My Mum and I Always End Up Buying Shoes From M&S—Here's What We Like

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(Image credit: @hannahalmassi)

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!

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(Image credit: Eloy Munoz)

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

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(Image credit: @hannahalmassi)

My latest M&S purchase: these simple white high-heeled sandals.

The Best Marks and Spencer Flats

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(Image credit: @erica_davies)

Erica Davies has the high-cut ballet pumps in so many colours.

The Best Marks and Spencer Pumps

Hannah Almassi
Editor in Chief

Hannah Almassi is the Editor in Chief of Who What Wear UK. Hannah has been part of the the Who What Wear brand since 2015, when she was headhunted to launch the UK sister site and social channels, implement a localised content strategy and build out the editorial team. She joined following a seven-year tenure at Grazia magazine, where she led front-of-book news, fashion features and shopping specials as fashion news and features editor. With experience in both print and digital across fashion and beauty, Hannah has over 16 years in the field as a journalist, editor, content strategist and brand consultant. Hannah has interviewed industry heavyweights such as designers including Marc Jacobs and Jonathan Anderson through to arbiters of taste including Katie Grand and Anna Dello Russo. A skilled moderator and lecturer specialising in the shift to digital media and e-commerce, Hannah’s opinion and work has been sought by the likes of CNBC, BBC, The Sunday Times Style, The Times, The Telegraph and MatchesFashion.com, among many others. Hannah is often called upon for her take on trends, becoming known as a person with their finger of the pulse of what’s happening in the fashion space for stylish Brits. Hannah currently resides in Eastbourne with her photographer husband, incredibly busy son and highly Instagrammable cat.