Summer is the best time to go for a long walk or travel, but choosing the right shoes for summer activities is also crucial.
It would be best to be comfortable in that pair of shoes, or else you will not enjoy it much.
The good news is that with the advanced materials used today in the footwear industry, the best summer shoes for men and women are more breathable and comfortable.
Why do You Need Special Shoes for Summer
We all look for those fluffy fur-lined or insulated boots to keep our feet warm and insulated against the cold in winter.
Well, with summer, it is quite the opposite. Fun and bright-colored shoes with a light and airy design will give your feet much-needed comfort and breathability in the hot summers and instill that summer feeling.
- Hot and Sweaty – Our feet tend to become overheated and sweaty in the summertime, which can cause bacterial growth and odors to form. Your feet are likewise more prone to infection when warm and wet in the summer. Thus, a breathable shoe with moisture-wicking capabilities can help keep your feet cool and dry.
- More Active – Because summertime is usually more active, it is ideal to have a flexible and lightweight shoe that allows for more adventurous and outdoor excursions.
- Outdoor Surfaces – Then there is also the outsole that needs to be considered, as with adventures and outdoor activities comes the need for a good gripping and high traction outsole.
What types of Summer Shoes Should You Get
I always opt for comfortable and casual sandals for everyday leisurewear, such as slides or flip flops, and a pair of more formal-styled sandals for work and going out. Other than that, some lightweight and breathable sneakers and a lightweight leather dress shoe will do the trick if you do not want sandals.
Features of a Good Summer Shoe
- Construction – You want a summer shoe to be lightweight on your feet and materials to be thin and breathable; thus, mesh and canvas are ideal in most slip-ons and sneakers for summer.
- Breathability – Breathability can be enhanced by materials such as cotton and canvas, as well as some leathers and mesh. Perforation holes or an open mesh or lace design improves ventilation and keeps your feet fresh.
- Style – Sneakers, slip-ons, ballet flats, and even espadrilles are all great fashion styles for summer, not to forget the ever-popular Crocs.
- Flexibility – Easy movement is a must in the summertime when we are more active, so flexible sole and upper construction allows you to do just that.
- Durability – Look for a good quality brand with durable construction and lasting material.
- Grip – Rubber is a good outsole option as it offers excellent grip; look for a lug or patterned outsole to provide slip resistance.
- Moisture wicking – A moisture-wicking inner lining must keep sweat and odors at bay in the summer.
This Summer, high tops and boots are out. So, instead, we’ve compiled a list of slip-ons, slides, sneakers, hiking, and loafers to keep you and your feet fresh so you can go on every adventure you have planned this summer.
Key Specs
| No. | Shoe | Type | Closure | Width options | Drop / Cushion | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Under Armour Charged+ Assert 11 | Walking | Lace-up | Medium, Wide, X-Wide | – | 10.2 oz |
| 2 | Olukai Moloa / Pehuea (women's) | Walking | – | Medium | – | – |
| 3 | Lugz Clipper | Casual sneaker | Slip-on | Medium | – | – |
| 4 | Skechers Skechers | Loafer | Lace-up | Medium, Wide | Memory Foam | – |
| 5 | New Balance 608 V5 | Casual sneaker | – | Medium, Wide, X-Wide | ABZORB | – |
| 6 | Under Armour Charged Assert 10 | Shoe | – | Medium, Wide, X-Wide | 10 mm drop / Charged Cushioning | 9.5 oz |
| 7 | adidas X_PLR Path | Running | Lace-up | Medium | Cloudfoam | – |
| 8 | Teva Omnium 2 / Omnium (women's) | Shoe | Hook-and-loop | Medium | EVA | – |
| 9 | Under Armour Charged Surge 4 | Walking | – | Medium | 8 mm drop / Charged Cushioning | – |
– = not stated by the maker. Specs as stated by the maker, not tested by us.
Reviews: Best Summer Shoes
Enjoy summer with one of these fantastic choices of shoe brands that are top-of-the-notch quality.
Ensure your summer shoes keep you cool and light on your feet.
1
Water Walking Summer Shoes
Under Armour Charged+ Assert 11 - Men
Currently unavailable
Under Armour Charged+ Assert 11 - Women
Currently unavailable
The Under Armour Charged+ Assert 11 comes in men’s and women’s versions, and both are in stock on the web.
- Athletic mesh upper with durable leather overlays for added dimension & midfoot support.
- Charged+ midsole cushioning provides unmatched softness & all-day comfort.
- Durable rubber outsole provides traction & durability with strategically-placed flex grooves for proper toe-off.
- Upper contains at least 30% recycled content.
2
Breathable Summer Walking Shoe
Olukai Moloa - Men
Currently unavailable
Olukai Pehuea - Women
Currently unavailable
This shoe is one of the most comfortable pairs to help you walk in the summer.
- Made of superior quality mesh and suede.
- The sole of this shoe is made up of rubber, and some wavy lines are curved.
- This will help you to prevent skidding, and you will walk very comfortably.
- The upper part of this shoe is done with netting fabric and cow suede, which will provide a stylish look.
- Even this quality is quite wearable in summer as it is breathable.
- This shoe is one of the best Slip On Walking Shoes, we highly recommend.
- The cow suede is quite friendly to your skin and will not affect your toes.
- The shoes are designed with a double layering of net fabric. This helps to keep the dust and stuffiness away from the shoes.
3
Slip-On Casual Summer Shoes
Lugz Clipper - Men
Currently unavailable
Lugz Clipper - Women
Currently unavailable
The Lugz Clipper comes in men’s and women’s versions, and both are in stock on the web.
- The sturdy canvas upper on our mens casual shoes not only adds a touch of timeless style but also offers durability for daily wear | The vulcanized rubber outsole.
- With a classic slip-on design these lugz sneakers shoes for men, the side gore panels provide a flexible fit for easy on-and-off convenience | The padded collar on this.
- Choose the Lugz clipper mens slip on shoes for a sleek, comfortable, and fashionable option for all your casual footwear needs | Like what you see? Explore the full.
4
Light Breathable Summer Shoes
Skechers Skechers - Men
Currently unavailable
Skechers Skechers - Women
Currently unavailable
The Skechers Skechers comes in men’s and women’s versions, and both are in stock on the web.
- Memory Foam cushioned insole delivers plush comfort in these mens slip on sneakers.
- Flexible rubber outsole provides reliable grip and durability for these mens slip on shoes.
- Machine washable design keeps your athletic sneakers looking fresh with minimal effort.
- Slip-on design with bungee lacing system allows for quick and easy on-and-off wear.
5
Comfy Summer Shoe
New Balance 608 V5 - Men
Currently unavailable
New Balance 608 V5 - Women
Currently unavailable
The New Balance 608 V5 comes in men’s and women’s versions, and both are in stock on the web.
- ABZORB heel crash pad absorbs impact on every step, paired with a molded PU insert for underfoot comfort that lasts from morning to night.
- Sturdy suede upper provides supportive structure and a classic look that breaks in nicely over time for a personalized fit.
- Dual density collar foam supports the ankle and helps maintain stability during workouts, walks, and all-day wear.
- Phantom Liner construction features minimal interior seaming to reduce irritation and create a smooth, comfortable fit against the foot.
6
Breathable Canvas Summer Shoes
Under Armour Charged Assert 10 - Men
Currently unavailable
Under Armour Charged Assert 10 - Women
Currently unavailable
The Under Armour Charged Assert 10 comes in men’s and women’s versions, and both are in stock on the web.
- Lightweight, breathable mesh upper with synthetic overlays for added durability & support.
- EVA sockliner provides soft, step-in comfort.
- Solid rubber outsole covers high impact zones for greater durability with less weight.
7
Breathable and Water Friendly Summer Shoe
adidas X_PLR Path - Men
Currently unavailable
adidas X_PLR Path - Women
Currently unavailable
The adidas X_PLR Path comes in men’s and women’s versions, and both are in stock on the web.
- Men’s lightweight running-inspired sneakers for everyday wear.
- Mesh upper for breathability and light weight.
- Textile lining provides a soft, comfortable feel.
- Cloudfoam midsole for step-in comfort and superior cushioning.
8
Breathable Summer Shoe
Teva Omnium 2 - Men
Currently unavailable
Teva Omnium - Women
Currently unavailable
The Teva Omnium is a very lightweight and summer-friendly breathable shoe design.
- The synthetic and mesh upper offer optimum breathability in cooling.
- There is a Shock Absorbing ShockPad and cushioned EVA foam midsole for shock absorbency.
- The closed-toe design offers more protection, while this is still a sandal design.
- The Nylon shank in the sole ensures excellent stability along with a durable lug rubber outsole.
9
Lightweight and Breathable Walking and Jogging Shoe
Under Armour Charged Surge 4 - Men
Currently unavailable
Under Armour Charged Surge 4 - Women
Currently unavailable
The Under Armour Charged Surge 4 comes in men’s and women’s versions, and both are in stock on the web.
- Breathable mesh upper with synthetic overlays for added structure & support.
- Enhanced cushioning around ankle collar for superior comfort.
- Charged Cushioning midsole provides all day comfort with responsiveness & durability.
- Durable rubber outsole provides traction & durability with flexibility where you need it for toe-off.
Index Table: Breathable Summer Shoes
| No. | Shoe | Men ♂ | Women ♀ | Features | Brand |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Under Armour® - Water Walking Summer Shoes |  |  | Under Armour | |
| 2 | Olukai® - Breathable Summer Walking Shoe |  |  |
| Olukai |
| 3 | Lugz® - Slip-On Casual Summer Shoes |  |  | Lugz | |
| 4 | Skechers® - Light Breathable Summer Shoes |  |  | Skechers | |
| 5 | New Balance® - Comfy Summer Shoe |  |  | New Balance | |
| 6 | Under Armour® - Breathable Canvas Summer Shoes |  |  | Under Armour | |
| 7 | adidas® - Breathable and Water Friendly Summer Shoe |  |  | adidas | |
| 8 | Teva® - Breathable Summer Shoe |  |  |
| Teva |
| 9 | Under Armour® - Lightweight and Breathable Walking and Jogging Shoe |  |  | Under Armour |
Sources
- Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety: Prevention of Slips, Trips and Falls
- MedlinePlus (NIH): Sweat
- NHS: Walking for health
- Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety: Working in a Standing Position – Basic Information
Update History
- Oct 2026: Replaced Aleader Poseidon with Under Armour Charged+ Assert 11; replaced TOMS Alpargata with Lugz Clipper; replaced Skechers Melvin Loafer with Skechers Skechers; replaced Crocs Classic with New Balance 608 V5; replaced Toms Seasonal Classic with Under Armour Charged Assert 10; replaced Native Shoes Miles with adidas X_PLR Path; replaced Steelement Wide Toe with Under Armour Charged Surge 4
- Oct 2026: Removed Clarks Cotrell Step and Skechers Equalizer (unavailable)
- Oct 2026: Added a Key Specs table and a Sources section; checked availability of every product
- Jun 2015: Published
