Stylish, flat, semi-smart, summer, closed-toe shoes don’t exist.

[SimonsCow]

Is this a fact?

Going to a work conference soon. It will be a mix but I try to go for smart casual. Trainers or toms would be too casual. Ballet flats always look naff. I have nice sandals but not sure about having open toes. Nothing wrong with my feet (gel nails done, no heel cracks etc) but I’m not sure I want them on display in a work environment.

Is there a magic solution I haven’t thought of? Just turned 40 and trying to find the balance of not quite ready for shopping in M&S yet but don’t want to look like I’m trying to be 20.

I would probably be wearing a midi-skirt and top or fitted midi-dress with them.

Loving the ideas on this thread. Those ASOS ones are super cute.

Just to say, OP, I went to quite a dressy conference last week and anything went, feet wise. Lots of sandals. I think people are much more relaxed in this heat.

I think many workplaces are far more casual, post-COVID

Slingbacks hit the middle ground for me, preferably with a small heel (achilles tendon issues mean I can't wear flats for walking or standing). I don't feel professional enough in open toe shoes, I'm not sure why because I know it's standard attire and my feet are in good nick.

I wear all black Toms. They are just pushing too casual but I think dressed up well enough they work.

https://www.schuh.co.uk/womens/toms-alp-recycled-cotton-vegan-black-flat-shoes/1382807070/?awaid=2044&utm_source=AW-shoppingdirectory&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=genieshopping&gclid=Cj0KCQjw1rqkBhCTARIsAAHz7K11p7G0QeerW-iXjk7ZbrAWMlYCLFmIeqqG59Yj_cK7il7X54V1oacaAn6yEALw_wcB&gbraid=0AAAAADANKJmeLJPYBfyJyJkobHRmgxdG1&affiliate_source=AW&campid=1127&adid=0&lpcat=network&channel=affiliate&utm_source=AW-shoppingdirectory&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=genieshopping&sv_campaign_id=259955&sv_tax1=affiliate&sv_tax2=&sv_tax3=Genie+Shopping&sv_tax4=0&sv_affiliate_id=259955&awc=2044_1687073960_53fceaa377c95040097a20cbcae44dc9

Love these.

Sling backs?

https://www.marksandspencer.com/l/women/footwear/shoes/fs5/slingbacks

I have the same problem! I'm a wedding celebrant so have to stand up in front of lots of people, dressed formally but still able to walk, especially outdoors. I have ghostly white legs with varicose veins so have to wear tights. I really struggle to find closed toe shoes for summer. :(

All of these sandals/flats are lovely but only if they weren't so flat & had arch support. I always buy from fitflop as they have plenty of choices for those needing arch support.

Genuine avarcas from Menorca? About as simple and comfortable as leather gets!

In 25 colours.
https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/295115155/authentic-menorcan-sandals-various?ref=reviews

@fififrillyfolle could you get a away with a spray tan or tanning moisturiser like Dove and woven open Toe shoes. I bought a pair from M&S, they are a bit like the traditional Mexican huaraches linked to above.

https://www.fitflop.com/uk/en/

Not really tbh! Have tried in the past but my legs are just awful. Don't wanna ruin people's wedding photos 🤣



I have some white/cream nubuck closed toe sandals which I got at Clarks about 5-6 years ago, you might find them on eBay.

Otherwise ballet flats or loafers. I had a lovely pair of LK Bennett soft leather black loafers but sadly they’re rubbish for me due to foot /arch support.

Friends of mine who need arch support, one is one loving smart or glitzy wedge espadrille type shoes.

Might toeless tights help?
That way you'd get leg coverage but not be limited to closed toe footwear in the heat.
e.g.
https://www.uktights.com/tights/toeless-tights/shopby/sortpricelh

I love these from John Lewis. I had to size up though.

@GonnaGetGoingReturns thank you I will look at espadrilles. I've got my dad's feet! 🤔

Do you think these would work for barrow or standard feet or are they just for wide feet?

https://www.joebrowns.co.uk/vintage-vibes-strappy-shoes-kc291?

Cage toed sandals is the search you need I think

I got these loafers from M&S recently which I like. They come in black too

I wear pointed sling back flats. Don’t love them but they work well for this purpose.

Late 30s, I bought these for similar purposes. Airy but total toe coverage (for me anyway)

https://www.johnlewis.com/john-lewis-harrietta-leather-t-bar-mary-jane-square-toe-ballerina-pumps/p109963275?s_share=jlappdroid

Mary janes or T-bar mary janes with rounded toes can look a bit twee/toddler but with a square or almond toe I think they look more stylish. This sort of thing from John Lewis.

Came on to suggest Menorcan sandals but see a pp has got there first! I think they fit all your criteria OP?

I have very narrow feet, and only chose the ones that they say are for narrow feet. Usually the more pointy ones.

It’s how I discovered them - from a posting on MN with someone trying to find shoes for narrow feet. 😀