I Just Spent Hours Trying on Spring Shoes in M&S—Here

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 always 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 pumps, sandals, trainers and perfect party heels. 

Below, I’ve picked out my favourite pairs that I predict will sell out this spring. There are plenty of easy-to-wear mid-heels that I can see myself wearing with everything from dresses to jeans, as well as chic sandals perfect for wearing in high-summer weather too. So, keep scrolling to see my verdict and shop the very best.

1. Leather Buckle Kitten Heel Slingbacks

Hello, could-be-designer slingbacks! (This is something that will prove to be a continued theme with M&S shoes.) These mid-heeled shoes are one of our favourite trends this year (and last) and I could not be happier to see these Miu Miu inspired shoes in stock on the high street. I must confess, I was immediately drawn to the black pair and left the bubblegum pink, but I assure you, they’re equally fun too. Affordable shoes don’t get more expensive looking than this, and I can confirm that they feel just as good as they look, as the low heel height makes for seriously easy wear. My size was the last pair in-store, but there’s a still surprisingly a full size range online, so run, don’t walk, especially if you want to get your hands on them in  black.

Shop the Look:

M&S Collection

Leather Buckle Kitten Heel Slingbacks

M&S Collection

Leather Buckle Kitten Heel Slingbacks

2. Wide Fit Leather Strappy Sandals

(Image credit: @remyfarrell)

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 strappy style looking a little cheap, but Marks’s attention to detail gives these a premium finish, and I ended up a convert (especially as they come in comfy wide fit). If you’re looking for an open-toe pair, the simple Leather Ankle Strap Footbed Sandals are a similarly pared-back style that you’ll want to wear with everything from jeans to midi skirts, and they come with a moulded footbed for a little extra cushioning.

Shop the Look:

M&S Collection

Wide Fit Leather Strappy Sandals

M&S Collection

Leather Ankle Strap Footbed Sandals

3. Square Toe Ballet Pumps 

(Image credit: @remyfarrell)

It might not be clear from the picture just how amazing these shoes look in real life, but the fact that they are totally sold out in my local store should tell you everything you need to know. Firstly, there’s the elegant square-toed shape (and that’s coming from a shoe-fanatic). And secondly, the Mary Jane detail adds unexpected polish and elevates these into something far cooler than regular court shoes. These were hidden away on the site so might not have been on your radar, but they’re fully in stock to meet demand, so they’re clearly a predicted bestseller. Get these while you can and wear them now with mini skirts and tights for a Parisian twist. 

Shop the Look:

M&S Collection

Patent Strappy Block Heel Court Shoes

(Image credit: @remyfarrell)

Schiaparelli? Jil Sander? JW Anderson? No! These are M&S, and they’re the kind of shoes that will elevate any outfit. You’ll wear them year after year, summer after summer, and they look particularly good with floaty maxi dresses and loose, wide-leg trousers, and I’m happy to report that my feet are on the wider side, and these still fit comfortably. I often find that M&S shoes soften and mould to your feet after a few wears, so no need to worry about the cut-outs chafing. Leather flats with runway-ready details for under £40? Sign me up. 

Shop the Look:

M&S Collection

Leather Metal Trim Flat Open Toe Mules

5. Leather Wedge Mules

(Image credit: @remyfarrell)

Now that my penchant for Marks’ heels is well documented, readers won’t be surprised to see these 90’s wedges on my list of favourites. They’re understated and refined, the kind of shoes that look like they walked straight out of a cool girl’s wardrobe and onto the high street. In a dream world, I would have instantly bought these to wear with straight-leg jeans and a white tee for an easy weekend look that looks like you’ve made an effort (but not too much), but the height is slightly too high for me to get away with for the busy commute. No matter though, Insolia once again saves the day and if you’re looking for some extra height, these are the most cushioned way to do it.

Shop the Look:

M&S Collection

Leather Wedge Mules

6. Leather Woven Flat Ballet Pumps

(Image credit: @remyfarrell)

After falling in love with M&S’s simple ballet flats last year, these might just have replaced them in my book. The original pumps were a storming success, and if you love the off-duty-French-girl look, Marks and Spencer listened. Here are the ballet flats you’ve been waiting for, albeit with a Bottega-eqsue take. Keep these in mind for work, weekends and everything in between (they really are that versatile), and take tips from some of our faves and style with oversized knits and jeans for chic look that takes mere minutes to assemble.

Shop the Look:

M&S Collection

Leather Woven Flat Ballet Pumps

M&S Collection

Leather Woven Flat Ballet Pumps

7. BACK IN STOCK: Flatform Toe Thong Sandals

(Image credit: @remyfarrell)

When I walked into the M&S shoe section back in the summer of 2022, these were the first shoes I picked up and tried on. These instant best sellers sold out almost immediately on the site, and after a brief return in the winter sales, they’re finally back in a full size range, and looking as good as they did before (albeit with a different colour of sole). Flatform sandals are an easy sell for me, but even sceptics will appreciate how simple these are. No need for buckles, studs and hardware—simply slip on and you have all the practicality you need, and in one chic shoe. The Row, who? In my opinion, these could easily pass for designer. Now, you only need to decide whether to go for black or medium cream.

Shop the Look:

M&S Collection

Flatform Toe Thong Sandals

M&S Collection

Flatform Toe Thong Sandals

SHOP MORE MARKS AND SPENCER NEW SHOES 

M&S Collection

Suede Studded Platform Clogs

If these don’t convince you that M&S shoes are getting better and better, I don’t know what will.

M&S Collection

Leather Double Buckle Flatform Sandals

Autograph

Patent Flat Pointed Pumps

The perfect work shoe? I’m inclined to say so. 

M&S Collection

Buckle Flat Square Toe Ballet Pumps

Everyone will want to know where these are from. 

M&S Collection

Leather Statement Heel Pointed Mules

They’re in stock now, but grab them while you can. 

This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated. 

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