The other week, I bought a pair of sandals from Marks and Spencer and managed to convince some people that they were Hermès (no joke). The store hosts some pretty dodgy footwear options, but amongst the plethora of frumpy flats lie some absolute gems, and I've known that for a while because both my mum and I always shop for shoes at Marks and Spencer, and we're damn fussy about our heels.
As someone who prefers to save up for a classic pair of Pradas I'll wear forever over a quick-fix pair of high-street shoes, something must be very, very good about the shoes at the nation's favourite store. My mum's take? She prefers to buy leather creations (same) and is particularly keen because M&S not only has wide-fitting options but also always have a size 3 in stock—two key factors that we both struggle with finding elsewhere. In addition, they often offer half-sizing—perfect for me and my 3.5s!
My mum wearing M&S sandals at my wedding in 2017.
"They're so comfortable and have good styles—even when they're wide-fitting," says my mum. "I bought a pair of grey glove pumps a while ago and have had so much wear out of them. They look far more expensive than they were, and are pretty classic."
She has since added a pair of green suede sandals to her existing collection of boots, flats and even some red suede bow slingbacks she wore to my wedding two years ago. My own collection is a little leaner and consists mostly of super-plain, low-heeled sandals. Although, following the recommendation of Emma Spedding, our deputy editor, who told me just how comfortable her new M&S ballet flats are, I'm tempted to add them to my cart…
Keep scrolling to see the shoes my mum and I would buy from M&S this season. The one thing I've noticed? Some of the coolest styles are only available online, so on this occasion, skip the in-store visit and focus on your virtual basket!
The Best Marks and Spencer Sandals
My latest M&S purchase: these simple white high-heeled sandals.
The Best Marks and Spencer Flats
Erica Davies has the high-cut ballet pumps in so many colours.
The Best Marks and Spencer Pumps
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