Should I spend a lot on wedding shoes nobody will see?
Expensive wedding shoes often stay hidden under a long dress, making it hard to justify spending hundreds of dollars. Many people struggle to find comfortable, specific styles like blue satin flats or retro low heels that are actually in stock and from a reliable source.
What the numbers show
Counted from the threads quoted below. How we count
- The most recent one is from October 2026.
- This comes up 26.3× more often in r/weddingplanning than across the site as a whole.
What people tried
Every workaround mentioned in the threads below. We haven’t tested any of them — and nobody here is claiming they worked.
Found another way around this?
Share your steps and trade-offs so fellow engineers don't have to reinvent the wheel. No account required.
- 1Buying inexpensive $40 shoes from brands like Amazon or retail storesDid this help you?
- 2Wearing comfortable alternative footwear like Birkenstocks or VansDid this help you?
- 3Choosing versatile flats that can be reworn to the office or for other outfitsDid this help you?
- 4Searching Etsy or looking for discontinued stylesDid this help you?
- 5wearing sandals or sneakersDid this help you?
- 6wearing brand-new white BirkenstocksDid this help you?
- 7looking at local shoe repair shops for larger sizesDid this help you?
- 8changing into comfortable shoes after photosDid this help you?
- 9Wear hiking shoes for the trek and change into nicer shoes once at the location.Did this help you?
- 10going commando to avoid visible panty linesDid this help you?
- 11Looking for white snow boots or waterproof boots with good tread from brands like Sorel or Lands' EndDid this help you?
- 12Using a carpet for the aisleDid this help you?
- 13Having a tent on standbyDid this help you?
- 14Planning backup options with wedding plannersDid this help you?
- 15Switching to alternative comfortable footwear like Converse sneakersDid this help you?
- 16Choosing sandals if spending minimal time outsideDid this help you?
- 17Wearing a colored heel to make shoes part of the wedding palette or 'something blue' instead of matching ivory shadesDid this help you?
- 18Changing into warmer shoes for time spent outdoorsDid this help you?
- 19Buying shoes online and dealing with the troublesome returns process if they do not fitDid this help you?
- 20Visiting multiple physical locations of stores like DSW to check different inventoryDid this help you?
- 21Pairing standard polos and dark jeans with clean athletic shoesDid this help you?
- 22Wearing penny loafers or classic dress shoes like Allen EdmondsDid this help you?
- 23Styling casual boots like Doc Martens or Solovairs appropriately for the officeDid this help you?
- 24Wearing square toe cowboy bootsDid this help you?
- 25just bring normal shoesDid this help you?
- 26bought a pair of trailrunning shoes that look like sneakers and can be worn as regular shoesDid this help you?
- 27Get something that achieves both goalsDid this help you?
In their words
Unedited, grouped by where they were said, most upvoted first within each place, each linked to the thread it came from.
“My wedding is coming up in less than two months, and I’m trying to decide what to do about shoes.”source ↗
“I spent almost $3,000 on my dress, so I don’t know if I can justify spending hundreds more on shoes that will barely even be seen underneath it”source ↗
“Did you splurge on your wedding shoes, and was it worth it? Or did you keep them simple and affordable?”source ↗
“I’ve been having such a hard time finding flats or even a cute kitten heel in my size that I actually like.”source ↗
“I would like to have my fancy shmancy tummy tucking smooth lining underwear sorted before pick up, so I can try it on one last time properly.”source ↗
“I’m having such a difficult time finding shoes for my wedding!”source ↗
“I want to wear baby blue satin ballet flats or possibly simple, low heeled, 50s or 60s-esque pumps but I can’t find any that aren’t either on on a sketchy Etsy account or discontinued/sold out.”source ↗
“I am getting married in the mountains during winter and our ceremony is outdoors (everything else is indoors) and I need to prepare for any type of weather and am looking for some good/fashionable white bridal snow shoes to walk down the aisle”source ↗
“We are eloping in Colorado and I’m stuck on shoes. outside, mountains, pines, you know it. Some climbing. I’m lost. My dress is elegant. Hellllllpppppppo”source ↗
“I'm getting married this winter and I desperately need to commit to shoes before my dress fitting next month.”source ↗
“The ivory tones just seem to clash and it is stressing me out.”source ↗
“I'm also wondering whether my feet are also going to be cold as well as uncomfortable”source ↗
“Struggling big time to find any shoes that I like for our March 2027 wedding as I do not want anything beyond a 2 inch heel at most.”source ↗
“Help a tall and clumsy girl out and drop your recommendations for brands/sites that provide some cute options for those who don't want a big heel.”source ↗
“I cannot seem to find any in store that aren't crazy pointy or open toed, and I definitely want to try them on before buying.”source ↗
“My fear was that they would be too formal for a business casual office. Would a penny loafer be a better choice for business casual? First time in corporate so excuse my ignorance.”source ↗
“Traveling to Portugal for vacation. I have a pair of low top waterproof hunting boots (think Cabelas) that I planned on taking for rainy days. My wife Says I need another pair as camouflage is frowned upon and I will embarrass her and i will stick out like a sore thumb.”source ↗
“A new pair of boots for me is pointless and will only be worn once.”source ↗
Where this came up
People with this problem also raised
- 9How to choose between two wedding dresses
- 4Are matching getting-ready pajamas and robes actually worth it?
- 5Can I go back the next day to buy a wedding dress?
- 8How to choose a bridal party without hurting feelings
- 2Who should walk me down the aisle with a complicated family?
- 2Is my mother-of-the-bride dress too formal for a garden cocktail wedding?