👰♀️The Best Mother of the Bride Shoes: What to look for in the perfect Mother of the Bride shoe and a list of the best shoes for comfort and style.
The big day is almost here!
You’ve found your daughter’s perfect dress, you’ve picked out the perfect outfit to celebrate with friends and family, and now there’s just one thing left: the perfect shoes.
As the mother of the bride, you’ll be on your feet all night long. Greeting guests, dancing, making memories... so basically what we are saying is you’ll need shoes that can keep up.
Shoes might not be the first thing you think of when planning your look, but they’re one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Nothing puts a damper on the night faster than sore feet. As the mom of the bride, odds are you’ll be giving 110% from the moment you arrive until the last guest leaves.
Let’s talk about what to look for in a mother of the bride shoe before we dive into styles and links. These features are non-negotiable when it comes to comfort and support for a long, joy-filled day on your feet.
What to look for in the perfect Mother of the bride shoe?
1. A Padded Insole
Think of a padded insole like a mini mattress for your foot—it’s proving all the support while you take photos, give hugs, and dance with the bride. A little cushioning goes a long way in keeping your feet happy all night.
2. Ankle Strap or Secure Fit
An ankle strap is a game-changer. Without one, your foot is doing all the work to keep the shoe on, and by the end of the night, it’ll let you know. A secure strap adds stability and peace of mind, especially when you’re dancing and on your feet all night.
3. The Right Heel
Heels are timeless and elegant—but they don’t have to be sky-high to make a statement. If you’re not a regular heel-wearer, opt for a chunky heel or even a dressy flat. Chunkier heels offer more surface area (aka, more support) and help you stay balanced all night. If you love to dance, stability is key, so choose a heel that’s sturdy, supportive, and lets you move comfortably.
The best Mother of the Bride Shoes
If you're the kind of mother of the bride who prefers simple, elegant sandals over a traditional heel, these are for you.
When I designed the Womads Peep Toe Flats, I had one goal in mind: comfort that lasts all day (and night). From the lightly padded insole that helps relieve pressure on your feet, to the ankle strap that keeps everything secure, these were made to support you through every hug, dance, and photoshoot.
The soft leather will be comfortable to wear all day and without any material rubbing on the backs of your heels. If you’ve ever dealt with that, you know exactly how annoying it is (it's honestly one of my biggest pet peeves). I even wrote a whole blog post on how to fix it.
The Peep Toe Flats come in a beautiful range of colors, so there's something to match any outfit. The high-quality leather and vibrant tones will add such a beautiful touch to your look while still supporting you and the earth. These shoes are handmade sustainably and actually help with reforestation in Colombia. As well, sandals, especially ones as light weight and flexible as Womads are the perfect shoes for outdoor weddings. You won’t have to worry about getting stuck in the grass and can move freely!
2. The Galaxy Dress Sandal by Naturalizer
The Galaxy Dress Sandal is one of my top picks when it comes to a beautiful, chunky heel. It even made it into my blog on the best dress shoes—because it’s that good.
What I really love about the Galaxy Sandal is all about the little details. The front straps on this sandal add just the right amount of elegance, enough to make your outfit feel extra polished.
Plus, the contoured footbed offers support for long wear which as the mother of the bride, you’ll definitely do!
Just like the Galaxy shoe, the Vera sandals are designed with options for both narrow and wider feet, so you can find that perfect fit. When it comes to shoes, comfort starts with the right size. If you’re unsure about what size to go with, check out our blog for tips!
The Vera comes in a range of neutrals, making it an ideal pick for the mother of the bride who loves earthy tones. It’s also a total win if your dress is the statement and you need a shoe that compliments you without stealing the spotlight.
Along with the open-toe design and adjustable strap, the Vera offers that extra bit of support to help you dance the night away (or at least make it through the speeches and dessert) with the padded insoles.
4. Evelyn Ankle Strap at Nordstrom
The Evelyn Ankle Strap from Nordstrom is another great mother of bride shoe option. It has light padding on the inside to help support your foot and remove any kind of pressure.
I also love chunky heels because they add extra stability and comfort while still giving you that chic, put-together look.
The adjustable ankle strap feature on the Evelyn shoe is a really great addition to help keep your foot in place and help with finding that perfect fit.
This is a great option for the mother of the bride who wants a simple, elegant touch and it pairs beautifully with just about any outfit. These will also be great for outdoor weddings if you still want a heel but want to move freely through the wedding without worrying about your shoes or stability.
You really can’t go wrong with the Hortense Sandal by Sézane—this shoe is such a beautiful addition to any mother of the bride's look. The crossover detail is handmade, and I don't know what it is but that extra touch of craftsmanship makes the shoe feel extra special.
The heel is a little slimmer than some of the chunkier options in this blog, but it’s still low enough to keep things comfortable and stable.
It also features an adjustable strap for that custom-fit feel, and yes—there’s a padded insole for added comfort. The smooth leather exterior adds to the elegance, and the soft cream color paired with gold hardware? A huge win in my books.
Okay so I am not a fan of overly pointed shoes, because I hate my toes feeling squished and if you’ve been reading my blogs, you already know that but I think these have the perfect amount of point to make sure it's still comfortable!
If you are like me and overly pointed shoes are not your friend then check out the Bank Pointed Toe Flat by Naturalizer.
The small chunky heel and padded lining throughout the shoe is great for wearing all day. It also comes in a wide range of colors and materials so you can find a comfortable shoe that works best with your outfit. They also have a range of colors so if you prefer neutrals or something more colorful there will be a few different options to check out!
7. Pointed Toe Bow Kitten Heel
The Bow Kitten Heel is a fresh take on a classic—think timeless style, but with all the modern comfort features we love. If you are someone who needs arch support for your feet these are also a great pair to look into!
Between the arch support and the padded insole, your feet will feel supported without all the usual pressure. The sweet bow detail adds a subtle, feminine touch, and the low kitten heel brings that vintage charm while still being wearable.
The Emblem Point is a perfect choice for the mother of the bride who loves the look of a pointed toe but not all the scrunching that usually comes with it. One of its standout features is the wider toe box, which makes for a much more comfortable fit—definitely something I appreciate!
Another big win: these shoes are made entirely from recycled materials, so they’re stylish and sustainable.
And of course, like all the shoes on this list, they come with a padded insole for heel-to-toe cushioning.
If you love the sustainable element of the Emblem Point but prefer a bit of height, Rothy’s also makes a beautiful heeled sandal! It’s also made from recycled materials, so you can feel good knowing the company you're supporting is also supporting the planet. The knot detailing is perfect for the mom who loves the boho look.
Say Yes to the Shoe
Your daughter's wedding is a huge day, for her, and for you, the mom. You want everything to be perfect for your daughter while also celebrating such a beautiful point in her life.
When it comes to your outfit and shoes, choose something you feel truly comfortable in. You’ll likely be in countless photos and caught up in moments of congratulations, so feeling confident and supported is key.
For more styling tips, blog posts, and product launches, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter in the footer and follow us on Instagram!