It is a widely discussed fact in the Who What Wear group chat that Marks and Spencer shoes are some of the best on the market. Last week when I shared that I was planning on popping in to try on a load of its latest shoes (all in the name of journalistic research), it was met with exclaims and admissions of how highly my fellow editors rate the high-street hero’s footwear. “I have such a soft spot for M&S shoes” and “the comfort insoles are the one” are just a couple of examples. I, too, consider myself a loyal fan, and some of my longest-lasting, most-loved pairs have been bought there in the past. In fact, I still wear a pair of burgundy leather knee-high boots that I bought from the store roughly five years ago.
But why exactly are Marks and Spencer shoes so good? It’s not just the huge range available—from ballet flats to boots and everything in between—or the fact that the M&S design team seems to get it just right. (They’re always on-trend but still classic.) It’s the quality, comfort and affordability alongside all these things that really set its offering apart for me.
Browsing in the store this week, I wasn’t disappointed. The beginning of a new season is the best time to shop M&S shoes, as plenty of sizes are available in all the best styles. I tried on at least 20 pairs, but honestly, I could have been there all day trying on endless sandals, loafers, trainers and perfect party heels.
Below, I’ve picked out my nine absolute favourites that I’m predicting will sell out by the time summer gets into full swing. There are plenty of easy-to-wear sandals I can see myself wearing with everything from dresses to jeans until the end of summer as well as chic flats and off-duty pumps perfect for wearing right now. Keep scrolling to see my verdict and shop the very best.
Hello, could-be-designer sandals! (This is something that will prove to be a continued theme with M&S shoes.) These were some of our favourite flip-flops last summer, and after being a best-selling success, they’ve returned for another year, and I could not be happier. I must confess, I bought the white colourway and wore them for five months straight. The high street doesn’t get more expensive looking than this, and I can confirm that they feel just as good as they look, as the cushioned sole makes for easy wear. My size wasn’t currently in stock in-store, but there’s a full size range online, so run, don’t walk, especially if you want to get your hands on that luxe tan pair.
These aren’t brand new to M&S, but they are well worth a mention. As soon as the black pair landed towards the end of last year, we couldn’t stop talking about just how fashion-forward they are, and they look even better IRL. If you’re in need of easy-to-wear heels that look polished and premium, look no further. I was immediately drawn to the glossy finish of the white leather, but there is, of course, the black if you’re looking for something a little more versatile. These score bonus points for being the comfiest platforms I’ve ever worn and tapping into the current Mary Jane trend.
Love them or loathe them, fisherman sandals are back, and if you’ve got The Row taste but a high-street budget, you’re going to want to start here. I was initially sceptical about the chunky, multi-strap style looking too heavy, but Marks’s open-toe version helps keep them light and easy, and I ended up a convert. If you’re looking for a sturdier traditional pair, the Wide Fit Leather Ankle Strap Flat Sandals are closed-toe flats that you’ll want to wear with everything from cropped trousers to midi skirts, and they come with a roomier, wider fit if you want to add a pair of socks.
It might not be clear from the picture just how amazing these shoes look in real life, so I feel compelled to share the highlights. Firstly, there’s the elegant silhouette (and that’s coming from a flat-shoe devotee). And secondly, that heel—a lucite tortoiseshell—adds unexpected polish and elevates these into something far cooler than regular court shoes. These have been hidden away on the shelves between the winter boots and summer sandals so might not have been on your radar, but online, they’re being added to baskets dozens of times an hour, so I predict an instant best seller. Don’t trust yourself with white leather? The black pair is selling fast online, but be warned with sizing. There are no half sizes, so it might be worth going up a size and adding an insole if needed.
Whether you opt for the classic black or the zesty tangerine version of these flatform sandals, they’re the kind of shoes that elevate any outfit. You’ll wear them year after year, and they look particularly good with floaty midi skirts and pretty dresses. I’m happy to report that my feet are on the wider side, and these still fit comfortably. I often find that the leather on M&S shoes softens and moulds to your foot after a few wears, so no need to worry about chafing straps. Strappy sandals that aren’t skinny stiletto heels? Sign me up.
Our penchant for Marks ballet flats is well documented, so regular readers won’t be surprised to see these on my list of favourites. They’re understated and refined, the kind of pumps that look like they walked straight out of a Parisian wardrobe and onto the high street. In a dream world, I would have instantly bought these to wear with a bouclé jacket and straight-leg jeans for an easy weekend look that looks like you’ve made an effort.
Another pair of shoes that need no introduction, M&S’s kitten-heel slingbacks are back in a new flat iteration. The originals have been a storming success, and if you loved the look but not the heel, you asked, and Marks and Spencer listened. Here are the flats you’ve been waiting for. Keep these comfy slingbacks in mind for work, weekends and everything in between, and take tips from Miu Miu and style the two-toned pairs with socks and a miniskirt for a preppy look that could have stepped off the runway.
When I walked into the M&S shoe section, these were the first shoes I picked up. Already best sellers on the site (being added to baskets an average of 100 times every two days), the quality of these Per Una clogs is second to none. Clogs are an easy sell for me, but sceptics will appreciate how simple these are. No need for buckles, studs and hardware—these combine all of the best bits of a clogs (slip-on style, easy, low heel and luxe suede) in one chic shoe style. Chloé, who? In my opinion, these could easily pass for designer. Now, you only need to decide whether to go for black or tan.
But wait, there’s more in the M&S clogs offering, and this time, it’s open sandals perfect for this time of year. I can’t find this exact style online, but there are plenty of the platform versions that have “summer” written all over them. I’d wear them now with jeans and a simple blazer or trench and again in summer with a boho maxi dress and a raffia bag. They don’t have the brand’s famed Insolia cushioning, but they do have antibacterial padding to help keep them fresh for all-day wear. What’s not to love?
Easily the best squidgy-soled sliders on the high street.
Something about the wedge heel makes these strappy shoes feel even more premium.
Yes, there’s a cream colourway too.
Marks and Spencer just managed to combine two of our favourite trends in one shoe style: mules and chunky block heels.
Slingbacks are still going to be big news in 2023.
