Wedding days are special; every groom deserves to look his best from head to toe, as do their guests. However, finding the right pair of shoes to wear to a wedding, whether it’s your own or that of a close friend or relative, is not as easy as it may initially seem.
Particularly for weddings, you’re going to want a pair of shoes that marries style with comfort, tradition with modernity, and luxury with affordability. Obviously, this is not an easy feat.
Toward this end, we’ve put together the following guide.
In it, we’ll be sharing some of the considerations you should keep in mind when shopping for a new pair of wedding shoes. Additionally, we’ve presented some of the top wedding shoes you can buy right now from Zappos, a premier shoe retail platform that itself marries convenience with excellent customer service and very competitive prices.
How To Shop For Wedding Shoes
Selecting the right footwear for weddings goes beyond mere aesthetics. With so many factors at play – from the venue and the wedding theme, to your suit’s cut and color – it’s crucial to pick shoes that not only elevate your look but also provide the needed comfort for a day that’s often filled with dancing, mingling, and lengthy ceremonies.
In this section, we’ll delve into the key features and considerations to keep in mind, ensuring your shoe choice is both stylish and functional for the big day.
Material and Finish
The chosen material of a wedding shoe not only dictates its appearance but also its longevity and comfort.
Leather, for instance, is a classic choice for its polished finish and durability. When you opt for genuine leather, you’re investing in a material that molds to your feet over time, offering a personalized fit.
Meanwhile, patent leather gives off a high shine and is perfect for ultra-formal settings, though it might be less breathable than regular leather. Alternatively, suede, with its soft and matte texture, provides a sophisticated yet slightly more casual appearance, making it apt for beach or outdoor weddings.
Comfort and Fit
A wedding day is typically a long affair. This makes the comfort of your shoes an indispensable factor.
We suggest you select shoes with cushioned insoles, arch support, and breathable lining. A snug fit, without being overly tight, ensures you won’t be adjusting or feeling discomfort throughout the day.
Remember, new shoes can sometimes require a break-in period. To avoid any unwelcome surprises, consider wearing your chosen pair around the house or during errands to soften them up and identify any potential areas of discomfort well before the wedding day.
Style and Versatility
In the vast world of men’s footwear, the style of shoe you pick should resonate with the formality of the wedding.
Oxfords, for example, are timeless and pair seamlessly with most formal attire. For those who like a hint of detail, brogues offer decorative perforations that elevate the shoe’s overall design. However, if the wedding has a more relaxed vibe, like a beach or garden setting, loafers or derby shoes might be more appropriate.
Brogues
While it’s crucial to match the wedding’s aesthetic, it’s equally beneficial to think about the shoe’s versatility post-wedding. Investing in a pair that can be worn on other formal occasions or even to the office ensures you get more value out of your purchase.
Durability and Budget
A wedding shoe’s resilience is vital not just for the day itself but for future wear. Shoes with Goodyear welted construction, for instance, are known for their longevity and can be resoled, providing lasting value.
As you assess durability, also keep in mind your budgetary constraints. While it’s tempting to splurge on high-end brands for such a momentous occasion, remember that quality footwear can be found at various price points.
Gaziano Girling Goodyear-welted Shoe
It’s all about striking a balance between cost, durability, and style, ensuring you’re making a sound investment for both the wedding day and beyond.
Color Coordination
Choosing the right color for your wedding shoes goes beyond just personal preference; it’s also about creating a harmonious look with the rest of your attire.
Traditional black is a classic choice that complements almost any formal ensemble. However, shades of brown, from light tan to deep mahogany, offer a range of options that can be paired with various suit colors. For instance, navy suits pair exceptionally well with tan or cognac shoes, while charcoal suits might look best with darker brown or black shoes. A newer trend is to choose bolder colors or materials, like velvet loafers in deep blues or reds, to make a statement.
While it’s essential to choose a color that you’re comfortable with, also think about the bigger picture and how the shoe color will complement or contrast with your entire outfit, ensuring a cohesive look.
Brand Reputation and Reviews
The brand behind your chosen wedding shoe can say a lot about its quality and craftsmanship.
Established shoe brands often come with a reputation for consistency and durability, built over years or even decades of experience. However, newer brands can also offer innovative designs that might resonate with modern grooms.
Before making a purchase, especially online, it’s wise to delve into customer reviews. These can provide real-world insights into the shoe’s comfort, true-to-size fit, and any potential issues that might not be immediately apparent. Taking time to research and understand both the brand’s reputation and the feedback from actual wearers can help you make a more informed decision, ensuring your feet are well taken care of on your special day.
- Style: Cap-Toe Oxford
- Formality: Black Tie/ Formal
- Pricing: $395 [Buy Now On Zappos]
Allen Edmonds is a brand synonymous with quality and timeless design. Accordingly, AE’s Park Avenue is the epitome of timeless style.
Born from meticulously sourced premium calfskin leather, every inch of this shoe speaks of its rich heritage and craftsmanship. Its clean lines and simple cap-toe design make it a classic choice for any formal occasion, especially weddings.
The sublime black finish offers flexibility, pairing seamlessly with both traditional black-tie suits and more adventurous tuxedo colors. Finally, its full-grain leather upper and Goodyear welt construction ensure durability and the potential for re-soling, allowing you to wear them countless times outside of your special event.
Italian Panache: Maganni Marco II
- Style: Monk Strap
- Formality: Semi-Formal to Formal
- Pricing: From $398 [Buy Now On Zappos]
The Magnanni Marco isn’t just a shoe; it’s an experience. Hailing from Spain (though with a very Italian design and flair), the artisanal craftsmanship is evident in its hand-finished, premium leather upper. Its deep black color carries a profound sense of tradition, mirroring the iconic European craftsmanship Magnanni is renowned for.
The monk strap design, a chic deviation from conventional lace-ups, infuses an air of continental sophistication, making the wearer stand distinctively on any occasion. With the shoe’s polished black finish, it ensures a seamless fit for black-tie affairs, exuding a sense of understated luxury that’s iconic to the Magnanni legacy.
- Style: Wingtip Oxford
- Formality: Business Casual
- Pricing: From $139.95 [Buy Now On Zappos]
For the modern man who doesn’t wish to compromise between classic appeal and contemporary aesthetics, the Cole Haan Zero Grand Wingtip Oxfords are the perfect blend.
At its core, this shoe pays homage to the age-old wingtip design. Still, Cole Haan takes it to another level by integrating avant-garde materials and laser detailing, thereby revolutionizing its overall aura. But there’s more than what meets the eye.
This pair’s commitment to comfort makes it stand out, ensuring that the wearer remains light on their feet through even the longest-lasting event. Indeed, the advanced cushioning and ergonomic design make it an excellent choice for those long wedding nights, where dancing and celebrations never seem to end.
So, if you’re someone who values both tradition and innovation, these shoes are an unbeatable choice, making you look suave and feel comfortable at the same time.
- Style: Wingtip Brogue
- Formality: Semi-Formal
- Pricing: $165 [Buy Now On Zappos]
Timelessness and sophistication often walk hand-in-hand, and the J&M Conard Wingtips in tan leather exemplify this union impeccably. Designed for the discerning gentleman, this shoe resonates with classic elegance that transcends fleeting trends.
The high-quality tan full-grain leather exudes warmth and richness, perfect for those who want to strike a balance between formality and approachability. Each stitch, perforation, and detailed broguing is a testament to Johnston & Murphy’s commitment to craftsmanship.
But the charm of this shoe doesn’t halt at its aesthetics. The in-built cushioning ensures that comfort is paramount, making it ideal for those long-lasting wedding events where you find yourself on your feet for extended periods. Whether walking down the aisle or raising a toast to a loved one, the Conard Wingtip guarantees that you’ll do so with a mark of undeniable class.
- Style: Derby/Blucher
- Formality: Business Casual
- Pricing: From $48.57 [Buy Now On Zappos]
Clarks is renowned for merging comfort with style, and the Tilden Walk in Dark Tan Leather is a testament to this ethos. This practical dress shoe is perfect for budget-conscious who don’t want to compromise on aesthetics or comfort.
Crafted with supple leather, its design is simplistic yet elegant, making it versatile for various wedding settings, whether a beachside ceremony or a grand ballroom reception.
The OrthoLite® footbed ensures optimum cushioning, which, coupled with its flexible construction, guarantees ease of movement throughout the festivities. Given its remarkable price point and the promise of lasting comfort, the Clarks Tilden Walk is a stellar option for those who believe in understated elegance.
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