I never did get on board the mesh ballet flat bandwagon. Don't get me wrong, I think they look very stylish, but I've tried a couple of pairs that didn't exactly fill me with confidence in terms of comfort or support.
But after wearing comfortable sandals all summer long (like many flip-flop fans, I take a lot of convincing to wear anything other than my Archies nowadays), I've now found quite simply the perfect pair of flats to wear from now until boot season kicks in. They're spot on for late summer but will work long into autumn since they go with everything from dresses to jeans, plus they're ridiculously comfortable. And all that for just £40!
They're the M&S Buckle Strap Mary Jane flats in dark red, which is not only a nice nod to the new season, but this colour is also a really striking alternative to black. The buckle is adjustable so you can get the perfect fit if you have wide or narrow feet, and although I wouldn't recommend wearing them in the rain, that's the only drawback I can find.
The first day I wore them was for a trip to a pretty cobbled little village - talk about putting them through their paces! I did 10,000 steps with ease and had zero complaints by the end of the day.
Shop the M&S Buckle Flat Mary Jane Ballet Pumps
I bought my normal size in these shoes, and unlike most ballet flats I seem to buy, they were comfy from the first wear. The crochet knit fabric is so unique, and I've already had lots of compliments in just one week. They're also available in classic black, or the khaki colourway is currently on offer for just £30. In fact, the beige, orange and pink versions are currently reduced in the M&S summer sale for just £20 - they're sold out online, but it would be worth checking in your local store to see if they have your size.
It turns out I'm not the only fan of these chic shoes. When I wore them into the office this week, Deputy Fashion Editor Charlie Bell immediately noticed my shoes and told me she owns a pair too. She says: "I'm obsessed with these braided flats. They're perfect when your feet are not quite pedi-ready, and the stretchy fabric means they are incredibly comfy to wear from day one.
"I went for the beige pair and the neutral hue goes with pretty much everything. The buckle fastening adds a more premium finish to the flat and keeps them secure when I'm dashing around town. I'm definitely tempted to snap up the khaki pair for autumn; they'd look great with some dark-wash jeans and a checked bomber jacket."
Shop more colours & similar styles
Featuring an 8mm heel, I would say these Mary Jane flats are the smartest way to spend £40 at M&S right now. Move over trainers and sandals!
I'm seriously considering adding these to my shopping basket, too. When you find something that works, it's worth snapping it up in more than one colour. These would pair particularly well with white jeans for warm August days.
Vivaia does this knitted texture very well, so it's no wonder the brand can count Anne Hathaway as a fan. These are pricier than my M&S option, but with over 8,000 customer reviews and half sizes available, these are an investment that will last.
They're currently the number 1 bestselling shoes on the M&S website, and they have more than 100 customer reviews, too, so you don't just have to take my word for it.
One called them: "Most comfy ballet flats I’ve found by a mile", while another said: "I'm usually a trainers girl but in this recent heatwave needed a lighter alternative and these are it!"
A third explained: "The mesh upper stretched to suit my slightly wider feet and even had space for my arch support inserts. Can be worn dressed up or down. Would recommend."
I wholeheartedly agree with the shopper who noted they "feel like a slipper on". In fact, when I got home the first day I wore mine, I didn't want to take them off!
