Classic sky-high wedding heels, while undoubtedly beautiful, aren’t for everyone. Whether it be for reasons of comfort or style, some brides reach out of the box for their wedding steppers, and slip into surprising picks that enliven their entire bridal look.

Alternatives include sneakers, flats, and other comfy types that provide good support, like boots and sandals. While unconventional, these shoes come in a range of styles and colors, giving you feasible options to pair with your bridal gown. Below, we list several shoppables fit for the cool bride. Scroll on! 

5 Alternative Bridal Shoes If You Don’t Like High Heels

1. Sneakers

If comfort is your top priority, look no further than a pair of trusty sneakers. Though still a bold choice, sneakers aren’t new to bridal fashion—Hailey Bieber famously wore white Nike Air Force 1’s to her wedding afterparty.

To fit the bridal bill, shop them in pure white, or embellished with metal hardware to match your jewelry. You could also consider embroidered canvas sneakers to inject a dash of daintiness back into an otherwise casual pair. Rain or shine, these shoes will (comfortably) get you where you need to go, all the way from the first inch of the aisle to every party corner of your reception hall! 

Womens Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Enchanted Garden High Top Egret, 140 USD, Converse

Logo-plaque platform sneakers, 292 USD, Calvin Klein

Nike Air Force 1 ’07 Next Nature, 170 USD, Nike

2. Ballet Flats

Probably the friendliest alternative to heels, ballerina flats easily pass off as bridal shoes and are a breeze to style. Plus, a quality pair will keep your feet fine all day. Since they’re relatively simple in style, you can start by picking a texture. Matte leather, patent leather, and even satin are classy options for a wedding look—just make sure that they match your dress! 

Patent leather ballerinas in Ivory, 690 EUR, Prada

Hangisiflat crystal-embellished satin point-toe flats, 1,175 USD, Manolo Blahnik

Eva leather ballet flats, 735 EUR, The Row

3. Lace-Up Espadrilles

For outdoor weddings that require a shoe equipped for more demanding terrains, (think garden weddings during dewy days and seaside events), we recommend a sturdy espadrille. Distinguished by their muscular construction, esparto rope soles, and canvas uppers, the espadrille is a relatively casual pick, but can lean festive when embellished with a lace-up detail, which teams well with wedding dresses adorned with ribbons. 

Silver Platform Gaia Espadrilles, 665 USD, Stella McCartney

Beige Embroidered Espadrilles, 520 EUR, Burberry

4. Platforms

If your avoidance of heels comes from the discomfort of trotting on tiptoes all day, then try flat platforms. These shoes give the same heightening effect without the special perils of a skyscraper stiletto, and are very much a conversation starter. A sartorially playful antibride might love a lace-up boot or chunky shoe to make her bridal look one for the books. 

Sinclair ankle boots, 475 USD, Dr. Martens

Cleia Platform, 688.83 AUD, Cult Gaia

Padded leather slides, 375 EUR, Jil Sander

5. Mary Janes

The more casual, personality-charged sister of the ballerina flat, the mary jane is distinguishable by the horizontal band that cuts across the foot, often featuring a buckle. The style can overlap with others, and take on, for example, a ballerina flat structure or a tall platform. Soft and sweet, this style adds a youthfulness to any outfit, and can be styled with or without socks. 

Buckled ballerina shoes, 1,581 USD, Maison Margiela

Faux-Pearl Leather Flatform Mary-Janes, 895 GBP, Simone Rocha

White Mary Jane Ballerina Flats, 370 USD, Marge Sherwood

To explore the latest trends, expert advice, and breathtaking inspiration in the world of weddings, don’t miss out on the Get Wedded in Australia 2023-2024 digital magazine! Whether you’re a bride-to-be or a wedding enthusiast, this magazine is a must-read.

Below, browse and read your free copy of the Get Wedded in Australia 2023-2024 digital magazine today.