Walking Down the Aisle in Style: Unveiling the Latest Alternative Wedding Shoe Options

6th July 2023

Like every sector of the fashion industry, shoes are driven by trends, and favourite brands come and go. Most shoes are an investment that will last a lifetime and need to go with everything, so it’s understandable that you’ll want to take your time when picking them out.

One pair you’ll find even harder to choose is your wedding shoes. Whether you’re wearing a traditional long dress that covers them or a shorter gown that keeps them on show, your bridal shoes will need to be comfortable to keep you supported during the many events you have planned.

While the average woman has 34 pairs of shoes, most of us want a new pair for our wedding.After all, it’s a special day, and the bride deserves unique shoes that are comfortable and stylish. Here are some of the most popular options for modern brides so that you can select the perfect pair for your big day.

Traditional Heels With A Colourful Twist

Traditionally, wedding shoes for the bride are white or nude heels, usually closed-toe and with limited decoration. If you want to follow tradition, but not too closely, then you could try adding a pop of colour with a small bright addition, like a coloured bow or accessory. Another great option is to choose colourful shoes to shake up your entire look, with tones that complement your wedding makeup or match your theme. Colourful wedding shoes can make you stand out, so they’re ideal for brides who want to be creative while still feeling like themselves. Try a block colour and tie it into the theme or some other element of your wedding attire to create a cohesive look that shows off your individuality.

Bridal Trainers

For anyone who wants to put comfort first without sacrificing on style, then pristine white bridal trainers can be a unique twist on classic wedding shoes. Bridal trainers can be particularly effective if guests can’t see your shoes under your bridal outfit. You can personalise your trainers to give them a sentimental meaning that only you and your new spouse know about, making your bridal shoes extra special and unique to you as a couple. Some bridal trainers have an added platform for extra height, so if you want a small lift but love comfortable shoes, then these could be an ideal option for you.

White Dr. Martens

White DM’s are the perfect solution for alternative brides looking for a non-traditional option, especially anyone whose wedding involves spending time outside. Heels sink into grass fast, and bridal trainers can quickly get filthy, but Dr. Martens are easy to wipe clean and are rugged enough to cope with any surface. While white lace-up boots are the popular choice for bridal Docs, there are also Chelsea boots that can set you apart even further. Many of the women’s Chelsea boots on offer from the brand come in white, or you could opt for black to make a statement. Whatever your choice, you’ll be able to enjoy the comfort of your boots and create a bold bridal style. DM’s can last for decades or longer if they’re well cared for, so you’ll be able to get lots of wear out of your wedding boots and make great memories in them.

White Ballet Flats

For anyone who doesn’t want to stray too far from the traditional but is eager to keep their feet firmly on the ground, then white ballet flats could be the perfect alternative. These dainty shoes are less durable than DM’s or bridal trainers, but they can be just as comfortable and are easy to slip on and off throughout the day if you need to. White is the traditional colour for wedding shoes, so this can be an ideal choice for your ballet pumps, but if you want something different, you could choose nude or even make your shoes your something blue! Bright colours can work with ballet flats, but only when worn with a shorter dress: if your wedding guests see a little black or bright purple peaking out from underneath a long gown, they might not know what it is.

Glamourous Wedding Heels

Big is better for some brides and many love to add a touch of sparkle to their wedding gowns and accessories. If you’re one of them, then you might want to add some bling to everything, including your wedding shoes. Wedding heels that have been customised to include sparkly gems or sequins can be a fun way to show off your style and make sure the eyes all stay on the bride throughout the day. Adding bling to heels will make even more of a statement and help you to incorporate them into your already blinged-up outfit. If you’ve got a very plain wedding dress, statement sparkly heels can set it off and make a subtle statement. Many bridal shops offer sparkly shoes, or you can customise them yourself for a bespoke look that’s as unique as you are!

Sustainable Materials

Less of a style choice and more of a personal one, many brides are opting to make a statement not just with the way their wedding shoes look but also with how they’re made by choosing footwear made from sustainable materials. Sustainable materials such as recycled fabrics, vegan leather made from natural fibres or natural plant-based materials like cork can all be used to create stylish yet also sustainable footwear. These products can be a great way to highlight your commitment to the environment as well as your partner during your wedding ceremony.

Ultimately, the shoes you choose will have a significant effect on your comfort and look during your wedding, so it pays to pick out the right pair. These trends should help you to find the shoes you love for your special day. If you can’t decide, remember the bride is allowed to change: you can always mix things up with a few pairs to keep everyone on their toes!