A Nigerian wedding is a long day on your feet, and as a guest you want shoes that look beautiful in every photo and still let you dance at the end. You don’t have to choose between elegant and comfortable, you just have to choose the right pair. Here’s what works.
Start with comfort, because the day is long
Between the ceremony, the photos, the greeting and the dancing, you’ll be standing for hours. That’s the first thing to plan for. A shoe that hurts by midday is the wrong shoe, however pretty it looks on the shelf. The same rule guides our full wedding guest shoe guide.
A stable heel for aso ebi
If you want height, go for a block heel rather than a thin stiletto. A weaved-top block heel gives you elegance and a stable base, so you can move through the day without wobbling on grass or tiled floors. A strappy block heel mule is another lovely option that dresses up any outfit.
An elegant flat if heels aren’t your thing
You don’t need a heel to look dressed up. A refined sandal, like a covered heel-strap sandal or a quilted women’s sandal, keeps you comfortable and still looks the part. Flats also make sense when you know there’ll be a lot of standing and dancing, which we make the case for in best flat shoes for weddings.
Colour and coordinating
Neutrals, nude, gold, brown, black, are the safe, flattering choices that go with most aso ebi. If you want the shoe to pop, pick up a colour from your outfit or your bag rather than fighting it. And don’t upstage the couple; as a guest, elegant and understated always wins.
One last tip
Break your shoes in before the day. Even the most comfortable pair feels better after a few wears around the house, so the wedding isn’t the first time your feet meet them. Choose well and you’ll spend the day enjoying the celebration, not counting the hours until you can take your shoes off. For your own big day, see best shoes for Nigerian brides.