Stylish flat shoes for when it’s not quite sandal weather

As early as three weeks ago, Marks & Spencer’s ballet-teacher flats were selling fast enough to bring tears of joy to their shareholders’ eyes.

This is a shoe that neatly solves the conundrum that has bugged Britons for aeons: namely how to dress our feet in spring. It’s a semi-open last that can be worn with socks or bare skin, jeans or skirts. It’s clearly not a winter shoe, but it doesn’t scream sandal either. When you’re looking for a seasonal gear change without going straight into fifth, these things count.

Also important are the features that distinguish the ballet-teacher flat from the more ubiquitous ballet flat, namely that tie strap across the top of the foot. So little, and yet so much when it comes to updates. No point in repeat buying replicas of what you already own, unless what you already own is worn out. Within hours of mentioning these in a review of M&S’s latest collection, friends and colleagues were messaging me to say they already had them, with pictures of their feet to prove it. These are the shoes of spring. Or one of them.

If you love splattering your cash about the place, you probably have the Miu Miu deck shoe originals that have triggered one of the other spring shoe “must-haves”. I say originals, but obviously that’s only true on Planet Fashion. Paul A Sperry (American, obvs) came up with the prototype in 1935. In 2024, Miu Miu added some twiddly bits, a few zeros and styled them with teeny knicker-shorts (think Emma Corrin). Et voilà. A cult.

Personally I’m resisting knicker-shorts and going for sheepskin linings, like the ones Penelope Chilvers has used inside her suede deck shoes. See what you can do there? Go bare ankled while remaining cosy, a popular idea. They’re now waiting for new stock. Meanwhile there’s Grenson’s wonderful, height-giving double-soled boat shoes.

There are several other styles that immediately update your spring game while providing transitional-season foot coverage. The fisherman’s shoe has had a resurgence and looks particularly good with the new semi-shaped midis and maxis. The Mary Jane has been tweaked and now comes with contrasting tips, à la Chanel (useful when you want to co-ordinate them with different outfits).

Mesh is still going strong, but has been given a romantic twist at Mango. Mules have become classics – good for evening, but with a laid-back feel – and the mid-height version blossoms prettily. Florrie London’s have padded soles for extra comfort. And my favourite every day-er: the ruched loafer, which may have been “inspired” by Saint Laurent. Sessùn, a Marseille-based brand, has gorgeous browny-burgundy patent or white ones made from ethically produced leather using non-toxic tanning and dying methods. In other words, something for all styles, all feet – and all consciences.

Lisa wears: Wool jumper, £295, Navygrey; Skirt, £39.90, Uniqlo : C; Patent-leather shoes, £275, Russell & Bromley; Suede bag, £345, Flattered; Sunglasses, £187, Black Eyewear. Photography: Sarah Brick Photography. Hair and make-up: Oonagh Connor at Joy Goodman using By Terry and Rosalique. Styling: Sophie Tobin. Stylist’s assistant: Hansveni Dave. With thanks to Home House Members Club