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Choose footwear around the venue, fit and time you will spend standing.
Map the day before choosing the heel
Occasion shoes have to support a sequence of activities, not just complement a dress. Picture the walk from parking, the ceremony, photographs, drinks and the journey home. Standing on grass, crossing cobbles and climbing stairs change what is practical. A tall, narrow heel may be manageable for a short seated dinner yet distracting during an outdoor celebration. A flat can still rub or feel unstable, so heel height alone is not a comfort guarantee. Start with the venue and the total time on your feet. Then choose a style that works with the outfit without asking your feet to tolerate an unfamiliar challenge all day.
Check fit while moving
Try both shoes and walk on a clean appropriate surface while the retailer's conditions still allow a return. Your toes should have room without the foot sliding forward, and the heel should feel secure without pinching. Pay attention to straps across the toes and any hard edges around the back. If you expect to wear hosiery, assess the fit with it. A shoe that feels acceptable for thirty seconds may become irritating after a longer indoor try-on. Do not rely on breaking in a painful pair as the main plan. If you have persistent foot pain or specific fit needs, seek advice appropriate to your situation.
Compare stability and fastening
A broader heel can offer a different base from a stiletto, but the overall construction and fit still matter. Check whether the shoe feels balanced as you turn, rather than judging only from the side profile. An adjustable fastening can help accommodate your foot, although a strap in the wrong position can become a pressure point. Inspect the sole and read any material guidance, particularly for outdoor venues. No everyday dress shoe should be treated as slip-proof simply because it has some texture underneath. If the event involves a challenging surface, consider changing into a suitable pair for the walk rather than forcing one shoe to meet every requirement.
Let your existing wardrobe set the colour
A versatile shoe colour is one that complements the clothes you already own. Black, metallic or a shade close to your preferred palette may all work; no single neutral suits every wardrobe. Think about whether you can wear the pair to a dinner or another celebration after the main event. Highly embellished straps can catch delicate hems, while a strongly seasonal material may need particular weather care. Try the shoes with your outfit's actual length, because changing heel height can alter how a hem hangs. If alterations are needed, settle the shoes first so you do not pay to adjust the garment twice.
Keep a sensible backup plan
For a long day, a second pair can be practical if you have somewhere to store it and can change discreetly. The backup should also fit well; a thin folding flat is not automatically supportive enough for the trip home. Carrying unnecessary footwear can make a small occasion bag awkward, so plan transport or storage beforehand. Read returns and care policies before purchase and avoid wearing undecided shoes outside. Keep packaging until you are certain. If a pair repeatedly causes rubbing during a careful home try-on, use that evidence. A beautiful shoe earns its place when you can wear it comfortably enough to participate in the event.
A thoughtful shopping shortlist
These are shopping directions, not hands-on product reviews. Use the criteria above to compare current items at the retailer. Browse links open a retailer catalogue; check the exact product, materials, dimensions, price and return terms before ordering.
| Option | Best fit | Tradeoff to check |
|---|---|---|
| A lower or broader heel | Guests looking for an occasion silhouette with a manageable height. Compare balance, toe room and fastening rather than assuming a particular heel shape ensures comfort. | A broader heel can still sink on soft ground or feel unstable if the shoe does not fit correctly. |
| A dressy flat or low-profile shoe | Readers who prefer familiar low footwear for extended standing. Check flexibility and heel security with your actual event outfit. | A flat sole is not automatically comfortable, and changing height may require adjusting a long hem. |
A lower or broader heel
Consider it for: Guests looking for an occasion silhouette with a manageable height. Compare balance, toe room and fastening rather than assuming a particular heel shape ensures comfort.
The tradeoff: A broader heel can still sink on soft ground or feel unstable if the shoe does not fit correctly.
Browse M&S ↗A dressy flat or low-profile shoe
Consider it for: Readers who prefer familiar low footwear for extended standing. Check flexibility and heel security with your actual event outfit.
The tradeoff: A flat sole is not automatically comfortable, and changing height may require adjusting a long hem.
Browse M&S ↗Your questions, considered
How long should I break shoes in?
There is no reliable period that fixes an unsuitable fit. Use careful indoor try-ons while returns are possible and choose a pair that is comfortable from the outset.
Are heel cushions a solution to loose shoes?
They may change the fit, but should not substitute for choosing the right size and shape. Check return conditions before adding inserts or making alterations.
This article belongs to our 1 June 2026 editorial issue. Brondema’s online launch was 11 October 2026. Issue dates label the editorial collection and are not publication or revision dates. How we publish.
