We love getting reader questions here at TME, and I personally am especially thrilled when we receive reader questions about topics that bring out ALL my strong opinions.
As soon as I was forwarded reader Kate’s question about finding comfortable heels to wear to a wedding in Cartagena (so fun!!!), my head began spinning with myriad possibilities and ideas.
Naturalizers, for sure! They’re my personal favorites for weddings and special events. Inez heels may meet all your requirements and are wildly GOR-GEOUS! If you have problematic feet that are used to traditional comfort shoes, wedges are also a great option — there’s totally a way to pull off something like these low wedges from Naot or Sofft wedges as a wedding guest with…
Shoot! I’m getting ahead of myself. Let’s go back to the reader question itself, and I’ll give you all my ideas systematically.
Or…if you’re in a hurry, click on the following categories to be taken directly to the comfortable heel type you’re most interested in.
Jump to: Minimalist Heels | Chunky & Platform Heels | Wedge Heels
Subject: Need Help From Linzi
Hi, I’m looking for super-comfortable, fancy high-heel sandals for a summer wedding.* I’m thinking metallic as a neutral, since I don’t know what I’m wearing yet. I have the worst feet — bunions, plantar fasciitis, etc. Why can’t they make high-heel sandals that have arch support and cushy insoles?? I know I’m looking for a unicorn, but can you help??
*shortened reader’s actual question (a bit) for publish
Yes, yes, yes, Kate. Absolutely, I would love to help!!! It does feel like a search for that magical unicorn, finding your “exact” perfect heel that makes YOUR feet happy (and also fulfills your style requirements), so I can definitely steer you in the right direction.
Wedding Guest Heels That Are Stylish & Comfortable (Yes, They’re Real!)
I’m firm about choosing shoes (including heels) that keep feet happy — especially at a special event like a wedding where you want to enjoy your time and not be distracted by achy miserable body parts. I also understand, however, that for these types of special events, many of us want to be wearing gorgeous (not orthopedic-looking) shoes. It’s, therefore, all about finding the right combination and balance of style and comfort for your particular feet.
For some of us, a sexy, minimalist high heel made by one of the well-known comfort-shoe brands will work. For others, a playful, chunkier (more stable) heel and/or platform works better. And then for others, comfortable wedges are the way to go. I go into detail below about my favorites from each category, as well as ideas for how to pull off wearing true “everyday” comfort shoes (like Naots or Soffts or even Danskos) to a special event, so keep scrolling… LOTS of options for LOTS of different feet.
dress | earrings | clutch
minimalist heels | platform heels | wedges
1. Minimalist Heels From Comfort-Shoe Brands
I often wear minimalist heels to special events and weddings because they make me feel especially “fancy.” My personal favorites are the Naturalizer Joy Ankle Strap Sandals as well as the Naturalizer Kinsley/Leah heels (wide and narrow sizing available here). Shana adores her Sarah Flints, but my feet do not like them at all (more details here). I will say that since they’ve been stretched by a cobbler, however, they are MUCH better.
Kate, especially for you, if you’re looking for sexy (but comfortable) heels for Cartagena, I would absolutely try to find a local retailer who carries a range of Naturalizer styles, or order several Naturalizers to try from Zappos or Nordstrom (free shipping and easy returns — amazing when you’re trying to find a unicorn shoe).
I would also consider trying a pair of Inez heels. They’ve been on my list to try for a while now, are so freaking gorgeous, and a better price point than Sarah Flints. Heel cushion, arch support, dense foam under the ball of the foot to distribute pressure…the reviews and details on these shoes look amazing. I also appreciate that many of their heels come in slim, regular and roomy sizing.
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10
2. Platform & Chunky Heels
Sometimes my feet prefer a bit more stability in a pair of heels, which can come from a platform and/or chunkier design. I love that my Naturalizer Mallory platform sandals give me a ton of height, but the angle of the heel feels OK for my feet due to the platform. Inez also has some beautiful and super-fun platform designs that feel very special.
Cordani is a favorite comfort-shoe brand of mine for wedges and chunkier heels — fun and unusual design and style with comfort features built in. Lots of fun options. The good ones sell out FAST every year, though, so check here as well if your size is sold out.
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10
3. Walkable & Danceable Wedges
Wedge sandals are always a good option if you’re looking for an appropriately “fancy” shoe, but need extra support, comfort and stability. Maybe you’ll be walking on cobblestone or grassy surfaces…or maybe you just want to wear more of an everyday shoe for maximum comfort and danceability all.night.long. Wedges are often going to be your answer.
Wedges, in my opinion, also accommodate specific “feet problems” better than other types of heels, and many of the well-known and respected comfort-shoe brands make very low wedges that could easily be worn to special events.
Another option to consider, if you have problematic feet and can only wear certain brands of shoes for special events or weddings, is to go with whatever shoes your feet like best in a neutral color and wear a long maxi dress (so your shoes are barely even seen). I’ve definitely done this before. I’m not ashamed to put on some Dansko sandals underneath a fabulous maxi dress. It’s pretty incredible what some of these beautiful dresses can hide.
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10
Kate, I hope this post isn’t too late (apologies…it takes us a while to pull these big posts together), and I hope that you have an AMAZING time in Cartagena. Send us photos at hello@themomedit.com if you have a chance!!!
And I also hope this roundup was helpful for any of you out there searching for those perfect wedding guest shoes! As always, PLEASE share in the comments below if you’ve found your own unicorn comfortable-special-event-shoes. What’s your personal go-to?
-Linzi
. Keep your feet happy while dancing the night away.){kind=link}