I Just Tried On So Many High-Street Spring Shoes—These 6 Are the Ones That Matter

When it comes to transitioning into spring/summer dressing, there’s one wardrobe item that you can always rely on to instantly bring all your outfits up to date: shoes. That classic blazer, jeans and ankle boots look you haven’t taken off since February? Switch your chunky-soled ankle boots for ballet flats or loafers, and suddenly, you’re sporting a very chic spring look. All of the midi dresses you’ve been wearing knee-highs with? Swap for fisherman sandals, and you’re ready for a cute picnic.

For most of us (myself included), it’s these easy, affordable switches that we lean on to make our wardrobes work as hard as possible. Not only is it cost-effective at a time when we’re all tightening our purse strings, but it’s also a great way to make our wardrobes more versatile and therefore sustainable.

It makes sense, then, that at this transitional time of year, my first purchase of the season tends to be a pair of shoes. Sometimes that’s a classic pair of leather sandals I know I’ll bring out again and again for the next few years, which I’ll likely invest a bit more in for the best quality. But for more trend-led styles that make the rest of my classics feel fresh, I usually head to the high street.

After all, there are so many great options out there (especially this year) that have you covered, from minimalist-approved flats to joyful heels to wear to all those weddings and events you have coming up. There are so many, in fact, that I thought it would be helpful to head to Oxford Street on a research trip over a weekend and try on as many pairs of spring shoes as I could find to whittle it down to the very best ones to recommend to you.

I have to say, of all the stores I popped into, H&M and Anthropologie impressed me most, with a curated edit of perfect styles—from comfy heeled sandals that felt like walking on clouds to the best flats I’ve seen on the high street. (They may or may not have come home with me.) But Zara also really iimpressed me in the shoe department (no surprises there, I’ve been a long-time fan of its on-trend footwear.) So, should you be looking for a new shoe style to spice up your wardrobe, keep scrolling to see and shop the nine styles I came away obsessing over and can’t recommend enough.

1. Toe-Ring Sandals

Style Notes: If the thought of a toe-ring sandal fills you with dread, I would urge you to give these strappy flat sandals another try. We aren't talking about the gladiators of the noughties (and I've had enough ankle-tied sandals to last me a lifetime), but these surprisingly elegant shoes are the equivalent of accessorising your feet. I went in sceptical (and convinced that none of them would fit comfortably), and came out convinced, these sandals are the key to dressing up even the most basic outfit. Sadly, most shops didn't offer wide-fit options which would have been a nice touch, but when I'm looking for a shoe that I could confidently wear with just about anything, my fellow editors agree—these are high on our list.

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2. Strappy Heels 

Style Notes: Okay, they may not be the most fashion-forward style in the list, but a simple, strappy heel can be considered a wardrobe staple. I've always envied the woman who can teeter around in barely-there heels and manage to survive the night as my sensitive feet can't go a full day in flats without chafing, but there are more comfortable options on the market than I gave the high street credit for (H&M's sandals in particular are a revelation). Not only does a strappy sandal always look expensive for their price, but they're a versatile and sensible addition to any warm-weather/occasion shoe collection. Keep a particular eye out for heeled thong sandals, they're the 2024 version of the humble flip flop;.

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3. Ballet Flats 2.0

Style Notes: I've been looking for the perfect ballet flats ever since Alexa Chung stepped out in Le Monde Beryl, and having since bought two pairs of velvet Vibi Venezia flats, I've been hunting out something a little dressier for evening, and I thought I'd found them in Alaia's embellished flats. But, considering I can't quite justify the cost per wear, the high-street has some equally good options, and there's nothing more satisyfing than an evening shoe that doesn't require blister plasters. Studs, crystals, bows, and velvet—they're all equally cute.

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4. Chic Slides

Style Notes: Something's come over me the last few weeks, and I'm suddenly obsessed with easy slides. Far from the sporty, rubber styles that are often paired with socks, these are my dream shoes, especially because I'm a pared-back minimalist at heart. Sleek, chic and extremely comfortable for 100% leather, this classic style is far more polished than flatforms, and H&M's slip-on-and-go pair are a year on year bestseller.

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5. Deco Details

Style Notes: Just like the top-ring sandals, unexpected details are what makes these shoes stand out from the crowd, Across the high street I spotted, coins, rings, charms and plates that elevate comfy/casual flats enough to feel a lot more stylish than their minimalist counterpart. Thank you Jil Sander for your services to making the sculptural show-piece cool again–thankfully the high-street is catching up and we've got a strong option to wear on the beach, in the city, and everywhere in-between.

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6. 90's Wedges

Style Notes: I've said it before, and I'll say it again, the high street is really delivering some of the most comfortable shoes on the market right now. Patent and demi-heel wedges feel incredibly current (and watch out for the wedge coming through as a breakout trend this summer), and as we're rediscovering our love for white shoes, this is as good a place as any to start. Is there any easier heel to walk in than the wedge? I think not.

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