Whether you're searching for a simple, elegant shoe, or a shoe with plenty of pizazz -- from high heels to kitten heels, these top picks in prom shoes will help get you started towards finding the perfect shoes for the big night.
And, when you're done checking out the picks, don't forget to view your Prom Shoes Checklist.
Here are my top picks in 2008 prom shoes.
One of my favorite shoes of the season, the "Sweetlife" from Nine West is a perfect choice for the prom. The style of the shoe is great for nearly any dress, and each of the four color choices (red, light gray, dark gray, or black) is very versatile. The 4" heels are high, but they're not too skinny, and they are offset a bit by the concealed platform sole. Still, if you're not comfortable in heels, you might want to bypass these for one of my other picks.
With 3.25" heels and jewels dripping from their ankle straps, these prom shoes are so sparkly, they'd be a great enhancement to a simple dress, and will definitely make an impression. Offered in silver, bronze or gold, these shimmery sandals would make anyone feel like prom queen.
The "wow" factor on these glamorous sandals is off the charts. With only two straps to hold them in place, you wouldn't think they'd be so dynamic. But since the ankle strap is covered with rhinestones, and both straps are adorned with pretty bows, they're ultra-feminine, and perfect for a special occasion like your prom. In gold, black of silver satin, there's a version of these shoes for nearly any dress, but with 3" heels, they're definitely not for high heel neophytes.
These shoes have a lot going for them: they come in several great colors, and they're available in regular, wide and extra wide widths. But what makes these shoes especially nice is the tiny crystals that make them seem so glamorous, without being overdone. And, if black works with your dress, the microfiber uppers have extra "give," so they're a little kinder to your feet.
If you aren't comfortable with higher heels, here's a shoe that's low on heel (just over 2"), but high on style. With satin uppers, and large bows on their vamps, these pretty slides are simple and easy to wear. Available black, blue or silver so there's a choice for pastels or darker colors.
With 2" heels and a shimmering, stone-covered triangle covering the top of the foot, these silver thongs are very wearable, super-hot, and cost about $50 (U.S.).
I love these sandals. In addition to the cute side bow on the vamp, these shoes feature 4" heels and skimpy ankle straps that will help them stay in place. These shoes are super sexy, and come in black, silver or purple. But since they do have a pretty high heel, only experienced heel wearers should really consider them for prom.
For this pick, I'm going to break with tradition and recommend a shoe store as opposed to a specific shoe. Bakers shoes is a fab source for special occasion shoes, and with prices ranging from about $30 to $80 (U.S.), they're fairly reasonable as well. They have loads of gorgeous "now" styles to choose from, and I've even found styles for as low as $15 if I catch a good sale.
Here's a pretty sandal that won't totally break the bank, but still offers plenty of style. With an upper made of metallic leather or satin, a 3" heel, and a big rhinestone brooch front and center, these shoes are super-feminine, and would add a great romantic touch to your dress. Offered in white, black, silver or gold.
These open-toed sling-backs are refined, elegant, and sophisticated -- but the rhinestone brooch on the vamp adds just enough bling that they're not boring in their refinement. With satin or foiledp patent uppers, these gorgeous shoes feature 3.25" heels, and come in four classic colors: silver, red, white or black.
