Elopement shoe guide
The best shoes to wear for your adventure elopement
One of the things I get asked about most frequently by my couples is what kind of shoes to wear for their adventure elopement. And I get it. It’s confusing!!
We’ve all been conditioned to think that wedding shoes need to be fancy … so what happens when you get married in a really non-traditional way? The “rules” to out the window, that’s what!
In this article we’ll be talking all about elopements and shoes and I’ll be giving you some of my favorite suggestions on the best shoes to wear for your adventure elopement!
Things to consider when choosing your elopement shoes:
Choosing the right shoes to wear for your elopement can be kind of overwhelming. Of course you want something that looks cute … but you’re also going to want to be sure you can move in them well – both for comfort AND for safety. It’s probably no surprise that I’m going to tell you that this isn’t the time for high heels. So what DO you wear on your feet for your elopement? Well, that depends on a few things!
Pick shoes that match the climate where you will be eloping
This probably goes without saying but the first thing to consider when choosing your elopement shoes is the place and time of year when you will be eloping. Is it going to be cold and snowy? Hot? Will the ground be rocky and uneven or will you be on sand? What are the chances of rain? I cannot stress this enough – pick shoes that suit your environment!
will you be hiking? And if so how far?
The amount of hiking (or other self-propelled activity!) that my couples do varies dramatically from elopement to elopement. While some of my couples choose to do long, strenuous hikes to get to their location, others do more low-key exploring. A bigger hike is going to require a sturdier, more supportive shoe.
are you wanting to embrace the granola aesthetic or stay away from it?
I’m a HUGE fan of couples wearing hiking boots and other outdoorsy shoes (like Chacos or Sorels) for their elopements but I know that isn’t everyone’s aesthetic! If you are into the into the outdoorsy vibe, hiking boots are awesome. If you’re not, I’d recommend cute sneakers (or snow boots, in winter). Yes, the people at the bridal shop may look at you like you’re crazy when you tell them that your beautiful dress is going to be worn with … hiking boots … but trust me when I say that is part of the charm of this whole experience!
Pro Tip #1: try out your elopement shoes ahead of time
I know how tempting it can be to save your new shoes for your special day but trust me when I say that you don’t want to find out ON your elopement day that your shoes don’t fit right or needed breaking in! You don’t want blisters or sore feet to ruin your day. This is especially true for stiffer shoes like hiking boots that regularly require a bit of break in time!
Pro Tip #2: don’t forget about your socks!
Socks are the unsung heroes of the elopement world and wearing the right socks will go a long way towards keeping your feet (and thus YOU) comfy on your elopement day. I’m a HUGE fan of wool in literally all aspects of life (seriously, I live in the stuff) and that is especially true when it comes to what goes on my feet. Wool keeps your feet warm when it’s cold, cool when it’s warm, and nice and dry always. There are a lot of great wool sock brands out there but Darn Tough is probably my favorite!
Overline
with all that in mind, here are some of the best elopement shoes for adventure elopements
I curated this list based on 8+ years as a full time adventure elopement photographer. I’ve seen what kind of shoes have worked for my couples … and what kind haven’t! I’m including links for where you can purchase these shoes for yourself. Please note that some of these links are affiliate links which means I earn a small commission, at no extra charge to you, when you purchase shoes using these links. Thank you for supporint my small business!
Danner’s are an absolute classic and always look awesome with wedding and elopement dresses! They make a bunch of different styles so definitely look around to see which ones you like!
These are my absolute favorite boots for colder weather when you don’t need a full snow boot. I personally own a pair of these and they are my go to cool to cold weather boot. They are warm and SO comfy!
If you are looking for a sandal that you can comfortable hike in, Chacos are where it’s at! Fun fact: I wore Chacos to my own wedding! So needless to say they have a special place in my heart! They come in a ton of color options (including classic black)
For couples planning winter elopements (or Iceland elopements any time of year!), Sorels are the way to go! They will keep your feet warm and dry no matter the conditions. And they’re cute AF!
These are so freaking cute! These Chucks are perfect for an elopement and can be customized for your date and your vibe
Birkentstocks are a classic for a reason! These aren’t the best if your elopement plans include long hikes but if you’re just going to be doing something chill, they are perfect!
These lacy sneakers are absolutely adorable and can be customized with your names and the date of your elopement. If you’re trying to avoid the granola vibe, these are for you!
When it comes to pure comfort for hiking, these Oboz Sawtooth boots are my favorite. They’re super comfy and provide great traction. Perfect for longer hiking elopements!
These are so freaking cute! I love that you can have your names added to the side and the little ribbon laces.