11 Best Shoes to Wear During the Summer: Soak Up the Sun

As you prep for the warmest season, you’re likely thinking about what shoes will keep you cool, comfortable, and stylish. You’ll need a versatile lineup that can take you from beachy afternoons to backyard barbecues and beyond.

From laid-back sandals to sporty sneakers, you’ll want shoes that can keep up with your summer plans. But which ones will make the cut? You’re about to find out – get ready to discover the top 11 shoes you won’t want to miss this summer, and learn how to make the most of your warm-weather wardrobe.

In a Nutshell

• Beachy keen sandals with seashell accents and tropical buckles evoke a seaside escape and pair well with flowy sundresses or distressed denim shorts.
• Breezy espadrille sneakers capture summer vibes in casual outfits, offering lightweight, breathable, and comfortable wear for hot summer days.
• Comfy slides with soft insoles and arch support are perfect for water activities, keeping feet cool and comfortable while preventing fatigue and discomfort.
• Refreshing mules elevate summer outfits from basic to chic, offering lightweight, breathable, and ridiculously comfortable wear for everyday activities.
• Trendy jelly sandals for kids prioritize comfort and come in a rainbow of colors and fun designs, perfect for water play or backyard adventures.

Beachy Keen Sandals for Summer

Heading out to the beach or pool this summer? You’ll need sandals that are both stylish and comfortable.

Beachy keen sandals are a must-have for your warm-weather adventures. Opt for sandals with seashell accents that evoke the feeling of a seaside escape. These delicate details add a touch of whimsy to your overall look.

For a more statement-making option, go for sandals featuring tropical buckles. These fun and playful accents will instantly transport you to a tropical paradise.

Pair them with a flowy sundress or distressed denim shorts for a chic, summery vibe.

When choosing the perfect beachy keen sandals, consider the activities you’ll be doing. If you plan on swimming or engaging in water sports, look for sandals with a contoured footbed and grip sole to provide support and traction.

If you’ll be lounging by the pool or strolling along the beach, opt for flat sandals with soft, cushioned insoles.

Whatever your summer plans, beachy keen sandals are a must-have to keep your feet stylish and comfortable all season long.

Breezy Espadrille Sneakers

As you swap your beachy keen sandals for a more laid-back, everyday look, consider slipping into breezy espadrille sneakers.

These shoes are perfect for capturing summer vibes in your casual outfits. Made from canvas or cotton, espadrille sneakers are lightweight, breathable, and incredibly comfortable. They’re ideal for running errands, meeting friends, or just lounging around on a warm summer day.

You can dress them up or down, depending on your style.

Pair them with distressed denim shorts and a graphic tee for a relaxed look, or with a flowy sundress and a wide-brimmed hat for a more bohemian vibe. The rope or braid detailing on espadrille sneakers adds a touch of sophistication, while the flat heel keeps your feet grounded.

Espadrille sneakers come in a range of colors and styles, from classic white to bold brights and pastels.

You’re sure to find a pair that matches your unique summer style. So why not give them a try? Your feet – and your wardrobe – will thank you.

Comfy Slides for Hot Days

Many a summer day calls for a shoe that’s as laid-back as the season itself, and that’s where comfy slides come in.

You’ll be glad you have them when the sun beats down and all you want to do is slip into something easy. Look for slides with soft insoles that will cushion your feet and keep them cool. Arch support is also key, as it will help prevent fatigue and discomfort.

You don’t have to sacrifice style for comfort, either – many slides come in trendy colors and materials that will keep you looking fresh.

From poolside to backyard BBQ, comfy slides are the perfect companion for hot summer days.

They’re easy to slip on and off, making them perfect for water activities or running errands. Plus, they’re often lightweight and breathable, keeping your feet cool and dry.

Whether you’re lounging by the pool or taking a stroll around the neighborhood, comfy slides are the way to go. So why not give your feet a break and treat them to a pair of slides that will keep them happy all summer long?

Chic Wedges for Sunny Nights

Summer nights call for a more polished look, and that’s where chic wedges come in – perfect for warm evenings out with friends or a romantic dinner date.

You’ll want to elevate your style with a pair that exudes summer chic, and the right heel height can make all the difference. Opt for a lower to moderate heel, around 3-4 inches, to add sophistication without sacrificing comfort.

This will allow you to walk with confidence and ease, whether you’re strolling through a lively outdoor market or enjoying a leisurely dinner on a rooftop patio. Look for wedges in lightweight, breathable materials like suede or strappy sandals that showcase your pedi.

You can also add some visual interest with metallic accents or bold colors. Whatever your style, chic wedges are sure to take your summer nights to the next level.

Sporty Water Shoes for Adventure

You swap your stilettos for sneakers and your little black dress for a swimsuit cover-up – it’s time to get active and make a splash!

As you plunge into summer, you need shoes that can keep up with your adventurous spirit. That’s where sporty water shoes come in.

Whether you’re a River Runner or a Lake Explorer, you need shoes that provide comfort, support, and traction on slippery surfaces.

Look for water shoes with breathable mesh panels and drainage holes to keep your feet cool and dry.

A grippy outsole is also essential for traversing rocky shores or slippery boat decks. And don’t sacrifice style for functionality – sporty water shoes come in a range of colors and designs to match your summer vibe.

From hiking to kayaking, water shoes are the perfect companion for your summer escapades.

So, ditch the flip-flops and slip into a pair of sporty water shoes that will keep you moving all summer long.

With the right shoes, you’ll be ready to take on any adventure that comes your way.

Classic Slip-On Sneakers

Step into the heat of summer with classic slip-on sneakers that are as laid-back as a warm weather weekend.

You’ll instantly evoke summer vibes with these effortless shoes that exude casual comfort. Whether you’re strolling through the park or running errands, slip-on sneakers are the perfect companion for your laid-back summer days.

Their sleek design and soft fabrics will keep your feet cool and comfortable, even on the hottest days.

You can dress them up or down, depending on your mood. Pair them with distressed denim shorts and a graphic tee for a relaxed look, or with a flowy sundress for a more feminine vibe.

The versatility of classic slip-on sneakers is unmatched, making them a must-have in your summer shoe wardrobe. Plus, they’re easy to slip on and off, making them perfect for beach trips, pool days, or outdoor concerts.

With classic slip-on sneakers, you’ll be the epitome of summer cool, effortlessly blending style and comfort.

Strappy Sandals for Dressy Occasions

Three standout styles in your summer shoe wardrobe are strappy sandals, and for dressy occasions, they’re a must-have.

When you’re heading to a wedding, a summer soiree, or just a night out with friends, strappy sandals are the perfect choice. You’ll want to opt for heel heights that make you feel confident and glamorous, whether that’s a sleek stiletto or a block heel.

Ankle straps add an extra touch of sophistication, drawing the eye down to your pedi-perfect toes. Look for sandals with delicate straps that wrap around your ankle, or thicker straps that make a statement.

You can pair them with a flowy sundress, a pair of high-waisted shorts, or even a flowy maxi skirt. The key is to balance the dressiness of the sandals with a more laid-back top and bottom.

With strappy sandals, you’ll be sure to turn heads and make a stylish impression at any summer gathering.

Refreshing Mules for Summer Style

How do you plan to keep your summer shoe game strong while still staying cool and comfortable?

One way to do so is by incorporating revitalizing mules into your summer style. Summer mules are a staple in many fashionistas’ wardrobes, and for good reason. They’re lightweight, breathable, and can instantly elevate any outfit.

Mule fashion is all about embracing a laid-back, effortless vibe.

Pair a pair of neutral-colored mules with a flowy sundress for a chic, summery look. Or, opt for bold, bright mules to add a pop of color to your outfit. You can even wear them with distressed denim shorts and a graphic tee for a more casual, weekend look.

The beauty of summer mules lies in their versatility.

They’re perfect for everything from a day at the beach to a night out with friends. Plus, they’re ridiculously comfortable, so you can wear them all day long without any discomfort. So, go ahead and give your feet a break from those heavy sneakers and sandals, and slip into a pair of invigorating summer mules instead. Your feet (and your style) will thank you.

Versatile Canvas Shoes

A dozen summers ago, canvas shoes were relegated to the domain of lazy Sundays and beach trips, but not anymore.

Today, they’re a staple in your summer wardrobe, perfect for elevating your summer outfits from basic to chic.

You can dress them up or down, and they’ll still look effortlessly cool. You need a pair (or two!) in your shoe arsenal:

• Summer Fridays just got a whole lot cooler: Slip on a pair of canvas shoes with a flowy sundress or distressed denim shorts for a look that’s equal parts relaxed and stylish.
• They’re the ultimate chameleon shoe: Canvas shoes can seamlessly shift from casual Fridays to a night out with friends.

Just swap out your socks and add a statement accessory, and you’re good to go!

* They’re ridiculously comfortable: Let’s be real, summer heat can be unbearable.

Canvas shoes are the answer to your prayers – breathable, lightweight, and oh-so-comfy.

Incorporate canvas shoes into your summer wardrobe, and you’ll be well on your way to becoming the most stylish person in the room.

Trendy Jelly Sandals for Kids

Into the sweet spot of summer fashion falls the trendy jelly sandal, a staple in every kid’s warm-weather wardrobe.

You know your little ones will be thrilled to slip into these colorful, flexible, and oh-so-comfortable shoes. As a parent, you’ll appreciate how jelly fashion trends prioritize kids’ comfort priorities.

These sandals are made from soft, squishy materials that conform to tiny feet, ensuring a snug fit that won’t pinch or rub.

Jelly sandals come in a rainbow of colors and fun designs, from bright florals to playful cartoon characters.

Your kids will love the freedom to express their personal style while staying cool and comfortable in the heat. Plus, jelly sandals are easy to clean and dry quickly, making them perfect for water play, beach trips, or backyard adventures.

With trendy jelly sandals, your kids will be the coolest cats on the block – or at least, the most comfortable!

Stylish Loafers for Summer Work

Summer fashion doesn’t stop at kids’ jelly sandals – it’s time to step up your own style game with stylish loafers perfect for summer work.

When it comes to dressing for a business casual office, you want to stay cool and comfortable while still looking polished and professional.

Stylish loafers are the perfect solution.

• Lightweight materials: Look for loafers made from breathable materials like suede, mesh, or canvas to keep your feet cool in the summer heat.
• Slip-on design: Slip-on loafers are a great option for summer work, as they’re easy to slip on and off and can be dressed up or down.
• Neutral colors: Stick to neutral colors like beige, navy, or black that can be paired with a variety of outfits and won’t show dirt or stains.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Wear Sneakers With a Dress or Skirt in the Summer?

You can totally rock sneakers with a dress or skirt this summer, as long as you balance the look with a dressy top and statement accessories, ensuring your overall dress code exudes confidence and comfort factor.

How Do I Prevent Blisters From New Summer Shoes?

When you’re rocking new kicks, prevent blisters by prioritizing sole protection and heel grip – opt for shoes with cushioned insoles and textured heels, and break them in gradually to guarantee a stylish, pain-free stride.

Are Sandals Suitable for Walking Long Distances?

You’re wondering if sandals are suitable for walking long distances? Honestly, they’re not the best choice, as they often lack arch support, leading to discomfort and fatigue, and their limitations can hold you back from fully enjoying your stroll.

Can I Wear Summer Shoes in Air-Conditioned Spaces?

When stepping into air-conditioned spaces, you wonder if your summer shoes are suitable. Remember, air con etiquette dictates temperature tolerance; you can rock those shoes, but be mindful of the chill, and dress accordingly to avoid freezing out your style.

How Often Should I Clean My Summer Shoes?

You should clean your kicks regularly, especially during hectic summer schedules, to keep them fresh and on-trend. Incorporate cleaning into your weekly routines, like a Sunday funday, to maintain their style and extend their lifespan.

Conclusion

You’ve got the perfect summer shoe game now! From beachy keen sandals to breezy espadrille sneakers, comfy slides to chic wedges, and sporty water shoes to stylish loafers, you’re ready to take on the season in style. Whether you’re soaking up the sun, running errands, or dressing up for a night out, these 11 shoes will keep you cool, confident, and on-trend all summer long.