It’s not often I take to the Marks and Spencer shoes department. I usually make a beeline for their new-in section, summer dresses, or (no shame) their epic food hall – but on the occasions I do find myself browsing the women’s footwear, I’m always reminded why I should frequent it more often. The designer inspiration is evident, but the prices? Way more affordable.
The brand found huge success in its AW22 handbag releases – remember that Celine influenced cross-body number that sold out in a split second? – so it’s no wonder they’ve adopted the same formula when designing other accessories. For spring/summer 2023, the high-street retailer’s intentions are clear; they want women to feel and look expensive without breaking the bank (a godsend during this cost of living crisis).
Without further delay, these are the new-season Marks and Spencer shoes the fashion set are already donning…
Marks and Spencer Shoes: Designer-Inspired Flats
Remember those Miu Miu ballet pumps and ballerina slippers all the celebs were wearing last year? According to M&S, that trend isn’t going anywhere for 2023.
The Row’s Ginza leather flip flops have graced the pedicured feet of just about every single influencer over the past few summers, and I think these Marks & Spencer iterations will be just as popular.
Perhaps its the rounded toecap with stitch detailing, but these leather ballet pumps remind us of certain French label. At less than £40, you really can’t argue either.
Flat loafers like moccasin slippers, brogues and penny loafers have made another comeback, as proven by Saint Laurent, Gucci, Prada and now Marks & Spencer.
Horsebit buckles are the true sign of luxury, so when I saw similar hardware on these ballet pumps I were shocked at the affordable price tag.
Move over knee high boots and Chelsea boots, black biker boots are iconic in their own right, but add a wide ankle strap and buckle details and you’re onto something even more expensive looking.
Marks and Spencer Shoes: Luxe-Looking Heels
I’m pretty positive you’ll be able to draw the similarities between these kitten heel slingbacks and designer silhouettes, but these ones are less than £50. Just sayin’. If heels aren’t your vibe though, no matter how small, M&S offer a range of flat mules/mule slippers and slingback sliders.
From Bottega Veneta and Gianvito Rossi to Neous and Cult Gaia, strappy sandals have been declared the ‘it’ shoe for summer soirees. They might not be walking shoes, but who cares when your feet will look this pretty? Get yours from tried and true M&S.
Look inside the wardrobes of your favourite fashion influencers and celebrities and I guarantee you’ll find a pair of black-trimmed beige slingbacks. These ones look far more expensive than they are.
Mary Janes are back and bigger than ever. This pair could easily be mistaken for the platform stiletto heel court shoes seen walking the runways this season.
A spokesperson for the Marks and Spencer shoes team said: “We’ve seen a number of internal footwear trends this season, more specifically our new Platform Mary Jane which launched this January, go straight in as our number one heeled shoe.” The best part? Despite its vertiginous build, it features Insolia® technology for a cushioned fit comparable to flats.
Taking notes from the Rockstuds that adorn the footwear and bags of a certain Italian House, these M&S suede sandals will be everywhere this summer. Trust me.
I’ve been obsessed with square-toe shiny black boots since I laid my eyes on Chloé’s rain-ready pair last winter, but if you can’t afford those for now these are a great alternative.