Sandals Just Aren't Working For Me This Summer—These Are the Reliable Shoes You Can Wear in Any Weather

As much as it pains me to say it, this summer has been a little bit of a let down so far. Granted, there has been moments of sun and a few muggy days that required a fan, but the bright, sunny, sundress weather that I've been waiting for since last autumn hasn't consistently delivered, and it's making getting ready in the morning incredibly difficult.
How many times in the last few months have you left the house in a summer dress only to be met with cold winds and even showers? Equally, how many times have you seen the grey skies and worn a sensible jacket only for the sun to make a blistering appearance towards the end of the day? Stuck between sweating and dodging puddles, I realised that the most difficult thing to plan was what to wear on my feet and I'm convinced that the only solution is to resign ourselves to the idea of a "closed-toe summer". Allow to me to expand.
There are certain types of shoe that we know we can wear comfortably all year round, for example, trainers, but should a heatwave occur, chunky trainers just aren't cutting it. So, if we're looking for a shoe with enough coverage for rain, but light enough for sunny days too, what can we turn to? I've managed to narrow down the list. Ballet flats, Mary Janes, cage sandals (you can wear with socks), the return of the jelly—the options were always there, but we were so focused on getting back into strappy sandals and flip flops that we neglected the obvious.
"But where can I find the perfect closed-toe summer shoe that looks just as good with dresses and shorts as it does with jeans and a jumper?" I hear you ask. Well, I've trawled the market to pull together an edit of the perfect shoes that I think you're going to be really impressed by. Forget your winter boots, we've still got a few weeks of summer left! So keep scrolling for the very best closed-toe summer shoes you can wear and enjoy now. You're welcome.
Shop Closed-Toe Summer Shoes:
Up Next, 6 Quick Summer Dress Outfits That Are Guaranteed to Invite Compliments

Remy Farrell is a London-based fashion editor with 10 years of experience covering fashion, beauty and lifestyle. After graduating with a journalism degree and working on the fashion teams for titles such as Grazia, Elle, and British Vogue, she moved into the luxury e-commerce sector, working as fashion assistant at TheOutnet.com After expanding an assisting and styling portfolio that includes talent such as Gigi Hadid, Victoria Beckham and Miquita Oliver, she ventured into beauty, compiling reviews and diverse beauty content. In her role as fashion editor atBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing , Remy is interested in discovering new brands to share with the WWW UK readership, and loves uncovering hidden gems to make shopping accessible to everyone.
-
Fashion People Who Dislike Flip-Flops Wear These Classic Closed-Toe Shoes Instead
The perfect alternative.
-
31 Zara Summer Standouts Fashion People Are Swooning Over
Shop them before they sell out.
-
It Can't Just Be Me: Everyone With Good Taste Is Skipping Flats for These Anti-Trend Sandals
With jeans, shorts, and dresses.
-
The Best New Sneaker Drops of 2025, From Adidas to Louis Vuitton
Which pair is your favorite?
-
You Had Me at 50% Off—25 Chic Gap Sale Finds That Will Be Instant Summer Closet Staples
One step closer to effortless outfits.
-
Caught on Camera: Every Fashion Girl Is Wearing This Unexpected Shoe Brand With Jeans, Dresses, and Skirts
Kaia, Selena, and Sydney are fans.
-
Put Down the Boring Leather Tote—Every Stylish New Yorker Is Carrying This Colorful Bag Trend Instead
Spotted in London and the French Riviera too
-
7 Summer Basics You Can Wear All Season Without Getting Bored
Elevated closet staples.