The first time I saw TLC’s Say Yes To The Dress, I thought it was the dumbest show I’d ever seen…and I’ve been a regular viewer ever since. Why watching women pick out their wedding gowns is so addictive, I have no idea. But I never stop marveling at the fact people will plunk down thousands of dollars on a dress they’ll wear once. Now I’m not here to argue whether that’s right or wrong, but obviously every bride wants to feel beautiful on her special day. But many brides, like reader Carly, want to be sure they feel as good as they look on their big day. Here’s her question:
“Would you consider doing a post about comfort shoes for brides? I'm getting married, and I have back and knee problems. I can't mess around with arch support -- even "for just one day" (which is how people keep trying to sell me on unsupportive flats and whatnot). I've noticed on bridal forums that other women are asking for similar help, but it's really hard to find shoes that look "bridal" that aren't just going to inflict pain on those of us who need good, supportive shoes.”
Carly goes on to say she’s planning to wear a 50’s–inspired wedding dress, so here are a few suggestions for her. Hopefully they’ll work for other comfort-seeking brides as well! For added support, we recommend a pair of Dr. Rosenberg's Instant Arches.
Nice job on the bridal shoes! I hear you on Say Yes to the Dress. I agree with you that it is the stupidest show ever, so of course my 10 year old daughter and I are completely hooked on it. I hope I'm not warping her!
I've been married twice and spent less than $1000 on both dresses combined! Granted, my second wedding was quite casual, but still.
I am commenting because I LOVE that indigo shoe in blush. I believe that would be a "nude" shoe color for me. Have you seen it in person? I may have to make a pilgrimage to the Clarks store.
Posted by: Rose | February 18, 2011 at 10:28 AM
My sister wore baby blue converse tennis shoes under her wedding dress...they looked super cute when she lifted her dress to show them off AND she was very comfortable. Might be a good idea, especially for a 50's inspired dress!
Posted by: Cira | February 18, 2011 at 11:40 AM
EEK! I'm sorry but these are just not pretty. But, I guess if the dress covers them, it's more about not suffering pain all day. It's just kind of sad, these are not exactly elegant.
Posted by: Nan | February 18, 2011 at 06:08 PM
So pretty! Love the Indigo Plush.
Posted by: Louise | February 20, 2011 at 08:45 PM
that Indigo shoe is darling;
and lets not forget about that cute bride we all learned about right here at the barking dog that wore tom's at her wedding. It was cute querky and comfy - oh and generous too.
Posted by: Janelle | February 20, 2011 at 09:27 PM
Thanks for posting all these ideas. I would go more quirky with my footwear, but the dress is tea-length, so my shoes are going to be on serious display. Tom's really don't have the support I need, nor do Converse (which makes me sad, but c'est la vie).
Posted by: Carly | February 21, 2011 at 11:40 AM
I've always thought that the Naya sandals from last season -- the ones that come in white -- would be really wonderful comfortable bridal shoes. The Atwood and the Telluride (especially the latter) would look great on a retro bride, and they're currently on sale for cheap at 6pm!
Posted by: Melanie | February 22, 2011 at 11:30 PM
I love the show "Say Yes To The Dress"! My vote for the most comfortable shoe is the Naot. I will tell you that when I got married my only regret was that I didn't have a pair of sneakers hidden under the table because at some point I had to stop dancing and I wanted to keep dancing all night. I suggest that no matter what kind of dress shoe that you wear - hide a pair of comfortable sneakers (Sketcher shape-ups or Classic Spira) under the table so you can keep dancing if your feet start hurting...
Best Wishes!
Dr Cathleen A McCarthy
http://podiatryshoereview.blogspot.com
Posted by: Dr. Cathleen McCarthy | February 24, 2011 at 10:45 PM
I wound up going with the "Fianna" by Me Too in pewter, which I found last weekend in Nordstrom. It fit great, and totally fit what I was looking for. Thanks again to everyone for the suggestions. I'll probably keep my Aravons on-site as back-up shoes, as rocker soles tend to do better by me than sneakers ever can.
Posted by: Carly | March 01, 2011 at 04:06 PM
Indeed finding comfortable shoes is difficult! The indigo clarks sateen looks good but I do not think any of the others are nice enough for a wedding. The Naturalizer sandal might pass though!
Posted by: Sue | March 16, 2011 at 02:41 PM
I got married on Nov. 2, 1013, and my #1 goal was to be comfortable in my clothes and especially my shoes. I searched high and low for both the Clarks Indigo Plush Sateens and the Rieker Federicas to no avail, but because of my searching and good ole' social networking, I happened upon the Naot Cuore: http://www.6pm.com/naot-footwear-cuore
Super comfortable, stylish and with a rubber heel and great support, these shoes carried me from ceremony through the reception. I highly recommend these shoes for your first - or next - wedding!
Posted by: Caroline Coward | November 16, 2013 at 02:26 PM
Caroline,
Good to know! That is a pretty shoe, but it's hard to find in that quartz leather--I think they may have discontinued that color...
Posted by: Kirsten@BarkingDogShoes | November 18, 2013 at 10:37 AM