You're mid dance move at your friend's wedding when all of a sudden it hits you: pain — horrible, horrible pain [1] — caused by those sky-high heels. You need a minute (or 20) to rest/ice your feet, and then you'll be back, this time rocking a pair of oversize flip-flops supplied by the bride. It's not exactly ideal for re-creating the entirety of NSYNC's "Bye Bye Bye" music video, but, sigh, do you even have a choice?
The answer, quite simply, is yes, and it all starts with the prep [2]. You'll want to snag yourself some fancy flats, platform or caged heels that provide support, or something with a shorter heel height in general. We've found a few options ahead that are comfy enough to rock all night long, meaning you can get your early '00s Justin Timberlake [3] on without causing major damage.
Rebecca Minkoff Casie Sandal
Attending a West Coast wedding? This Rebecca Minkoff heel [5] ($195) was inspired by the laid-back attitude of Southern California.
BHLDN Christianne Flats
Art-deco-inspired crystals on this flat [6] ($185) make it anything but ordinary.
Saint Laurent Suede 95mm Espadrille Wedge
Get the height without the pain in a pair of Saint Laurent espadrille wedges [7] ($595).
Sophia Webster Chiara Mid-Heel Wing Embroidered Metallic Leather Sandals
This midheel wing leather sandal from Sophia Webster [8] ($595) adds a special touch to your outfit.
Steve Madden Carrson Ankle Strap Sandals
Block heels like this pastel blue one from Steve Madden [9] ($90) can be paired with everything from skinny jeans to guest dresses.
Alexandre Birman Clarita Gingham Sandals
The perfect way to add some gingham to your outfit is with these Alexandre Birman block sandals [10] ($495).
LK Bennett Chloe Patent Leather Slingback Courts
One of Kate Middleton's favorite brands, LK Bennett [11] ($195) offers a slingback heel you can wear from day to night.
Gucci Embellished Leather Sandals
If you're wearing a plain dress, spice it up with a pair of Gucci floral-print heels [12] ($750).
Giuseppe Zanotti Crystal-Embellished Two-Band Velvet Slide
We say these Giuseppe Zanotti embellished flats [13] ($795) are fancy enough to wear to any black-tie event.
Sam Edelman Yardley Heels
These Sam Edelman shoes won't be slipping off your feet [14] ($130) thanks to the lace-up style.
Christian Louboutin Pigalle 85 Patent-Leather Pumps
The most classic shoe there is, so you can't go wrong with a pair from Christian Louboutin [15] ($675).
Manolo Blahnik Sicaria Embellished Flat
The crystal-embellished trim on this Manolo Blahnik flat [16] ($799) makes it oh so glamorous.
Ann Taylor Ezra Suede Tassel Sandals
If you thought Ann Taylor was only a spot to buy work clothes, you haven't checked out its affordable shoe section yet. These tassel heels [17] ($148) are perfect for weddings.
Salvatore Ferragamo Evia Flat Sandals
Casual wedding ceremonies call for this beaded Salvatore Ferragamo sandal [18] ($505).
Dolce & Gabbana Hydrangea Slingback Sandal
It's all about the florals on this Dolce & Gabbana slingback heel [Array] ($845).
Loeffler Randall Vera Ruffled Suede Block-Heel Slides
Loeffler Randall's suede block-heel slides [19] ($325) are the perfect accompaniment to any dress.
Tabitha Simmons Cirrius Suede Sandal
Tabitha Simmons's Cirrius sandals [20] ($795) have a triple strap with scallop trimming and tassel ties.
Rochas Flower Bud Pump
This Rochas pump might be the prettiest brocade fabric heel [21] ($660) we've ever seen.
Zara Vinyl High-Heel Sandals
If you want a translucent heel, we suggest this one from Zara [22] ($50).
Tory Burch Tatiana Slide
Tweed and pearl embellishments give this Tory Burch sandal [23] ($350) a feminine flair.
Topshop Lava Platform Sandals
Stand tall in a pair of Topshop's lava platform sandals [24] ($85).
See by Chloé Edna Gladiator Sandal
Chloé's leather cage sandal [25] ($355) has a low block heel for walking (or dancing) all day long.
H&M Sandals
Looking for affordable heels? Don't forget to check out H&M's selections like this leather pair with woven cotton frayed edges [Array] ($50).
Sergio Rossi Black Suede Jeweled Sandals
Your feet will look quite fancy with Sergio Rossi [26]'s ($875) suede jeweled sandals.
Stuart Weitzman Supersonic Suede Lace-Up Flats
Stuart Weitzman's lace-up flat [27] ($398) looks fancy in cobalt.
Ted Baker London Ilebdi Pointed Toe Flat
Ted Baker [28] ($175) makes flats worthy of wearing to any wedding.
Aquazzura Sweet Thing Suede Mary Jane Pumps
Aquazzura makes a sweet little Mary Jane pump [29] ($725) you can't resist.
Dolce Vita Eliza Mules
These blush Dolce Vita mules will match anything you've got [30] ($140).
ASOS Holiday Ghillie Tie Heeled Sandals
Who needs a floral dress when you have a pair of these ASOS heels [31] ($72)?
The Row Coco Suede Mules
You don't have to worry about your feet getting tired in a pair of kitten heels by The Row [32] ($795).
Missguided Pearl Strap Barley There Heeled Sandal
For pearl-lovers, you'll be obsessed with these Missguided heels [33] ($48).
Schutz D'Ana Knotted Loafer Mule
You don't always need to rock heels for a wedding; this tropical-print Schutz mule [Array] ($170) is just fine.
Jimmy Choo Helen Glitter-Trimmed Satin and Suede Sandals
A little glitter never hurts. Scoop up a pair of Jimmy Choo heels [34] ($750).
Castañer Carina Fringed Suede Wedge Espadrilles
Considering Castañer made the first wedge espadrilles for Yves Saint Laurent in the late '60s, this pair from the designer [35] ($240) is sure to be worth investing in.
Valentino Rockstud Leather Sandals
You can recognize Valentino heels [36] ($995) anywhere thanks to the studs.
Gianvito Rossi Cherry Suede Ankle-Tie Flat Sandals
These neutral Gianvito Rossi lace-up sandals [37] ($695) will always be in style.
H&M Satin Slingback Flats
You won't be complaining of backaches while wearing these H&M slingback flats [38] ($25).
Miu Miu Leather Sandals
These Miu Miu sandals [39] ($590) won't be around forever, so you best buy them now.
Sam Edelman Stanley Printed Twill Mules
The flower pattern on these Sam Edelman mules [40] ($100) draws the attention to your feet.
Tibi Women's Aubrey Heels
The unique construction of this Tibi heel [41] ($495) has us saying "I do."