From sneakers to sandals, here’s how to beat the heat in comfort.
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As the days grow longer and the temperature steadily climbs, it's time to really kick back. And speaking of kicking back, because you'll be wearing less when it gets hot outside, each item in a given outfit has to be extra considered, especially your footwear. Those sneakers aren't just grounding the look; they're helping to define it. Those slides aren't simply for shuffling; they're for stunting, too. And those loafers? Well, they really pull the vibe together.
With all that in mind, it's time to cop the perfect pair (or three) of summer shoes. Are you in the mood for some canvas plimsolls? Driving mocs? Are you a desert-boot dude or a Birkenstock boy? These are the questions you have to ask yourself. Then once you've plumbed the depths of your personality, go out there and get whatever your heart desires. The sun's going to be shining. The weather is already warming. It's time to—dare we say it?—really start dressin'. Start with the shoes and work your way up—the picks below are the perfect place to start.
Say what you will about Allbirds, but the brand's bouncy, breathable Allbirds will help your feet stay cool all summer long. Plus, they’re machine washable, and you can wear 'em sockless. A perfect formula for a summer shoe.
Common Projects' cool-guy, high-end sneakers are officially a modern-day icon. And if you've got the scratch, they'll make a truly investment-worthy addition to your portfolio.
The Stan Smith stays winning, especially in this new iteration made from a material that's at least 50 percent recycled plastic but feels just like leather.
The only boots you need when the weather gets warm. Actually, these are, season aside, some of the best boots out there, period.
Onitsuka Tiger's Mexico 66 sneakers were indisputably the shoe of the summer last year. If you bought them during the craze of '22, good news—they're back for '23. If you didn't cop a pair last year, well ... better late than never.
Suicoke does a minimalist sandal in a way that looks cool with jeans or linens or shorts or—dare I even say it—jorts.
Few shoes are as iconic as Sperry's boat shoe—and few are as timely for summer. Whether you find yourself on an actual boat is irrelevant. These are gonna be a go-to regardless.
If you want a damn great pair of boat shoes but don't want to pay a pretty penny for it, turn to Amazon. These are your standard style but won't break the bank.
For a shoe that performs, the Hydro Moc is the way to go. The slip-on trail style is ready for a hard hike, a day spent in the city, and every adventure that lies in between.
Nike has a plethora of shoppable summer sneakers, but the Killshot 2 remains our favorite. The style is sleek and sporty, with a lightweight sole perfect for all your warm-weather adventures.
For something easy, breezy, and classy, opt for a leather slip-on shoe. This one is a no-fuss, no-frills style that pairs perfectly with shorts and chinos alike.
This luxe Italian driver comes in bold shades that are summer ready. Handcrafted in Tuscany, this suede style is a must.
You should definitely keep Tecovas's cowboy boots in your rotation during fall and winter, but when the weather heats up, switch to the brand's slip-on leather shoes instead. They're still classy and cool but breathable and lightweight, too.
The Boston Clogs are an iconic shoe, worthy of placement in your summertime rotation. Wear these for all your casual outings, wherever the season brings you—I won't even be mad if you pair 'em with socks.
You might love the Allbirds lace-up sneaker we mentioned earlier, but for something even simpler, the brand has an easy "don't think twice about it" shoe that you can just slip on and leave the house in. Made from eucalyptus-tree fibers, these are cushiony, lightweight, and breathable, too.
If you want to fully embrace that laid-back, warm-weather vibe, go with a pair of sneakers worn by every California surfer and skater since the dawn of time (or since Vans first started making them).
You can wear these Gucci sneakers year-round, of course, but when you have khakis or shorts on, that quilted logo panel just hits a little different.
Stan Smiths are great and all, but something about Sambas is just a bit more cool, sleek, and refined. These are giving Paul Mescal out on a jog in New York City, Sweetgreen bag in hand.
For some cool and classy sneakers, On Running has a leather option with a matte finish that pairs perfectly with a beer, denim, and your favorite band.
Todd Snyder somehow manages to make simple sandals look ... classy? With a suede footbed and leather straps, though, it would be hard to style these in a way that looks bad.
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