Last updated on August 4th, 2022 at 02:40 pm
Possibly one of the most exciting and memorable moments in a teenager’s life, going to prom is all about the glitz and glam. And choosing the perfect prom shoes is as important as the dress.
There are so many considerations to make when looking for the perfect pair of prom shoes. It could be that you want them to match the colour of your dress, or you want a particular heel height.
When it comes to deciding what shoes to wear to prom, a few popular choices include:
In this guide, we’ll go over what you might need to consider when deciding what type of prom shoes to wear – including shoe type, style, heel height and colour. We’ll also cover how to pick prom shoes that best suit the shape and size of your feet.
Ballerina flats for prom
Our pick: Lilley Women’s White Bow Knitted Effect Ballerinas
When it comes to dressing for a special occasion such as prom night, it can be tempting to reach for a pair of heels. After all, they’re one of the seven must-have shoes for women. However, if you’re not used to a higher heel, this might not be the best option. Remember, you’ll probably be on your feet a lot during prom, so you want to make sure you stay comfortable.
A sparkly pair of ballerina flats will complement any prom dress and still give you that dressed-up feeling you’re after, without the pain of heels.
If you want to go for flat prom shoes, but fancy a more alternative edge, try some smart brogues or loafers. Fashion trainers and chunky boots make other great alternatives if you’re after a punkier look.
Strappy sandals for prom
Our pick: Softlites Women’s Tan & Rose Gold Strappy Sandals
Strappy sandals come in a range of styles, which makes them versatile shoes for prom. While they make great stylish flat prom shoes, you can find many strappy sandals with a higher heel too, if you prefer. Sandals will often give a dainty and delicate feel to your look.
If you’re adamant you want to wear prom heels, strappy sandals could be a good option. Many people find strappy sandals are a good starting point if you’re not used to high heels, as the straps will help keep your shoes in place and prevent your feet from slipping.
Look for a pair which complement the colour of your prom outfit. Sparkly pairs in silver or gold will usually go with most dresses and help create a glamorous look. Of course, sparkly shoes are always a firm favourite for proms and other special events, follow our advice to find out how best to style them.
Heeled court shoes for prom
Our pick: Lilley Women’s Navy Faux Suede Heeled Court Shoes
Heeled court shoes are another excellent choice for prom-goers who aren’t regular heel wearers. Opt for a lower-heeled style and you’ll still get the added height of prom heels, without compromising on comfort.
As with strappy sandals, you should be able to find a nice pair of heeled court shoes with a strap or buckle to prevent your shoes slipping off. This can make walking and dancing in your shoes much easier, as you’ll feel more sturdy and secure.
Neutral colours like black, nude, white or silver will match any outfit. Alternatively, choose a contrasting colour to your dress and really make your prom outfit pop.
Block heels for prom
Our pick: Hush Puppies Women’s Georgia Sandal in Black
Thicker heels bring all the glamour and added height of a stiletto heel but are much easier to walk in for most people. A block heel is much chunkier than a stiletto and will provide better balance and stability – perfect if you want to wear heeled shoes for prom but aren’t a regular heel wearer.
Choose a nude or black pair if you want your dress to do all the talking, or a bold, patterned pair if you’ve opted for a plainer, more understated dress. Just make sure your other accessories match your shoes and bring the whole look together.
Choosing shoes for prom: other considerations
Once you’ve decided on the type of shoe you want to wear to prom, there are a few other factors to bear in mind.
Style and fit
Several factors can influence the style of prom shoes that you choose. Often, you’ll want them to be in keeping with your outfit, as well as make a style statement all on their own. Before buying shoes for prom, make sure you consider:
- Shoe size. If you have a petite frame you’ll likely also have smaller feet – so you may be more suited to a chunkier platform shoe that increases your height. Larger feet usually come with a taller frame, but that doesn’t mean you have to rule out prom heels if you don’t want to. Kitten heels are often a popular choice for girls with larger feet.
- Foot width. If your feet are narrow, round or almond-toed shoes will usually be a better fit. Wider feet will usually be more comfortable in an open or pointed toe. The popular strappy sandal will also work for any foot width and help create a feminine look.
- Decide whether you want your dress to get all the attention or spruce up your outfit with a little embellishment and sparkle.
Colour
When selecting the colour of your prom shoes, don’t be afraid to go a little wild. Here’s a few suggestions to help your shoes shine:
✔ Neon, vibrant and metallic colours are particularly popular right now, and they will always make you stand out from the crowd.
✔ Go for contrasting colours to make your look pop. For example, match a simple black dress with hot pink shoes and accessories.
✔ If your dress is a bold, bright colour, you could either go for a pair of shoes that match in colour or choose a trusty nude shoe.
✔ Multicoloured dresses can be tricky to style, so going with a nude pump is often the best bet. You could also try picking out one of the colours from your dress and choose a pair of shoes in a muted tone of the same colour.
Heel height
We all have our limits when it comes to heel height, and some people are more suited to higher heels than others. If you want to wear high heels for prom, the best way to work out the most suitable heel height for you is to sit down then raise your leg, allowing your foot to relax. In this position, your foot should naturally go to point. At this stage, the distance between your heel and toes measured at a right angle will give you the best heel height for the most comfort.
Cost
The cost of prom shoes can vary. It all comes down to how much you would like to spend and just how much you might love a particular pair of shoes. Consider these questions:
- How often are you going to wear the shoes you buy?
- What is your budget?
- Are your feet likely to grow any bigger?
Whatever style and type of prom shoes you decide to go for, don’t forget to dance like no-one is watching!
