I think it’s important to be picky about high-street shoes. The undeniable fact is that better-quality shoes last longer, generally feel more comfortable and tend to look better. Really cheap shoes are most likely to be poorly manufactured, prone to falling apart and lacking in the important details that make a design look flattering and elegant: one of my pet peeves about some high-street shoes is that the toes look like they turn up at the end. It’s a dead giveaway. There is simply no point in spending money on affordable footwear that doesn’t last or feel good to wear, but that’s not to say the holy grail of sandals, pumps and more cannot be found with a little research.
Who What Wear editors are very good at finding high-street shoes. Pictured here, clockwise from top left, is Anna LaPlaca in Mango sandals, Remy Farrell in M&S slingbacks, Remi Afolabi in Vagabond loafers, and myself in Zara sandals. I’m aware that not everyone is willing or able to save up for pricey shoes that you get mended by a cobbler on repeat and that sometimes the easiest way to get an entirely new look and revitalise your old clothes is to buy affordable, stylish shoes. So I’m a pretty reliable (read: fussy) source if you want quality footwear that doesn’t cost a fortune. The affordable footwear selections on offer these days are one hundred times better than a few years ago—you’ll find plenty of real leather, heaps of flats and plenty of classic designs that are less about throwaway fashion moments and more about investment styles you can wear on repeat for many seasons to come. Marks and Spencers has become quite the destination for wallet-friendly footwear (not to mention I’m a big fan of their wider fittings), but I’m also now partial to Charles & Keith for more directional designs, COS and Arket for minimalistic creations that look super-premium, and Zara for anything fancy like event sandals or statement boots. Keep scrolling to see the edit that lives up to my high standards!
These have been crazy-popular ever since shopping editor Remy Farrell discovered them.
If you’re looking for a quick way to update your wardrobe this year, a square-toe shoe will do it.
Chunky-sole thong sandals have been trending for the past few summers—these are the most expensive-looking pair on the high street.
These are giving strong French-girl vibes—combine with straight-leg jeans and an oversized white blouse.
The dark-brown leather and micro gold studs make these look very pricey.
I’m obsessed with this raspberry-pink colour—very Carrie Bradshaw.
How convincingly retro are these?
You’re looking at my new go-to shoes for work.
These are a John Lewis best seller that have been reintroduced in new colourways. I love the silver as a go-with-everything option for event season.
Look out for H&M’s premium leather options—they are strides ahead of the faux styles.
Oh, yes, please. I think these would instantly upgrade the simplest of outfits.
Some affordable ballet flats look cheap and flimsy, but these do not.
The New Balance sneakers I keep seeing all over London.
These have been flying off the virtual rails very quickly.
Such a fun option for parties and weddings. Don’t forget suede protector!
A sassy shape with a natural raffia finish makes for a cool contrast.
I have the Emerson sandals in black and get so much wear out of them, so it’s great to see some new colours coming in for summer 2023.
I consider snake-print to be something of a neutral, so these would go with everything.
Hello, comfy shoes that everyone will compliment me on! Up next, jean-and-shoe pairings that work every time.
