Our Favorite Comfortable Heels for Destination Weddings

With a memory foam insole, the design technology of this shoe—while produced for the masses—feels like it was made just for you. They come in a few colors, including sand and saddle, but I own them in black, which pairs well with any simple dress. Given the chunkier, asymmetrical strappy design and embossed snake leather exterior, this shoe is best worn with simpler outfits. With a 2.5 inch heel, they are easy to walk in and spruce up any outfit.

When you’re headed to a beach wedding or an outdoor ceremony, it’s wise to consider a block heel instead of a stiletto. Styles like this braided sandal from Dolce Vita are much easier to walk in, won’t sink into sand or grass, and can be reworn often with more casual outfits. I’ve had this pair in ivory for a few years now and they’re still going strong. I’ve worn them to spring and summer weddings, baby showers, and vacation nights out, too. Even after hours of walking in them, they never hurt my feet or leave me with any blisters. Choose from more than a dozen colors, including black, caramel, lemon, and cream.

With a slightly higher heel of around 3.3 inches, these Marc Fisher polished pumps are the perfect elevated addition to rock at any formal event. Available in various colors, from black to blush pink patent leather, the closed toe pumps offer an adjustable buckle slingback strap and fun geometric side cut-outs that spruce your outfit up. Another favorite of mine, these are the quintessential repeat heels that make elegance look easy. Though, do note: Given the shoe’s thinner heel, this option is not the best for grassy or cobblestone street venues.

These classic slingback kitten heels are favored by Traveler commerce editor Meaghan Kenny. “I bought these pointed, closed-toe slingbacks with winter weddings and holiday parties in mind,” Kenny says. “The low heel is high enough for formal weddings, but subtle enough to dress down with a pair of jeans for dinner dates.” The pair is a timeless yet affordable option with a 2.75-inch heel. “Best of all, they have yet to leave my feet in any pain or with any blisters.”

One of my all-time favorites are these slip-on, open-square toe Sacha sandals from Vince Camuto. While I have them in Lizard Green—a fairly unique color—the pair works with more items in your closet than you might think. They’ve worked magic for me, amplifying the colors of already-bright dresses, from blue floral to pale yellow. As slide-ons (with a heel height of 2.7 inches), they offer as much support as possible, with rubber soles that provide a comfortable cushion. (And if you do get tired, simply slip them off as there’s no buckle to fidget with.) Like most mules, the pair is best for warmer weather destinations, or weddings in the spring or summer. They also come in black or tan for a more timeless and classic look. Given that they are made so well (the exterior remains untainted despite all of my packing and frolicking in them), it’s a pleasant surprise that these run for just $100.

With an almond tie and adjustable strap that works with a padded footbed, these closed-toe sandals ensures comfortability and style for any season and event. I own these in the Ivory Multi shade, a neutral-colored snakeskin pattern, and often match them with solid color dresses—primarily, black, white, red, or beige. While the shoe’s overall shape is sleek, the slanted block heel, at 2.8 inches high, adds a subtle, edgy nod to the design.

While this softly-pointed slingback comes in a handful of other colors, the silver faux leather option is lovely for most any wedding guest. They also work well for the bride herself, as there’s no going wrong with a silver or white look—classic and fun for a wedding in any season. (I personally own them in silver, and often pair them with jeans in the spring to really complete an outfit.) With a super low and unassuming heel at 1.38 inches, these are great for guests looking to avoid a heel as much as possible. And for extra stability, the pair offers a traction sole and were designed to offer unmatched cushion, support, and flexibility. Another plus: Shoppers can choose the width of the sole here, with medium and wide sizes available.

Another pair that Vince Camuto seamlessly nails is the Sindree slingback pumps. I own a pair in Soft Buff, the light beige hue shown above, and regularly feel relieved to have them as a formalwear option. The classic style never gets old, with a shiny, woven-like texture. In my opinion, it can be fairly hard to find a pointed toe shoe that is actually comfortable—but with the adjustable slingback strap and comfortably padded footbed, this pair masters the blended art of a snug fit, without suffocating your feet when standing up for a long period of time. The flared block heel is 2.7 inches tall.

These stylish heels with a crystal-embellished ankle strap are perfect for a fall or winter wedding. They look much fancier and more formal than a strappy sandal or kitten heel, making them an ideal choice for a black-tie wedding where a long gown is necessary.

If you’re headed to a wedding in a warm-weather destination, slip on these elegant square-toe ivory heels from Banana Republic. Handcrafted in Portugal with real Italian leather, these sandals are built to last.

A black strappy sandal will work with most wedding guest dresses you wear. This stylish pair of Bottega Veneta heels is definitely an investment, but worth the money if you’re looking for one timeless option you’ll have in your closet forever.

If you love the look of the Bottega Veneta strappy sandals, but prefer a slightly less intimidating heel (and price tag), these Jeffrey Campbell Fluxx sandals are a great alternative. They’re sexy and fun but still comfortable, thanks to the adjustable ankle strap and under-3-inch heel.

You won’t hear any complaints from us about slingback heels trending—the strap around your ankle gives a little more support and stability than other heels. Among our favorite slingback heels is this sleek, faux-leather pair from Sam Edelman. With a modest 2-inch heel, these are comfortable enough for a long wedding day and can be worn year-round thanks to the closed-toe design.

If you’re the bride, consider this simple, white pair of slingbacks that have a low 2-inch heel. They’re timeless and chic, working well for your rehearsal dinner or after party when it’s time to dance the night away. These transition will transition into your summer wardrobe effortlessly.

I’m currently eyeing this dainty pair of heels for a special event I have coming up. Made of bovine leather with shiny patent finish, these slingback pumps boast subtle, cute details like double bows at the toe and a pale pink heel. They’ll offer a little pop of color to a simple beige dress I have hanging in my closet, without being too much or too hard to rewear.

If you’re comfortable with a taller heel, try this strappy and shiny pair from Larroudé, a stylish brand known for its wide array of fashionable, fun heels. In this gold metallic color, the Dolly sandal is versatile, matching with pretty much any outfit while still adding a pop of sparkle. (The same goes for the Silver Speccio, for a touch of a silver hue instead.) And while it’s true that the heel is taller than most other options in this roundup at 4.5 inches, the product’s design makes up for it. Along with the memory foam cushion insole, the pair also serves a thicker block heel and is combined with a 1.5 inch platform, key for more support and sturdiness.

If you struggle to walk or dance in heels, we recommend the best-selling City Sandal from Margaux. The thick straps and block heel coupled with a cushioned insole make these a godsend for long days and nights on your feet. One reviewer calls this versatile heel the “Goldilocks shoe;” it’s available in a dozen colorways.

If you’re the bride looking for the perfect comfortable block heel for your engagement party, bridal shower, or even the big day, these Noel heels from Dolce Vita will certainly deliver. The pearl detailing offers a special elegance to them, while still remaining understated and timeless.

Designed in Stockholm, neutral strappy block heels are a safe bet for any wedding you have coming up. The heel is chunky and low, and they feature an adjustable strap that will keep your foot secure. Plus, they’ll pair well with skirts, linen pants, and any jumpsuit you toss in your suitcase.

If you don’t want to sacrifice height but still want something that’s easy to walk in, these leather heels from Banana Republic will do the trick. The sturdy square-toe heels are made with Italian leather and have a thick, 3.5 inch heel—offering just enough height to elevate your look.

They might be the most casual choice, but kitten heels are still a great option for destination weddings. Known for a low, slim heel, this type of shoe is easier to walk and dance in than most heels. Luckily, there are plenty of sophisticated kitten heel styles, like this leather pair from Banana Republic, that can be dressed up for a formal occasion. This black pair is sleek, easy to match nearly any dress, and can be reworn throughout your trip.

Here’s a simple nude kitten heel that will match most wedding guest dresses. What we love most about these is how hard they’ll work in your suitcase, matching everything from midi dresses to basic blue jeans.

A classic pump will never go out of style—and can be worn year-round to every type of wedding, no matter the temperature or the level of formality. These sexy pumps feature a suede bow at the toe and a mesh upper, making them breathable and lightweight for a full night of dancing. (Of note, they are on the taller side at 4 inches.)

This incredibly elegant bestseller is made for our brides. We’re obsessed with the look of these chic closed-toe heels with gorgeous pearl detailing. They’re perfect for a wedding ceremony, rehearsal dinner, or bridal shower and are a timeless option. If you’re a wedding guest, Dolce Vita offers these heels in several other colors, from black to taupe, light blue, and more.

These sophisticated white heels from Dolce Vita feature a gorgeous statement bow at the toe. If you’re wearing a simple dress, these heels are a great way to spice up your look without it being too distracting.

These signature T-strap pumps are a new selection of Naturalizer’s Party Ready and Wedding Shop collection. While also offered in black and white leather, the rose gold and silver faux leather styles are a fun, flirty, yet elegant addition to any party dress or outfit. With a closed and pointed toe, the heels are 3.4 inches high, with an adjustable buckle that sits on a skinny ankle strap. And while they certainly contour your feet, the design and comfort technology allows those who wear them to still have room to breathe. According to one of their very many five-star reviews, “the leather is soft and they feel like butter” when you put them on your feet. In terms of width, you can choose from either medium or wide. Though, like other thinner heels, beware of the wedding venue to make sure you won’t be in any grass or streets that can subject you to feeling wobbly.