Closed toe summer shoes

[Bruisername]

So I have summer dresses (mostly midi) that I started wearing last summer but I am struggling with shoes to wear with them. I don’t wear open toed shoes and need a shoe that covers about an inch above the toes (so ballet flats don’t work). I’m happy to wear with a trainer at times but was hoping for a more summery look

last year I had menorcan sandals but they are a bit too flat - my calves are fat so I need a bit more heel or a shoe that makes my leg look longer! espadrilles don’t work because of the straps up the leg

Thanks for suggestions!

im not great walking in clogs tbh - heavy footed as it is!!

I think my problem with a lot of sandals/metallics is that they make me think of what my Gran used to wear!!

A dressier option in a few colours.

https://airandgracelondon.com/products/anais-black-leather-studded-pointed-t-bar-flats

I love Swedish Hasbeens & Penelope Chilvers clogs - & have a couple of gorgeous pairs - but try as I might I just can't walk in the damn things!!!

Do you have a budget, OP? I'm boring myself now by recommending this brand so often - but they're gorgeous, loads of styles, & designed with comfort as a priority. If you search for sandals you can then filter it by Closed Toe & you have four pages to choose from!

I think a couple of the makes suggested above are a bit granny-ish - but metallics are not, per se - it all depends on the style. Another colour that would go with black/blue/green/white is tan sandals? With a tan or tan leather-trimmed bag for summer? Or leopard print if your clothes aren't very patterned?

What kind of style/brand of dresses are you wearing? Plain/patterned? Can you link to some?

https://www.anoncph.co.uk/collections/closed-toe-sandals?page=2

I should say though that they are on the pricey side. But worth it - & some of the closed toe styles are in the sale. And they have bags to match ... They somethings come up on eBay/Vinted/Vestiaire.

Mary-Janes, especially the kind without a back, might be an option? These are probably too low at the front for you - depends on if this style works with the kind of dresses you're wearing?

https://www.sezane.com/en-en/product/paula-babies/leopard

https://www.reserved.com/gb/en/midi-dress-with-belt-xv457-99x

so like this but most are a bit shorter but that kind of shape - belted waist

lots of choices @EleanorMc67 ! Thank you

A lot of ballerina-type pumps (the kind with a little bit of a heel are much comfier I think) are cut higher up than usual at the moment. Not sure if it would be high enough, but these are lovely & look really versatile? In tan or metallic!

https://www.sezane.com/en-en/product/anya-low-ballerinas/smooth-braided-gold

Another high-cut pump.

https://www.whistles.com/product/karina-studded-ballet-pump-40244.html

I love these Toni Pons ones, got them in black, as well as the lighter colours. Extremely comfortable and well made.

https://www.humphriesshoes.co.uk/triton/p4995?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=1599588941&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI0a-sm_GukgMVI5pQBh3MjzuVEAQYASABEgLXQ_D_BwE

Ok, so quite classic & minimal. I'd see that as even more reason to have a bit of fun with leopard/metallic - what are considered "neutrals" these days - or tan. Black would be quite heavy in summer & white, if your feet are quite covered, will make your feet look bigger (which may not be a concern for you but I've got quite big feet!).

If that dress budget applies to footwear too, I can see I've suggested stuff that is waaayyy too expensive!! But at least it might give you some ideas? I never buy full-price these days though - can't afford to, plus it's fun spotting bargains on eBay/Vinted!

What I would say is that yes, you probably need at least two pairs. For everyday go flattish. Don't go for an ankle strap on a flat shoe/sandal as it will cut you off at the ankle & make your calves look wider. But a strap or two across the foot is good. For dressier footwear, a heel will elongate so you can get away with straps more easily.

Slightly chunkier but probably super comfy for everyday. A bit of an acquired taste though, Campers ...!

https://www.camper.com/en_GB/women/shoes/right/camper-right-21595-018

Budget isn’t an issue - I like to have shoes that will last

I have small feet for my height but the issue is the fat calves (rest of me is slim - how do I get my calves down!!!)

the whistles ballet flats seem high enough at the toe so will have a look

I wouldn’t do leopard print but like the tan options.

I have quite a few Penelope Chilvers shoes/boots/trainers (all eBay). Their espadrilles are lovely?

Think you're stuck with them - as were all the girls who did Irish dancing at my school! But on the plus side, your legs will look very shapely in heels!! I have the opposite issue - skinny legs ... great when the rest of me was skinny but not so much now ...!!!

At least they can do Irish dancing!!

the Penelope Chilvers are nice. Not sure about the ankle strap though. But I’m not great without something holding my foot in!!

pp suggested jigsaw and they have a nice heeled espadrille

maybe a shopping trip is in order once it’s a little warmer!!

Definitely need to try on with Penelope Chilvers - though on their website it usually advises if they come up big or small.

I love these ... https://penelopechilvers.com/products/minnie-leather-pump-silver

They had simpler pumps last year with an elasticated strap. You might find them on eBay/Vinted, but size up.

I had some from fitflop that were very comfy, a few years back. They had a cushioned, low platform sole, covered toes and an ankle strap.

I couldn't find the exact ones, but did find these https://www.johnlewis.com/fitflop-delicato-leather-bow-slingback-flats/black/p113715103?size=7&s_ppc=2dx_mixed_fashion_BAU&tmad=c&tmcampid=2&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20151161232&gbraid=0AAAAAD2el1wryzenXsL40GnqLy23hqT_O&gclid=Cj0KCQiAhOfLBhCCARIsAJPiopNyG_-9hZLAnA42Fxh30OP0kCZwONmJpkefZ4wy_UUWU0Z8DtnbIM4aAr3QEALw_wcB

I am not linking to the delicato ones on Amazon, in case the link somehow identifies me, but they came up at less than £25 and I have just ordered a pair for the spring/summer ahead.

Also, I have had leather sandals from Pikolinos with a very low wedge and covered toes, that were extremely comfy. They did have a strap across the upper foot, which I find makes for much greater comfort when walking, otherwise you are trying to keep the shoe from fallng off. I personally find Birkenstock mules quite uncomfortable for that reason.

eg https://www.pikolinos.com/uk-en/cadaques-w8k-1569c4.html?dwvar_cadaques-w8k-1569c4_color=MARFIL&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Pikolinos_FRA_X_Fr_Pla_X_Pmax-X-X-X_Smt_X_X_Alc_Retail&utm_content=&utm_term=&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=2251400585

https://www.pikolinos.com/fr-fr/vila-w9y-1508.html?dwvar_vila-w9y-1508_color=BLACK

these are cute. Although I wish they would show them on a model!!

lots and lots to look at. Thank you!!

If you like MJs with a block heel look that a couple of people have posted examples of them Clarks have that style in their sale and restocked in several variants (different colours; one bar or two; slingback or closed back).

Tan espadrilles here that look super-comfy & with a cork lining? I like the beige & tan together for summer - lighter than one colour. I don't consider these to be an ankle strap - the strap sits on the foot itself so your ankles won't be cut across/obscured.

https://www.johnlewis.com/ravel-rhea-suede-wedge-espadrille-sandals/tan/p111620171

I have very high arches so need something to keep ballet flats on my feet - this style works for me https://www.zara.com/uk/en/leather-ballet-flats-with-crossed-elastic-straps-p11575610.html?v1=495707226

M&S sometimes do them in a beige suede which is lovely. The other thing is if you find a style like this that also has elastic round the ankle you can cut the higher band off and just keep the bit on the foot.

Also tan espadrilles - I can never seem to keep shoes/sandals with just a strap around the back of my heel on properly though! Unless they're elasticated.

https://www.jonesbootmaker.com/products/cedrica-heeled-sandals-cedrica-327-166-tan

Josef Seibel Rosalie 29 Womens Closed Toe Sandals | Charles Clinkard
Rich Tan | Women’s Fisherman Sandals | May Shoes | Hotter UK
Salsa | Eloise Shoes | Hotter UK

Those are really nice!! And they come in black, tan AND gold ... 😉

Also, because the leather is perforated the black doesn't look heavy, if you'd prefer black.