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The 30 Best Shoes to Wear in Summer 2024

From sneakers to sandals, here's how to beat the heat in comfort.

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Every product was carefully curated by an Esquire editor. We may earn a commission from these links.

  • Tree Runners

    Best Summer Sneakers

    Allbirds Tree Runners

    $98 at Allbirds
    Read more
  • Leather Sneakers

    Best Luxury Summer Sneakers

    Common Projects Leather Sneakers

    Read more
  • Stan Smith Sneakers

    Best White Summer Sneakers

    Adidas Originals Stan Smith Sneakers

    Read more
  • Desert Boots

    Best Summer Boots

    Clarks Originals Desert Boots

    Read more
  • Mexico 66 Shoes

    Chicest Summer Sneakers

    Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 Shoes

    Read more



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. And 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.

Best Summer Sneakers

Allbirds Tree Runners

Tree Runners
$98 at Allbirds$98 at Amazon
Pros
  • Lightweight and breathable
  • Great arch support
Cons
  • Can smell bad if they get wet

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.

BreathabilityYes
Water-ResistantNo
OccasionEveryday
Best Luxury Summer Sneakers

Common Projects Leather Sneakers

Leather Sneakers
Pros
  • Minimalist design
  • Superior construction
Cons
  • Can be hard to clean

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.

BreathabilityYes
Water-ResistantNo
OccasionDate Night
Best White Summer Sneakers

Adidas Originals Stan Smith Sneakers

On Sale
Stan Smith Sneakers
Now 25% Off
Pros
  • Affordable and versatile
  • Durable and comfortable
Cons
  • Can run large

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.

BreathabilityYes
Water-ResistantNo
OccasionExploring the City
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Best Summer Boots

Clarks Originals Desert Boots

Desert Boots
Pros
  • Available in multiple color options
  • Secure, custom fit
Cons
  • Can run large

The only boots you need when the weather gets warm. Actually, these are, season aside, some of the best boots out there, period.

BreathabilityYes
Water-ResistantNo
OccasionSaturday Night Drinks
Chicest Summer Sneakers

Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 Shoes

Mexico 66 Shoes
Pros
  • Logo patch at the tongue
  • Two-tone design
Cons
  • Sells-out quickly

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.

BreathabilityYes
Water-ResistantNo
OccasionCatching a Baseball Game
best black summer sandals

Suicoke Padri Sandals

Padri Sandals
Pros
  • Crafted with light, water-resistant materials
  • Supportive and cushioned footbed
Cons
  • Only available in whole sizes

Suicoke does a minimalist sandal in a way that looks cool with jeans, or linens, or shorts, or—dare I even say it—jorts.

BreathabilityYes
Water-ResistantYes
OccasionNapping in a Cabana
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most iconic summer boat shoes

Sperry Boat Shoes

Boat Shoes
Pros
  • Easily paired with slacks, denim, or board shorts
  • Timeless, classic style
Cons
  • Can leave blisters

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 or not is irrelevant. These are gonna be a go-to regardless.

BreathabilityYes
Water-ResistantYes
OccasionBoat Day
most affordable summer boat shoes

Amazon Essentials Boat Shoes

Boat Shoes
Pros
  • Padded insole
  • Affordable and high-quality
Cons
  • Aren't real leather

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.

BreathabilityYes
Water-ResistantYes
OccasionA Day on the Water
best performance summer shoes

Merrell Hydro Moc Shoes

Hydro Moc Shoes
Pros
  • All about comfort
  • Bold colors
Cons
  • Not the most stylish option

For a shoe that performs, the Hydro Moc is the way to go. The slip-on trail style is ready for a hard hike or a day spent in the city, and every adventure that lies in between.

BreathabilityYes
Water-ResistantYes
OccasionKayaking on the Lake
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sleekest summer sneakers

Nike Killshot 2 Shoes

Killshot 2 Shoes
Pros
  • Old school look and feel
  • Reliable traction
Cons
  • Can run small

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.

BreathabilityYes
Water-ResistantNo
OccasionWalk Around the Park
best summer slip ons

Sabah Slip Ons

Slip Ons
Pros
  • Handmade in Turkey
  • Easy ride and good grip
Cons
  • Can fit narrow

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 or chinos alike.

BreathabilityYes
Water-ResistantNo
OccasionStrolling Around the Farmer's Market
Best Summer Driver

M.Gemi Felize Uomo Shoes

Felize Uomo Shoes
Now 13% Off
Pros
  • True moccasin construction
  • Genuine, hand-stitched suede upper
Cons
  • Can run small

This luxe Italian driver comes in bold shades that are summer-ready. Handcrafted in Tuscany, this suede style is a must.

BreathabilityYes
Water-ResistantNo
OccasionPretty Much Anything
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chicest summer slip ons

Tecovas The Monterrey Shoes

The Monterrey Shoes
Pros
  • Available in full and half sizes
  • Easy slip-on style
Cons
  • Can fit snug

You should definitely keep Tecovas' 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.

BreathabilityYes
Water-ResistantNo
OccasionPatio Lunch
best everyday summer shoes

Birkenstock Boston Clogs

Boston Clogs
Pros
  • Comes in a variety of color options
  • True to size
Cons
  • Can run large

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.

BreathabilityYes
Water-ResistantNo
OccasionRunning Errands
easiest summer slip ons

Allbirds Tree Loungers

Tree Loungers
Now 20% Off
Pros
  • Designed to slip-on and go
  • All-day support
Cons
  • Can be hard to clean

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 with. Made from eucalyptus tree fibers, these are cushiony, lightweight, and breathable, too.

BreathabilityYes
Water-ResistantNo
OccasionHanging at a Brewery
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Best Summer Skate Shoes

Vans Old Skool Sneakers

Old Skool Sneakers
Pros
  • Padded collar and footbed for added comfort
  • Iconic skateboard style
Cons
  • Moderate arch support

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).

BreathabilityYes
Water-ResistantNo
OccasionSunday Afternoon at the Skate Park
best designer summer sneakers

Gucci Sneakers

Sneakers
Pros
  • Detailed with the iconic striped logo
  • Fits true to size
Cons
  • Pricier than other options

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.

BreathabilityYes
Water-ResistantNo
OccasionInternational Travel
most stylish summer sneakers

Adidas Originals Samba Sneakers

Samba Sneakers
Pros
  • Reinforced at the toes with suede
  • Fast shipping
Cons
  • Can run small

Stan Smiths are great and all, but something about Sambas are 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.

BreathabilityYes
Water-ResistantNo
OccasionBackyard Barbecue
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best lifestyle summer shoes

On Running The Roger Shoes

The Roger Shoes
Pros
  • Mesh fabric tongue for a technical touch
  • Additional cushioning for extra comfort
Cons
  • Can get dirty easily

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.

BreathabilityYes
Water-ResistantYes
OccasionA Concert
easiest summer sandals

Todd Snyder Nomad Sandals

Nomad Sandals
Pros
  • Molded foam footbed
  • Everyday comfort
Cons
  • Sandals aren't for everyone

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.

BreathabilityYes
Water-ResistantNo
OccasionBeachside Wedding
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