23 Comfortable Heels for Weddings: Pumps, Mules, & Strappy Sandals

If you accidentally waited until the last minute to find a pair of heels to wear (I’ve been guilty of this), these strappy crisscross heels have you covered. The affordable pair is available on Amazon for just $40 in staple colors nude and white. I avoid high heels as much as possible, but when it’s unavoidable for occasions like weddings, this pair saves me. They’re easy to walk in, not too high, and very light to pack in any of my travel bags. I’ve had this exact pair in nude for over two years now and they are still my most-worn heel, accompanying me to weddings, dinner dates, and formal nights on cruise ships.

This elegant pair from Dolce Vita comes highly recommended from Mercedes Bleth, Condé Nast Traveler’s global associate director of social. “When I got married, I wanted a pair of low heels that would be subtle and—most importantly—very easy to dance in. I bought these shoes in two colors (ivory for the wedding, light green for the rehearsal) and was comfortable in them all weekend.” She wore them beyond her wedding weekend, too, bringing them along as a wedding guest herself and even dressed down with a pair of jeans into the office. “They’re simple and unfussy, but the little snakeskin detail on the heel gives them a bit of personality,” says Bleth.

Stylist Jordanna Sharp recommends this pair timeless pair of Bottega Veneta stretch strap sandals for destination weddings. “The simple detail means they work with any dress, skirt, or pant suit you might be wearing for a wedding,” Sharp says. I would suggest the black pair as a wedding guest.” This stylish pair of heels is definitely an investment, but worth the money if you’re looking for one sleek option you’ll have in your closet forever.

If you love the look of the Bottega Veneta strappy sandals, but prefer a slightly less intimidating heel (and price tag), these Jeffrey Campbell Fluxx sandals are the perfect dupe. They’re sexy and fun for a wedding, but are equally comfortable, thanks to the adjustable ankle strap and under three-inch heel. Grab them in black to match almost any wedding guest dress you decide to wear.

I wore this pair of under-$40 heels to a wedding last May. My dress had lots of sparkles, so I wanted a shoe with a little bit of flare too. These rhinestone-embellished heels with a square-toe were a great choice. The heel itself is thinner than my original pair of Vivanly heels so they don’t offer as much stability on uneven ground or grass, but they were easy to move in on the dance floor.

You won’t hear any complaints from us about slingback heels trending—the strap around your ankle gives a little more support and stability than other heels. Among our favorite slingback heels is this sleek, faux-leather pair from Sam Edelman. With a modest two-inch heel, these are comfortable enough for a long wedding day and can be worn year-round thanks to the closed-toe design.

If you’re the bride, consider this simple, white pair of slingbacks that have a low two-inch heel. They’re timeless and chic, working well for your rehearsal dinner or after party when it’s time to dance the night away. These transition will transition into your summer wardrobe effortlessly.

Our favorite splurge-worthy slingback is this neutral-colored pump from Jimmy Choo. The pointed toe and gorgeous knot design on these leather heels will elevate even the simplest of wedding guest dresses you wear. Made in Italy, you’ll have this sophisticated heel for years to come.

Looking for a colorful option for that upcoming destination wedding? We love this bright pink pair of kitten heels that add a pop of color to any look. They’re not too high and are available in black, silver, and cream, too.

If a subtle heel isn’t your vibe, go for these shimmery satin sling backs from Badgley Mischka. These will dress up that LBD you already own and are fancy enough for the most formal dress codes. The adjustable ankle strap makes this three-inch high pair a little easier to walk in and they’re neutral enough for the bride to wear, too.

When you’re headed to a beach wedding or an outdoor ceremony, it’s wise to consider a block heel instead of a stiletto. Styles like this braided sandal from Dolce Vita are much easier to walk in, won’t sink into sand or grass, and can be reworn often with more casual outfits. I’ve had this pair in ivory for a few years now and they’re still going strong. I’ve worn them to spring and summer weddings, baby showers, and vacation nights out, too. Even after hours of walking in them, they never hurt my feet or leave me with any blisters. Choose from more than a dozen colors, including black, caramel, lemon, and cream.

If you struggle to walk or dance in heels, we recommend the best-selling City Sandal from Margaux. The thick straps and block heel coupled with a cushioned insole make these a godsend for long days and nights on your feet. One reviewer calls this versatile heel the “Goldilocks shoe;” it’s available in a dozen colorways.

We often turn to Lulus for some of our favorite wedding guest dresses, but don’t sleep on their comfy and affordable heels. These satin platform heels feature an adjustable ankle strap and a feminine crisscross design. And while the heel itself is higher than a lot of the other shoes on our list, the platform makes them manageable to walk in. These have hundreds of positive reviews and nearly a perfect rating, and are under $50.

Comedian and podcast host of Berning in Hell Hannah Berner has traveled for plenty of special events and even celebrated her own wedding a few years ago. Her favorite pair of comfortable heels for weddings are these sandals from Larroude. “As someone who grew up wearing sneakers and has been told that I have wide feet, I am very picky when it comes to heels because if they are uncomfortable I will be a baby about it and let it ruin my night,” Berner says. “This silver pair is low so you can dance longer.” They have an adjustable strap that goes around your ankle, too, keeping your foot more secure as you move.

This incredibly elegant bestseller is made for our brides. I am obsessed with the look of these chic closed-toe heels with gorgeous pearl detailing. They’re perfect for a wedding ceremony, rehearsal dinner, or bridal shower and are a timeless option. If you’re a wedding guest, Dolce Vita offers these heels in several other colors, from black to taupe, light blue, and more.

You can never go wrong with a classic pointed-toe pump. This pair of Sam Edelman stilettos are highly-rated and available in more than a dozen colors. The design of the shoe is simple, elegant, and timeless—you’ll be wearing these for weddings and other special occasions for years to come. The pointed toe elongates your legs and since they are a closed-toe shoe, they can be worn year-round, even to winter weddings.

What better way to add a striking pop of color to your look than with an electric blue pump. These satin shoes have a four-inch heel, so only wear them if you’re comfortable walking in a classic stiletto. They feature a foam-cushioned footbed, a crystal brooch, and a closed, pointed toe.

If you want a shoe you’ll wear time and time again, fashion writer and Traveler contributor Samantha Crompton Merinder suggests investing in a pair of black embellished pumps. She says, “you can make the most simple dress look fabulous with the right accessories and these shoes do just that. Plus, the lower heel is so comfortable, your feet won’t be in pain after a night of dancing.” The crystal-embellished detail on these shoes makes them much more elevated than your regular nighttime heel, making them a perfect option for the most special occasions you have coming up.

A more affordable alternative to the Mach & Mach pumps is this fun and flirty pair from Badgley Mishka. With a crystal-embellished bow and pointed toe, these 3.5-inch heels will dress up any look. They’re available in blush, black, and white.

Another Alison Bruhn favorite: these festive metallic mules. The heel isn’t too high, making them an easy pair to walk in at outdoor weddings. The fun color and knotted bow design add a little flare to your look, and the style works year-round.

If you’re going for a simple yet chic look, we love this silver pointed-toe mule with a kitten heel. These look a lot more expensive than they are and can be reworn again and again with anything from a simple pair of jeans to a satin midi skirt.

These mules offer an effortlessly cool and bold style, all while being supremely versatile. Wear the black heels to any wedding you attend this year—and toss them into your carry-on to easily dress up any outfit.

For black-tie weddings, Alison Bruhn, stylist and co-founder of The Style That Binds Us, swears by these Manolo Blahniks. “The quality is beyond measure, the design exquisite, and this color goes well with almost everything,” she says. These pointed, embellished satin heels are made for special occasions and look so elegant with any formal dress. They’re definitely not cheap, but if you want to splurge on a pair of designer heels, these are the ones to go for.