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There was a time in not too distant memory when it was almost impossible to choose a nice pair of sandals for summer. It was an era that gave sandals a terrible name and inspired a widespread prejudice against summer footwear altogether.

It’s a black mark that summer shoes are still trying to live down, but recent seasons have seen an explosion in the creativity and effort that goes into the category.

We hit the net to pull together a list of summer shoes that shouldn’t scare you. From NOAH to NIKE and everything in between, this is concrete proof that, actually, summer shoes have hit an all-time high.

Browse our 10 favorite pairs of summer shoes below.

MM6 Maison Margiela x Salomon XT-4 Slip Ons

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SalomonMM6 Maison MargielaXT-4 Logo-Print Slip-On Sneakers
$410
Buy at LN-CC

Mules are essential for any time of the year. Whether you're on a quick run to supermarket or need a cozy shoe after working out, this high fashion take on one of outdoor wear's most revered brands will hold you down.

Birkenstock 1774 Arizona Milky PVC

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Birkenstock1774 Arizona Milky PVC Sandals
$350
Buy at mytheresa

Founded in 1774, Birkenstock might be the only label that can confidently say it has been a summer footwear staple for centuries. Its latest iteration sees the classic Arizona silhouette swap its leather for plexiglass-looking straps.

Dr. Martens T-Bar Shoe

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Dr. MartensT-Bar Shoes
$189
Buy at Slam Jam

Contrary to popular belief, Dr. Martens has far more up their sleeve than bouncy-sole boots. Because everything you love about their classic high tops, including the signture yellow stitching, has found its way onto a wide selection of summer shoes, like these Mary Janes, too.

ASICS Gel-Quantum 360 VIII

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ASICSGel-Quantum 360 VIII sneakers
$190
Buy at mytheresa

These might have been made with athletic adventures in mind, but realistically we're using them for fit pics.

Bottega Veneta Mary Janes

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Bottega VenetaTrek Mary-Jane Loafers
$950
Buy at ssense

Match your canvas beach tote to your footwear this summer with these multi-material Mary Janes from Bottega Veneta. Heelless footwear has been our go-to for the past few summers and this year is no different.

Prada Leather Logos

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PradaTriangle-Logo Leather Loafers
$895
Buy at Farfetch

The best summer vacations always include an easy, comfy leather loafer – still, can't hurt to luxe it up and make a statement, in these Prada shoes.

KEEN Clogs

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KEENGentle Fullness Shanti Arts Clogs Eyes
$95
Buy at Slam Jam

KEEN's Shanti Arts clogs lend an avant-twist to this otherwise often overlooked and under-appreciated style of shoe.

PUMA x NOAH

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Puma x NOAHMIJ Suede Classic Sneakers
$200
Buy at ssense

Earth tones are perfect for Summer, and with PUMA x NOAH's revamped suede classics, you're all set.

Alexander McQueen Oversized Hybrid Slides

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Alexander McQueenHybrid Rubber Slides
$360
Buy at mytheresa

Everyone wants to ride the coattails of the Birkenstock, officially or on their own. McQueen did well in infusing their version of the roman sandal with an exaggerated sole – for those that like that little bit of extra drama.

NIKE Air Zoom Spiridon Cage 2

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NikeAir Zoom Spiridon Cage 2 Sneakers
$170
Buy at ssense

A mesh sneaker is always a temperature-befitting option. It conceals the feet without keeping them entrapped in heat. These Nikes provide you with enough interesting detail, including an ankle cutout, to distinguish them from regular tennis shoes.

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