Shoes are the power players of a bridal look. They anchor the lehenga, peek out under the gown and follow the bride through every ritual, dance floor dash and after-party escape. But let’s be honest: heels, however beautiful, can turn your fairytale day into a balancing act of blisters and bravery. Enter bridal sneakers, the stylish plot twist you didn’t know you needed.
Equal parts cool, couture-esque and comfortable, bridal sneakers are rewriting wedding dress codes. Think pearly whites, crystal laces, hand embroidery and even personalised details stitched into the sole. They pair effortlessly with everything, from voluminous skirts to sleek saris, adding a touch of personality to tradition. Perfect for pheras, sangeet dance-offs and those never-ending photo sessions, they let brides stay light on their feet without sacrificing style.
Bollywood Brides Who Wore Sneakers On Their Big Day
Bollywood brides have helped catapult bridal sneakers into mainstream wedding fashion, showing that comfort can coexist with couture on the biggest day of all. Rakul Preet famously paired customised, embellished sneakers with vibrant outfits for her mehndi and reception during her Goa wedding festivities. Athiya Shetty also embraced the trend, sporting crisp white sneakers across her wedding events, letting her bridal style stay chic while staying grounded. Hansika Motwanni made waves by swapping heels for custom sneakers with her rani pink lehenga during her colourful pre-wedding celebrations.
And long before it was mainstream, Deepika Padukone gave sneaker-ready brides plenty of inspiration when she ditched stilettos for a comfortable pair at her Mumbai reception. She was dancing the night away in style without sacrificing comfort.
Traditional Bridal Sneakers
Traditional bridal sneakers bridge couture with craftsmanship, offering comfort without compromising on your bridal aesthetic. Indian labels such as Anaar, Gully Labs and Fizzy Goblet have reimagined the sneaker as a canvas for handwork, crafting pairs dense with zardozi, aari, gota patti, fine thread work and glinting mirror details. These aren’t mass-produced add-ons, but intricately designed pieces that sit seamlessly with lehengas, heavy blouses and layered dupattas.
Often made on satin, silk or brocade bases, these sneakers echo the richness of bridal textiles. Some even feature discreet wedges or small kitten heels, offering a hint of elevation and retaining the cushioned ease of a trainer. What sets them apart is the attention to coordination. Embroidery is frequently customised to match bridal colour palettes, motifs or even specific elements of the outfit, turning the shoe into a strategic styling choice rather than an afterthought. Comfortable enough for pheras, durable for long photo sessions and playful enough for sangeet performances, traditional bridal sneakers prove that practicality can still feel luxurious.
Modern Wedding Trainers
Luxury maisons have translated couture codes into statement sneakers. Today, these are turned what was once a practical silhouette into a fashion-forward essential. Houses like Christian Louboutin and Jimmy Choo offer dedicated wedding collections featuring bridal-friendly sneakers that feel indulgent rather than athletic. Crafted in satin and soft leather, these designs are elevated with crystals, strass embellishments and refined surface work that they belong as naturally in a wedding setting as a classic heel. Roger Vivier takes a distinctly couture-led approach with styles like the Viv’ Run, where sporty lines are softened by the brand’s signature buckles, pearls and jewelled accents. Meanwhile, Kurt Geiger has carved a niche with its bridal edits, offering white and crystal-studded sneakers designed specifically for ceremony-to-reception wear.
Across luxury labels, detailing is key. Think pearl clusters, crystal embroidery, Victorian-inspired motifs and couture appliqué that lend an heirloom quality to the shoe. Styled with flowing gowns, contemporary saris or even bridal kurtas, these sneakers blur the line between footwear and jewellery.
Khush Styling Tips
Treat bridal sneakers like jewellery for your feet: match metal tones (gold or silver embellishment) to jewellery or the crafts on your outfit. For pre-wedding celebrations, keep hem lengths clean so the shoe shows. Pair chunkier sneakers with fuller lehengas for balance and sleeker embroidered trainers work with saris and sheath gowns. They’re perfect to dance in. They are no longer shoes brides switch into after the ceremony, but statement pieces chosen from the start.
