I Just Spent Hours Trying On Autumn Shoes in M&S—Here Are the 8 I Loved Most (2024)

It is a widely discussed fact in theWho What Weargroup chat thatMarks and Spencer shoes are some of the best on the market. Last week when I shared that I was planning on popping in to try on a load ofits latestshoes(all in the name of journalisticresearch), it was met with exclaims and admissions of how highly my fellow editors rate the high-street hero's footwear. "I have such a soft spot for M&S shoes" and "the comfort insoles are the one" are just a couple of examples. I, too, consider myself a loyal fan,and some of my longest-lasting, most-loved pairs have been bought there in the past. In fact, I still wear a pair of burgundy leather knee-high boots that I bought from the store roughly five years ago.

But why exactly are Marks and Spencer shoes so good? It's not just the huge range available—from ballet flats toboots and everything in between—or the fact that theM&S design team seems to always get it just right. (They're always on-trend but still classic.) It's the quality, comfort and affordability alongside all these things that really setit* offering apart for me.

Browsing in the store this week, I wasn't disappointed. The beginning ofa new season is the best time to shop M&S shoes,as plenty of sizes are available in all the best styles. I tried on at least 20 pairs, but honestly, I could have been there all day trying on endless pumps, loafers, trainers and perfectpartyheels.

Below, I've picked outmy favourite pairs that I predict will sell out this autumn. There are plenty of easy-to-wearflats I can see myself wearing with everything from dresses to jeans, as well as chicknee-highandankleboots perfect for wearing in cold-weather too. So, keep scrolling to see my verdict and shop the very best.

1. Suede Cowboy Knee High Boots

Hello, could-be-designer boots! (This is something that will prove to be a continued theme with M&S shoes.)Cowboy boots are one of our favouritestylescomeautumn/winterand I could not be happier to see these Isabel Marant inspired boots in stock on the high street. I must confess, I was immediately drawn to the sand coloured pair and left the black, but I assure you, they're equally chic too.Affordable shoes don'tget more expensive looking than this, and I can confirm that they feel just as good as they look, as the low heel heightmakes for seriously easy wear. My size was the last pair in-store, but there's a full size range online, so run, don't walk, especially if you want to get your hands on that luxemink pair.

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2. Leather Trim Flat Loafers

Love them or loathe them, loafers are back, and if you've got The Row taste but a high-street budget, you're going to want to start here. I was initially sceptical about the glossystyle looking a little cheap, but Marks'sattention to detail gives these a premium finish, and I ended up a convert. If you're looking for amore traditional pair, the simple Leather Loafers area pared-back style that you'll want to wear with everything from cropped trousers to midi skirts, and they come with a roomier, wider fit if you want to add a pair of socks.

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3.Square Toe Ballet Pumps

It might not be clear from the picture just how amazing these shoes look in real life, but the fact that they are sold out in-store and online should tell you everything you need to know. Firstly, there's the elegant square-toedshape (and that's coming from a flat-shoe expert). And secondly,theMary Jane detail adds unexpected polish and elevates these into something far cooler than regularballetflats. These have been hidden away on the site so might nothave been on your radar, but now they're having to be restocked to meet demand, so they're clearly instant best seller. Sign up to notifications for your best chance of getting these while you can.

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4.Croc Block Heel Ankle Boots

Whether you opt for theclassic black or the trendy snakeskinversionof thesemock crocboots, they're the kind of shoes that will elevate any outfit. You'll wearthem year after year, and they look particularly good with midi skirts and tailoring, andI'm happy to report that my feet are on the wider side, and these still fit comfortably. I often findthat M&Sboots soften and mould to yourfeet after a few wears, so no need to worry about the upper sock digging in. Longwearing, mid-heel bootsthat aren'tkitten heels? Sign me up.

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5.Leather Cowboy Block Heel Pointed Boots

Another nod to the western boot, our penchant for Marksankle boots is well documented, so regular readers won't be surprised to see these cowboy boots on my list of favourites. They're understated and refined, the kind ofboots that look likethey walked straight out of acool girl's wardrobe and onto the high street. In a dream world, I would have instantly bought these to wear with straight-leg jeans and a white tee for an easy weekend look that looks like you've made an effort (but not too much).

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6.Platform Square Toe Loafers

After falling in love with M&S's kitten-heeled, two-tone slingbacks last year, these might just have replaced them in my book. The originalslingbacks were a storming success, and if you loved the Miu Miu-meets-Royal-Tenenbaums look, Marks and Spencer listened. Here are theretro loafer heels you've been waiting for. Keep these comfyheels in mind for work, weekends and everything in between, and take tips fromGucci and stylehorsebit loafers with socks and a midi skirt for a preppy look that could have stepped off the runway.

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7. BACK IN STOCK:Chelsea Chunky Flatform Ankle Boots

When I walked into the M&S shoe section back inautumn 2022, these were the firstshoes I picked up and tried on. These instant best sellers sold out almost immediately on the site, and after a brief return in the winter sales, they're finally back in a full size range, and looking as good as they did before.Chunky chelsea bootsare an easy sell for me, but even sceptics will appreciate how simple these are. No need for buckles, studs and hardware—simply slip on and zip up and you have all the heavy duty practicality you need, andin one chic shoe. The Row, who? In my opinion, these could easily pass for designer. Now, you onlyneed to decide whether to go for black or medium cream.

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8. BACK IN STOCK:Leather Patent Platform Court Shoes

These aren't brand new to M&S, but they are well worth a mention. As soon as the black pair landed towards the end of last year, we couldn't stop talking about just how fashion-forward they were, and after trying them on back in 2022, I could confirm that they look even better IRL. If you're in need of easy-to-wear heels that look polished and premium, look no further. Iwas immediately drawn to theglossyfinish of thewhiteleather, but there is, of course, the black if you're looking for something a little more versatile. These score bonus points for being the comfiest platforms I've ever worn and tapping into the current Mary Jane trend.

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This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

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