Turning tips into memories

Hands-free shoes

By Rebecca Gonsalves on 1/4/2020

In these hygiene-conscious times advice abounds on how to minimise risk: we're all washing our hands like Lady Macbeth so having fewer reasons to touch germ-covered surfaces can only be a relief. Sticking to one pair of shoes if possible, and being able to slip them on and off without touching them can only help to keep germs contained.
When you're only able to leave the house for one stroll a day, why not make it into something of an event and switch your (working from) home comforts for something a bit more stylish. Kick off your slippers and slide into a stylish pair of sandals or mules instead.
Lead image: Ancone espadrille, £470, Hermès
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Kilometre Paris raffia and leather babouche slippers, £114

A fashionable spin on a classic Middle Eastern slip-on, this perfect pastel-pink pair is made with a detailed raffia panel crafted by Moroccan artisans.

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E8 by Miista Muriel woven-rope sandals, £80

These sandals would usually be perfect for a beach break, but as it looks like 2020 is going to be the year of the staycation they'll have to do for a walk around the block instead.

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Warehouse toe thong buckled sandals, £28

An on-trend toe loop, wide strap for comfort and chunky hardware: these will look great with flowing dresses or loose trousers.

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Bottega Veneta intrecciato-woven leather slides, £870

Square-toed slides in supersized signature woven leather from Bottega Veneta aren't the most practical of footwear purchases, but slipping on a bit of luxury is a well-deserved indulgence right now.

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Grenson Channing sandals, £150

Simplicity rules and this sleek pair of double-strap slides neatly underlines why: polished leather, a moulded footbed and a lack of extraneous adornment mean these whisper good style where other shoes shout.

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Rejina Pyo Naomi mule, £425

The party might be paused for now (or haved moved online in innovative ways) but that doesn't mean that fun footwear needs to be relegated to the past. The chunky mid-heel of this pair by London fashion darling Rejina Pyo mean that they're actually comfortable to wear and walk in.

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Jigsaw Meg leather heeled mule, £98

Under normal circumstances, white footwear and the capital do not make a pretty partnership: scuffs and stains are inevitable when you have the tube to contend with. But the usual rules don't apply right now, and a bright white pair of mules might be just the tonic we need.

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Lauren Manoogian mono alpaca-blend flats, £371

If the thought of wrenching your slippers off your feet is proving a bigger barrier to going outside than the Government's orders, you need a cosy clog in your life. Enter these sturdy alpaca and wool blend shoes. For added comfort wear with chunky cashmere socks.

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Adidas Adilette sliders, £29.99

Pool slides, shower shoes, dad sandals: whatever name you know them by a sporty pair of sliders are the perfect footwear for when you just need to pop out.

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Le Monde Beryl Delfino cabana Venetian mule, £400

These delightful slippers would look just as good with a chunky sweater and mom jeans in the spring as a pretty dress come summer. And there's something to be said for a hit of cheerful yellow during tougher times.

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Birkenstock 1774 Arizona Avantgarde buckled-strap leather slides, £310

Once considered ugly and overly practical, Birkenstock's Arizona sandals are now ubiquitous in the capital come summer. This elevated version brings a touch of luxury to the classic design and will set you a step ahead.

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Gucci Princetown leather backless loafers, £515

The loafer that launched the backless shoe trend, Gucci's Princetown has been wrought in coloured and embroidered leather, bright brocades and lined with shearling but it's the classic that will be a timeless addition to your shoe closet.

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Jil Sander toe-loop cross-strap leather slides, £350

Pared-back yet interesting, there's a sense of romance to these sandals which will look great with a billowing kaftan on a sunlit summer's evening stroll.

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Ganni crossover strap linen slides, £225

A cushioned leather footbed and wide foot-hugging straps bring the ultimate comfort to this soft but tough style.

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Office Mexico cross-strap footbed sandals in leopard, £45

Sometimes you just need to embrace your wild side: and this pair of stack-heeled sandals is a shortcut to a bit of summer fun.

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The Row Sabot backless shearling-lined leather loafers, £975

When you're suddenly used to soft furnishings and slippers all day, stepping into shoes can be a jarring experience. The perfect middle ground feels as cosseting as a slipper yet as supportive as a shoe and, should the budget allow, this shearling pair from The Row would be just the ticket.

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Violeta by Mango leather sandals, was £59.99, now £47.99

An elevated pair of flip-flops makes a fine summer shoe investment and thanks to the square toes on this style you'll remain on trend for a while to come.

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JW Anderson striped backless felt loafers, £390

London's art galleries might be closed for the foreseeable, but you can still bring a bit of colour and form to the everyday with these felted-wool rounded loafers.

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