Oh closed toe summer where art thou

[ItsCalledAConversation]

First up, confession: owing to a savage stubbing, I have a manky toenail that I wish to hide from the world this summer, until it heals.

So, I need a pair of closed-toe summer shoes/sandals to wear to the office/casual, to the pub etc. I have other shoes for beach, walks etc and I’m not looking for ballet pumps (too thin-soled) or trainers (too hot).

Dont mind an open back but need to be practical enough to walk in. Any hardware must be silver-toned.

Anyone seen anything?

Also: not espadrilles and please, no “action sandals”. (Although this being S&B, I doubt anyone would recommend those)

You know you’ve described crocs don’t you?!
Birkenstock style mules are everywhere, would they fit the bill?

Actual Birkenstocks Boston

I like the look of converse ballet shoes - marginally more substantial soles than the usual ballet offering.

I'm thinking about the same so interested to hear suggestions. So far I'm leaning towards some DM clogs.

I think Birkenstock clogs are just a bit too undone for me. I’m aware they’re everywhere but looking for something just a touch more put together. Studio Nicholson have some amazing flat closed toe sling backs but they’re £490!

Boat shoes/driving moccasins? Some lovely ones in M&S at the moment.

Or if you want a more substantial sole, other boat shoe brands have more in the way of arch support eg Timberland, Crew

Or loafers in a summery material eg a pale suede?

Following. My toes are probably my nicest feature (a low bar ) but I would still like some closed toe sandals for warm days in the office

M&S have some closed toe sling backs Link below. They also have a basket weave sling back, although the pointed toe on those doesn’t work imho but would be airy for summer.

Zara slingbacks

https://www.newlook.com/uk/p/917909693?extcam=UK_SOC_APPPDPSHARE

Next have some sling back flats online:

https://www.next.co.uk/shop/gender-women-productaffiliation-footwear/category-shoes-heel-flat-style-slingback?p=4#1459.234375

Am I the only person who just can't wear slingbacks? If they're tight enough to stay on they give me blisters, if they're looser then they flap about at the back.

Every 10 years or so when they come back round into fashion I hope that some engineering whiz has redesigned them, but they're always the same.

Maybe I just have oddly shaped feet (I do have relatively narrow heels I think)

You’re not alone @Xiaoxiong me too. I was thinking more a mule kind of style - just not sure where to look!

M&S has loads in store right now if you want to try some on. I was in two days ago (bought some pale suede boat shoes...) but almost everything else seemed to be mules in there, like half-loafers, and some woven front pointed toe mules.

Toms?

What about fitflops?
https://www.fitflop.com/uk/en/shop/delicato-soft-leather-mules-p-IT4#001

I’m a fellow manky big toe girl! Can’t help with ideas but a couple of things to help you style it out!

A chiropodist can create a fake nail for you - quite realistic looking for a normal nail and day to day use - I had it done a few years ago, think it was £80 ish abd ut was brilliant!

You can now also get fake nails for toes for special occasions! Not used them but just googled and found these - bargain!

m.shein.co.uk/ark/3600?goods_id=36645392&test=5051&url_from=shein_google_ukadplaEN_price_3PTOP_20240619&scene=1&pf=google&ad_type=DPA&language=en&siteuid=pwuk&landing_page_id=3600&ad_test_id=6365&requestId=olw-4kg27yzsriu1&cid=21114509425&gad_source=1&skucode=I4lwhccw9kbh&onelink=0/google_feed_uk&gclid=Cj0KCQjwhr6_BhD4ARIsAH1YdjDSbNAtmUbVWZovbc3a73ytOHQQXj3XS0NqyPw8dLQp_tdWFXuQO4saAn84EALw_wcB&gbraid=0AAAAADm0yO48OYpuB5g18xJ753K9BOWxZ&setid=160564611592&currency=GBP&lang=en

Mint velvet have some lovely shoes right now

I think you might be a little bit early still.
I got some lovely timberland closed toed wedges last year, so I was googling to find them and came across these.

I think they might look better on
www.johnlewis.com/celtic-co-closed-toe-leather-sandals-rust-tan/p111483752?size=EU37&s_ppc=2dx_mixed_fashion_BAU&tmad=c&tmcampid=2&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAD2el1yns-dZOZcdqjLbAFvBOGDAJ&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI0L7ihqu_jAMVbaNQBh1WKy65EAQYGyABEgItIfD_BwE

Some of those sling backs are lovely and stylish looking but so pointy!!! I'll never get my square feet in there.

Flylondon have some closed toed sandals including mule type ones

I bought some M&S gold ones. They're lovely. I think I saw some in Primark the other week. Fabric so they'd be cool on hot days.