black lace up espadrille wedges
Shop the Look: Marlo White Wrap Dress, (similar) Esme Black Lace-Up Espadrille Wedges; Image via @ohlovelylilie

Your graduation is a major event, and you’ll be standing, sitting, walking, and posing for photos all day. Your shoes for graduation need to be cute AND comfortable. Nobody wants to limp across the stage to receive their diploma!

almond ankle strap heels
Shop the Look: Harper Almond Ankle Strap Heels; Image via Leyi L.

It’s also important to remember that while we love a pair of cute high heels, many graduations take place outdoors, so you’ll want shoes that won’t sink into the grass (and take you down with them). Make sure you’re ready for anything with a pair of supportive shoes, like these stylish and practical choices

Statement Mules

Mules are basically just fancy slides, which makes them one of our top picks for comfortable shoes to wear to graduation. For a major event like graduation, look for mules that make a statement!

Making a statement is all about the unexpected, like fancy embellishments, or an unexpected color like hot pink. And while the look of these shoes packs a punch, they’re incredibly easy to put on, which makes them a fantastic option if your graduation dress is tight or at all restrictive.

Satin Pointed Tow Bow Mules

pink satin pointed toe bow mules
Shop the Look: Sylviee Pink Satin Pointed-Toe Bow Mules

Satin Pearl Embroidered Pointed Toe Flats

pearl embroidered pointed toe flats
Shop the Look:  Flora Ivory Satin Pearl Embroidered Pointed-Toe Flats

Glitter Loafer Slides

rose gold glitter slides
Shop the Look: Joelle Rose Gold Glitter Loafer Slides

Colorful Slide Sandals

Bright sandals will add a pop of color to your graduation gown and look darling as you get your diploma. Both strappy sandals and slide sandals will let you show off your pedicure and are very comfortable. Choosing materials like patent leather and suede can elevate the look of your sandals, as can embellishments like textured elements and bows. 

Trendy, bright sandals are also a surprisingly versatile accessory since they can be paired with other bright colors, or used to accent neutral shades like black or white.

Suede Ankle Strap Heels

red suede ankle strap heels
Shop the Look: Harper Red Suede Ankle Strap Heels

Woven High Heel Sandals

pink woven high heel sandals
Shop the Look: Sawnie Pink Woven High Heel Sandals

Knotted High Heel Sandals

multi print knotted high heel sandals
Shop the Look: Dorothea Yellow Multi Print Knotted High Heel Sandals

Fancy Flats

Flats are a great option for graduation shoes because there’s no heel to worry about– they’re designed for all day comfort. And while you might have a pair of basic ballet flats that you use for errands, these stylish shoes are a whole new ballgame.

Fabrication elements like satin and velvet dress up these shoes, while straps help define the look and add a decorative touch. Embellishments like rhinestones and ribbon dress up these fancy flats even more, making them perfect for your big day.

Satin Rhinestone Ankle Strap Pointed Toe Flats

satin rhinestone ankle strap pointed toe flats
Shop the Look:Novelta Rose Gold Satin Rhinestone Ankle Strap Pointed-Toe Flats

Velvet Buckle Pointed Toe Ballet Flats

champagne velvet buckle toe pointed toe flats
Shop the Look: Licon Champagne Velvet Buckle Pointed-Toe Ballet Flats

Satin Rhinestone Ankle Strap Flats

black satin rhinestone ankle strap flats
Shop the Look: Minye Black Satin Rhinestone Ankle Strap Flats

Block Heels

Even if you’re amazing at walking in heels, why tempt fate? Eliminate the risk of tripping or sinking into the ground by choosing a thicker block heel. That additional surface area adds stability, which is great because exactly no one wants to trip at graduation.

Block heels can be playful and chunky or dainty and elegant. Look for fun colors and textures, as well as embellishments like rhinestones to help find a pair of block heels that makes a statement.

Lace-Up Chunky High Heel Sandals

gold lace up chunky high heel sandals
Shop the Look: Fiyaa Gold Lace-Up Chunky High Heel Sandals

Suede Rhinestone Ankle Strap Heels

nude suede rhinestone ankle strap heels
Shop the Look: Vanay Light Nude Suede Rhinestone Ankle Strap Heels

Suede Square Toe Ankle Strap High Heel Sandals

hot pink suede square toe ankle strap sandals
Shop the Look: Westlyn Hot Pink Suede Square-Toe Ankle Strap High Heel Sandals

Sleek Wedges

Wedges are the best of both worlds; they offer the same silhouette as a high heel, but a solid platform-style sole. They’re easier to walk in than other heels, so they’re amazing if you aren’t super experienced with wearing heels but want to elevate your shoe game for graduation. 

You can find wedges in all shapes, styles, and sizes. No matter your taste or style, there’s a pair of wedges out there waiting for you.

Cork Wedge Sandals

cork ankle strap wedges
Shop the Look: Nixie Cork Wedge Sandals

Lace-Up Espadrille Wedge Sandals

floral lace up espadrille wedge sandals
Shop the Look: Gulee Blue Floral Lace-Up Espadrille Wedge Sandals

Slide-On Wedge Sandals

green clear slide on wedge sandals
Shop the Look: Chax Green Clear Slide-On Wedge Sandals

Stylish Sneakers

Who says you have to wear heels to look fabulous? Sneakers are a bold fashion statement that pack a ton of personality into your outfit. They introduce a fun element to your ‘fit, whether you wear a dress or something less traditional like a romper or jumpsuit

Make your sneaks look like an intentional fashion choice by choosing a pair that stand out. Look for sneakers with bright colors, platform soles, or fun embellishments.

Pearl Lace-Up Sneakers

pearl sneakers
Shop the Look: Zina Vanilla White Pearl Lace-Up Sneakers

Flatform Sneakers

multi stripe flatform sneakers
Shop the Look: Orbit White Multi Stripe Flatform Sneakers

Chunky Sneakers

coral yellow chunky sneakers
Shop the Look: Electrove 2 Gardenia Coral Yellow Chunky Sneakers

White Booties

White booties are stylish, practical, and both playful and elegant at the same time. They offer more support than shoes with less coverage, so they’re great for graduations that take place outdoors. Booties come in a variety of silhouettes, so whether you want something with a vintage square-toed look or a Western-style pointed toe, there’s a pair of white booties that will look great on  your feet.

Platform Square Toe Ankle Booties

white platform square toe ankle booties
Shop the Look: Mikayla White Platform Square-Toe Ankle Booties

Pointed Toe Ankle Booties

white pointed toe ankle booties
Shop the Look: Spirit White and Blonde Pointed Toe Ankle Booties

Pointed Toe Ankle Western Boots

pearl pointed toe ankle western boots
Shop the Look: Prejean Bone Pearl Pointed-Toe Ankle Western Boots

We want to see your cute commencement looks! Show us your outfits on Instagram @lulus using #lovelulus! Still looking? Shop Graduation Dresses you can wear on the big day!

This post was originally published in May 2021 and has been updated with new content.