Influencers Are Swearing By One Pair Of Shoes Right Now – And They’re Selling Out On The High Street

I've already written about the fact that, against the odds, it's looking very much we're going to have a leather-weather summer. Supporting evidence has just arrived, however, in the shape of a trending pair of shoes that's both selling out on the high street and similarly on-theme: suede ballet pumps.

We've already fallen hard for suede jackets, suede handbags and suede loafers. Now, the butter-soft fabric has found the classic flat you probably have multiple versions of in your shoedrobe. A favourite of Kate Moss, who has repped ballet flats since time immemorial (or the early '00s), the suede ballet pump is this season's move-on from calfskin - and there are so many tantalising options on the high street.

If they're still in stock, that is, because the shoe has been flying off the shelves. Dune's Hilife suede ballet pumps have a keyhole cut-out on the upper that gives it a point of difference from your average pair. Over the past two weeks, the brand has seen an 80% sales increase on the Hilife, while its collection of ballet flats in general makes up nearly 50% of sales in its casual shoes category. Miraculously, it's still available in all sizes.

At Mango, meanwhile, sales of ballet pumps have also boomed, with increased sales on footwear and particularly ballerinas driven by Amelia, a taupe ballet flat that sold out in five weeks but will be restocked by the end of June. In the meantime, the brand's bow-tied suede ballerina in turquoise is perfect for adding a dash of colour to an otherwise pared-back outfit (think of it like an exclamation point).

Before you even think of stepping out of the house in suede, of course, make sure to liberally spritz with a protective spray. Once your pumps are thoroughly doused, however, you can think about the styling. Francesca Saffari teams hers with the classic uniform of a white shirt and straight-leg jeans, adding a sock when the weather isn't playing ball. Taffy Msipa, meanwhile, doubled down on summer's hit fabric, pairing her scrunched flats with a suede jacket and white denim.

What are you waiting for? Spray and you're away!

Shop: The Best Suede Ballet Pumps

Natalie Hammond is senior fashion news editor at Grazia. She loves winter, hates summer and can often be found writing about the weather (and what on earth to wear).