I am done with the notion that beauty is pain. I’ve worn flat, wide toe box shoes to weddings, funerals, cocktail parties, the theater, and every single dressy event I’ve attended for the last 10 years. Not once did I look or feel out of place next to the other guests. In fact, my shoes were frequently the envy of others because I wasn’t stumbling around or hurting.
If you’ve found yourself saying “But I have to wear high heels to look good,” take a look at these options and see if they change your mind. Here you’ll find my personal top picks for dressy barefoot wedding shoes – for the bride, wedding party, and guests! Replace your high heels with these and thank me later.
Yes, Women’s Wedding Shoes Can be Comfortable!
What better way to enjoy a meaningful occasion than in shoes that let you feel good and move freely? I fully believe that confidence is the sexiest thing a woman can wear, so let’s turn this societal norm on its head!
And if you’d like to have the foot shape but want more cushion or support, you can play around with insoles to modify the options here to your needs.
Looking for fancy barefoot dress shoes for other members of the family or other dressy occasions? See my other articles here:
- The Best Barefoot Dress Shoes for Men
- Barefoot Dress Shoes for Kids
- The Best Women’s Pretty Sandals
- The Best Barefoot Ballet Flats
Now let’s check out my top women’s barefoot shoe picks for weddings.
Barefoot Wedding Sandals
Sandals can be very dressy looking. And my personal favorite part – after your event you can wear these barefoot sandals in your everyday life too!
High Feels – Gorgeous and sexy! My personal favorite high heel replacement that I have worn to multiple dressy occasions. Vegan, true to size. The standard width is more of a slim fit that is best suited for average width and volume to low volume. They also have an extra wide version for wider feet! I love that the buckles are actually hooks so you don’t have to undo them every time.
If shopping in the EU, use code ANYA for 5% off. We now also carry these at Anya’s Shop in the US for easier shipping!
Grecian Sandals (Etsy) -Another very beautiful option that I have worn as a bridesmaid! They are on the affordable side compared to other barefoot dress sandals, and there are so many options. I’m linking to the Vibram sole collection (they’re more flexible) and my favorite strapping styles are the ones shown in the image here, because they are both sexy and let your toes be free. These are true to size.
Shapen Sandals – Shapen is another top pick – they have several styles of dressy sandals that are really pretty. And they come in two widths! So if you have an extra wide foot, this is the place to look. In general we find they run on the large, high volume side and I size down in them.
Use code ANYA5 for 5% off shoes and accessories, but note that they don’t accept returns outside the EU. We also carry the Petal sandal at Anya’s Shop in the US.
Lang. S Selene – Lightweight, chrome-free leather. These are a great option that can go from fancy to casual with ease.
You can find also these in the EU directly from Lang. S here, and use code ANYALANG for 15% off
Crupon Sandals – I particularly like the Norma in this beige color for fancy events, but many are lovely and come in fun colors. They’ve got a nice rustic vibe that works really well for outdoor weddings. ANYA for 10% off
Origo Huarache Sandals by Anya – These are delightfully comfortable and can work well for a boho/garden/beach wedding vibe. They come in two widths too! Use code ANYA for 10% off.
Navega Barefoot – These are currently on pre-order for delivery in May 2026. Beautiful sandals in several neutrals as well as fun pops of color! There are closed toe and open toe options.
Be Lenka Sandals – These are understated and classic looking, easy to pair with a lot of things! And the quality is nice too. Iris fits narrower than the others and I don’t personally recommend them unless you have a slim foot. Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 5% off. If you are outside the US, shop Be Lenka EU here.
You can also find Be Lenka sandals from Anya’s Shop!
Zeazoo – Zeazoo has lots of sandal options in metallic or glittery leather, perfect for special occasions! They have a high volume fit, so are nice for people sensitive to straps rubbing. You can use code ANYASREVIEWS for 5% off.
And we carry the Siren at Anya’s Shop in the US with worldwide shipping available!
Juuri Sandals – These beauties can be mixed and matched with ties of many different colors – find one that matches your dress and have fun tying them! They are very soft and comfortable. Also available in Wide width.
Limited sizes available at Anya’s Shop in the US!
Unshoes Saffron – These sandals are understated and clean, easy to pair with just about any dress. I feel like they are better suited for higher volume feet, as I had some trouble getting them secure on my low volume feet. Get 10% off with code ANYA
Ahinsa Sandals – Vegan. Hava and Aura sandals have a particularly dress vibe. These are a standard fit with a wide but not extra wide toe box.
Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 10% off.
Zaqq Handmade Sandals – Zaqq has many beautiful sandals that would look stunning with formal wear. The styles are unique and not found in other barefoot brands, but ordering/returning can be tricky from the US. They also tend to be high volume. See my Zaqq brand review here.
Barefoot Wedding Flats
Ballet flats are very versatile and pair seamlessly with a gown. For more in-depth information on my favorites, check out my Guide to Barefoot Ballet Flats!
Shapen Poppy – The Poppy is a truly dressy barefoot flat. Toe box detailing helps to disguise the width and an open design elongates the legs. They are some of the most fashionable women’s barefoot shoes out there! Read my Shapen review here for all the details about the Poppy and other styles from Shapen. They run long and I recommending sizing down.
You can find the Poppy at Anya’s Shop in the US or directly from Shapen and use code ANYA5 for 5% off shoes and accessories. Just note that Shapen doesn’t accept returns outside the EU.
Shapen Orchid – Another stunning dress flat from Shapen, this time in a soft suede with a lovely strap detail. We adore these! And they come in two widths, for extra wide feet. They also run long. These are a bit softer than the Poppy, so if the edges of those are too hard for you the Orchid might be just forgiving enough.
You can find the Orchid at Anya’s Shop in the US or directly from Shapen and use code ANYA5 for 5% off shoes and accessories. Just note that Shapen doesn’t accept returns outside the EU.
Origo Huaraches by Anya – Use code ANYA for 10% off. These come in two widths, so are extra wide friendly. Delicate, in a range of neutral colors, and so comfortable!
Origo T-Strap – Use code ANYA for 10% off. These are new this year and are adorable! The fit feels a little tighter in the toes than their other flats, so may be best suited for medium to slim foot shape. I have my usual size and am waiting to see how much they break in.
Jenon Leather Villet – This two strap version is exclusive to Anya’s Shop and it’s a customer favorite for a reason! They have a wide to extra wide fit and they fit a lot of people well, plus they’re beautifully made.
You can order the one strap Villet in more colors (they do custom pairs!) directly from Jenon Leather and use code JENON11 for 10% off
Groundies Ballet Flats – Groundies makes ballet flats in several colors, including a variety of lovely neutrals! They are delightfully soft to wear, and look very sophisticated. IMO the best fitting flat without straps. The Lily is available in Barefoot+ (extra wide) width!
You can find select Groundies styles available at Anya’s Shop.
If you’re outside the US, shop Groundies here.
Be Lenka – Several dressy flat options including a vegan option. Save 5% with code ANYASREVIEWS. If you are outside the US, shop Be Lenka EU here. Read more about these flats in my Be Lenka 2022 Review
You can also find Be Lenka flats at Anya’s Shop!
Softstar Vintage Tie Ballerines – These simple tie flats are really soft and comfortable, and come in a range of neutrals and a metallic. They have a regular and wide width option and have a bit more cushion than the other options here. There is also now a Primal version of the Ballerine for those who want all the toe space!
Read my Softstar reviews here.
Magical Shoes Ballerina – These flats are soft, wide and a neutral color will go well under a dress if it complements your skin tone. We’ve found the flats to run on the big and higher volume side. Use code ANYA 10% off.
Xero Phoenix Metallic – Available in gold or silver metallic. These are medium/slim width in the toe box.
Navega Barefoot – These are currently on pre-order for delivery in May 2026. Lovely flats in neutrals, metallics, and several colors with optional ribbon ankle ties! I have not tried them yet myself so don’t know fit specifics.
Ahinsa – Vegan option. The ballet flats are available in silver and gold metallic as well as other solid colors and a few prints. Get 10% off with code ANYASREVIEWS.
Zaqq Ballerina Flats – Zaqq has a lot of of flats options! They are pretty and well made, but more accessible to EU customers than US customers.
Harlem Shoes – This dance shoe brand has a beautiful range of wide toe box in unique styles. You can also customize the sole material and heel height (if you don’t want zero drop).
The Drifter Leather flats – These beautiful shoes are custom made and will take some time to get to you, but sometimes you want a shoe that is perfectly made to your foot shape! They also have a limited selection of ready to ship styles.
So there’s really no need to torture your body with high heels for weddings or other fancy occasions! For more ways to swap out uncomfortable foot-deforming shoes for barefoot shoes, check out my Wear This, Not That series.
36 thoughts on “Replace Your High Heels With These Fancy Barefoot Shoes”
I like the look of The Storehouse Flats. Do you have enough space for your toes?
The toe box is unlined and the leather is soft and stretchy. So my toes touch the leather inside, but it doesn’t feel too tight or painful.
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Are their any high heels that are dressy that have a wide toe box ?
There might be, but I don’t cover anything that’s not zero drop so I don’t really know. This Facebook Group I created for Anya’s Reviews readers might be a good place to ask!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/677722582951840
Which of these shoes would be best for dancing?
I am looking for a dressy pair of shoes for partner dancing (salsa, swing, etc). Sometimes it’s hard to tell how grippy the soles are. If the soles have too much grip, it’s difficult to spin and can put torque on the knees. If there’s no grip, you might slip and fall.
Another consideration is that for this type of dancing, a lot of time is spent on the ball of the foot, so the heel needs to stay on securely during that.
Finally, the toe box can’t be too wide that the foot is sliding inside of it during turns. This often happens when the sole is too grippy as well.
Thanks!
My first thought would be Gea Soles with a leather sole. You would also want to tell her that they are for dancing you want a close fit. There is also Dextra Perspective, she can put leather soles on her shoes and can customize them with an ankle strap and whatever you need. But she is currently on leave after the death of her father. I believe she is reopening her shop soon if you can wait a little.
Hi Anya,
How long did your High Feels take to arrive? I live in Boise, Idaho, and have a wedding to attend in September and would think I might receive them in time.
Thanks,
Michelle
Mine got stuck in customs for a few weeks (I think 2, possibly 3). That seemed like a long time to me! I think you should be good for a September wedding.
Hi Anya! I’m headed to a wedding that will likely involve Latin dancing. Just wondering which of these you would recommend as secure enough on the foot to salsa in! Thank you for your assistance.
Hi! The Softstar Ballerine with a leather sole and a sport strap would be secure enough and good for spinning on the dance floor! Also Gea Soles, but you would want to clarify with the owner that you want a close, secure fit for dancing (she usually makes her shoes quite roomy).
https://anyasreviews.com/ufaq/are-there-barefoot-shoes-for-dancing/
Highfeels are on their last production run ever and no longer taking new orders according to their website.
I emailed them just recently about this and can confirm. Sadly, they are closing down.
Hi Anya, just wondering if you have tried the shapen tulip 3.0?
The wide option looks good for me – extra wide feet with bunions, but your previous review on the 2.0 is not great. And I would prefer a closed shoe, so not the poppy.
It’s a gamble for me as I’m in the UK so can’t return them. Thanks
I have not tried the 3.0 on my feet, but I saw it in person recently. It isn’t much different from before, mainly the materials have been updated. So my guess is the fit would be the same but the feel a little softer on the skin. I know a lot of people love the Tulip, it is one of their best selling shoes (after Poppy), but I just didn’t have a great experience with the upward curving of the sole. We also sold the Tulip in our shop for a time as well and that was one of the more common complaints with our customers. If I were to try them again I would make sure I sized up enough so that they fit better.
How do you get to try so many shoes for so many posts? Do you buy every one of them, or do you get sponsored somehow?
I started reviewing barefoot shoes on my own dime 5 years ago and writing about it. Over time brands became willing to send me shoes free of charge, but I don’t do sponsorships just affiliate links where possible (I don’t like strings attached to my work). And then 3 years ago I started my own retail store. So now it’s a combination of brands being willing to send me what I want to try out, tons of options in my own store that I try, and then purchasing whatever else is out there as a business expense 🙂
Hi there, I am looking for barefoot dance shoes that I can wear to ballroom/salsa dance classes, and a lot of shoes have a no slip sole that doesn’t work well for that purpose. Have you come across anything like that? Thanks!
Hi Jenn! We have a list of leather-soled shoes that can be used for dancing here.