The Best Party Shoes for Dancing the Night Away

From glittering heels to festive flats

You’ve RSVPed to the parties, you’ve found the perfect holiday dress and evening bag, and now all you need is a pair of excellent shoes to complete the post-lockdown holiday look. Well, you’ve come to right place. Whether you’re looking for tried-and-true classics or a boost of glitz and glamour, we’ve found the perfect party shoe for you. From fun, brightly coloured heels to festive flats, here are the 11 best party shoes for every holiday event. 

 

Best metallic sandals

best party shoes reformation heeled sandals
Reformation Reformation shoes, $298, thereformation.com
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Metallics were *everywhere* on the Fall 2021 runways (Chanel! Balmain! Burberry!), and a party shoe is the perfect way to try out the shiny trend. These vintage-y sandals in metallic pink feature delicate straps, a slingback design and sturdy mid-height heels, so they’ll keep you steady on your feet all night, and they’re easy to slip off when you’re tapped out from all that dancing.

 

Best Mary Janes

best party shoes j.crew mary janes
J.Crew J.Crew shoes, $233, jcrew.com
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A double strap and a pop of red is what takes these block-heel Mary Jane heels up a notch for the holidays. Made with luxe-looking moiré silk, they’ll look festive with a cocktail dress and smart with dress pants and a white shirt when you head back to the office in the new year.

 

Best bold coloured heels

best party shoes banana republic heeled sandals
Banana Republic Banana Republic shoes, $169, bananarepublic.ca
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If we learned anything from the Fall 2021 runways, it’s that saturated candy colours aren’t just for spring and summer anymore. Spruce up any neutral holiday outfit (or go matchy-matchy with a similar hued dress—or may we suggest a pink and red combo?) with a burst of bright colour on your feet and watch the compliments roll in.

 

Best booties

best party shoes betsey johnson boots
Betsey Johnson Betsey Johnson boots, $160, dsw.ca
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If there was a photo next to the definition of party shoes in the fashion dictionary, these bedazzled almond-toe boots would be in it. The 2 1/2-inch heel means you can walk, take public transit and dance to your heart’s content, but the jewelled rhinestone exterior is all fun, all the time.

 

Best satin mules

best party shoes SJP mules
SJPSJP shoes, $400, brownshoes.com
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When it comes to hunting for the best party shoes, you can always count on Sarah Jessica Parker for elegant designs and made-in-Italy quality. These pointed satin mules in a rich jewel tone feature a graceful strap adorned with a sparkling buckle to let your ankles do the talking.

 

Best platform heels

best party shoes ted baker platform heels
Ted BakerTed Baker shoes, $290, tedbaker.com
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If you still haven’t jumped on the Fall 2021 platform shoe wagon, now’s your chance. These ’70s-tastic gold platform sandals will ensure you saunter into any party feeling statuesque and confident and ready to throw down in a dance contest. 

 

Best fancy flats

best party shoes kate spade red flats
Kate Spade Kate Spade shoes, $258, thebay.com
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If your slipper-trained feet aren’t 100 per cent ready to step into heels just yet, we don’t blame them. A sophisticated pair of pointed-toe flats is a splendid compromise for any daytime or evening festivities. Slip into this scarlet suede pair with a jewel-fastened strap and you won’t have to sacrifice comfort for style.

 

Best velvet shoes

best party shoes loeffler randall black velvet heels
Loeffler RandallLoeffler Randall shoes, $417, loefflerrandall.com
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Is it a holiday style roundup if we didn’t include something velvet? Add a touch of this plush and perennially festive texture to any winter outfit (from party dresses to straight-leg jeans) and watch your look transform. These two-inch-heeled velvet sandals feature a puffy braided toe strap for maximum softness and a luxurious feel.

 

Best glitzy sandals 

best party shoes steve madden heeled sandals
Steve Madden Steve Madden shoes,  $125, stevemadden.ca
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Sashay your way to the dance floor because these glittering sandals will have you kicking up your heels (and reflecting off the disco ball) all night long. They’re covered in tiny jewels for maximum sparkle, and the block heel is a very walkable—and danceable—two inches high.

 

Best loafers

best party shoes zvelle metallic pink loafers
Zvelle Zvelle shoes, $235, zvelle.com
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We know it’s tempting to wear your favourite pair of loafers with *everything.* But this party season, give your practical 9-to-5 a rest and swap them for these fun, metallic loafers made by Toronto-based brand Zvelle. After all, your feet deserve to get in the holiday spirit, too. 

 

Best black heels

best party shoes maguire black pump
Maguire Maguire shoes, $180, maguireshoes.com
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When in doubt, a pair of black heels never fails. But think beyond the basic black pump and try a suede sling-back version with retro appeal. It’s an elegant addition to any outfit, whether it’s for a business acquisition meeting or your best friend’s holiday bash.

 

 

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