The 20 Best Designer Wedding Shoes for 2024
You never need an excuse to treat yourself to new shoes, but if you were looking for one, your wedding day is perhaps the best. Designer wedding shoes are the perfect item to splurge on before your big day for several reasons. A luxe pair of shoes is a sure way to elevate your look. Plus, they'll make an excellent keepsake to remember your wedding day for years to come (or you could dye them, giving them a second life).
Edmundo Castillo, head of design at luxury shoe brand Stuart Weitzman, explains that "just like love, when it comes to choosing wedding shoes, you should always follow your heart." We couldn't agree more. Going the designer route opens up so many new doors concerning style and fit but Castillo believes that at the end of the day, "the shoe you choose should feel authentic to you, whether that is a more traditional silhouette—like a classic white satin pump—or something unexpected, like a silver Western boot."
The even better news, according to Castillo, is that "style and comfort don't have to be mutually exclusive." Whether you're a bride looking for a pair of comfortable heels that can withstand a full day of celebration, or a groom looking for a stylish pair of shoes that you can wear again and again, your favorite luxury designers have plenty of options for you to explore. We've rounded up 20 of our top picks (for both brides and grooms) that will seamlessly take you down the aisle and onto the dance floor. The last thing you want on your big day are blisters caused by sub-par footwear. We promise these are worth the splurge!
In this article:
- Where to Buy Designer Wedding Shoes
- Top 10 Designer Bridal Shoes for 2024
- Top 10 Men's Designer Wedding Shoes for 2024
Where to Buy Designer Wedding Shoes
Particularly for to-be-weds who aren't based in a major city, department stores (brick and mortar or online) are a great one-stop shop for getting your designer wedding shoe fix. They're also a great spot to find sales and special promotions and you'll often encounter more generous and hassle-free return and exchange policies should a purchase not work out. Here are a few of our favorites.
- Mr. Porter: The groom to Net-a-Porter's bride, expect to find everything from Tom Ford luxury sneakers to George Cleverley oxfords at the online retailer. For a relative bargain, also check out the Mr. P range, the site's house label.
- Moda Operandi: Founded by tastemaker and former Vogue editor Lauren Santo Domingo, Moda has become a sought-after source for designs from emerging talent that you won't find anywhere else. The site frequently features designer exclusives, offers a bridal edit and if you're in need of inspiration, check out the items denoted "Lauren's Picks."
- Saks Fifth Avenue: For brides and grooms alike, Saks is an invaluable source for designer wedding shoes ranging from Christian Louboutin to Alexander McQueen.
- Bergdorf Goodman: The eminence gris of NYC department stores, Bergdorf's is a one-stop shop for designer wedding shoes for bride and groom. Expect to find Jimmy Choo, Gianvito Rossi, Manolo Blahnik and more, all under one roof.
Luxury Designer Bridal Footwear Brands to Know
After several rounds of alterations, your wedding dress now fits perfectly. So too should your shoes. Designer bridal footwear is worth the splurge as you'll be standing and dancing for hours on end. Below are some of the most trusted brands in the biz and while the prices may seem steep, your feet will thank you. It helps too to think about cost per wear. You can always give your designer footwear a second life by having them dyed, which is so much more environmentally friendly than purchasing a cheap, painful pair of pumps that you wind up tossing after one wear.
- Manolo Blahnik: The most prolific of shoe designers, "Manolo" as he is simply known since having reached icon status is renowned as much for his creativity as the comfort of his designs. Keenly attuned to the anatomy of the foot, Manolos are the most comfortable heels you will find at any height.
- Jimmy Choo: Still bearing the name of its founder who made his name as a London-based cobbler to Princess Diana, Jimmy Choo boasts a stellar offering of on-trend footwear for both brides and grooms.
- Stuart Weitzman: Perhaps most famous for the stiletto "Nudist" sandal, which has become a red-carpet staple thanks to its chameleonlike capabilities, Weitzman is a great source whether you're in search of something trendy or classic with a pricepoint we'd dub "accessible luxury."
- Aquazzura: From royalty to the red carpet, Colombian-born Edgardo Osorio's designs are always just a little bit extra in the best possible way. Look to his brand for statement-making designs to pair with second looks where you're feet will undoubtedly be on display.
- Gianvito Rossi: The son of famed Italian designer Sergio Rossi, Gianvito has footwear in his blood. The younger Rossi sticks to minimalist designs that focus more on form than embellishment and they're not all sky-high as Rossi loves a block heel.
- Roger Vivier: An iconic French brand that made its name by creating some of the most iconic footwear in fashion history for Christian Dior during the early days of his atelier, Vivier is best known for its comma-shaped kitten heels and glam strass detailing.
Luxury Men's Wedding Shoe Designers to Know
Grooms, there's no reason to feel restricted by your tuxedo or suit on your big day. Choosing designer wedding shoes is one of the wisest decisions you can make when it comes to your big-day look. Not only are they a great finishing touch but they'll likely get a lot more mileage than, say, a pair of cufflinks or a pocket square. Below you'll find some of the best—and most popular—names in men's footwear. Such high-quality wares will cost more than your average footwear but the difference will be night and day. We like to about such "splurges" in terms of cost per wear and should you make a choice from any of the below retailers, you can rest assured your shoes will go the distance.
- Ralph Lauren Purple Label: For the runway line of the best-known name in American fashion, Lauren seeks out the best factories in England and Italy for footwear. Expect everything from classic lace-ups to timeless opera pumps.
- Jimmy Choo: That's right, the footwear brand beloved by countless brides caters to grooms as well. If you're in search of a sleek patent or glam glitter dress shoe, this is the brand in which to find that statement piece.
- M. Gemi: Inspired by factory-direct bargains found on her trips to Italy, founder Maria Gangemi wanted to find a way to cut out the middleman and bring designer-quality, made-in-Italy shoes to fashion-conscious consumers. She succeeded.
- Del Toro: It's hard to resist the ease of a slipper, even more so when they're available in countless colors with customization options to boot. Del Toro's timeless slippers are the perfect canvas upon which to showcase your personality.
- Christian Louboutin: Even grooms have a hard time resisting a red sole, which feels oh-so wedding-appropriate. Whether in search of a dress sneaker with studs or embroidered lace-ups, you're sure to make a statement.
Top 10 Designer Bridal Shoes for 2024
Whether you're in search of a pair of whimsical flats or sky-high, Cinderella-worthy glass slippers, there's a designer bridal shoe for you. Read on for 10 of our top picks.
Jimmy Choo Saeda 85
The '80s are back. Embrace the moment with a Dynasty-worthy white leather pump featuring a rhinestone "anklet" chain.
Size range: 34-43 | Heel height: 3.3 inches
Price at time of publication: $1,125
Jimmy Choo Sacora 85
For the big day at least, the world is your oyster. Choose accordingly with this faux pearl-embellished lace peep-toe style.
Size range: 34-43 | Heel height: 3.3 inches
Price at time of publication: $925
Gianvito Rossi Montecarlo
As glam as its name, this stiletto sandal features the tiniest hint of sparkle and a festive-yet-minimalist bow.
Size range: 34-42 | Heel height: 4.1 inches
Price at time of publication: $1,295
Gianvito Rossi Plexi
The glass slipper of your dreams, in shatter-proof Plexi and accented with high-gloss white patent leather.
Size range: 34-42 | Heel height: 4.1 inches
Price at time of publication: $815
Roger Vivier Viv In The City
A tasteful, moderately heeled pump featuring the brand's iconic pilgrim buckle. Perfect for civil ceremonies and going-away ensembles.
Size range: 5.5-12 | Heel height: 2.5 inch
Price at time of publication: $890
Roger Viver Bouquet Mary Jane Flat
The most elevated flat you'll find, in metallic tweed with a crystal flower strap.
Size range: 6-11| Heel height: 0.17 inches
Price at time of publication: $1,995
Manolo Blahnik Carolyne Kitten-Heel Halter Pump
Named after fashion icon Carolyne Roehm, this timeless slingback is as classic as they come.
Size range: 5-12 | Heel height: 2 inches
Price at time of publication: $795
Christian Louboutin 85mm Loubi Girl Satin Sandal
A slip of a sandal that will make a statement as soon as you kick up your heels thanks to its iconic red sole.
Size range: 6-11 | Heel height: 3.35 inches
Price at time of publication: $895
Ralph Lauren Celia Embroidered Mesh Pump
Ralph Lauren gives Cinderella a run for her money in these crystal-embroidered, transparent mesh pumps.
Size range: 34-41 | Heel height: 4 inches
Price at time of publication: $1,195
Emmy London May Flat Sandal
Perfect for beach weddings or the simply heel-averse. This London-based brand was a favorite of Princess Diana's.
Size range: 5-12 | Heel height: 0.4 inches
Price at time of publication: $410
Top 10 Men's Designer Wedding Shoes for 2024
Regardless of your wedding dress code, there's a men's designer wedding shoe for you. Read on for our 10 timeless (and a few trendy) picks.
Jimmy Choo Foxley
An unexpected tassel creates movement and is a surefire conversation starter with any black-tie ensemble.
Size range: 39-46
Price at time of publication: $850
Jimmy Choo Finnion Monkstrap
Velvet slippers aren't for everyone. A metal-studded toe shows your stylish edge.
Size range: 39-46
Price at time of publication: $1,495
Christian Louboutin Chambeliss
A piercing detail takes this classic patent lace-up to brave new heights.
Size range: 7-14
Price at time of publication: $1,195
Christian Louboutin Dandy Chick
Elaborately embroidered with a botanical motif, this statement-making slipper lives up to its name.
Size range: 7-10
Price at time of publication: $945
Tom Ford Elkan Patent Oxford
Why settle for standard laces when you can tie a grosgrain ribbon? Tom Ford is nothing if not detail oriented.
Size range: 8-13
Price at time of publication: $1,750
Santoni Isomer Grosgrain Formal Loafers
Atop a velvet slipper, a grosgrain band creates a welcome and interesting contrast.
Size range: 7-13
Price at time of publication: $1,040
Del Toro Tassel Loafer
Piping, tassels and a red ribbon stripe. No, it's not a sofa but Del Toro's wonderfully whimsical loafer.
Size range: 7-14
Price at time of publication: $425
Carmina Opera Pump
An undisputed black-tie classic, featuring an appropriately festive boe.
Size range: 5-14
Price at time of publication: $550
Velasca Cumenda Derbies
100% made in Italy at a price that can't be beat, Velasca's classic derbies will serve you well beyond the big day.
Size range: 5-14
Price at time of publication: $390
Carmina Wholecut Oxford
Timeless, versatile and incredibly well made. Oh, and it comes in 18 colors to suit any wedding theme.
Size range: 5-14
Price at time of publication: $550