17 Wedding Guest Shoes That Will Keep Your Feet Comfy After Hours of Dancing

I was invited to a string of weddings this year, and after RSVP’ing yes! to every single one, the first thing that came to mind (after my wedding guest dress, of course) was: What shoes am I going to wear? Like many people, I have a penchant for pretty footwear, but I am also cursed with flat feet, bunions and the need for wide widths. When it comes to searching for the most comfortable wedding guest shoes, you can trust that I know a thing or two about what makes a pair of heels worthy of the title. Below, I spoke to bridal stylist Maisie-Kate Keane about what makes a good pair of shoes and then took many for test drives. The results include Taylor Swift-approved brand Larroudé’s Blair Pump ($330), Keane’s clients’ beloved Jimmy Choo Saracria 120 Sandal ($2,050) and my favorite, ride-or-die Margaux The Pointe ballet flats ($275). I promise that no matter what you choose, my 17 picks will have you tearing up the dance floor.

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Maisie-Kate Keane is a luxury bridal stylist and seamstress based in New York. She has extensive training and experience in the fashion industry, holding a degree in fashion design from Limerick School of Art and Design and having trained as a couture pattern maker. Keane has collaborated with department stores, magazines and celebrities on design and styling projects.

When researching the most comfortable wedding guest shoes, I asked Keane to share advice regarding the qualities you should prioritize when shopping, plus any hacks she tells her styling clients. With her expertise in mind, I looked to see which brands were trending on the internet and asked PureWow staffers about the shoes they swear by. Additionally, I tested many pairs on my own wide feet. I prioritized lower block heels, styles with variations on width, materials that would mold and stretch and shoes that had some form of arch support. To be deemed “comfortable,” I needed to wear the shoes in the office all day and/or walk at least a mile with minimal discomfort (and the base understanding that many formal shoes, usually heels, are on principal uncomfortable in some way). Below are the shoes that passed the test.

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When it comes to shopping for the most comfortable wedding guest shoes, there’s always a tug-of-war between looking chic and wanting the support of orthopedic running shoes. Luckily, the options on this list are a good compromise. There are two camps you can fall into: heels or flats. If you want to wear the former, Keane advises prioritizing block or platform heels for maximum comfort, height and stability. “A block heel or platform will offer height without as much pressure on your feet,” she explains. “Stilettos often sink into soft surfaces, so they’re best for indoor or hard-surface venues. Straps around the ankle can add support and stability while also adding a touch of elegance, and some heels offer built-in arch support, which can help reduce foot fatigue and improve comfort.”

However, if you don’t wear heels on a normal basis, it’s OK to stick with flats. The key is choosing the right ones. “Pointed-toe flats create a lengthening effect on your legs, making them look longer compared to round-toe or square-toe shoes,” Keane shares. “Shoes with minimal detailing and slim silhouettes tend to appear sleeker, contributing to the illusion of length.”

Of course, the territory naturally comes with the possibility of blisters and achy feet. For these concerns, Keane recommends using gel foot petals ($7), a blister block ($10) and blister prevention spray ($16) to minimize the occurrences. (And keep blister band-aids on you just in case.)