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 Gucci to Birkenstock 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.
Salomon RX Slide 3.0
RX Slide 3.0
Salomon
Slides 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, the RX Slide 3.0 will hold you down.
Birkenstock x ADER Error Gizeh Tech
Gizeh Tech
Birkenstock x Ader Error
Founded in 1774, Birkenstock might be the only label that can confidently say it has been a summer footwear staple for centuries. Its latest collaboration sees South Korean label ADER Error add a hi-tech spin to its range of footwear models. If you like the pair above, check out the rest of the collection below.
Tom Wood x Suicoke Makö Nappa Leather Clogs
Makö Nappa Leather Clogs
Tom Wood x Suicoke
Tom Wood's refinement and Suicoke's practical sensibilities combine to create the best of both worlds with these leather clogs.
Merrell Hydro Moc Sandals
Hydro Moc
Merrell
These might have been made with outdoor exploration in mind, but realistically we're using them for fit pics.
Marni Woven Raffia and Leather Mules
Woven Raffia and Leather Mules
Marni
Match your woven raffia beach bag to your footwear this summer with these mules from Marni. Heelless footwear has been our go-to for the past few summers and this year is no different.
Dries van Noten Leather Boat Shoe
Leather Boat Shoe
Dries Van Noten
The best summer vacations always include a boat ride, so make a statement when you step on the deck with these Dries boat shoes.
KEEN Zerraport Trail
Zerraport Trail
KEEN
Don't settle for flimsy sandals, a pair from Keen will provide all the protection you need for summer adventures.
adidas x Wales Bonner WB Country
WB Country
adidas x Wales Bonner
Earth tones are perfect for Summer, and thanks to Wales Bonner these revamped Country's get a new muted colorway.
Crocs Marbled Clogs
Marbled Clogs
Crocs
Crocs has certainly been a surprising glow-up in recent seasons. Riding the wave of big, bold rubber footwear, the once-derided brand has shown the haters to never write someone off.
KEEN Uneek Sandals
Uneek Sandals
KEEN
KEEN, like Crocs, has seen a quick flight to the top of contemporary style. The brand that dedicated itself to utility has seen a huge come up with the help of the Gorp wave.
Loewe Paula's Ibiza Suede Loafer
Paula's Ibiza Suede Loafer
Loewe
Summer dressing is the aim of the game when it comes to Loewe and Paula's Ibiza subline. Its footwear is no different and these collapsible-heel loafers are made to slip on and enjoy the sun.
Maison Margiela Tabi Flip-Flops
Tabi Flip-Flops
Maison Margiela
When the weather gets too hot to flex tabi boots, the real Margiela stans bring these flip-flops out.
Dr. Martens Jorge
Jorge Black Nappa
Pleasures x Dr. Martens
A black pair of Dr. Martens is a wardrobe essential but the OG boots aren't made for summer. Get the same classic look in mule form with this pair.
Salomon Techsonic Leather Advanced
Techsonic Leather Advanced
Salomon
While summer is just about to end you can still make use of transitional footwear like these Techsonic and turn them into a pair of mules at a moments notice.
Hereu Demossa T-Bar Leather Flats
Demossa T-Bar Leather Flats
Hereu
Add a touch of class to your summer footwear rotation with these handmade Hereu Demossa flats.
Gucci Caged Rubber Sandals
Caged Rubber Sandals
Gucci
Just because sandals are practical doesn't mean they have to be boring and this glossy green rubber pair from Gucci shows that perfectly.
Our Legacy Leather Slides
Leather Slides
Our Legacy
These certainly aren't your standard sports slides — for starters, they have a wooden stacked heel.
Jil Sander Calfskin Leather Sandal
Calfskin Leather Sandal
Jil Sander
The Calfskin Leather Sandal is one of those do it all Summer shoes. The gripped rubber sole provides additional support on multiple terrains and the versatile calfskin leather upper works well for all occasions.
Salomon x Beams RX Slide 3.0
RX Slide 3.0
Salomon x Beams
Mules, or slides in this case, make for ideal summer shoes. Aside from maximizing comfort with its breathable mesh upper, the EVA midsole works especially well after a rigorous workout.
Havaianas x Daily Paper Top Flip-Flops
Top Flip-Flops
Havaianas x Daily Paper
A good pair of flip-flops goes a long way and Havaianas has arguably taken over the sandal game. Its tropical collab with Amsterdam-based Daily Paper highlights endangered species on the island of Mauritius.
Want to keep browsing? Head to the Highsnobiety Shop for more products that we love. Highsnobiety has affiliate marketing partnerships, which means we may receive a commission from your purchase.
