The royals might be experienced heel-wearers, but Zara Tindall also knows comfortable sandals when she sees them. Back in 2018 the King’s niece attended the International Day polo matches and went for comfort and style combined in her Michael Kors sandals.
These were a step up from your standard flip-flops, which aren’t everyone’s go-tos for summer outings. Zara’s shoes worked perfectly as part of a summery smart-casual outfit, with their sleek black leather uppers and gold-toned plate detailing.
They had a toe thong that rose up into the leather straps and fastened with a discreet buckle around the ankle. This would’ve helped to keep them secure on Zara’s feet all day - something you can’t always guarantee with flip-flops or slip-on sandals.
Shop Similar Sandals
Currently 51% off in the summer sale, these sandals are very reminiscent of Zara's and come in a variety of different colours. They're crafted from leather with a rubber sole and the metallic horse bit detail is a nod to equestrian style.
The brushed hardware ring on the instep strap and toe post makes these sleek leather sandals feel a little more glamorous than your everyday flip-flops. They feature a contoured footbed and a sturdy rubber sole too.
These sandals are made from supple leather and have a foot-framing T-bar strap. Designed with an almond shaped toe, a flat sole and interweaving straps, they're finished with a buckle for an adjustable fit.
Shop More Understated Sandals
These asymmetric suede sandals with a gold trim around the toe have been crafted with a supportive footbed. They rest on a flexible rubber sole and have a very minimal design, which maximises their styling potential.
Featuring rounded toes and adjustable crossover straps that fasten with a metal buckle, these sandals are simple and stunning. They're also very affordable and come in three other tones if you'd prefer something still neutral, but a darker colour.
These leather multi-strap sandals work with any outfit and have a ankle strap to help keep them secure on your feet. The tan pair are currently reduced in the sale and they have intricate stitching for a touch more detail.
The soles were made of flexible rubber and the equestrian royal has had these Michael Kors sandals in her collection since at least 2017. For me, their beauty lies in their simplicity, as these are the kind of shoes you can wear time and time again and they won’t look dated.
When you’re searching online or in store for a new pair of shoes to add to your summer capsule wardrobe, it can be tempting to choose something more obviously trendy or vibrant for the season. However, something like Zara’s shoes could be a better option thanks to their versatility.
The neutral black colour and minimal hardware would work with so many different outfits. Because they’re not strictly flip-flops they don’t feel as casual, yet the flat soles and strappy design mean they’re not overly smart either.
You could style understated sandals like these with shorts and a white T-shirt, or with something more evening-appropriate like a jumpsuit or flowy midi dress. Both would look equally elegant and Zara Tindall went somewhere in between with her polo look.
The dress code wasn’t as strict as Royal Ascot and so she stepped out in a dark navy blue midi dress. It had a neat collar, elbow-length sleeves and gorgeous lace detailing running along the cuffs, bodice and skirt. This brought a feminine edge to the design and she came prepared for the Great British July weather and threw over a grey pashmina at points.
Zara’s simple sandals were a great addition to the ensemble and tied in with the colour of the lacework to create a sense of cohesion. We haven’t seen her wear these sandals since 2018, but that doesn’t necessarily mean she doesn’t still get plenty of wear out of them over the summer months as we only tend to see her at official royal occasions or horse-racing events.
Zara Tindall is a fan of practical attire and these sandals are chic and very easy to walk in compared to stilettos. When she does have to brave turf in her court shoes, though, she has a clever heel trick up her sleeve.
At a Royal Garden party held last year at Buckingham Palace the weather was far rainier and greyer than it was at the polo in 2018. She wore pink suede Emmy London Rebeccas with barely-visible clear protectors on the heel to keep them from sinking into the grass. This was a stroke of genius, though flats thankfully take away this risk from the very start.
