I think it’s important to be picky about high-street shoes. The undeniable fact is that better-quality shoes last longer, generally feel more comfortable and tend to look better. Really cheap shoes are most likely to be poorly manufactured, prone to falling apart and lacking in the important details that make a design look flattering and elegant: one of my pet peeves about some high-street shoes is that the toes look like they turn up at the end. It’s a dead giveaway. There is simply no point in spending money on affordable footwear that doesn’t last or feel good to wear, but that’s not to say the holy grail of sandals, pumps and more cannot be found with a little research.
I’m aware that not everyone is willing or able to save up for pricey shoes that you get mended by a cobbler on repeat and that sometimes the easiest way to get an entirely new look and revitalise your old clothes is to buy affordable, stylish shoes. So I’m a pretty reliable (read: fussy) source if you want quality footwear that doesn’t cost a fortune. The affordable footwear selections on offer these days are one hundred times better than a few years ago—you’ll find plenty of real leather, heaps of flats and plenty of classic designs that are less about throwaway fashion moments and more about investment styles you can wear on repeat for many seasons to come.
Marks and Spencers has become quite the destination for wallet-friendly footwear (not to mention I’m a big fan of their wider fittings), but I’m also now partial to Charles & Keith for more directional designs, COS and Arket for minimalistic creations that look super-premium, and Zara for anything fancy like sleek ballet flats or statement heels. Keep scrolling to see the edit that lives up to my high standards!
Shop the best high-street shoes:
From the elegant design to the leather fabric, H&M has done seriously well with this pair.
Loafers are so classic.
The mesh shoe trend is still going strong.
Add a refined touch to any outfit with these sleek buckled ballet flats.
Pair these deep brown croc effect sandals with cream jeans or a wafty skirt.
Cream shades instantly elevate any piece beyond its price tag.
The mix of patent and smooth is such a nice detail.
I love the mix of neutrals and deep maroon.
Kitten slingbacks are the elegant answer to sky-high heels.
Charles & Keith knows all about brilliant footwear.
The studs are a nice touch.
The sculptural heel sets this pair apart.
If you're looking for something more interesting, look to these bold buckle flats.
M&S is welcoming in the sunshine with these striking mules.
The mule silhouette and subtle buckle detail give a particular 90s feel to this pair.
These M&S sandals are so good they come back every year.
All about eye-catching footwear? These should be on your radar.
This pair is so popular they've already sold out once.
We've spotted so many fashion people in trending Adidas SL 72's.
Comfortable and chic.
Trust me, white heels go with everything.
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