There are some summer events where the wrong shoes can completely ruin your day, and Henley Royal Regatta is definitely one of them. Between riverside walks, champagne receptions and hours spent on your feet, I needed something that looked elegant without leaving me desperate to kick them off by lunchtime.

So, I took a chance on Zara Tindall’s go-to label, Fairfax & Favor. For the occasion, I wore the brand’s Valencia Wedges in the stunning Clover green shade, and they turned out to be one of the best style decisions I made all day. I paired them with a flowing white ruffle dress and matched them to my Fairfax & Favor Mini Blenheim handbag, creating a fresh colour-block look that felt perfectly at home at Henley.

I genuinely lost count of how many people stopped to compliment the shoes throughout the day.

The rich suede instantly elevates any outfit, while the vibrant green adds a sophisticated pop of colour without feeling overpowering.

Featuring crossover front straps, an adjustable ankle strap finished with the brand’s signature tassel detail and a flattering 9cm jute wedge heel, they strike that sweet spot between polished occasionwear and effortless summer dressing.

What surprised me most was just how comfortable they were. I’ll admit I was slightly nervous about spending an entire day in wedges, but the padded insole made a noticeable difference from the moment I put them on.

Even after hours of walking around Henley, standing to watch the rowing and weaving through the crowds, my feet never reached that point where I wanted to swap into flats. That’s probably the biggest compliment I can give them.

Beautifully handcrafted in Portugal from sustainably sourced suede, they’re finished with Fairfax & Favor’s signature antique brass hardware and subtle chevron detailing, giving them that unmistakably premium feel.

They have all the elegance of a dress shoe but with the practicality you actually need for a full day at an outdoor event.

Although they looked perfectly at home at Henley Royal Regatta, I know they’ll become one of the hardest-working pairs in my wardrobe. I’d happily wear them to weddings, race days, garden parties or even on holiday with a floaty linen dress or crisp tailoring.

They’re exactly the sort of shoe that instantly makes an outfit feel more put together.

It’s easy to understand why Zara, 44, continues to champion Fairfax & Favor. The British label has mastered that quintessentially British blend of luxury craftsmanship and timeless style, creating pieces that never chase trends but always feel elegant.

At £165, they aren’t an impulse purchase, but they are the kind of investment you’ll wear for years rather than one season. After putting them through a full day at Henley Royal Regatta, where they were every bit as comfortable as they were stylish, I can confidently say they’re worth every single step.