Sandals Just Aren't Working For Me This Summer—These Are the Reliable Shoes You Can Wear in Any Weather

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

£140

These come in several different colours, but the cherry red are a standout.

GANNI

Black Feminine Buckle Ballerinas

£325

These Insta-famous shoes are a cult classic.

COS

Buckled Ballet Flats

£115

So pretty with dresses and skirts.

BIRKENSTOCK

Boston Suede Clogs

£150

You'll wear these well into autumn too.

Flabelus

O'brien

£98

Flabelus shoes make me feel happier just by looking at them.

H&M

Pointed Slingbacks

£19

A smart, sleek, pointed shoe that comes as a flat? Sign me up.

Charles & Keith

Mesh Crystal-Embellished Mary Janes

£69

These come to life in the sun.

H&M

Mesh Ballet Pumps

£22

So easy to mistake for designer.

& Other Stories

Soft Block-Heel Pumps

£120

A small block heel for easy wear.

Anthropologie

By Anthropologie Pointed-Toe Mules

£120

Animal prints are coming back just in time for autumn—you heard it here first.

ANCIENT GREEK SANDALS

Aerati Leather and Raffia Ballet Flats

£240

Just add a white tee and jeans.

Charles & Keith

Lace-Up Tie-Around Dorsay Pumps

£65

The laces! The ankle tie! The pointed toe! There's a lot to love about this shoe.

Dear Frances

Mary Jane, Silver

£450

Wear now with white dresses or capri trousers, and through winter party season with just about anything.

Juju

Reilly Dark Red Fisherman Jelly Sandals

£26

If you're looking for a comfortable shoe pairing, you can't beat jellies and socks. Trust me.

Seychelles

Jasmine Fisherman Sandals

£74

Don't pack your suitcase without including these for the beach.

Russell and Bromley

SeÑorita Espadrille Wedge

£195

The perfect shoe for summer evenings.

Kurt Geiger

Amy Heel

£119

Wear to the office (and for dinner afterwards).

MIISTA

Bibi Patent Khaki Courts

£210

Such an elegant shade of khaki green.