6 Best Shoes for Summer: Trendy & Stylish Options for Hot Weather

When it comes to the summer, the first thing that many think of is nothing but the very hot weather, and the heat is always all around us all day long. That’s why it’s important to choose the right outfits and the right footwear as well so that we will feel comfortable despite the summer heat. So, what are the best shoes for summer? Scroll down to get our recommendations and some shopping tips!

Best shoes for the summer

Best Shoes for Summer

Summertime shoes are enjoyable, but only some styles are good for your feet. The best breathable shoes for summer that won't ruin your feet are listed below.

Fisherman sandals

Because of a supportive ankle strap and hefty sole, fisherman shoes are as sensible and practical as they get for a summer sandal. 

The main benefit is that they complement every summer ensemble, whether it's denim cutoffs for a long day of sightseeing or fitted pants for the office.

Fisherman sandals

Ballet pumps

Summertime is the perfect time to wear ballet pumps since they're airy, lightweight, and simple to put on. They also look great.

They are ideal for activities in the warm weather because of their adaptable style, which goes well with many clothes, including dresses and casual jeans. Even on hot days, your feet will stay cool thanks to their open, low-cut design and comfortable flat sole.

► Related: What suit fabric is best for summer?

Ballet pumps

Loafers

Due to their slip-on style, loafers are terrific summer shoes since they're sophisticated and easy to wear. They go nicely with dresses, chinos, and shorts, as well as more casual and semi-formal ensembles since they are comfy and adaptable. 

Furthermore, loafers are perfect for warm weather since they are generally made of breathable materials like suede or leather. Their structured appearance also elevates any summertime outfit.

Loafers

Wedges

Compared to conventional heels, the wedge sole provides greater stability, making them easier to walk in while yet providing a fashionable lift. They look stylish and feminine, whether paired with summer dresses, skirts, or even shorts. 

Additionally, wedges effectively distribute weight, which improves comfort for extended usage in hotter conditions.

Wedges

Block heels

It’s no secret that stilettos are terrible for your feet. A block heel with an ankle strap is a better alternative if you're seeking a taller sandal. They are more comfortable and simpler to walk in overall, and they will support your feet and hold your weight better than a stiletto. 

Furthermore, block heels provide a stylish, sophisticated style without compromising comfort, and they look great with everything from flowing dresses to fitted slacks.

Block heels

Sneakers

Athletic shoes and sneakers may usually be worn all day and yet offer sufficient support. Because of their ease and adaptability, they are the preferred choice for a carefree summertime style that is always on the go.

However, not all models are made equal. You had better select a lightweight, comfortable pair. Consider flexible shoes with supple midsoles if you have high arches. 

Sneakers

Tips to Choose the Best Shoes for Summer

As there are many summer shoe choices available, then what types of footwear should we choose? Here are some of the most basic tips that might be helpful for you.

Look for breathable footwear items

This is one of the initial tips for choosing summer footwear for both women and men.

In hot weather conditions, our body, including the feet, will sweat a lot. So, increasing airflow around our feet during hot days of the summer not only makes us comfortable but also helps reduce the moisture and sweat that can develop against our skin.

In fact, the feet area has a higher concentration of sweat glands than most other parts of our skin. Moreover, the increased moisture can potentially cause problems for our feet, such as sliding friction that might cause blisters or odor problems.

Look for breathable footwear items

For that reason, a mesh design is a good choice, as it likely works well for both open-toed shoes and closed-toed ones. 

If the shoes are advertised to have an inner lining that helps absorb or wick moisture away from the feet, it can be a big plus as long as it does work.

About the socks, if they are also part of the picture, then what you need to consider here is its materials. You should also choose the items that are able to absorb sweat and moisture like cotton socks, wool socks, or socks made of bamboo fibers, …

Flip flops are not for trekking

There is no doubt that flip-flops are a summer staple. Wearing them on hot days makes us comfortable. But in fact, this type of footwear is not good for your feet health when it comes to trekking or all-day wear or lots of walking.

Flip-flops come with minimalist designs, and they offer almost no support for our feet. Also, as wearing them, we need to subconsciously (if not consciously) clench our toes to keep them on, which might lead to strain.

Flip-flops are not for trekking

More importantly, the overall flimsiness of a lot of flip-flop models out there can also leave our feet more vulnerable to rolling the ankle and having a sprain.

However, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you should never wear flip-flops. In contrast, this type of footwear can be relatively fine if you just take a walk to the mailbox or to the beach.

Select water repellent shoes

Summer is always a good season for many of us to explore and experience something new. 

If you find summertime great to go somewhere or just to keep walking through a rain shower, for example, then it is helpful to have a pair of water repellent shoes. It will keep you feeling comfortable even when the rain comes.

► Related: Summer swimming suits

Go for water repellent shoes

Consider the durability

Summertime means a lot of walking. Hence, it’s necessary to get shoes with high durability, which will better support you all summer long.

You should also remember that whatever type of summer footwear you choose, you will need a product that provides a good balance of strength, comfort, and flexibility so that you will always have great underneath support.

Don’t forget to consider the durability

Fit matters

Make sure your shoes fit properly because shoes that are too small or too big can result in blisters, pain, and other foot issues. In warmer weather, your feet may swell, so leave some extra space for comfort. 

Furthermore, shoes with adjustable straps or laces are advantageous since they provide a specific fit. This flexibility helps adapt to variations in foot size during the day, lowering the risk of blisters and increasing comfort.

Go for the right design

Heavy shoes might cause your feet to feel tired and hot. Instead, choose lightweight footwear made up of materials such as lightweight rubber, mesh, or breathable materials. These designs offer comfort without bulk.

Opt for the right design

For optimal impact absorption, your shoe's sole should be flexible and cushioned. A well-designed sole also provides excellent traction, which is especially crucial on damp or uneven ground.

Finally, summer is the ideal time to take a break from wearing high heels. Choose flats, low-heeled shoes, or supportive sandals that provide comfort and stability for daily wear.

Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing Summer Footwear

Above are some tips on choosing the best shoes for summer, now it’s time for us to find out common mistakes to avoid when choosing and buying summer footwear.

Choose shoes with narrow soles

Shoes with too narrow soles can be quite ugly to look at. But not only that, but too narrow shoes can also adversely impact our feet' health, contributing to problems such as leg joint deformation, for example.

Don’t wear shoes with narrow soles

Besides, wearing shoes with narrow soles, might additionally result in ingrown toenails and cause skin irritation. Hence, you should not pick shoes with narrow soles.

Choose shoes with too long soles

A lot of footwear models these days come with disproportionately long and wide soles. 

That detail makes the shoes awkward to look at and unsafe and uncomfortable to walk, leaving those wearing them susceptible to tissue and joint diseases.

Using shoes with too long soles to climb up and down stairs seems unsafe, leaving wearers vulnerable to tripping on the steps. Due to that, you should not choose shoes with disproportionately long and wide soles for day-to-day wear.

Choose footwear that lacks arch support

Some types of summer footwear, especially flip-flops, are comfortable to wear in hot weather and good to look at, but again we have to tell you that they are not necessarily good for our feet health.

This is due to the fact that they have minimalist designs, giving priority to flexibility and lightweight. That’s why they often lack arch support.

Most flip-flops have minimalist designs

Arch support, in fact, is very important for our feet' health. It distributes our weight in a healthy manner and helps protect us from unnecessary injuries. 

So, when you go picking your summer footwear, make sure that you will get them with good arch support. Your feet and body as well will thank you for doing this.

Choose shoes that made from unnatural materials

On summer days, it’s advisable to use shoes that are made from natural materials like textiles or leather.

Wearing fake leather shoes in hot weather can be not good for the health of your feet because high temperatures can cause various chemical components to interact with your feet 'skin.

Wear shoes made from natural materials

Moreover, this type of shoe also has poor foot ventilation that can result in problems like fungal infections, chafing or lesions. So, it’s better to choose summer shoes and footwear made from natural materials.

Conclusion

After all, the most important thing regarding choosing the best shoes for summer is prioritizing not only your feet' health but also your flexibility, comfortability, and style. The right shoes mean a more enjoyable summer. That’s why it’s always necessary for us to carefully choose the best and the most suitable shoes to wear.