Summer shoes – The summer season inevitably brings with it warmer temperatures – with some days feeling hotter than the sun itself – and so dressing appropriately is of utmost importance. It’s also a time to put a stern focus on feeling comfortable and free in regard to your clothing and accessories.
But while it’s relatively easy to head out and dress from head to toe in linen à la Byron Bay hippies, there can be a right and wrong when it comes to footwear. It, therefore, brings to the fore a category of footwear you may not have been aware of before: summer shoes for men.
Men usually pick up any shoes that appear charming to them – which unfortunately encompasses ‘thongs’ too often – but summer shoes for men are made specifically to give the wearer the ultimate in comfort and breathability in the summer season’s high temperatures.
The best summer shoes for men also have mesh ventilation panels in areas such as above the toes or on the sides, which help to promote airflow. Lastly, you’ll want to invest in some invisible socks. You’ll likely be spending much of your time during summer wearing shorts, and so leaving your ankles bare, yet ensuring your feet are protected inside your shoes is paramount.
Cariuma
1/21
Pros
- Made from organic cotton material
- Elegant designs for classy men
- They’re very cheap
Cons
- They may run a bit large
Price: From $79
Sizes: 5-13
Material: Organic cotton
Proudly pairing men and canvas sneakers together in the utmost fashionable manner, with summer coolness as the comfort signature, is Cariuma. The Brazilian brand’s entire shoe selection shares one common theme – the pure comfort of luxury canvas yet the elegance of the design. Cariuma is a brand that is all about sustainability too, and so virtually all pairs of shoes and sneakers benefit from recycled materials, including bamboo, ideal for breathability. Every pair of these summer shoes for men you buy results in some trees being planted too, a double win.
Tropicfeel
2/21
Pros
- Made from recycled polyester
- Made from lightweight materials
- They will ensure you look stylish the whole summer
- Suitable for any type of activity or adventure
Cons
- They must be washed by hand
Price: From $119
Sizes: 6-12.5
Material: Recycled polyester
Created to fill a gap of versatility present within the men’s sneaker market, Tropicfeel is dedicated to creating travel gear that is lightweight and sustainable, and above all can be worn for almost any and every situation or adventure. All of Tropicfeel’s sneakers are completely water-friendly, lightweight, quick-drying, stylish, and ever so comfortable. Perfect for any summer adventure (even if that’s just going to a mate’s place for a beer), making Tropicfeel one of the best summer shoes for men brands on the market.
Casca
3/21
Pros
- They use 100% vegan materials
- They offer a 2-year warranty
- Extra comfort is ensured
Cons
- They run small at times
Price: From $178
Sizes: 7-15
Material: 100% Vegan materials
When you’re on your feet all day and the temperature is soaring, the last thing you want is for your shoes to become uncomfortable, and rub in the wrong places. You can forget any idea of discomfort with any pair of Casca shoes. The Vancouver-based footwear brand is a favourite for many for two reasons. One, their shoes are equipped with triple-thick cushioning, coupled with the highest-grade rubber, while the design has been developed with the help of orthopedic specialists. The second reason is their 2-year warranty, which even though you shouldn’t need it, is good to have. Taking familiar silhouettes but remodelling them to their own interpretations, Casca sneakers are as handsome as they are comfy, making them perfect summer shoes for men.
Allbirds
4/21
Pros
- They’re machine washable
- Shoes with amazing mobility
- Their products are environmentally-friendly
Cons
- They don’t have the best designs
Price: From $105
Sizes: 8-14
Material: FSC-certified TENCEL™ Lyocell
Allbirds shoes are made of renewable materials, which are machine washable and flexible enough for great mobility as well as comfort. The best part is its capacity to minimise the foul odour even when a man may wear them throughout a hot summer day. Since the maintenance is more convenient than most of the shoes, they are chosen mainly by men who prefer to live a more hassle-free summer. Seriously, Allbirds produce some of the best summer shoes for men.
Cole Haan
5/21
Pros
- The shoes offer extra comfort throughout the day
- Made from recycled ocean plastics
- Lightweight materials that let you walk long distances
Cons
- They may be a bit expensive
Price: From $150
Sizes: 7-15
Material: Recycled ocean plastics
Cole Haan has a vivid, extravagantly rich, and extremely novel taste when making their shoes, which any man will fall for. The brand has been known for some time in the footwear industry, due to their comfortable and capable sneakers and dress shoes, and those positives carry over to their summer shoes for men collection. With sneakers that feature strategically-placed air holes or loafers that are lightweight and make to walk long distances, Cole Haan is a brand you shouldn’t pass up.
Hugo Boss
6/21
Pros
- Their products are made from different materials
- You get to enjoy comfort the whole summer
- Elegant styles for all men
Cons
- They don’t have that many colour options for all shoes
Price: From $170
Sizes: 6-13
Material: 100% Polyurethane
This is a brand name that speaks for itself. One of the most stylish and practical ranges of summer shoes for men comes from Hugo Boss. They have different designs made of various materials, from knitted mesh structures to leather, polyamide, cotton, and other materials. The comfort in these shoes is incredibly appealing, as anyone who already owns a pair will attest. The price you pay and the level of comfort you get in return from Hugo Boss summer shoes for men are unparalleled.
Everlane
7/21
Pros
- Shoes on the affordable side
- You can easily take care of them by washing them in the washing machine
- Made from organic materials
- Built to last
Cons
- Returns cost $25
Price: From $60
Sizes: 7-13
Material: 100% Cotton
Everlane sneakers are available in both laced and slip-on versions. The designs are new and lightweight, with the materials used being durable and ecologically sustainable, including organic cotton on the upper and outsole made with natural rubber. Every pair of Everlane sneakers is machine washable, and still, they are known for lasting across several seasons. The best part of Everlane sneakers is that they can be put on with any outfit, and they would never make a man look out of place; talk about awesome summer shoes for men.
Oliver Cabell
8/21
Pros
- Made with soft Italian calfskin leather
- EVA-insert outsoles that offer extra comfort
- The lining is abrasion-resistant
Cons
- You can only clean them manually
Price: From $294
Sizes: 5-15
Material: Calfskin leather
One of our favourite footwear brands here at DMARGE is Oliver Cabell. The US-based company takes the classic shoe styles that deserve a place in any style-savvy man’s wardrobe, makes them in various on-trend colours and sells them on for incredibly affordable prices. Don’t for a second think that low prices mean scrimping on quality though, as it’s quite the opposite. Margom outsoles and genuine leather features across the bulk of the collection, including their awesome range of summer shoes for men.
Greats
9/21
Pros
- They provide many vegan-friendly designs
- They can be washed in the washing machine without any issues
- They use premium leather and also offer limited-edition models
Cons
- They can be a bit expensive
Price: From $189
Sizes: 7-15
Material: Leather
Greats by name and a great selection of summer shoes for men by nature, this footwear brand from Brooklyn, New York – the first to hail from the borough, no less – is a must-visit for all your summer shoe needs. With pairs that more than fit the bill divided across Low Tops, High Tops, Boots, and Slip Ons, it gives guys the chance to really experiment with their footwear choices for the summer months. The vast majority of Greats’ shoes are made from sustainably sourced leather, but you’ll also find some knitted pairs that are completely vegan-friendly and machine-washable too, so even if they do kick up a stink from sweaty, you can wash them with ease.
Veja
10/21
Pros
- They have minimalist designs for men who have a simple, yet clean style
- The brand is eco-friendly
- They’re available in a wide range of colours and designs
Cons
- The durability is not the best
Price: From $135
Sizes: 40-46
Material: Leather
French sneaker brand Veja makes many of its pairs of shoes from natural rubber sourced directly from the Seringueiro communities of the Amazon rainforest, emphasizing the importance of ecologically conscious and fair trade production procedures. Veja’s shoes are great for summer, due to their use of responsibly sourced and vegan-friendly leathers, and the fact that they’re available in a multitude of colours. The minimalist and sleek aesthetics of Veja’s sneakers makes them a favourite for people who want to keep things simple, chic, and upscale during summer.
Suico*ke
11/21
Pros
- They have bold designs that make any man stand out
- Made from recycled materials
- They have molded antibacterial, biodegradable EVA foam rubber footbeds
Cons
- You cannot find all of them in different colours
Price: From $130
Sizes: 5-13
Material: Rubber
It was an incongruous beginning for Suico*ke in 2006, and later at the end of the decade, the brand started getting traction. Their contemporary and bold forms with geometrically-inspired and pared-back functional sandals bestow upon its user the creative freedom they have long yearned for. Their sandals are made from various materials including faux-suede, with velcro accents and Vibram rubber soles, while the designs are always new for every fresh collection. Suico*ke makes sandals that are collectible and ones that men definitely want to add to their summer wardrobe.
Swims
12/21
Pros
- They have different summer-style shoes to choose from
- Machine-washable designs are available
- Extra comfort due to the increased stretch and slip-on feel
Cons
- They’re not the cheapest
Price: From $150
Sizes: 7-13
Material: Recycled leathers, knit textiles
Norwegian brand Swims was founded on the basis of taking the humble galosh – a rubber, waterproof shoe – and giving it a Scandinavian makeover. The result is something unmistakably minimalist, yet entirely functional. Many shoe styles are catered to, including slides, loafers and sneakers.
The Breeze Flex Tennis shoe for example looks like a sneaker, yet feels far more comfortable thanks to a stretchy, slip-on feel and a breathable knitted upper. It’s also machine-washable, so will stay cleaner for longer, making it an excellent summer shoe.
G.H. Bass
13/21
Pros
- Shoes made by an expert shoesmith
- They work well with any outfit
- Their shoes help you stand out among other people
Cons
- They cannot be washed in the washing machine
Price: From $145
Sizes: 7-13
Material: Leather
Nothing quite says summer than a pair of men’s loafers, and G.H. Bass are one the biggest names in the slip-on shoe game. Not only do the company’s loafers pair with just about any outfit, regardless of whether it’s formal or casual, but the funky designs of select pairs will really help you stand out from the crowd. Ideal for a lunchtime stroll or just as appropriate for semi-formal summer evening events, one can go ahead and wear a pair crafted by an expert shoesmith that will never fail him.
Koio
14/21
Pros
- They use full grain Silver-certified Italian leather
- Their designs are very simple and minimalistic
- Timeless looks that never go out of style
Cons
- They need some time to break in
Price: From $295
Sizes: 7-16
Material: LWG Silver-certified Italian leather
The fact that every pair of Koio shoes are crafted out of Italian leather should be enough to tell you that they’re going to last you for some time. The company’s use of timeless and minimalistic designs make them a staple addition to any man’s wardrobe and complements any outfit a man may put on. The full grain leather used is particularly beneficial for its breathability qualities, leaving your feet feeling as cool as a cucumber even during the warmest of days.
Von-Röutte
15/21
Pros
- They use different patterns, materials, and textures
- The pairs are made to last
- The brand ensures it doesn’t have a negative impact on the environment
Cons
- They aren’t the best-looking shoes
Price: From $209
Sizes: 40-46
Material: Premium canvas, rubber
Von-Röutte is an independent label based out of Sydney, Australia. The company’s designs take into account factors of simplification, functionality, aesthetics, and less waste for the environment. The shoe’s construction is minimalistic, but to help separate them from the crowd, the company adds various textures, materials, and patterns, offering a refreshing alternative. All pairs are meant to be durable but also able to sustain the fashion trends of the time. It makes for a great pair of summer shoes for men that are simple yet elegant enough to go with any summer outfit.
Sperry
16/21
Pros
- Shoes available in classic styles and colours
- They pair perfectly with casual or polo shirts
- Shock-absorption properties thanks to the EVA foam midsole
- Designs inspired by Indigenous North American shoes
Cons
- You can expect to pay more for them
Price: From $125
Sizes: 7-15
Material: Leather
Founded in 1935, Sperry is known worldwide for introducing the boat shoe to the world. Today, boat shoes (from all brands) have become synonymous with summer, but for authenticity and quality you really can trust, only Sperry’s will do. While you will find the most classic of colours and styles, such as the ubiquitous brown, tan, or navy leather options, Sperry has kept up with the times, offering guys some interesting patterns and designs for those looking to make a statement this summer. Pair with chinos shorts and a polo shirt or striped casual shirt for the ultimate in preppy fashion.
Scarosso
17/21
Pros
- They hug your feet comfortably
- The brand uses genuine leather
- You can get 15% off your first order when subscribing to the newsletter
Cons
- You can only return orders within 15 days from the delivery date
Price: From $300
Sizes: 39-46
Material: Leather
Italian brand Scarosso takes all the classic shoe styles fit for summer, including sneakers, loafers and driving shoes, manufactures them from high-quality materials from its local town of Marche, Italy (a shoemaking mecca, no less) and then sells from prices that belie said quality. The company’s direct-to-consumer model is an absolute marvel and should just be one of the factors that draws you into this bountiful brand. The use of genuine leather for both the exterior and interior of its shoes means your feet will be caressed in cooling comfort all summer long.
Novesta
18/21
Pros
- Made using the finest materials
- Made from all-natural materials
- Their shoe collection is varied
Cons
- Shipping can be a bit expensive
Price: From $165
Sizes: 3-12
Material: Leather
Believe it or not, Converse isn’t the only brand dominating the canvas sneaker game. Slovakian brand Novesta is right up there with the very best too, thanks to its range of simple yet well performing footwear for men that is ideal for the summer season. The standout feature of Novesta shoes is the all-natural rubber sole, which has been designed to withstand the demands of summer in terms of both style and endurance. However, understanding the demands of the modern consumer, Novesta has a comprehensive range of other sneaker styles too, including the G.A.T, classic low-top minimalistic and marathon runners. All are made from the finest materials and made to survive days of summer adventure.
Birkenstock
19/21
Pros
- They provide high-fashion footwear
- Very lightweight designs
- They can be adjusted for a perfect fit
- Made from suede, cork-latex, and jute
Cons
- Not all men will be fans of the designs
Price: From $79
Sizes: 2-13
Material: Leather
Birkenstock sandals are arguably the quintessential shoe for summer. Known for their soles made from layers of cork, suede, and jute, these shoes mould to your feet making you feel like you’re going barefoot; AKA ultimate comfort! Although first designed in the 1930s, in recent years these sandals have entered the high fashion scene, and are worn by the likes of Leonardo DiCaprico, Pierce Brosnan and Usher.
Orlebar Brown
20/21
Pros
- They prevent slipping
- They were made to last
- They provide comfort and flexibility
Cons
- They’re not the cheapest shoes
Price: From $225
Sizes: 7-12
Material: Mixed textiles
Orlebar Brown may be better known for its range of tailored swim shorts, but with such a strong association with summer, it’s a no brainer the company has expanded into summer shoes for men too. But this craftsmanship is without any compromise on the quality of the footwear. With many pairs being waterproof, meaning they can not only accompany you when out on walks, but can survive the odd slip or dunk in lakes and puddles, they’re the perfect all rounder.
Converse
21/21
Pros
- Very soft and comfortable materials
- They work for every occasion
- There’s no shortage of designs you can choose from
Cons
- They tend to get dirty very quickly
Price: From $52
Sizes: 3-13
Material: Cotton
Converse, the all-American shoe manufacturer, started in 1908 and is arguably the most well-known producer of canvas shoes. The brand began designing, distributing, and licensing sneakers, apparel, skating shoes, accessories, and footwear under a lifestyle brand, however, during WWII, Converse started making footwear for the armed forces. Today, Converse shoes can be distinguished easily by their rubber sole with their All-Star logo, wrap-around strip, and star insignia. This shoe works great for every occasion and with all kinds of attire. Indeed, these breathable sneakers are some of the best summer shoes for men on the market.
