Style Editors Agree: These Shoes Are Perfect for Summer (2024)

If you’re looking for the perfect summer sneaker that’s durable, sustainable, breathable, and insanely comfortable, look no further than Rothy’s washable RS01. Worn by Pedro Pascal himself when he was out and about, its knit construction is perfect for flexing the no-show sock look this summer without a break-in period.

After testing these sneakers for a few weeks, they’ve completely dominated our summer shoe rotation. Sweat and over heating was never a problem, thanks to the loose knit upper and below-ankle profile. (Tip: if you've got wide feet, size up.)

Read more: Rothy's RS01 Sneaker Review

Whether it’s for an island cruise, a long walk on the beach, or a weekend boat ride, Water Coast is ready for all the splashes. Made with soft, bouncy cushion and a breathable, perforated upper, these waterproof shoes are purpose built for water adventures, So don’t bother wearing socks in these.

This moc toe slip on gives the look of a boat shoe while providing the functionality of a sandal. It easily transitions between poolside to a night out on the town.

Summer always calls for a great pair of loafers, and this slip-on style is built for traveling and casual fits. Astorflex updates its marquee shoe for cross-country flights by making it flexible enough to be folded over. It also has a slimmed-down rubber heel, making it even lighter and more portable.

This bad boy was custom built for single bag travel. Whether you're headed to a destination wedding or exploring an exotic destination, this single shoe has you covered for pretty much every scenario.

Deck shoes are the perfect type of canvas sneaker for summer. The low profile and light build keep your feet cool in the heat. Plenty of options are out there, but the Vans Authentic comes with a wide and everchanging range of color options. As a favorite of multiple writers and editors here, we can vouch for the comfort and durability.

An easy styling tip for a deck shoe like this,

Style tip: Lace the slit top loosely enough to slide your foot in and out of. Leave the top eyelets open, tie a knot with a little slack in the lace, and it becomes even easier to wear.

Simple and budget-friendly, these kicks are made with a flexible, breathable mesh upper that dries quickly, as well as a balanced footbed that's easy to stand hours in. Rock it as a casual walking around shoe, or head to the nearest body of water.

It’s one of the best water shoes for snorkeling—at a reasonable price point. And while they're made for kayaking, traveling, sailing—or any water activities—hanging around town in them also feels and looks just right.

Bound for your summer vacation, the huarache is a traditional Mexican sandal with a woven upper that is breathable, flexible, and durable. Nisolo’s take stay trues to the classic slip-on design but makes the style versatile enough to be dressed up or down, for poolside lounging, or five-star resort dinners.

Nisolo upgraded the standard issue leather sole with a cushy foam and a full rubber outsole, making it one of the most comfortable sandals we've tried. It makes for an easy every day go-to summer shoe.

Huckberry brought the Portuguese shoemaker Luca stateside with a line of leather footwear. Hands down, the best summer option of the bunch is the Terra Mule. This simple-but-elegant slip-on works for pretty much any social occasion. With a padded footbed, squishy crepe outsole, and lined upper, you'll want to wear it every day.

The great part about a mule is how breathable it is. We found that our dogs didn't sweat as much in this shoe compared to other mules. Though we did find that the crepe sole can attract stains easily, so don't wear this when it's rainy out.

From the beach to the bar, these neutral espadrilles are a smart alternative to basic, boring flip-flops. With a convertible collar that easily turns them into a pair of slip-ons, they're a breathable, wearable option for all types of hot fits.

Apart from the woven rope midsole, this espadrille passes for a fancy pair of suede loafers. That means you can ratchet up the formality level to full grade suiting. This is an excellent option for summer weddings, especially if there is a beach involved.

This Men’s Health 2021 Fitness Awards winner allows those barking dogs to recover a after rigorous workouts, thanks to its oversized midsole. That max cushioning also just feels good when you're lounging around, making this a great house shoe. Either way, the three layer sole design offers a perfect balance of cushioning and support.

A big bonus for this Hoka slide is the enormous selection of colors available. There are over twenty-five offered at any given time, so no matter what wardrobe looks like, you can find the perfect shade just for you.

Read more: Best Recovery Shoes for Runners

When it comes to choosing a casual summer shoe with timeless appeal, Chucks are a no-brainer. As the most popular sneaker ever made, it will match pretty much everything in your wardrobe. The parchment color is a neutral off-white that complements the light fabrics and fun textures of summer fits.

Why go with the Chuck 70 over the standard model? It has a thicker vulcanized rubber mid and outsole, along with a heavier canvas upper, both of which drastically increase durability. The footbed is also upgraded with a cushy foam insert.

Forget any associations you may have between Birkenstocks and granola crunchers—they're cool, guys. These rugged stunners are comfy, and look perfectly polished in dark hardware.

You can, in fact, pull off certain sandals with an elevated look. For example, rock a pair of Arizonas with chinos and a linen button down. This look works for a casual night out with some friends or a low key date night.

Boots might be a hard sell for summer shoes, but these are not just any boot. In fact, their origin dates back to surviving the deserts in WWII—that means they were built for carrying rough men through sizzling weather from the start.

As for the OG style, Clarks’ desert boot is also versatile enough for summer dressing, along with the rest of the year. It is the perfect companion for any jeans. Just add a floral short sleeve button down or a knit polo, and you're good to go.

Read more: Best Desert Boots for Men

Embrace the ultimate dad shoes. This old school running sneak from New Balance is now the perfect option for getting around on a daily basis. Ample heel and arch support keep your feet balanced with every step. The mesh and suede upper is flexible and breathable. With extra padding around the ankle and tongue, it's like wrapping your feet up in a pillow.

Of all the color options available right now, the tonal blue offers the best styling range. It blends perfectly with denim, complements khaki and white, and even plays well with black.

Read more: Most Comfortable Sneakers

G.H. Bass has been making some of the most popular loafers in America for over a century, so to mix things up a bit, the signature Weejuns were turned into a mule. Essentially, the back half of the upper was chopped off to make this fundamental loafer a slip-on. The front still has a moccasin stitch toe and a thick "beef roll" tongue, all hand stitched.

Like having a convertible roof on your car, a mule is great for letting the summer air flow over your foot. You get the same classic style with a little more comfort.

Call it "quiet luxury" if you will, but this refined venetian loafer is the height of summer formalwear for your feet. From the subtle toe stitching to the piping around the collar, no detail was overlooked. The nappy earth tone suede works just as well with a navy blue suit as it does with white jeans with a chambray shirt.

Yes, the price tag is steep, but if you can swing it, then this summer shoe is unbeatable. It is the kind of low key flex that isn't showing off, but if you know, you know.

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