As you plan your elopement, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of the big day and forget about the little things that can make a big difference. One of those little things is your footwear. The right shoes can make all the difference in your comfort and enjoyment of the day. As a luxury elopement photographer, I’ve seen firsthand how uncomfortable shoes can hinder a couple’s experience, but with the right pair, they can elevate it.
The right type of footwear matters for most occasions—but especially on your wedding day.
Here are my trips for picking the best footwear for your elopement:
- Consider the environment that you’re eloping in. Make sure your footwear is appropriate for where you’re going and will enable you to have the most enjoyable time. I usually recommend going for function over form for shoes—as they don’t tend to be the most important focal point of your photos, but uncomfortable footwear can really hinder your experience.
- If you’re eloping outdoors, good, solid footwear with actual tread is important when walking or hiking on natural surfaces. There could be great photo spots on top of rocks, boulders, etc. that require stable footing—so unless you plan to spend 100% of your day on flat pavement or a manicured lawn, you’re likely going to want supportive shoes with good grip.
- For most locations, I personally recommend against wearing heels or dress shoes that are completely smooth on the bottom—good tread and support means more options for exploring and moving around freely without worrying about tripping, falling, sliding, tripping, or twisting an ankle.
- If your location is cold, you might want to leave extra room in your boots for thick cosk and toe warmers. Make sure to get a great pair (and extra pair) of wool socks—which will wick moisture away from your skin and provide better insulation (even when wet). Toe warmers can also be a lifesaver for cold environments. Your extremities are the first to get cold, so I definitely suggest stuffing a few in your boots.
- If your location has the potential to be snowy or icy, get a pair of traction spikes that fit over your shoes to make sure you won’t slip or fall.
- If your location is warm, you can consider a supportive open-toed sandal, and if you’re getting married on warm sand, you may even want to consider going barefoot (or wearing barefoot sandals only) for part of the day unless the sand is too hot.
- For hiking elopements, I recommend wearing the best pair of hiking boots you can find. You can choose to either keep them on for your ceremony and photos or change out of them, it’s totally up to you! Just remember, if you opt to switch shoes, they’ll still need good tread if you want to explore around freely for your photos.
- If you purchase a new pair of hiking boots or shoes for your day, make sure you break them in ahead of time to avoid blisters or finding out day-of that they aren’t comfortable for all-day wear.
Footwear Recommendations
Finally, footwear that aren’t heels!
Now you can definitely wear heels, I would just pack walking shoes aswell!
But just because you’re getting eloped doesn’t mean you have to wear clunky hiking boots!
- Sorel.com
- drmartens.com
- converse.com
- asos.com
- whiteNothing
- nothingnew.com
In conclusion, choosing the right footwear for your elopement is an important decision that can make a big difference in your overall experience. By considering the environment, prioritising function over form, and choosing comfortable and supportive shoes, you can ensure that you’re able to enjoy every moment of your special day without discomfort or worry. Remember, your shoes may not be the focal point of your photos, but they can certainly impact your overall experience. Take the time to choose wisely and you’ll be glad you did.
And if you’re looking for an elopement photographer to capture your experience, reach out today and let’s get started.
