Comfy, Cute and Professional: 5 Stylish Shoes For Wedding Photographers

Capturing all the special moments of a wedding celebration means long hours on our feet. Trust me, a comfortable pair of shoes can make all the difference in the world! However, us wedding photographer still want to look stylish and professional, especially surrounded by beautifully-attired wedding guests at a gorgeous wedding venue!

Unfortunately, the combo of comfort and style isn’t always easy to find. I’m always on the lookout for shoes that say professional and chic, but that are also comfortable and practical enough for all-day wedding wear.

So, just what is the “right” pair of shoes for a wedding photographer? I’ve road tested quite a few pairs of shoes over the past six years as a wedding photographer, and it’s these five reliable options that I keep stocked up in my own closet. These choices check off all the boxes: cute, comfy, durable and professional. Check them out:

1. Like Your Favorite Slippers: Birdies Loafer Flats

How much do I adore these Birdies? These soft and cozy loafer flats are like the love child of your favorite fuzzy slippers and your fashion forward evening pumps. You get designer style, and your happy feet get cushy memory foam and a no-slip rubber sole with lots of arch and heel support. The Starling loafer comes in leather, velvet or suede; choose basic black leather or latte suede to match everything in your work wardrobe, or go for the exotic with python print velvet or chic cheetah print calf hair.

2. Sneakers with Style: Cole Haan Zerogrand Wingtip Oxford Sneakers

Your dilemma: you need a sneaker (comfort, traction, fit and support), but not a sneaker (work-appropriate and fashionable). The solution: Cole Haan’s Zerogrand Wingtip Oxford Sneakers. These good-looking shoes are unbelievably lightweight, yet provide plenty of sneaker-like traction, all the better for getting that perfect shot. The breathable stretch knit uppers keep your toes cool and comfy no matter the weather. (My hubby has these in a men’s style and swears by them too!)

3. Sustainable Footwear Fashion: Rothy’s Loafer Flats

Love, love, love the Rothy’s Linen Double Stitch Loafer, in a goes-with-everything taupe hue. Their seamless knit styling is instantly comfortable—no new shoe breaking in required! Best of all, Rothy’s really stands by their commitment to sustainable fashion. These beauties are made from repurposed plastic bottles and they are 100% recyclable. It’s a very big deal: billions of discarded shoes end up in landfills each year. Bonus: they’re washable!

4. Gorgeous Handcrafted Leather: the Nisolo Ecuador Huarache Sandal

While I do own my fair share of beachy flip-flops, it’s pretty clear that not all cute summer sandals are a practical choice when I’m out on a shoot. But my Nisolo Ecuador Huarache Sandals are a real find, combining fashion with function. This well-made huarache is a true classic style that I can envision in my work wardrobe for years to come. The gorgeous leather is handwoven in Peru and conforms to the shape of your feet over time, providing much-needed support while you work–no slipping. It’s a purchase that you can definitely feel good about, since all of Nisolo producers receive better than fair trade wages and are assured a healthy work environment.

5. Fashion Forward: Dr.Scholl’s Webster Wedge Loafers

Looking for something a little edgier? The Dr. Scholl’s Webster Wedge Loafers offer an on-trend one-inch platform sole. My black patent loafer Websters are a nice complement to my cool-weather wardrobe, but you can also opt for different colors in leather and microsuede. I can attest that their flexible soles and the aptly named Be Energized insoles provide cushiony, all-day comfort and shock absorption.

For all my fellow photographer and wedding day vendor friends, I hope you find a pair that you like in this list! It’s a common topic of conversation amongst those who are on their feet for long hours, but still want to strike a balance between comfort, professional and style. A few of the links above are my affiliate links, so you’ll receive discounts (cough, cough $20 off!) if you use the links above to check them out. Are there any shoes I’ve missed that I should add to the list? Let me know in the comments below!

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