Best Summer Shoes for Men & Women

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.


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

One of the best and most ideal summer walking shoes.
  • The Upper is a durable and lightweight mesh that is quick-drying.
  • There is a comfortable Solyte foam midsole for lightweight cushioning and a ComforDry Insole.
  • The Water Grain outsole is designed for exceptional traction on wet surfaces.
  • The shoes are also available in plenty of color and size options.

2

Breathable Summer Walking Shoe

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

This shoe is designed and made perfectly for summer.
  • The canvas cloth is perfect for summer shoes, and the design is quite innovative.
  • There is a 3-dimensional breathing system that allows fresh air to come inside of your feet comfortably.
  • The shoe is made of durable and sturdy mesh and keeps your feet dry, too.
  • The look is stylish, ideal for walking, and even casual, comfortable, yet fashionable.

4

Light Breathable Summer Shoes

This shoe is perfect for summer outings, and it is highly comfortable.
  • The sole of this shoe is made up of rubber and is fully human-made.
  • It looked casual and built for a better walking experience during summer.
  • It is best for outdoor walking and other fun summer activities.
  • The material by which it is made is quite comfortable and breathable.
  • You can rely on this pair of shoes for a long walk during the summer months.
  • You will feel very comfortable in this pair.

5

Slip-On Summer Loafers

The Clarks brand is well known for its comfortable, lightweight, casual slip-on summer shoes.
  • The uppers are manufactured from padded and breathable leather.
  • The Ortholite insole ensures excellent comfort and support, along with anti-microbial properties.
  • Cushioned with ethylene-vinyl acetate.
  • The non-marking rubber outsole ensures an excellent grip.
  • Available in narrow, medium, and wide fit options.

6

Comfy Summer Shoe

Crocs are most likely one of the most popular summer leisure shoes. They are lightweight, cushioned, and offer the best ventilation.
  • Made from 100% Crosslite material that is lightweight and has a foamy feel.
  • Very lightweight and easy to clean.
  • Ventilation holes allow quick drying and keep your feet fresh.
  • Quickly shed water and debris.
  • Available in many bright and bold color options to choose from as required.

7

Breathable Canvas Summer Shoes

The Seasonal Classic is a Lightweight, cool summer shoe with a comfortable insole and durable rubber outsole.
  • Features 100% breathable and cool canvas upper construction.
  • A slight heel and durable rubber outsole that offers good traction.
  • The heel is stacked with leather and welt materials.
  • Inside is a comfortably cushioned insole for support.

8

Flyknit Materail Summer Shoes

These Skechers’ models are lightweight, airy, and easy to slip on and off. They are the perfect summer leisurewear shoe.
  • Features Flyknit mesh uppers and a comfortable, relaxed fit for superior cooling and breathability.
  • A thick and durable rubber outsole that offers good traction.
  • Inside is a plush memory onsole for cushioned comfort and support.
  • Available in a few color options.
  • Easy slip-on and off the design.

9

Breathable and Water Friendly Summer Shoe

Native shoes are lightweight and breathable summer shoes with large ventilation holes.
  • I have chosen the slip-on model from native shoes, a unisex design available in a few neutral color options.
  • The shoe is made from water-friendly plastic materials that clean easily and dry easily.
  • There are large ventilation holes for breathability in the shoe.
  • You can also get a wider and more comfortable fit in the Native Shoe model.

10

Breathable Summer Shoe

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.

11

Lightweight and Breathable Walking and Jogging Shoe

For a more comfortable and broader fit, Steelement and WHITIN is a new and lightweight summer shoe for all activities.
  • You can jog, walk, run, or wear them as casual shoes, and the Steelement is lightweight and durable.
  • The uppers consist of breathable and lightweight mesh and synthetic materials.
  • It is a padded insole and comfortable EVA foam midsole.
  • The durable and flexible rubber outsole ensures excellent grip and natural movement.

Index Table: Breathable Summer Shoes

No.ShoeMen ♂Women ♀FeaturesBrandScore
1Aleader® - Water Walking Summer Shoes Poseidon Poseidon
  • Breathable
  • Mesh Uppers
  • Lightweight
Aleader98
2Olukai® - Breathable Summer Walking Shoe Moloa Pehuea
  • Dri-Lex Lining
  • Rubber Outsole
Olukai97.9
3TOMS® - Slip-On Casual Summer Shoes Alpargata Classic
  • Large Color Variety
  • Breathable
  • Durable
TOMS95
4Skechers® - Light Breathable Summer Shoes Melvin Loafer Lite Loafer
  • Memory foam Fit
  • Grippy Rubber Sole
Skechers95
5Clarks® - Slip-On Summer Loafers Cotrell Step Azella Theoni
  • Ortholite Insole
  • Rubber Outsole
  • Slip-On
Clarks97
6Crocs® - Comfy Summer Shoe Classic Classic
  • Comfortable
  • Well ventilated
  • Lightweight
Crocs99
7Toms® - Breathable Canvas Summer Shoes Seasonal Classic Seasonal Classic
  • Lightweight
  • Rubber Sole
  • Comfort Insole
Toms97
8Skechers® - Flyknit Materail Summer Shoes Equalizer Reggae Fest
  • Breathable
  • Memory Foam
  • Flexible
Skechers98
9Native Shoes® - Breathable and Water Friendly Summer Shoe Miles Miles
  • Water Friendly
  • Ventilation Holes
  • Easy Cleaning Design
Native Shoes96
10Teva® - Breathable Summer Shoe Omnium 2 Omnium
  • EVA Midsole
  • Closed Toe Sandal
  • ShocPad Technology
Teva97
11Steelement® - Lightweight and Breathable Walking and Jogging Shoe Wide Toe Wide Toe
  • Breathable
  • Zero Drop
  • Lightweight
  • Roomy Toe Box
Steelement96


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.