I Just Spent Hours Trying on Winter Shoes in M&S—Here Are the 8 Pairs I Loved Most

It is a widely discussed fact in the Who What Wear group chat that Marks 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 of its latest winter shoes (all in the name of journalistic research), 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.

So why are Marks and Spencer shoes so popular? It's not just the huge range available—from ballet flats to boots to heels and everything in between—or the fact that the M&S design team seems to always get it just right. They somehow manage to keep up with the latest trends whilst simultaneously keeping styles classic enough that they go with everything as well as stay in your wardrobe for years. It's the quality, comfort and affordable price point alongside all these things that really set its offering apart from other high-street stores.

Venturing into in the store earlier this week, I wasn't disappointed. The beginning of a new season is the best time to shop for footwear, in my opinion, as plenty of sizes are available in all the most popular styles. I tried on at least 20 pairs, but honestly, I could have been there all day trying on endless boots, trainers and partywear styles.

Below, I've picked out my favourite pairs that I predict will sell out this winter. There are plenty of easy-to-wear low-heels that I can see myself wearing with everything from dresses to jeans, as well as chic boots perfect for wearing in cold weather too. So, keep scrolling to shop the very best.

The Best New Winter Shoes From M&S:

1. Riding Boots

I've been looking for a pair of riding boots for a while now. There are plenty of options on the high street at the moment, but almost every pair I tried was either extremely tight around my calves or very hard on the soles of my feet. I was therefore very excited when I found this M&S pair which fit perfectly around my calves and was also extremely comfortable. I'd wear these with slim-fit jeans or leggings tucked in on casual days, however, these boots would look great with my winter shirt dresses on more dressy occasions.

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2. Kitten Heel Pointed Court Shoes

It might not be clear from the picture just how amazing these court heels look in real life, but they genuinely look so expensive. The heel's finish is way more matte in real life than it looks online, something that definitely adds to their luxe feel. They're a simple style that will add a touch of elegance to jeans, dresses, and skirts alike.

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3. Rhinestone Ballet Flats

Alaia? No! These are M&S, and they're the kind of shoes that will elevate any outfit. It might seem too early for some, but party season is already on my mind and these are the perfect slip-on flats to wear when I'll be out all night and don't want to wear flats. But I certainly won't be waiting for December to come around to wear these, they're in my basket right and I'll be wearing them as soon as they arrive.

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4. Leather Biker Buckle Flatform Boots

Biker boots have technically never gone out of style, but they've definitely had a real boost in popularity for winter 2024. I like that this pair still fits into the biker category but will also still fit into my more minimalist winter wardrobe. I'm also a big fan of the chunky sole, which will serve me well on days when I'm trekking around London.

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5. Square Toe Ballet Pumps 

The M&S Square Toe Ballet Pumps have been a hit ever since they hit the stores. I love the thought of pairing this more feminine style with wide-leg baggy jeans or cargo trousers. The black is a classic that will go with everything but the red is equally as chic and will act a nice pop of colour to break you away from your monochrome wardrobe

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6. Heeled Loafers

Anyone who knows me knows that I'm a big loafer fan, and this patent-heeled pair really takes things to the next level. Equally as wearable to the office as it is for casual days out, this glossy pair is sure to gain you many a compliment.

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7. Leather Mesh Detail Trainers

Any M&S fan will tell you that its trainer section is seriously underrated. They're not only comfortable and practical but are also always on-trend. They currently have a number of styles that will remind you of many of your favourite high-end brands, but this black and leopard pair is the one I'll personally get the most wear out of this winter.

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7. Leather Chunky Tassel Flat Loafers

We probably all own a pair of flat loafers but if you wear yours as much as I do, you're most likely in need of a fresh pair for the winter season. Loafers are my everyday go-to, whether I'm at the office, out with friends or going to a more formal event. This M&S pair was incredibly cosy, practically moulding to my feet. They come in full and half sizes so you're guaranteed to find the right fit, and if you already have too much black in your wardrobe there's a sleek patent brown for you to choose from as well.

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SHOP MORE MARKS AND SPENCER NEW-IN SHOES:

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