How to Choose the Best Shoes for Prom (2024)

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:

  • Ballerina flats
  • Strappy sandals
  • Heeled court shoes
  • Block heels

Inthis 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:

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 PuppiesWomen’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

Whenselecting 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 highheelsfor 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

Thecost 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!

How to Choose the Best Shoes for Prom (2024)

FAQs

How to match shoes with prom dress? ›

Colors such as black, white, nude, gold and silver are usually good matches for most color prom dresses. Metallic tones can add a sparkling touch to an otherwise simple dress. If your dress already has embellishment, you can use that color to match to your shoes and bag. For example, gold sequins with gold heels, etc.

Is it OK to wear sneakers to prom? ›

Rock a pair of comfortable prom shoes like playful sneakers in a bright color or pattern. Just make sure you're choosing a sneaker that complements your prom dress color. So for example, if you end up buying a soft blush dress for prom, you could pair it with a floral print sneaker in the same pink color palette.

What should you avoid at prom? ›

Don't
  • Go tanning. Fair skin is in! ...
  • Over do your makeup. Remember that less is more. ...
  • Do drugs or drink alcohol. Don't ruin your most memorable night of high school. ...
  • Select a dress that is uncomfortable. ...
  • Freak out if someone has the same dress as you. ...
  • Wear heels that you can't walk in.

How much should I spend on prom shoes? ›

SHOES: With an average of $30-$150, it's clear that there's no need to spend a fortune on shoes for prom. While digging in your closet, you may find that you already own a strappy pair of formal shoes that match your prom dress perfectly, cutting this cost from your budget entirely.

What is the finger rule for shoes? ›

To check proper fit around your heel, place your index finger behind the shoe's heel and your heel. You should be able to slide your finger between them with little force. If your finger cannot fit, the shoes are too tight. If your finger has too much room, the shoes are too large.

What is the thumb rule for shoes? ›

As a rule of thumb (or toe), you should have about 3/8″ to 1/2″ of room from the tip of your longest toe to the end of the shoe. Your big toe is not automatically your longest toe. Pick the shoes that match your foot shape.

Should I wear heels or flats to prom? ›

If you're hoping to rock a pair of high heels on prom night, it is important that you consider whether you can actually walk in them. You will be on your feet all night, so comfort is crucial. If you have doubts, opt for flats. If you are dead set on wearing heels, however, find a height that is manageable for you.

Do you wear a bra under a prom dress? ›

Besides dressing comfortably, celebrity stylist Ali Levine told INSIDER that it's important to have the right undergarments when prom dress shopping. Consider wearing a strapless bra, seamless panties, and bring along any other shapewear or support undergarments you plan to wear on prom night.

What is the best color to wear to prom? ›

8 Most Popular Prom Dress Colors
  1. Light Blue Prom Dresses. Light blue is a soft, muted color that adds a touch of charm and magic to your overall prom look. ...
  2. Royal Blue Prom Dresses. ...
  3. Red Prom Dresses. ...
  4. Navy Prom Dresses. ...
  5. Black Prom Dresses. ...
  6. Ivory Prom Dresses. ...
  7. Pink Prom Dresses. ...
  8. Emerald Prom Dresses.
Feb 2, 2022

What color should you not wear to prom? ›

Stay away from shades of brown and black, as these can completely wash out dark skin tones. Other colors like blues, silvers, and grays should be avoided, as cool colors appear harsher on dark skin. Even neutrals like gray can make dark skin look fatigued, so stick to colors that pop.

Should I bring extra shoes to prom? ›

Extra shoes

Those strappy heels may look amazing with your dress, but they won't feel amazing by the end of the night. Bring along an extra pair of comfortable shoes to keep in the car so you have options once your feet wave the white flag.

Do you wear socks with prom shoes? ›

Without wearing socks, excessive moisture in your dress shoes will cause the leather to prematurely wear. Given that your dress shoes are likely the most expensive shoes in your closet, be sure to always wear socks with them.

How do I survive my period with prom? ›

Use a tampon AND liner.

If you get a really small liner you can make it work no matter what type of underwear you've got on. (For instance: Just wrap the back of the liner around your thong and secure underneath.) Even if you don't need it, it'll make you feel more secure.

What should a girl do before prom? ›

The Ultimate Prom Prep Checklist and Guide — Here's What You Need For The Big Night
  • Go shopping for a prom outfit. It's time to find the look of your dreams. ...
  • Book appointments. ...
  • Get your tickets. ...
  • Make pre-prom plans. ...
  • Make post-prom plans. ...
  • Make sure your prom outfit fits like a glove. ...
  • Break in your shoes. ...
  • Pick out your jewelry.
Nov 30, 2022

How do I not be awkward at prom? ›

If things feel awkward, you could have a plan to pull a friend to the side and ask for help to lighten the mood. You could suggest dancing or hanging out with another couple for a little bit to ease any awkward moments. “I feel awkward on the dancefloor.” First of all, you do not have to dance at prom to have fun!

Is black OK to wear to prom? ›

Is it acceptable to wear a black dress to prom, especially when there are so many dress colors available? The answer to that question is yes! In fact, wearing a black dress to prom has many benefits.

How much is average prom dress? ›

The Prom Dress $85 – $700

Prom dresses will most likely be the most expensive part of attending prom for you. Even if you plan on making your own dress, fabric for formal gowns isn't cheap.

What dress code is prom? ›

Prom is a formal event and you are expected to wear formal attire. Formal prom attire may be classified as a dress, tuxedo, dress suit, including a tie or bow tie, a dress shirt, which may include a vest or cumme*rbund, and dress shoes. Dresses may be strapless (if they fit properly) or include spaghetti straps.

Who pays for prom? ›

Also, it is very common for ladies and gentlemen to go as a group, so that no one gets left out. This gives everyone the fun of prom without the pressure of having a formal date. COST: Who pays for what? The person who asks someone to prom is responsible for paying for the night's expenses, traditionally.

When should you start shopping for prom? ›

Ideally, you want to start prom dress shopping in January or February, assuming your prom will be early summer of the same year. Shops will have recently dropped the newest prom dress collections, and you'll get to the dresses before others have picked over everything or styles sell out.

Do you wear jeans to prom? ›

Denim – Do not wear jeans! Jeans or sweatpants are way, way too casual no matter how relaxed your prom is. This rule applies to guys and girls alike.

Is your finger size the same as your shoe size? ›

The truth: shoe sizes and ring sizes have no connection to each other – any similarities are pure lucky coincidence.

Should you buy heels a size bigger or smaller? ›

Select a comfortable shoe size

For high heels between 2 to 3 1/2 inches — go with 1/2 size larger. For high heels between 4 to 6 inches — go with 1 full size larger. For high heels 6 1/2 inches and above — go with 1-1/2 sizes larger.

How many pairs of shoes is acceptable? ›

The traditional rule of elegant dressing recommended seven pairs of shoes, that is, as many pairs as there are days of the week.

Do shoes rub if they are too big? ›

Heels that are too big can also cause friction that can result in painful blisters, callouses and corns, especially on the back of the heel as the foot slides back and forth with every step. The constant rubbing of the back of the shoe against the heel can be painful and annoying and provoke blisters.

Should shoes be tight when you first buy them? ›

Never ever buy shoes that feel too tight when you first try them on in a shoe store. The general rule of thumb is that shoes should feel super good as soon as you put them on. If a pair of shoes feels in any way uncomfortable when walking around the shoe store, it means they are not properly fitted to your feet.

How do you judge the quality of shoes? ›

Your Essential Physical Quality Checklist for Shoes
  1. Size and Fitting. ...
  2. Metal Contamination. ...
  3. Bond Testing. ...
  4. Zip and Fastener Fatigue and Quality Testing. ...
  5. Accessory Pull Testing. ...
  6. Color Fastness - Rub Testing. ...
  7. QIMA - The Complete Solution.

Is it OK to wear flats to prom? ›

Whether you're not a heels person in general, want to be more comfortable for breaking it down on the dance floor, or just plain feel like going the flat route for this particular event, know that you absolutely can do so and look perfectly stylish and dressed up.

What do girls wear under their prom dresses? ›

Shapewear for prom

High waist seamless panties and strapless corset style shapewear are all popular options for formal events, as they highlight your narrow waist and create an hourglass shape. They work particularly well with a mermaid design or strapless ball gown style dresses.

Do prom dresses have to be long? ›

Ultimately, you can wear whatever you want to your prom – this includes short and long dresses alike! Should You Wear a Short Prom Dress? It's okay to wear short dresses to prom! As long as the short prom dress you choose aligns with the dress code of your particular prom, you can wear it.

What is the prom color for 2022? ›

The hottest prom dress colors for prom 2022 are neon pink, emerald green, and rose gold! While these three trendy hues are making a special debut on the prom popularity charts this year, some classic colors are still very popular every year, like shades of blue, red, and black.

What colors stand out at prom? ›

Prom Dress Colors
  • Steal the Spotlight: Red Prom Dresses. ...
  • Keep It Classic: Black Prom Dresses. ...
  • Way Beyond Bridal: White Prom Dresses. ...
  • Belle of the Ball: Yellow Prom Dresses. ...
  • First-Place Style: Blue Prom Dresses. ...
  • It's A Winner: Gold Prom Dresses. ...
  • Queen of the Night: Purple Prom Dresses. ...
  • On the Money: Green Prom Dresses.

What color makes my skin pop? ›

The general rule of thumb is that skin with cool undertones look best with greys, browns, blues, greens and purples. Skin with warm undertones look best with either bright or light colors. And skin with neutral undertones looks great in bold, bright colors.

What to wear to prom 2022? ›

2022's prom trends are all ripped straight out of pop culture. We're seeing extra sparkle, lingerie inspo, unexpected cut-outs, and endless y2k inspiration across the prom industry—basically, the type of trends worn by Kylie Jenner, Dua Lipa, Olivia Rodrigo, or the teens of Euphoria on, like, a regular Thursday.

What are the most popular prom dress colors for 2023? ›

2023 Prom Dress Color Trends

Bright colors are trending for 2023! You'll see colors like neon pink, yellow, orange, fuchsia, and lime everywhere. Another popular color is Barbie Pink And Periwinkle this season. Peaco*ck, light blue, and lilac are also popular spring dress colors.

What to do in prom night? ›

Here are some fun entertainment options that most schools would allow:
  • Hire a DJ.
  • Hire a Comedian. Making students laugh is a great way to entertain them at prom. ...
  • Hire a Magician. ...
  • Hire a Fortune Teller/Tarot Card Reader.
  • Hire a Caricature Artist. ...
  • Hire a Cover Band.
  • Hire a Hypnotist. ...
  • Hire Circus Performers.
Jul 6, 2022

Do you change for prom after party? ›

Because the after proms arranged by schools usually have themes, the concept of the event should be a launch point for your look. If the after prom theme significantly clashes with your prom dress, bring a change of clothes. Sometimes a more casual dress or a formal dress in a different style makes better sense.

How do you break in heels for prom? ›

Use a blow dryer to heat up your shoes for a few minutes, as this will make the material more pliable, and use your hands to stretch or bend the shoes a few times. You can even heat them up then put them on to use your foot to stretch, just be sure it is not too hot.

What shoes not to wear socks with? ›

Boat shoes are one of the best shoes to wear without socks. They normally fit like a slip-on and they are meant to be used sockless. But not all of them are breathable and appropriate for the more warm weather, especially the leather ones, which might get too sweaty with skin.

Is it OK to wear no show socks with dress shoes? ›

No-show socks can be worn with all types of shoes whether it be casual shoes like sneakers, boat shoes or driving loafers or dressier options like oxfords, monks, or penny loafers.

What are appropriate dance shoes? ›

Proper dance shoes have suede soles, which are designed to keep your feet and joints of the leg/foot safe by providing traction. Of course, most people don't own these when they begin dancing! To start, we recommend leaders wear a dress shoe or shoe without a rubber sole.

Is it OK to wear sneakers with formals? ›

A good pair of white sneakers is acceptable in formal and informal settings. Navy blues and neutral browns are also good colours for a formal sneaker outfit. You could opt for a pant suit and pair it with sneakers.

What should I wear to prom? ›

Prom is a formal event and you are expected to wear formal attire. Formal prom attire may be classified as a dress, tuxedo, dress suit, including a tie or bow tie, a dress shirt, which may include a vest or cumme*rbund, and dress shoes. Dresses may be strapless (if they fit properly) or include spaghetti straps.

What color is most worn to prom? ›

The hottest prom dress colors for prom 2022 are neon pink, emerald green, and rose gold! While these three trendy hues are making a special debut on the prom popularity charts this year, some classic colors are still very popular every year, like shades of blue, red, and black.

Should I size up or down for dance shoes? ›

Some of dance sneakers run one to two sizes smaller than a street shoe, which is why you need to be careful and size up accordingly. Other dance sneakers should be purchased in the same size as your dancer's street shoes. Like ballet shoes, many jazz shoes can run smaller than street shoe sizes.

What are the easiest heels to dance in? ›

What kind of heels are easy to dance in? This will depend on your level of experience but generally the dance heels that are easiest to dance in are the 3.5 inch dance heel. A mid-heel is just enough height without the hurt or sacrificing your dance abilities.

Can you dance in formal shoes? ›

Technically, any shoe can be worn for dancing, from trainers and sneakers to hiking boots, but even the best fitting dress shoe will still fall way behind a proper dance shoe.

Can I wear Jordans to formal? ›

One often overlooked way you can wear your Jordan 1s is with a formal outfit such as a suit, dress, or tuxedo. Yes, it is more than socially acceptable to wear retro basketball shoes with a formal fit. A pair of Patent Leather Jordan 1s is an easy way to spice up your style.

Do you try on prom dresses with a bra? ›

The changing process itself can get tiring. If possible, wear a strapless or plunging bra under your shopping outfit. This makes it easier to see the true neckline of the dress, without your bra getting in the way too much.

What can I wear to prom if I don't like dresses? ›

You could rock a sick suit, a '90s tux vest and wide-leg pants, or even a jumpsuit. Another option is mixing masc and femme styles with trousers and a cape jacket, a blazer and a long skirt, or a dress with more gender-neutral elements.

Should prom dresses be long or short? ›

Do you wear a short or long dress to prom? The prom dress you wear depends on your personal style and your body shape. Ultimately, you can wear whatever you want to your prom – this includes short and long dresses alike!

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