I’m Done With Sandals—These Closed-Toe Shoe Styles Are What I’m Wearing Now

We’re already at the tail-end of July and it looks like summer has left before it even started. After enduring a winter filled with long, dark, and hatefully cold nights, summer ‘23 has fallen short of its promised sunny respite. To adapt, our woollen jumpers remain close at hand and our summer sandals have been thrust back into the depths of our wardrobes.

As rain clouds appear throughout the day, our strappy sandals simply can’t withstand the moody weather. Enter: the closed-toe shoe. From dainty ballet flats to stylish Mary-Janes, a good closed-toe shoe can shield you from the elements whilst polishing your look at once.

The fashion crowd have been embracing the closed-toe summer shoe for seasons gone for an alternative take on summer styling. But this year, perhaps out of necessity, the closed-toe shoe has reached universal appeal. Clogs are on every corner, closed-toe slingbacks are in all the best mirror selfies, and retro trainers are back like it’s the ‘70s. . To avoid living out the summer months in soggy sandals, or succumbing to cladding your feet with chunky boots for lack of inspiration. Read on to find our edit of the best closed-toe shoes for summer ‘23.

This closed-toe shoe has risen to cult-status in recent years. Style with a pair of low-slung jeans or breezy linen trousers for a comfortable ensemble that you won’t want to take off, even come end of day.

This easy slip-on style is also available in dusty pink and grey.

Ugg’s comfortable version of the classic clog has risen in popularity in recent months.

Ballet flats have had a makeover and 2023’s styles feel totally fresh. Composed of sleek leathers and deeper front-cuts that elongate the foot; ballet flats are the new season It shoe that have made their way into all of our shopping baskets.

Equal parts charming and playful, a good ballet flat can give your outfit a polished edge that very few other shoe styles can achieve.

This year cult favourites from the ’90s and ’00s have regained popularity to an extent that very few of us realised was possible. As our wardrobes begin to morph into those which we owned twenty years ago, it’s not surprising that the retro trend has permeated into our shoe collection too. Buzzy collaborations, such as Grace Wales Bonner X adidas have cemented the retro trainer as the #1 style to add into your wardrobe this summer and beyond.

Cool and casual, these trainers are at the top of our wishlist.

We’re witnessing a New Balance renaissance and we couldn’t be happier.

This style comes in black and off-white.

A mainstay in any autumn wardrobe, it makes sense that loafers are appearing on the streets a little earlier this year as we face this rather mild summer. Ideal for retaining a polished edge in your look, a loafer will fair a drizzly day with more grace than any sandal.

Miu Miu’s penny loafers are set with a gleaming gold coin.

Featuring an embossed camouflage design.

Elevate your look (literally) with a pair of classic heels. From micro to maxi, the heel height isn’t what counts. This season it’s all about wearing classic styles that could be found in your wardrobe from decades to come.