface like a dance floor.”

Do wedding shoes have to be white?

White shoes may be the first thing that pops to mind when you hear the phrase “bridal shoes,” but that doesn’t mean that you absolutely have to go for them. For Choi, bridal block heels are “the perfect way to add something blue to your wedding wardrobe.” She adds, “If you have a favorite color, or there is a special color scheme for your wedding florals and designs it's a nice way to tie all of that together also.”

Do I need to break in block wedding heels?

When it comes to your wedding day, it’s always best to be prepared for anything. “You definitely want to test drive your wedding shoes so you aren't in unexpected pain the day of,” says Greer. “Block heels tend to be fairly comfortable and don't need breaking in , but it's always a good idea to wear them for a day to see if they're easy to walk in and make sure no blisters develop.” If you find that they are painful or do cause blisters, “wear them a few more times for short periods to determine if they do just need to be broken in, or if the shoe just doesn't work with your foot,” Greer adds.

The 24 Best Bridal Block Heels of 2023

bridal shoe portrait — Photo by Will Reid Photography

While choosing a wedding dress might get the most attention, when it comes to creating a cohesive bridal look, shoes are one of the most important components of an overarching ensemble. Think about it: Wedding shoes pull your look together, and they're responsible for carrying you down the aisle and out to the dance floor as you celebrate the day. And though there are a variety of wedding shoe options available, block heels for brides rank as one of the most popular choices. Not only do they come in a wide assortment of styles, but they're typically one of the most comfortable heel options out there.

What Is a Block Heel?

Block heels are shoes with broad bases. While the height and width of the heel can vary, in general, these styles offer more support and stability than thinner heels such as stilettos.

Since block heels give you more surface area to balance on, they're easier for most people to walk in—a major advantage for those who aren't used to walking around in heels all day long. This is especially important if you're having an outdoor celebration where grass, sand, or uneven terrain is involved. Plus, block heels allow less pressure to be placed on your toes, meaning you'll have a better chance of making it all night without kicking your heels off.

Whether you want ultra-high shoes with lots of glam or something lower and more understated, there's a block heel wedding shoe for you. Below, we've rounded up the best styles for brides that'll elevate any day-of look.

In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Brides

Pashion

View On Pashionfootwear.com

If you can't decide between block heels, stilettos, and flats, Pashion Footwear has you covered with its popular convertible styles. The white leather sandal comes with your choice of a 3 inch or 4 inch block heel, which can be switched out with a variety of other heel options for a totally customizable look.

Price at time of publish: $185

Size Range: 5-11 | Heel Height: Customizable | Colors: 12+

Lulus

View On Lulus

If you're on a budget, there's no need to break the bank in order to get a special pair of bridal shoes. Coming in 17 different color options, these classic 2.5 inch block heels have over 2,000 rave reviews and are beloved for their chic and sturdy design.

Price at time of publish: $32

Size Range: 5-11 | Heel Height: 2.5" | Colors: 17

Macy's

View On Dsw.com View On Macy's View On Zappos

The caged silhouette of Jessica Simpson's Stassey heel boasts crisscrossing straps that are not only sexy, but offer plenty of support for a night of mixing and mingling on your feet as well. Since strappy styles can sometimes cause blisters, so breaking these beauties in before the big day is a must for ultimate comfort.

Price at time of publish: $69

Size Range: 5-11 | Heel Height: 3.25’’ | Colors: White

Dillard's

View On Nordstrom View On Jrenee.com View On Zappos

Lace, satin, and rhinestones come together to create a bridal shoe that's as comfortable as it is captivating. The best part is the 1.5 inch block heel, ideal for anyone who wants a bit of height without worrying about aching toes.

Price at time of publish: $99

Size Range: 5-13 | Heel Height: 1.5’’ | Colors: 6

Nordstrom

View On Nordstrom View On Bloomingdales

Chic, comfortable, and contemporary, loafers are a fantastic shoe choice for modern brides who are torn between heels and flats. The 1 inch metallic block heel gives a touch of elevation, while the sleek white leather and crystal buckle detail add to an unparalleled wedding day ensemble.

Price at time of publish: $175

Size Range: 5-11 | Heel Height: 1" | Colors: White, Black

Bella Belle

View On Bellabelleshoes.com

These seemingly classic block heels exemplify bridal shoes thanks to their satin bows. Designed for brides, they feature heavy padding for all day comfort.

Price at time of publish: $345

Size Range: 5-11 | Heel Height: 2.5" | Colors: Ivory

Betsey Johnson

View On Betseyjohnson.com

If you can’t have a little fantasy on your wedding day, when can you, eh? These pumps by Betsey Johnson feature a super fun asymmetrical block heel, plus all-over glitter and a statement bow in the front. While the ivory version is extra wedding-ready, these shoes in sparkly champagne or silver would totally work for your bridal look, too.

Price at time of publish: $89

Size Range: 6-11 | Heel Height: 4.25" | Colors: 7

Stuart Weitzman

View On Bergdorfgoodman.com View On Lyst.com View On Stuartweitzman.com

With this design, Stuart Weitzman takes the retro, 1920s-inspired vibes of a heeled Mary Jane well into the 21st century, thanks to a modern slingback style and classic low block heel. Embellished with a romantic crystal flower at the strap, these ballet slipper-colored pumps are incredibly special for your wedding day—but you can totally rewear them with a sundress or a pair of jeans on your honeymoon and beyond.

Price at time of publish: $495

Size Range: 5.5-9.5 | Heel Height: 2" | Colors: Seashell, Black

DSW LifeStride Last Dance Platform Sandal

DSW

View On Nordstrom View On Dsw.com View On Lifestride.com

Many brides prefer to opt for a heeled shoe on their wedding day, but of course the problem with that is that heels can often hurt your feet quite a bit—especially if you’re wearing them throughout your reception. Block heels in general are a great solution to this, since they offer a little more stability, but these by LifeStride take it that one step further. Constructed with a foam footbed, arch and heel support, flexibility, and a traction sole, these shoes were made for dancin’ (it’s in the name, after all). And obviously, they’re beautiful, too.

Price at time of publish: $85

Size Range: 5-12 | Heel Height: 3.5" | Colors: Taupe, Blue, Pink

Bloomingdale's

View On Amazon View On Revolve View On Net-a-Porter

Crinkled taffeta gives these festive Loeffler Randall block heels a modern twist, making them phenomenal for short wedding dresses or a playful second look. While the rounded block heel and slim ankle strap provide security, the 3.5" height will give any bride an added boost.

Price at time of publish: $395

Size Range: 5-12 | Heel Height: 3.5" | Colors: 14

Lulus

View On Lulus

If higher heels aren't for you, this stunning lower-heeled option will give you all the support without compromising on style. Featuring a bow and a 1.25 inch block heel, Lulus simple sandal is a perfect choice for beach weddings.

Price at time of publish: $35

Size Range: 5.5-11 | Heel Height: 1.25" | Colors: White

Aldo

View On Aldoshoes.com

Whether you’re going for an overall understated wedding look or you want to balance out an already very intricate dress, these simple white pumps are the ones. They feature a high block heel, a closed pointed toe, and a single skinny ankle strap to secure your foot. Plus, they’re made with Aldo’s proprietary Pillow Walk technology, meaning they’re extra comfy for dancing the night away.

Price at time of publish: $110

Size Range: 5-11 | Heel Height: 3.5" | Colors: 5

Net-a-Porter

View On Net-a-Porter

A designer shoe can be just the thing to complete your (already stunning, we have no doubt) wedding-day look. We’ve fallen head over block heels for Jimmy Choo’s super delicate Amara sandal, a slide-style beauty made in Italy from supple off-white leather, which features two pearl-embellished straps guaranteed to bring the wow factor.

Price at time of publish: $975

Size Range: IT34-43 | Heel Height: 2" | Colors: Off-White

Bella Belle

View On Bellabelleshoes.com

Garden-inspired with organza flowers and embroidered vines, Bella Belle's Eden heels were made for brides who crave uniqueness. If the 4 inch block heel feels too high, there's a 2 inch option that offers the same style without the height.

Price at time of publish: $405

Size Range: 5-10 | Heel Height: 4" | Colors: Blush

Steve Madden

View On Stevemadden.com

Brides looking to add lots of extra height on their wedding day should spring for a beautiful pair of platforms like these from Steve Madden, which feature a 4.5-inch heel plus a 1.25-inch platform, both designed in a fun ‘70s style. Their simple strappy sandal front makes them super easy to style, whether you opt for a classic white or a funky candy pink.

Price at time of publish: $100

Size Range: 5-11 | Heel Height: 4.5" + 1.25" platform | Colors: White, Pink, Black

Nordstrom

View On Nordstrom View On Zappos

Let your bridal shoe double as your "something blue" with Badgley Mischka's Finesse sandal in the Mist Satin hue. Both the toe and ankle strap are covered with crystals and embellishments that add extra pizzazz to the already stunning pair.

Price at time of publish: $245

Size Range: 5-11 | Heel Height: 3.25" | Colors: Seashell, Mist, Ivory

Macy's

View On Nordstrom View On Bloomingdales View On Macy's

At first glance, these simple pale gold or silver sandals look like a classic shoe, but on closer inspection, you'll notice the contemporary spherical and metallic heel for a touch of whimsy. Pair these pretties with a simple sheath gown or embellishment-free silk dress for a clean and sophisticated day-of look.

Price at time of publish: $228

Size Range: 5-11 | Heel Height: 1.5" | Colors: 6

ASOS

View On Asos

You can’t go wrong with a pearl or two on your wedding day. We love these sweet block-heeled sandals from ASOS, which will bring the romance in spades without breaking the bank. Their straps are adorned with rows of faux pearls, and they come in blush pink or ivory—both of which will look stunning with a white dress.

Price at time of publish: $58

Size Range: 5-11 | Heel Height: 3.3" | Colors: Blush Pink, Ivory

Nordstrom

View On Nordstrom View On Bloomingdales View On Dsw.com

For brides who are getting married in a backyard, a barn, or some stunning woods, we love the idea of a shoe with a rustic touch. These Steve Madden sandals are lovely in white or tan for a bridal look, since they’re classic and streamlined in the front, but add a little something unexpected with their woven rope square heel.

Price at time of publish: $100

Size Range: 5.5-11 | Heel Height: 4" | Colors: White, Tan, Brown Croc Embossed

Vince Camuto

View On Nordstrom View On Dsw.com View On Vincecamuto.com

We’re big fans of a slingback-style shoe for an elegant bridal silhouette, and these from Vince Camuto don’t disappoint. They feature a pointed closed toe and mid-height wide block heel, and come in a fantastic range of colorways. While the warm vanilla color is the easiest to style for a bridal look, the pale peony, sandstone and truffle taupe velvet options are equally beautiful.

Price at time of publish: $99

Size Range: 5-12 | Heel Height: 2.7" | Colors: 8

Jack Rogers

View On Jackrogersusa.com

Jack Rogers may be famous for its flat leather thong sandals, but the classic brand makes all sorts of shoe styles with the same care and quality. Whether in white or platinum, these mid-heeled slides are so beautiful for preppy brides, thanks to their leather construction and big satin bow embellishment.

Price at time of publish: $148

Size Range: 5-11 | Heel Height: 1.78" | Colors: White, Platinum, Black

Zappos

View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Betseyjohnson.com

Edgy and glam meets bridal in Betsey Johnson's Cady booties. Coming in a few different colors (all of which feature a Tiffany blue outsole), these sturdy block heels feature all-over rhinestones that'll shimmer and shine as you strut down the aisle.

Price at time of publish: $119

Size Range: 5-11 | Heel Height: 3 inches | Colors: 17

DSW

View On Dsw.com

These sandals are the very definition of business in the front and party in the back. They may look like a classic strappy sandal, but the lozenge-shaped heel infuses them with a little extra je ne sais quoi. Not only does it play on the usual square shape of a block heel, but it’s also embossed with a fun snake print. Both the taupe and off white options would beautifully complement your bridal look.

Price at time of publish: $70

Size Range: 6-10 | Heel Height: 2.5" | Colors: Off White, Taupe

Dillard's

View On Dillards.com

There's no better time to rock statement heels than on your wedding day, and these Gianni Bini sandals dazzle from every angle. While the 3.93" heel height is on the higher side, the block design will keep you feeling sturdy as you celebrate your special occasion.

Price at time of publish: $98

Size Range: 5-12 | Heel Height: 3.93" | Colors: 7

Meet the Expert

Anny Choi is a New York-based bridal stylist and creative brand consultant with a background in luxury fashion editorial.
Ashlyn Greer is a professional fashion stylist and co-founder of the virtual personal styling service Fashivly.

What to Look for in Block Heel Wedding Shoes

Heel Height

For bridal stylist Anny Choi, there’s a golden rule when it comes to wedding shoes: “Most wedding dresses are floor length and you don't end up seeing a lot of your shoes anyway, and I would prioritize comfort over design,” she says.

With that in mind, the heel height you go for “totally depends on the dress as well as the bride's comfort level in heels,” Choi says. “If you are not used to wearing high heels, don't try on your wedding day for the first time, and stick to a sturdy lower block heel. If you need some extra height for your dress, I'd look for platform block heel options.” LifeStride Last Dance Platform Sandal gives you those inches while still being comfortable.

Style

Of course, the style of wedding block heel you choose should be something you adore, but that’s not the only thing to keep in mind. “Look at shoes you wear regularly, what you feel the most comfortable in, and make your decision that way,” says Choi. “If you're not used to wearing a mule for example, you wouldn't want it slipping off under your big dress.” Meanwhile, fashion stylist Ashlyn Greer notes that “it's always fun to pick something that has a special touch, like a bow or stones.” For that, check out Be Mine Wide Fit Naava Block Heel Sandals With Pearl Embellishment.

Color

Many brides opt for white, ivory, blush, or champagne wedding shoes, but those are by no means the only choices you have. “White would be the most classic but don't be afraid to experiment with color,” says Choi. “Pale blue is a subtle way to introduce color; otherwise think of your floral color scheme and match your shoe to that!” We love Badgley Mischka Collection Finesse Sandal for that something blue.

FAQ

Can I wear block heels to a beach wedding?

For beach nuptials, you may want to keep your block heels for the reception. “You can wear block heels for a beach wedding, but I would suggest having a fun pair of sandals or being barefoot for the ceremony,” says Greer. “It's an easy change into your wedding heels for the reception that will likely have more of a hard surface like a dance floor.”
Do wedding shoes have to be white?

White shoes may be the first thing that pops to mind when you hear the phrase “bridal shoes,” but that doesn’t mean that you absolutely have to go for them. For Choi, bridal block heels are “the perfect way to add something blue to your wedding wardrobe.” She adds, “If you have a favorite color, or there is a special color scheme for your wedding florals and designs it's a nice way to tie all of that together also.”
Do I need to break in block wedding heels?

When it comes to your wedding day, it’s always best to be prepared for anything. “You definitely want to test drive your wedding shoes so you aren't in unexpected pain the day of,” says Greer. “Block heels tend to be fairly comfortable and don't need breaking in, but it's always a good idea to wear them for a day to see if they're easy to walk in and make sure no blisters develop.”
If you find that they are painful or do cause blisters, “wear them a few more times for short periods to determine if they do just need to be broken in, or if the shoe just doesn't work with your foot,” Greer adds.

Why Trust Brides

Iris Goldsztajn is a Paris-born, London-based freelance writer with 10 years of experience covering fashion, beauty, wellness and lifestyle for the likes of Brides, InStyle, Marie Claire, British Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Bustle, Refinery29 and many more. As the former associate editor for Her Campus, she was responsible for all style and beauty news coverage. In order to write this article, Iris drew on her own experience with block heels, and spoke to bridal styling experts Anny Choi and Ashlyn Greer to gain further insights into the dos and don’ts of wearing them for your wedding.

20 Best Bridal Shoes for an Outdoor Wedding, Tested & Reviewed

The 24 Best Bridal Block Heels for Dancing the Night Away

What Is a Block Heel?

Best Convertible Heel

Pashion Footwear The Sandal

Best Budget

Lulus Harper Off White Ankle Strap Heels

Best Strappy Sandals

Jessica Simpson Women's Stassey Bridal Strappy Block-Heel Sandals

Best Lace

J. Renee Faleece Slingback Block Heels

Best Loafers

Jeffrey Campbell Viona Loafers

Best Bow Detail

Bella Belle Zoya Sandal

Best for the Sophisticated Bride

Betsey Johnson Nobble Ivory

Best Vintage-Inspired

Stuart Weitzman Crystal Fleur 50 Block Slingback

Best Comfortable

LifeStride Last Dance Platform Sandal

Best for the Contemporary Bride

Loeffler Randall Camellia Pearl Pleated Bow Heel

Best Low Heel

Lulus Charmane White Satin Bow Ankle Strap Sandals

Best Understated

Aldo Millgate White Strappy Heeled Shoe

Best Splurge

Jimmy Choo Amara 45 Embellished Leather Sandals

Best Colorful

Bella Belle Eden Blush Block Heels

Best Platforms

Steve Madden Affection White

Best Blue

Badgley Mischka Collection Finesse Sandal

Best for the Modern Bride

Kate Spade Palm Springs Sandals

Best Pearl Detail

ASOS Be Mine Wide Fit Naava Block Heel Sandals With Pearl Embellishment

Best for a Country Wedding

Steve Madden Rozlyn Ankle Strap Sandal

Best Slingback

Vince Camuto Hamden Slingback Pointed Toe Pump

Best for a Preppy Bride

Jack Rogers Debra Mid Heel

Best Booties

Blue by Betsey Johnson Cady Dress Bootie

Best Heel Detail

Dolce Vita Zoelle Sandal

Best Bling

Gianni Bini Ronilynn Jewel Embellished Sandals

What to Look for in Block Heel Wedding Shoes

Heel Height

Style

Color

Why Trust Brides

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