Softinos

There is something quietly charming about a good Mary Jane, and Softinos has given this one a lovely practical streak. The soft black leather upper is crossed by a single wide strap that fastens with hook-and-loop, so you can set it just how you like it, and the elastic-bound opening gives a little as you walk instead of digging in across the top of the foot. A ribbed rubber bumper wraps around the toe, right where flats tend to scuff first, and a little red 'S' disc at the heel adds a playful finishing touch. Wear them with cropped trousers and a crisp shirt, or with a knee-length skirt and tights when the weather cools.

A red ballet flat is one of those little wardrobe secrets that makes getting dressed easier, and the REM822 from Softinos is a lovely one. The soft leather upper comes in a warm, confident red, with a gently elasticated topline so it slips on and stays put, and a sprinkle of perforations around the heel. It sits on a low wedge with a grippy black rubber sole, giving a touch of lift and more cushioning underfoot than a paper-thin flat. It brings instant life to navy, black, white and denim, and looks especially good with cropped trousers. Wear it to the office, a gallery visit or a long lunch, and let the colour do the talking.

Every wardrobe needs a black leather shoe that just works, and the ROOP828 from Softinos fits the bill with a little extra charm. A slim strap wraps the ankle to keep it secure, the elasticated topline hugs the foot, and a low wedge on a black rubber sole gives a touch of lift without any wobble. Black leather is endlessly versatile: it smartens up tailored trousers for work, keeps jeans and a knit looking put together, and sits neatly under a midi skirt or dress. A dependable pair that still feels like you chose it with care.

Petrol is one of those colours that is hard to pin down: a deep blue with a hint of green, rich and moody without feeling heavy. On the ROOP828 it dresses a soft leather shoe with a slim strap across the ankle, a gently elasticated topline that hugs the foot, and a low wedge on a black rubber sole, so you get a touch of lift with a steady, grounded feel. It is an easy alternative to navy or black, sitting beautifully with grey, camel, cream and denim, and the little red Softinos logo at the heel adds a playful wink. A pair ready to become a regular in your weekly rotation.

The ISLA154 in Washed Pink is a sneaker with a soft spot for fun. The leather upper has a washed finish that tones the pink down to a gentle, lived-in blush, so it feels playful rather than sugary. Natural laces, a cream rubber sole with a grey toe bumper and Softinos' zebra-stripe tread underneath finish it off. It is lovely against grey, navy, denim and crisp white, and gives an all-black outfit an unexpected lift. Wear it every day, whether you are heading to work in relaxed trousers or out for a weekend stroll.

The ISLA154 in Washed Denim is a leather sneaker in a soft, faded blue with a lovely hint of teal, like a favourite pair of jeans that has seen a few summers. The washed finish gives it a relaxed, broken-in look from day one, so it never feels too precious to wear. Pale blue laces, a cream rubber sole with a grey toe bumper and Softinos' zebra-stripe tread underneath keep it light and playful. It is a natural match for white jeans, striped tops and summer dresses, and looks just as easy with grey marle and khaki. A sneaker you can reach for without thinking, which is exactly the point.

The ISLA154 is a leather sneaker with a washed finish, and in red it has a relaxed, lived-in look straight out of the box, more faded favourite than shiny new. It is a simple lace-up low-top with tonal laces, set on a cream rubber sole with a grey toe bumper, and if you flip it over you will spot Softinos' playful zebra-stripe tread. The warm red sits beautifully with blue denim, white linen and stripes, and the washed effect means the odd scuff simply adds to its character. Throw it on for weekend errands, a long lunch or a walk along the foreshore, and it will slot in with almost everything you own.

If your sneaker collection is all white and black, the ICA388 in Warm Orange is a happy way to shake things up. Softinos makes it in soft leather with a neat pattern of tiny perforations across the upper, which keeps it light and airy on warmer days. It laces up with natural-toned laces and sits on a creamy rubber sole with a soft grey toe bumper, and a little Softinos logo peeks out at the heel. The colour has a glowing, sunny warmth that looks great with denim, olive, navy and cream, and turns a plain tee and jeans into an outfit. Great for weekend wandering, coffee runs and anywhere you fancy a bit of colour underfoot.