What are the best shoes for the races?

Last updated on December 1st, 2023 at 12:28 pm

So you’re gearing up for a day of thrills and excitement at the races – better find that race-ready outfit. When pairing the threads on your back to the shoes on your feet, remember these magic words: style should always meet comfort.

You’ll want to look your absolute best on such a special outing as the races. For ladies, this often means toeing for your favourite heels. For the gents, it’s usually shiny brogues to match your dashing suit. Before you strap yourself in, think about how long you’re going to be on your feet during the day. Pointed stilettos may look sharp, but you’ll need some fashionable support to keep on top of each race.

Here are some important features to consider when buying new shoes for the races:

• Look for a pair with a well-cushioned insole and enough room for your toes.
• If you’re wearing heels, opt for a chunky heel for extra support when walking across the grass.
• Stay stylish with a comfortable heel of three inches.

Best ladies’ shoes for the races

Some of the shoe styles you should consider sporting at the races include:

• Heeled sandals
• Block heel court shoes
• Wedged shoes
• Ballerina shoes
• Neutral loafers

Heeled sandals

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We’d recommend: Hush Puppies Women’s Gabrielle Sandal in White

• Elongate the look of your legs
• Let your feet breathe
• Easily styled with any look

A dainty heeled sandal is the perfect shoe for the races. Pair with a knee-length dress or skirt to complete an elegant outfit. Aside from looking great, a mid-heeled sandal also has the added bonus of being one of the most comfortable shoes you can wear at the races. A medium-height, chunky heel will offer your feet the support they need throughout the day – and stop you slowly sinking into the grass.

Block heel court shoes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We’d recommend: Softlites Women’s Black Block Heel Court Shoe

• Timeless classic
• Understated elegance
• Easy to style

Court shoes can be far more exciting than they sound. This simple style is enhanced by added embellishments and eye-catching patterns, elevating them onto the same platform as heels (no pun intended). Pick a pair that complements the colour of your outfit – nude and black shoes go with most looks. Or, for a pop of colour, either match or contrast one of the colours in your dress or skirt. Remember, when you’re walking around the grassy racetrack, a chunky block heel will be far sturdier than a stiletto or kitten heel.

Wedges

We’d recommend: Lilley Women’s Wedge Sandal in White

• Strong arch support
• Sturdy on soft ground
• Trendy summer look

If you’re not used to wearing heels for long periods of the day, wedges are a great starting point. That’s why they’ve made it onto our list of must-have women’s shoes. Wedges will both support the arches of your feet and be far steadier on the uneven and soft ground of a racecourse. Nobody wants to miss the action by spending half their time pulling their heels out of the ground. A sturdy wedge will stop the sinking – so you can keep your eyes on the race.

Ballerina shoes

We’d recommend: Lilley Women’s Black Stone Flat Ballerinas

• Comfortable and lightweight
• Good arch support
• Won’t sink into the ground

The flat design of ballerina shoes can work as a stylish pair of shoes for the races. A lot of people think that only heels will do for such a special occasion, but pick a pair of decorated or nude ballet pumps and you’ll fit right in with the elegantly dressed crowd of Cheltenham – or any other racecourse. Plus, you won’t spend your day sinking or pulling your heels out of the mud – thanks to the sturdy arch support of these reliable kicks.

Neutral loafers

We’d recommend: Lotus Hannah Women’s Nude Slip On Loafers

• Great arch support
• Stylish and comfortable
• Sturdy and well-structured

A pair of leather or patent loafers in a neutral colour will add a trendy edge to your races outfit without the height of a heel. If you’re looking for something fancier, you can bring a little extra glam with embellishments such as buckles or bows. The strong structure of a loafer means your feet will be supported and comfortable throughout the day, leaving you to enjoy your special day free of foot pain.

Best men’s shoes for the races

• Brogues
• Loafers
• Lace-up formal shoes
• Smart slip-ons

Brogues

We’d recommend: Beckett Men’s Brown Lace Up Brogue Shoes

• Smart and stylish classic
• Wardrobe staple
• Comfortable and sturdy

From weddings and romantic dates to important meetings and interviews, brogues have you covered for any number of fancy events – and you can add the races to that extensive list. Their versatility and smart appearance are exactly why we recommend them as a great footwear option when you head to the races. Style with a dapper suit or smart chinos for a race-day ready look.

Loafers

We’d recommend: Beckett Men’s Black Slip-on Tassel Loafers

• Comfortable
• Good arch support
• Trendy and stylish

A simple slip-on loafer is another steadfast style that pairs well with a suited-and-booted look for the races. Their slip-on design makes them easy to take off at the end of a long day on your feet. Sturdy and padded loafers will support your feet morning, afternoon and evening – so you’ll still feel springy and active come the final race.

Lace-up formal shoes

We’d recommend: Beckett Men’s Lace-up Formal Shoes in Black

• Smart and stylish
• Proper foot support
• Secure and comfortable

A formal lace-up shoe is a popular favourite for many men heading to the races for the day. Classic lines and shiny black leather create some lovely finishing touches to your race day threads. Their lace-up design means you can loosen or tighten them as you need, making them a comfortable and adjustable option to suit feet of any shape or size.

Smart slip-ons

We’d recommend: Beckett Men’s Black Formal Slip-on Shoes

• Sturdy and durable
• Cushioned and padded
• A variety of styles to suit

A pair of plain leather slip-on shoes are ideal if you’ve got a jazzy suit that you want to bring in all the attention. Available in many styles, a trusty pair of formal slip-on shoes will help you create whatever look you’re going for. Plus, most of them have padded soles and properly structured support to keep your feet comfortable and secure all day.

Best accessories for the races

No occasion outfit is complete without accessories. Adding a few extra details to your outfit can make a real difference in helping to tie your whole look together.

• Clutch bag
• Cross body bag
• Handbag

Clutch bag

We’d recommend: Lunar Sienna Black Clutch Bag

• Compact
• Lightweight
• Stylish

A simple yet elegant clutch bag is sometimes all you need for a day at the races. Large enough to carry essentials like your lipstick, keys, phone and money – compact enough that you’re not going to get tired of carrying it around. Clutch bags are the ideal way of keeping your things together without feeling like you’re lugging them around all day.

Cross body bag

We’d recommend: Black Cross Body Bag

• Practical and stylish
• Comfortable
• Easy to carry

If you find yourself needing to take a few extras to the races, consider a cross body bag. A simple black design with minimal embellishments will help to blend your bag with your outfit, while remaining practical. The cross body design makes it super comfortable and easy to carry, so you shouldn’t have tired arms at the end of the day.

Classic handbag

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We’d recommend: Lilley Beige Butterfly Printed Handbag

• Stylish design
• Plenty of space for essentials
• Practical

A classic handbag is an excellent option that falls between a clutch and something larger. Again, you’ll have enough space for all your essentials in a lightweight bag. Most handbags will have a handle large enough to swing over your shoulder or in the crook of your arm – so you can keep your hands free for all that cheering, eating and drinking that makes up the race day experience.