5 Non-Traditional Wedding Shoe Ideas for Brides to Consider

Wedding shoes are the final element that pulls your bridal look together; and while traditional ivory pumps are always timeless and sophisticated, they’re not the right choice for every type of bride. For those looking to step out of the box with their bridal accessories, opting to wear non-traditional shoes is the easiest way to create a statement-making ensemble you can wear again.  

“There are so many fun options for brides when it comes to shoes, and I find that the most non-traditional shoes are the easiest to reintegrate back into your wardrobe post-wedding,” explains bridal stylist Kennedy Bingham. “If you're wearing a full gown, you can really wear whatever shoe you want! If you're able to color match the shoe to your gown and work with your seamstress, so the shoe only slightly shows when you walk, then most people won't notice the shoe at all.”

However, if you’re looking to have a full-blown shoe moment, there are ways to sport a style that's chic and bridal-worthy, and it’s as easy as googling the word “luxury” with the shoe’s name. “You may not actually go with the luxury option, but you can start to see how a higher-end brand changes the style to make it more formal and get ideas from there,” Bingham suggests.

The world is truly your oyster when it comes to dressing up for your big day, and for brides-to-be who are considering wearing non-traditional accessories for the ceremony, reception, or both, we broke down five shoe ideas to consider, from wedding crocs to cowboy boots and Birkenstocks. Keep reading below to find a style that works best for your nuptials and your personal aesthetics.

Wedding Crocs

If Crocs are your go-to shoe, there’s no need to switch up your style for your nuptials (yes, we're serious!). Not only is this accessory comfortable and affordable, but it can also be personalized to complement your gown and wedding aesthetics. Bingham recommends the Classic Platform Chain Clog for modern brides, which comes in a cream color with a chain detail, for a look that is “a cool mix of edgy and understated,” the stylist notes. Searching for a more traditional look? The brand also offers wedge sandals and multi-strap designs that are perfect for semi-formal affairs in an outdoor location, such as a vineyard or a garden. 

While solid colors and flat designs are more versatile, don’t be afraid to choose an option with a few eye-catching details, as well. Bingham advises, “Instead of wearing the normal flat shoe, try the more styled one with a platform and add elevated crystal jibbitz.” The best part? You can easily find wedding-related jibbitz to add to your shoe on the Crocs website or on Etsy for a playful day-of look.

Cowboy Boots and Bridal Booties

For a rustic or Western-themed wedding, accessorize your gown with a pair of cowboy boots. Though this has been a popular choice for Southern brides for years, this option can work for even the most modern of brides. Bingham says, “Cowboy boots are great because they're so in style right now, there's no shortage of elevated boots from brands like KHAITE. If you want the more classic cowboy boot vibe, I'd lean somewhere between an old western and a modern-day Cottagecore look.” She also recommends a long cowboy boot, mid-calf or higher, unless you’ve settled on a tea-length dress, which calls for a shorter ankle boot. 

As far as bridal booties go, there are plenty of options to choose from that transcend Western-inspired designs. For example, a white full-coverage bootie is a classic and elegant choice for winter or fall nuptials. But for an edgier look, consider a black bootie with a stiletto heel or studs to complement an alternative bridal gown. Bingham’s favorite style? A bridal Tabi shoe. “Tabi's are a great way to subtly spice up a more relaxed look. A lot more brides are gravitating towards suits and pants, Tabi's just add a little twist to an otherwise classic look,” she says. 

Flip-Flops

If you’re hosting a wedding in spring or summer, flip-flops are lightweight shoes that suit warm temperatures with their open-toe design. Though this style can be on the more casual side, it befits coastal soirées and tropical destination weddings that evoke a relaxed and pared-back vibe. “If you're really set on a particular shoe, an easy way to elevate the style is to elevate the material,” Bingham advises. “For example, a plastic sandal will give off a very different vibe from a high-quality leather, even if everything else is exactly the same. So instead of going for a normal canvas or cotton, try swapping for a patent or leather option.”

It’s also important to consider the overall design of the flip-flop. Settle on a white flip-flop with pearl embellishments for a romantic look or a shiny gold pair for a more glamorous option. Letting your wedding dress inform your shoe choice will also help you create a cohesive ensemble. For example, a white slip dress will pair well with a classic white leather flip-flop, while a gown with colorful floral appliqués calls for a shoe in a matching vibrant hue.

Sneakers

Sneakers are a contemporary choice and likely the most comfortable shoes to wear on your wedding day. Whether you’re a sneaker gal in your everyday life or simply want a shoe you can walk in all day, this type of accessory can appease all style preferences. If you’re a minimalist, opt for a simple white or neutral sneaker. For glamorous brides who love bold designs, we recommend a sneaker with embellishments, such as silver glitter details or tulle laces. 

For a more formal celebration, however, Bingham recommends changing into sneakers for your reception, as they are “the hardest shoe to make more formal.” But, that’s not to say you can’t elevate the style to match your wedding aesthetics. In addition to embellishments, you’ll also want to consider the shoe height. “Instead of doing a running shoe or casual sneaker, try a platform version that's meant to be stylish,” the stylist adds.

Birkenstocks

Looking for another sandal option? Birkenstocks are trending right now, with many celebs like Margot Robbie and Gigi Hadid rocking the brand’s iconic slide sandal. This versatile and laidback shoe would be perfect for brides hosting beachside celebrations and casual affairs. And while white would be the obvious choice, the brand also carries metallic and pastel options for a more modern look. Specifically, for an ultra-chic aesthetic, we love the Arizona PVC sandal from Birkenstock’s collaboration with Manolo Blahnik for a bridal-worthy shoe that will suit all dress styles. 

Though we often think of Birkenstocks as a summer shoe, Bingham points out that the brand’s clog style can also work for winter nuptials. “When you hear Birkenstock, you might automatically think casual summertime look. You absolutely could, but the lined Boston Clogs are perfect if you did want to try for a more winter-oriented bridal look,” she says.