Breaking the Mold: 31 Non-Traditional Wedding Shoes

Are you a fan of the unusual? Do you appreciate alternative styles and out-of-the-box fashion choices? If you’re reading this list, it’s safe to assume that you answered “yes” to at least one of those questions. You’ve come to the right place, because we feel exactly the same. Although we love all things matrimony-related, we also have a soft spot for unique and non-traditional styles, especially non-traditional wedding shoes.

In this post, we’re reviewing some of our favorite out-of-the-box wedding footwear options. We explore artsy designs, romantic styles, and other non-traditional wedding shoes that engaged couples will love. From the bride and the groom to wedding party members and guests, this list has something for every wedding-goer.

Check out our favorite unique, non-traditional wedding shoes for the big day

Creative alternatives to traditional wedding shoes

1. Hand-painted wedding shoes

Finding the perfect wedding shoe isn’t always easy. If you’re struggling to find a design you love, make your own! Show off your unique style and incorporate the wedding theme into your shoe design, or partner with a talented artist to create the perfect personalized painted pair.

2. Floral prints

Accessorize a simple bridal gown with floral prints on your feet. Create a cohesive wedding look by selecting a pattern that complements the bouquet or matches your floral décor.

3. Trendy tie-dye

Incorporate the wedding’s color scheme into your outfit with tie-dyed wedding shoes. Whether you’re a fan of bright colors and bold patterns or prefer the subtle coloring of dip dyes, there’s a tie-dye design to fit every wedding style. Roll up your sleeves and DIY, or order a custom pair from a dependable online retailer.

4. Celebratory slingbacks

If you’re ready to party like it’s your wedding day, check out the Soiree slingback pumps from celebrated New York designer Kate Spade. The chic, modern design and creative wine cork heel come together to create a bridal look that is both festive and fashionable. Slingbacks are the ultimate party shoe.

5. Graffiti-inspired

Bold and unique, graffiti-inspired wedding shoes epitomize street art chic. If you appreciate color clashes, distinctive typography, and street art style, check out these colorful creations from Figgie Shoes.

Non-traditional wedding shoes full of color

6. Glam in green

Forgo the traditional neutral wedding shoe and opt for color instead. From mint green and jade tones to olive and hunter, there’s a green shoe shade for every season.

7. Red velvet

Elegant, mysterious, and sexy, deep red velvet wedding shoes are perfect for winter wonderland weddings. If you love eye-catching accents, select a pair of ruby red heels with a ribbon or rhinestone ankle strap.

8. Something blue

Cross two items off your wedding to-do list with a pair of nontraditional wedding shoes in your favorite blue hue. Wear a pair of navy satin heels or these iconic Manolo Blahnik pumps as your “something blue.”

9. Glass slippers

Inspired by Cinderella’s glass slipper, these nontraditional wedding shoes are what dreams are made of. Adorned with handmade sparkling gemstones and a golden butterfly on the toe, this footwear is fit for a princess.

Sporty wedding sneakers

10. Custom Converse

Create and customize personalized wedding Chucks. Select the style, material, color, and size you want before personalizing a pair. Add “I Do” graphics, decorate the soles with your new last name, print your wedding date, and more.

11. Keds Bridal Collection

Classic sneaker lovers will be thrilled to learn that the one and only Keds boasts a bridal collection. Their beautiful bridal sneaker collection features sequins, floral appliques, and other romantic accents.

12. Sutton Highwall Bling platforms

We love these rhinestone-embellished platform sneakers from beloved offbeat fashion designer Betsey Johnson. With pearl accents and an inch and a half of sole support, SIDNY sneakers come in an array of colors, making them perfect for the bride, bridal party, or wedding guests.

13. Crocheted lace sneakers

Lightweight crochet lace sneakers are perfect for a lovely garden wedding. In addition to being comfortable, this airy and elegant footwear is affordable. We found this pair available at David’s Bridal for under $30!

Bewitching bridal boots

14. Knee-high ribbon lace-ups

Stun guests by wearing intricate lace-up wedding boots. Satin side ribbons and decorative floral lace embellishments offer a nod to the Victorian era and can turn the most straightforward bridal look into a breathtaking work of art.

15. Wooden oxfords

Show off your dance moves in a pair of stylish wooden-soled oxford booties. The Fleur Oxford shoe from Coconuts by Matisse boasts a timeless block heel and charming lace-up design for only $100.

16. Leopard print booties

Give an organic, elegant bridal look a little pizazz with animal print booties. Pair leopard print ankle boots with a flowing lace dress to give your aesthetic a little edge. This look pairs perfectly with a rustic or boho-inspired bridal style.

17. White leather

Jazz up a simple dress with white leather boots. The sleek style accentuates natural fabrics and organic lines by creating a bit of contrast within the look. Choose a short ankle bootie to match a rustic wedding theme or white leather lace-ups for a vintage vibe.

Non-traditional wedding footwear for romantics

18. Ornate floral heels

Floral mesh pumps blend function and fashion. Fantastic for spring and summer weddings, mesh sides will let your feet breathe in a pair of stunning nude heels with ornate embroidered floral embellishments.

19. Pom pom flats

Bona Drag’s Trademark Peach Castaigne slides ooze luxury and old-Hollywood glamor, but high-end designer brands can cost a pretty penny. Simple pouf flats help achieve the same aesthetic for less. Create your own romantic pom pom flats with a pair of slides and feather poufs.

20. Evangeline heeled sandals

Float down the aisle with wings on your feet—literally. These stunning and whimsical winged creations from SSENSE are available in white, black, and silver iridescent.

21. Riveted flats

Brides, wedding party members, and guests alike will look grateful and feel comfortable in a pair of riveted flats. For a romantic, natural look, go with a lace-up pair, like the Isabel Marant Suede Ballet Flats.

Fun, funky, and high-fashion wedding shoes

22. Christian Louboutin spiked leather pumps

Louboutin’s Baila 85 spiked leather pumps blend glitz and glam with a couture edginess that fashion-forward brides will gush over.

23. Geometric heels

A short, geometric heel partners well with any modern wedding look. A hexagonal or pyramid-shaped heel offers more stability than the standard pump and adds an artsy air to the design.

24. Gold couture

Whether you’re a high-fashion fan or not, everyone can appreciate the beauty in a pristine pair of Valentino pumps. Valentino’s “Couture Bow” D’Orsay pumps will gleam on the feet of any bride walking down the aisle.

25. Go-go boots

If you’re planning a 60s-themed wedding or wearing an outfit that stops above the knee, consider adding trendy go-go boots to your ensemble.

26. Rose petal wedges

Who said roses should stay in bridal bouquets and decorative arrangements? Whether white, red, or pink, fabric flower petals give these nontraditional wedding shoes a one-of-a-kind texture.

Non-traditional wedding shoes for him

27. Button boots

Whether you’re planning a dreamy forest wedding or a stylish farmhouse affair, the groom is sure to look dapper in a pair of vintage button boots. Whether leather or denim is your style, there are various button boot designs to choose from.

28. The Jack Shoe in Eden

Heads will turn as guests attempt to catch a glimpse of the groom or groomsmen in these decorative, handmade works of art. Explore the many iterations of Taft’s iconic Jack Shoe in navy, champagne, oxblood, or black velour.

29. Smoking slippers

Style the groom and groomsmen in smoking slippers, and they’ll be dripping in old-school cool. Also called party shoes and tuxedo slippers, there are many colors, textures, and smoking slipper styles to choose from. The design is as versatile as it is comfortable. Express your style with velvet, leather, sequins, embroidery, tassels, or other accessories.

30. Playful prints

Show off your style with an eye-popping print. The almond-toe Connery loafer from Aldo Shoes displays a vibrant decorative pattern featuring tigers, decorative chains, and other designs.

BONUS: Couture Wedding Crocs

Searching for the most mesmerizing and fashionable wedding footwear, we found some truly incredible designs. To wrap up our list, we bring you the collaboration we didn’t know we wanted (or needed), the couture Croc—

31. Balenciaga X Crocs

If you love crocs but never found a way to make them work with formal attire, don’t worry: Balenciaga did it for you. The high-end fashion designer collaborated with Crocs, a brand celebrated (and teased) for putting function before fashion, to design a stiletto clog.

Frequently asked questions about traditional wedding shoes

Still have questions about traditional vs. non-traditional wedding shoes? Check out our answers to some frequently asked questions below.

1. What are traditional wedding shoes?

Wedding shoes come in many shapes, styles, and heights. Flats, pumps, blocks, and kitten heels are all popular choices for the bride and bridal party, while oxfords, loafers, and monk shoes are typical for the groom and groomsmen. Although no specific style has been titled “the wedding shoe,” traditional options are typically neutral in color and design, so they don’t pull attention from the outfit.

2. Should I consider non-traditional wedding shoes?

It’s up to you, but once you stop binding your decisions to tradition, the wide world of wedding planning opens up and becomes easier to navigate. Setting out with the intention of finding a traditional wedding shoe could lock you into specific color choices or shoe styles. Widening your potential shoe pool allows you to weigh comfort, price, and creative expression more heavily than what tradition says you should wear. Even better, you could find an affordable pair of stunning shoes you absolutely love and can wear more than once.

3. How much should I spend on wedding shoes?

How much or how little you spend on wedding shoes is entirely up to you. Many brides report spending less than $100 on their wedding shoes, but others dole out thousands for the latest in wedding footwear fashion. Wedding shoes under $100 are considered low-cost, while those priced at $400 and above are considered high.

Put this list of non-traditional wedding shoes to good use!

Now that you’re equipped with more than thirty non-traditional wedding shoe designs, you’re all set to start shopping. Step out of the standard wedding space and allow your favorite styles to inspire you. After all, a wedding should be about the newlyweds and what they want, not what others expect. The only wedding attire expectations soon-to-be-newlyweds should worry about are those of their guests.

Up next, we’re reviewing different wedding dress code options couples can consider. From white tie to black tie, from destination weddings to themed ceremonies, we cover all the dress codes you need to know about in our guide to guest attire.