The wedding scene is experiencing a delightful shift in footwear trends, with brides ditching the traditional high heels for a more personal and comfortable approach. Gone are the days of teetering on stilettos, replaced by a vibrant mix of styles that prioritize both fashion and functionality.
The shift towards less conventional footwear can be traced back to Miuccia Prada’s influence. Her satin ballet pumps, gracing the industry in the summer of 2022, ignited a trend for comfortable yet stylish options. Brides, inspired by the graceful flats, began to envision themselves gliding across dance floors without sacrificing elegance. Tish Weinstock, embracing a ‘high drama’ Halloween wedding theme, opted for Miu Miu slippers to complement her three vintage gowns, prioritizing safety and comfort over towering heels. Similarly, fashion PR Laura Linden, known for her love of ballet, chose sweet pink Mius to match her Molly Goddard wedding dress, ensuring graceful steps down the aisle.
Gucci’s rose mesh slingbacks, adorned with crystal GG logos, have also become a favorite among fashion-forward brides, thanks to the influence of Vogue’s Chioma Nnadi. Nnadi gifted a pair of these slingbacks to her friend Sara El Dabi, who embraced their sparkling essence and complemented her Disney-inspired dress, a tribute to her mother’s vintage Biba collection. Florist Christie Leigh Corbally, known for her unique approach to bridal style, embraced the Gucci slip-ons, their twinkling gemstones a perfect complement to her Cecilie Bahnsen gown.
The embrace of comfort and individuality extends beyond ballet flats and slingbacks. Lou Stoppard, a writer and curator, opted for studded Alaia flats during her wedding breakfast, a stylish and practical choice. The bride later transitioned into a pearl-laden Simone Rocha gown, paired with beribboned pumps, for her wedding ceremony. The couple, known for their unique style, embraced practicality and whimsy for their big day, which revolved around London’s Café Cecilia, owned by Simone Rocha’s brother.
Color-pop pumps are also rising in popularity, adding a bold touch to bridal ensembles. Film director Raine Allen-Miller chose chartreuse block-heeled Amina Muaddi heels and Adidas X Wales Bonner leopard-print trainers to complement her ruffled Cawley Studio dress. Artist Rose Electra Harris, showcasing her unique style, opted for heart-embellished red Giuseppe Zanotti mules, even though they were a size too small, for phase one of her wedding. She later switched to pink metallic Louboutins before finally settling on chunky black Simone Rochas for a line-dancing session.
Even traditional Jimmy Choos are finding new life in contemporary bridal looks, paired with unconventional gowns. Katherine Ormerod, for example, wore pearl-encrusted Sacaria platforms with an Annie’s Ibiza minidress. Similarly, Phoebe Thompson and Noelle Nikkah opted for crystal-strapped Choos to complement their Karl Lagerfeld-era Chanel bridal dresses.
The shift towards more personalized wedding footwear reflects a growing trend among brides to express their individual style and prioritize comfort without compromising on elegance. As these brides demonstrate, wedding footwear is not just an accessory, but a statement piece that complements their unique personalities and celebrates their special day in a truly personal way.
