It is a widely discussed fact in the Who What Wear group chat that M&S 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. But 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 exactly why are Marks and Spencer shoes so good?” I hear you ask. 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—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, with plenty of sizes 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 boots, loafers, trainers and perfect party heels.
Below, I’ve picked out my 10 absolute favourites that I’m predicting will sell out by the time party season gets into full swing. There’s plenty of easy-to-wear boots I can see myself wearing with everything from dresses to jeans until the end of winter, as well as chic flats and off-duty loafers perfect for wearing right now. Keep scrolling to see my verdict and shop.
Hello, could-be-designer boots! (Something that will prove to be a continued theme with M&S shoes.) I’ve had my eye on these boots for a while now, as they’re such an expensive-looking high-street option, but thanks to their low, wearable heel and sleek finish, they’re almost constantly sold out. Luckily, it seems like they’re back in stock in some sizes online and in-store, so run, don’t walk.
When I say that these feel like walking on clouds, it’s no exaggeration. If you’re in need of an easy-to-pull-on, everyday pair of boots that will still look polished and premium, look no further. I was immediately drawn to the luxe finish of the camel suede, but they also come in versatile black leather. Bonus points for being roomy enough to fit a chunky cashmere sock underneath.
Anyone who has ever tried knee-high or over-the-knee boots and struggled with the fit around the calf, I urge you to try M&S. I was seriously impressed by how easily these tall boots zip up and just how comfy and smart they look. Like most pairs, they also have M&S’s famous Insolia Flex technology, so where most heels force you forward and put pressure on the balls of your feet, these create soft support all the way around the foot.
These boots have reached cult-like status in the Who What Wear office, and now having worn them, it’s easy to see why they’ve become an instant best seller. Cool? Check. Comfy? Check. Will work with everything from leggings to dresses? Triple check. The black pair is selling fast online, so I recommend trying the equally cool cream colourway or popping into store.
Whether you opt for the classic black or brown-snakeskin version of these square-toed Chelsea boots, they’re the kind of shoes that elevate any outfit. You’ll wear them year after year, and they look particularly good with wide-leg trousers, straight-leg jeans or even a miniskirt and tights. I’m happy to report that my feet are on the wider side, and these still fit comfortably (albeit with a thinner sock), but I often find the leather on M&S shoes softens and moulds to your foot after a few wears.
They might not have been in store in my size, but it doesn’t stop these from being one of my favourite shoes in M&S right now—understated and refined mid-heel mules that look like they walked straight off the runway and onto the high street. In a dream world, I would have instantly bought these to wear with a column maxi dress or skirt for the office and a fitted cardigan and jeans for the weekend.
Yes, another great pair of Chelsea boots with a rugged, chunky tread. The perfect, easy weekend boots for city or countryside, and although they fit true to size in length, they are much roomier than the leather pairs, making them ideal for cold weather and thick socks. The only downside? The black leather coolourway has been sold out forever, and there aren’t any more suede styles. More colours, please, M&S!
These are another pair of truly classic shoes that work perfectly for this time of year. I love these with a jeans outfit and a simple blazer or trench, but they also work with skirts and dresses for summer. They have Insolia cushioning, so although they have a small heel, you could easily spend all day in them.
When I walked into the M&S shoe section, these were the first boots I picked up. Already best sellers on the site (selling an average of 60 pairs a day), and since they’re from the staple M&S Collection range, the leather was beautiful quality. In my opinion, they could easily pass for a designer pair.
Stiletto heels are high on many fashion people’s wish lists, but I’m not sure I’m fully on board yet. (I firmly believe in comfort first, so it’s likely you’ll find me in flats or block heels.) These, however, I can work with. They’re the perfect nod to the trend, but with just the right amount of sparkle for party season and a wearable lower heel, so there’s no need pack blister plasters. Try to ignore my leggings, and imagine just how good these would look with a simple satin dress and a sharp blazer. Christmas and New Year’s Eve sorted.
If these shoes don’t get the party started, I don’t what will.
Easily the best cowboy boot on the high street.
Something about the colour and suede finish make these lace-up boots feel even more premium.
The top boot trend this A/W? Heavy-duty biker boots. These managed to nod to the trend and still feel polished.
Marks and Spencer just managed to combine two of our favourite trends in one shoe: a cool shearling trainer.
