I’m Swapping My Painful Pumps For These 5 Podiatrist-Approved Wedding Guest Shoes

Admins on May 11, 2026 0

Two individuals wearing formal dresses pink and blue paired with boxed illustrations of matching shoes sandals and heels — Credit: Getty Images / Courtesy / InStyle

Wedding season is fast approaching, and you’ll need comfortable shoes to make it past the cocktail hour.
Podiatrists recommend seeking out shoes with adjustable ankle straps, platforms, and sturdy block heels for stability. They caution against shoes that are completely flat or too narrow.
Shop expert recommendations for supportive wedding guest shoes ahead.

Wedding season is right around the corner, and if you’re anything like me, you’ve likely found yourself hobbling from the photo booth to the bar in painful heels, sitting out every other song during the reception just to feel some semblance of relief. My heel collection is vast, mostly secondhand, and if I’m being honest with myself, highly impractical for anything more than an hour or two of wear. This year, with more weddings than usual on my calendar, I know I need to make a switch from the spindly peep-toe pumps I love to a comfier, more supportive shoe choice.

Board-certified podiatrist Dr. Nasim Kalhor says you can still wear heels to weddings, so long as you seek out the right styles. “The first thing I look at is the stability of a shoe,” she says. “If you’re going to wear a heel, wedges or a thicker block heel are always a better option than a traditional stiletto. I like it when the front and back of the shoe are balanced. If there’s height in the back, having a slight platform or wedge in the front helps reduce the angle and takes pressure off the forefoot.”

Dr. Bobby Pourziae, a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon known as “The High Heel Doctor,” adds that arch support is essential. “A contoured footbed helps distribute pressure evenly and reduces strain on the plantar fascia, which is especially important when you’re standing or dancing for hours,” he says.

Avoid shoes that pinch the tops of your feet or compress your toes. “What I tell patients to stay away from is anything very high and narrow, especially stilettos, or completely flat shoes with no support,” says Dr. Kalhoor. “Both extremes tend to cause problems, either from too much pressure on the forefoot or not enough support through the arch.”

Ahead, find five podiatrist-approved wedding guest shoes I’ll happily swap my stilettos for this spring.

01of 05

Block Heels

Amalie Gassmann wears navy blue dress, bag outside Lanvin during Paris Fashion Week — Amalie Gassmann seen in Paris, France.Christian Vierig/Getty Images

Block heels are excellent for arch and ankle support, especially those with an ankle strap, says Dr. Kalhoor. Look for a low heel of no more than three inches, with cushioning at the forefront, heel, and arch, like this sky blue pair from a podiatrist-founded brand, below.

Strappy heeled sandal with a midheight block heel

Frankie4 Lottie Cornflower, $214.00 $129.00

Shop Now

02of 05

Strappy Sandals

A guest wears black sunglasses, a black wool long coat, a necklace, a dark blue floral print satin slip dress, a pink leather bag, black leather sandals shoes, outside Louis Vuitton, during Paris Fashion Week — Passerby seen in Paris, France.Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

Strappy heeled sandals are an ideal choice for black-tie and semi-formal weddings, but many dig into the foot and cause irritation by the end of the night. Dr. Pourziae recommends browsing Cole Haan because the brand offers “dressier silhouettes with improved cushioning and shock absorption compared to traditional formal shoes.”

“Look for something with some structure or at least enough room to add a slim orthotic,” adds Dr. Kalhoor. “That helps maintain alignment and prevents arch and heel fatigue.”

A pair of strappy heeled sandals displayed against a white background

Cole Haan Constantina Sandals, $148.00 $110.00

Shop Now

03of 05

Supportive Flats

Yousra Mohsen wears black hair in a ponytail, silver earrings, a orange pink silk with embrodiered leather flower pattern and silver nails / studs details / sleeveless cutout chest / mini dress, a silver metallic and beige leather coins handbag from Rabanne, brown light with silver rhinestones ballet flats shoes, outside Rabanne, during Paris Fashion Week — Yousra Mohsen seen in Paris, France.Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

Too-flat shoes can lead to aching arches. Instead, look for flats that offer a plush, structured foot bed like this pair from Vionic, a brand both podiatrists recommend. “Their podiatrist-designed footbeds include arch support and heel stabilization, making them a strong option for long events,” says Dr. Pourziae.

Pair of woven flat shoes with simple elegant design

Vionic Gracia Woven Ballet Flat, $150.00 $105.00

Shop Now

04of 05

Platform Heels

Heart Evangelista wears asymmetric layered dress with floral print, bag, golden earrings outside Zimmermann during Day Eight of Paris Fashion Week — Heart Evangelista seen in Paris, France.Christian Vierig/Getty Images

Platform heels pad the foot and provide dramatic height without sacrificing comfort—perfect for pairing with a floor-sweeping gown. Dr. Pourziae recommends shopping the brand Naturalizer, which is “great for sandals and pumps with balanced cushioning and support, especially for guests who want something classic but wearable all night.” I’m drawn to this green raffia pair for a summer wedding; they would look so lush with a fuchsia or turquoise dress.

Pair of highheeled womens platform sandals with an ankle strap

Naturalizer Delphie Dress Sandal, $170.00 $130.00

Shop Now

05of 05

Kitten Heels

guest wears a pale butter yellow sleeveless midi dress in smooth structured fabric with a V-neckline and fitted bodice, featuring vertical seam detailing and a softly flared hem, accessorised with a silver metal wristwatch and carrying a black structured leather shoulder bag with a slim strap, metallic silver pointed-toe leather heels outside Jil Sander during the Milan Fashion Week — Passerby seen in Milan, Italy.Raimonda Kulikauskiene/Getty Images

Kitten heels are not only more comfortable than their taller counterparts, but they’re also a staple in the wardrobes of Hailey Bieber, Katie Holmes, and Kendall Jenner. A pair of sleek metallic slingbacks will go with anything and look gorgeous sparkling across the dance floor.