As much as it pains me to say it, this summer has been a little bit of a let down so far. Granted, there has been moments of sun and a few muggy days that required a fan, but the bright, sunny, sundress weather that I’ve been waiting for since last autumn hasn’t consistently delivered, and it’s making getting ready in the morning incredibly difficult.
How many times in the last few months have you left the house in a summer dress only to be met with cold winds and even showers? Equally, how many times have you seen the grey skies and worn a sensible jacket only for the sun to make a blistering appearance towards the end of the day? Stuck between sweating and dodging puddles, I realised that the most difficult thing to plan was what to wear on my feet and I’m convinced that the only solution is to resign ourselves to the idea of a “closed-toe summer”. Allow to me to expand.
There are certain types of shoe that we know we can wear comfortably all year round, for example, trainers, but should a heatwave occur, chunky trainers just aren’t cutting it. So, if we’re looking for a shoe with enough coverage for rain, but light enough for sunny days too, what can we turn to? I’ve managed to narrow down the list. Ballet flats, Mary Janes, cage sandals (you can wear with socks), the return of the jelly—the options were always there, but we were so focused on getting back into strappy sandals and flip flops that we neglected the obvious.
“But where can I find the perfect closed-toe summer shoe that looks just as good with dresses and shorts as it does with jeans and a jumper?” I hear you ask. Well, I’ve trawled the market to pull together an edit of the perfect shoes that I think you’re going to be really impressed by. Forget your winter boots, we’ve still got a few weeks of summer left! So keep scrolling for the very best closed-toe summer shoes you can wear and enjoy now. You’re welcome.
Shop Closed-Toe Summer Shoes:
ALOHAS
Rosalind Red Leather Ballet Flats
These come in several different colours, but the cherry red are a standout.
GANNI
Black Feminine Buckle Ballerinas
These Insta-famous shoes are a cult classic.
So pretty with dresses and skirts.
BIRKENSTOCK
Boston Suede Clogs
You’ll wear these well into autumn too.
Flabelus shoes make me feel happier just by looking at them.
A smart, sleek, pointed shoe that comes as a flat? Sign me up.
Charles & Keith
Mesh Crystal-Embellished Mary Janes
These come to life in the sun.
So easy to mistake for designer.
& Other Stories
Soft Block-Heel Pumps
A small block heel for easy wear.
Anthropologie
By Anthropologie Pointed-Toe Mules
Animal prints are coming back just in time for autumn—you heard it here first.
ANCIENT GREEK SANDALS
Aerati Leather and Raffia Ballet Flats
Just add a white tee and jeans.
Charles & Keith
Lace-Up Tie-Around Dorsay Pumps
The laces! The ankle tie! The pointed toe! There’s a lot to love about this shoe.
Dear Frances
Mary Jane, Silver
Wear now with white dresses or capri trousers, and through winter party season with just about anything.
Juju
Reilly Dark Red Fisherman Jelly Sandals
If you’re looking for a comfortable shoe pairing, you can’t beat jellies and socks. Trust me.
Seychelles
Jasmine Fisherman Sandals
Don’t pack your suitcase without including these for the beach.
Russell and Bromley
SeÑorita Espadrille Wedge
The perfect shoe for summer evenings.
Wear to the office (and for dinner afterwards).
MIISTA
Bibi Patent Khaki Courts
Such an elegant shade of khaki green.
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