Summer Dress Shoes for Men

Finding good dress shoes in summer can be quite challenging, as we all know, especially for men, who do not have the variety that women have in open-style summer dress shoes.

A closed-style dress shoe is usually more suitable for men, and I would like to let you know that many options will keep you cool and confident during hot summers.



What makes a Dress Shoe Ideal for Summer

The Secret to the right dress shoe for summer helps you stay cool and dry without skimping style.

When it comes to style, summer usually offers a more casual and relaxed feel and panache, even when it comes to dressing shoes, which simplifies the task of finding good summer dress shoes.

But mainly we need a shoe that accommodates the summer heat and looks good enough for office wear and formal occasions.


Some Considerations in Finding the Best Dress Shoes for Summer

Here are a few tips on choosing good summer dress shoes;

  • Lighter Colors – In summer, lighter colors and materials become more acc[etable not only in clothing, but also in shoes. You can opt for canvas and lighter leather in light and bright colors.
  • Breathability – With Clothes and shoes, more breathable material options are available in dress style for men. Shoes with canvas or leather upper can offer breathability and linings that keep moisture at bay. Many dress shoe options for summer also allow you to go sockless for your feet to breathe easily.
  • Dress Down – In the summer heat, it is acceptable to dress down a tad, and you don’t need to wear a three-piece suit and heavy pair of dress shoes. You can dress down with your shoes and opt for a neat pair of sneakers in canvas or leather, usually in a solid color, or leather loafers and boat shoes.

Features of a Good Summer Dress Shoe for Men

  • Fit – A comfortable and roomy fit with a wider toe box is ideal for summer to keep your feet cool.
  • Uppers – Leather or synthetic leather, usually perforated for breathability, is ideal for summer or is a canvas and textile material that still looks stylish.
  • Footbed – A comfortable, padded, cushioned footbed provides good support. Also, a moisture-wicking lining or moisture-wicking and antibacterial top sole can be your best friend during hot summers.
  • Colors – Lighter Shades and white are all acceptable colors, yet the shoe color will depend mainly on your outfit. The rule of thumb is to wear shoes a shade darker than your outfit.
  • Outsole – A durable outsole is crucial with a high traction tread that offers good grip and stability. Rubber is usually the best option in outsole materials.

Reviews: The Best men’s Summer Dress Shoes

Here are some of the best available Dress Shoes that are cool and comfortable for Summer;


1

The popular Boat shoe is one of the top favorite shoe types as a dress shoe for summer. The Topsider from Sperry is a quality, much sought-after brand, and model in boat shoes.

  • Full-grain leather is upper with a two-tone color variation.
  • There is a comfortable shock-absorbing cushioned heel and Ortholite insert, along with a moisture-wicking lining for your protection.
  • The Top-Sider is a slip-on boat shoe and offers you two different color options from which to choose.
  • The rubber outsole is durable and offers excellent traction.


2

The Adidas Grand Court is a classy-looking summer sneaker that is very comfortable and stylish as a dress shoe for summer.

  • Suede and smooth leather uppers offer a comfortable and durable fit.
  • There is a Cloudfoam sock liner for lightweight cushioning and a foam midsole.
  • The durable rubber outsole ensures excellent traction.
  • The Grand Court Sneaker offers a regular fit in a few neutral color selections.


3

The Cole Haan Pinch is a classic and elegant Tassle detail loafer, the perfect dress shoe for summer.

  • The uppers comprise genuine smooth leather.
  • The shoe has a comfortable padded insole and a low-top design.
  • The Moccasin toe enhances the dress style, and you have the option of four neutral colors from which to choose.
  • The sole is constructed from durable and high-traction rubber.


4

From Ferro Aldo, we have the Julian, a lightweight summer Oxford dress shoe for all occasions.

  • The shoe boasts an Oxford Brogue style, ideal for Dressing up.
  • The uppers comprise synthetic leather and textile two-tone materials.
  • There is a comfortable padded insole, and the sole is flexible for easy movement.
  • S slight heel ensures sophistication in the durable rubber outsole.


5

Here we have a sleek, light dress shoe from Cole Haan with a smooth suede leather upper and contrasting rubber sole.

  • A casual and semi-formal dress shoe is available in four neutral colors with a white sole for your perusal.
  • Inside is a comfortably cushioned footbed, and the rubber sole ensures excellent shock absorbency.
  • The tread on the sole is patterned for better support and grip.
  • The upper consists of genuine suede feels leather.


6

The Rockport Classic Penny Loafer is the ideal style and comfort shoe for a night out in summer.

  • A classic-styled Penny loafer from Rockport with loafer detailing and leather uppers.
  • You will find comfort features, including a cushioned insole and excellent arch support.
  • The sole consists of durable rubber with a lug tread for a better grip.
  • The insole is also removable so that you can use your orthotics.


Index Table: Top Rated Summer Dress Shoes for Men

No.ShoeImageFeaturesBrandScore
1Sperry Topsider Men's Gold Roustabout - Summer Boat Shoes for Dress Up
  • Rubber Sole
  • Cushioned
  • genuine Leather Uppers
Sperry Topsider98.4
2Adidas Men's Grand Court - Summer Leather Sneakers for Dress Up
  • Leather uppers
  • perforated for Ventilation
  • Cloudfoam Sockliner
Adidas98.2
3Cole Haan Men's Pinch - Summer Dress Tassel Loafers
  • Leather Uppers
  • Rubber Sole
  • Tassel Details
Cole Haan97.8
4Ferro Aldo Men's Julian - Oxford Brogues for Summer
  • Rubber Sole
  • Sleek Design
  • Leather and Textile Uppers
  • Lightweight
Ferro Aldo97
5Cole Haan Men's Grand Horizon - Dress Suede Lather Shoes for Summer
  • Leather uppers
  • Cushioned
  • Rubber Sole
Cole Haan97.8
6Rockport Men's Classic - Summer Penny Loafers for Dress Up
  • Extended Sizes Available
  • Rubber Sole
  • Removable Insole
Rockport97


About the Author

David Alegeta

David is a long-distance hiker, a writer and an editor whose favorite topics include backpacking and trail running. He is an adventure athlete who covered over 20,000 miles. He frequently speaks to groups about the benefits of proper footwear and has written numerous articles on this subject. He lives in Dallas, Texas with his family.