'Four pairs of Marks and Spencer sandals I'd ditch trainers for this summer'
I don't know about you, but trainers have become my go-to footwear for virtually every situation. Ever since the pandemic hit, I've barely touched a pair of heels, with my Adidas SL72s clocking up over 50 wears according to my digital wardrobe tracker.However, with the warmer weather now making an appearance, it seemed high time to explore whether a pair of sandals could lure me away from my endlessly comfy trainers. There's one high street name that's absolutely nailed it with summer footwear offerings this season.Marks and Spencer has earned quite the name for itself with fashionable items at reasonable prices while maintaining both quality and, crucially, comfort. Searching for fresh sandals to complement my summer wardrobe, I popped into store to try several styles and discovered four exceptional options that could easily find a home in both my holiday luggage and daily rotation.The beloved retailer appears to stock something for every moment, from statement flatforms to bohemian-inspired mules.Without further ado, these are the M&S sandals I'd happily swap my trainers for this summer.Triple Buckle Footbed Sandals (€47)If one style immediately captured my attention, it's these triple buckle footbed sandals. The rich burgundy tone paired with pewter detailing felt like a luxurious take on comparable designs, yet at a wallet-friendly€47 price point. They boast a flatform sole and contoured footbed designed to provide support throughout the day. The trio of adjustable buckled straps ensures a personalised fit, and while glossy finishes can occasionally appear inexpensive, these manage to avoid that pitfall.Rather, they possess an effortless versatility that transitions seamlessly from day to evening. Trying them on, they felt secure and easy to walk in, making them ideal for everything from city sightseeing to weekend errands.One customer praised them as a 'really comfortable slider' and appreciated that they were 'just a little different', while another called them a 'subtle take on the heavy Birkenstock-type style' that feels 'much more elegant'. For reference, Birkenstock's Florida Soft Footbed sandals retail at €159.99. Crafted from oiled leather, they feature three straps and a contoured cork footbed that moulds to your foot's shape, reports the Mirror.Another buyer shared: "Gorgeous colour. Very comfy. Perfect summer shoe with dress or trousers." Although one customer found the fit on the broader side, noting: "Bought for holidays, suitable for day or evening wear. Wide fitting, I had to adjust all the straps."These would pair beautifully with linen trousers, an uncomplicated midi dress or denim shorts when comfort and style are both priorities. To truly polish the ensemble, consider pairing them with a bag in a complementary colour and finish to create a more cohesive look.Leather Leopard Print Flatform Sandals (€65)Leopard print might be viewed as a passing fad by some, but for me it's practically a way of life. Peek inside my wardrobe and you'd think Kat Slater had been styling me, so naturally these leather flatform sandals caught my eye immediately.What makes leopard print so versatile is its status as a neutral, meaning it complements numerous colours and - for the daring - even clashes brilliantly with other patterns. With this specific design, the print features only on the front strap, creating visual interest without feeling overpowering.The flatform base offers a subtle height boost, perfect for those on the shorter side wanting to gain an extra inch, while adding a chunkier, more contemporary edge to softer looks, such as a crisp white summer dress. They'd work just as beautifully with denim pieces - whether shorts or jeans - as they would with flowing satin midi skirts.Priced at €65, they're admittedly not the cheapest option, but the genuine leather construction should ensure they outlast synthetic versions. "Gorgeous sandals, a real summer staple. Super comfortable and stylish," one satisfied customer praised.A fellow buyer enthused: "Stylish and comfortable! Love these sandals, very wearable with different outfits and good value for money. Plenty of padding so walking is comfortable."However, the pattern didn't win everyone over entirely. One reviewer noted: "A bit fed up with animal print but I love these sandals. Very comfy. Worn a couple of times with no rubbing."One satisfied customer, who highlighted their timeless charm, added: "I love leopard print, who doesn't? These are very comfortable, the straps are soft, so no chafing. They look good with dresses or jeans/ trousers. It's great to find something comfy and fashionable for my 70-year-old feet. Bought my daughter a pair for a treat, and she loves them too."For those who've grown weary of leopard print, cow print is another fashionable option worth considering. The Animal Cow Print Leather Premium Double Strap Footbed Sandals are available at Next for €87.50. Perfect for summer getaways, they feature Forever Comfort insoles for extra cushioning.Suede Beaded Toe Post Mules (€60)If you're jetting off abroad this summer, these could well be the first sandals you reach for. The suede texture and bold beaded detailing elevate them above your standard flip-flop, while remaining effortlessly casual and comfortable.Toe post sandals that loop over the big toe have been cropping up everywhere lately, and they look set to be a significant trend this summer. As gorgeous as they are, there is a nagging concern that extended walks could prove rather uncomfortable.When I saw them I thought they looked ‘very H&M’, and as it goes, the retailer has a similar pair for €24.99. Their bead-detail strappy sandals are offered in a chocolate brown shade with knotted spaghetti straps adorned with plastic beads.While undoubtedly gorgeous, these strike me as a pair best saved for getaways or special occasions when something a touch smarter than casual sandals is needed. They don't quite scream beer garden material, in my view - particularly given their suede construction which is prone to marking.Yet customers have been absolutely delighted with them, with one glowing five-star review stating: "Love these sandals. Ideal for dressing up or down. They'll be going to Greece."Another customer shared: "I was dubious as to whether these would fit as I have reasonably narrow feet, but they are perfect. So classy looking, a great addition to my summer wardrobe."Though one reviewer noted the narrower fit, it wasn't a dealbreaker, observing: "These sandals look so good, unfortunately, they are quite narrow, so they are not the most comfortable, but I still had to keep them."Suede Strappy Fisherman Sandals (€65)For those hesitant about baring too much skin, fisherman sandals strike an ideal balance between closed shoes and open sandals. This suede M&S option feels more refined and less bulky than many fisherman designs you'll find elsewhere, which adds to their surprising adaptability.They boast a modest block heel for day-long ease and an ankle buckle fastening ensuring they stay put. Of the four styles, these came nearest to becoming my trainer substitute as they offer substantial coverage while keeping feet pleasantly aired.One shopper described them as the perfect 'cross between a shoe and a sandal', adding: "These fitted the bill perfectly and I love the retro style."These sandals look smart and are very comfortable," another added. "I bought them in tan, which will go with most of my summer jeans and skirts."A third commented: "I love these for spring and summer, a great alternative to trainers if you can only wear flats like me. They are very comfortable and can be worn with everything, also bang on trend for the summer season."The sole drawback is that, once again, they're crafted from suede, making them susceptible to marks if left unprotected. That said, given the style, comfort and versatility on offer, investing in a reliable suede protector seems a small price to pay.
