As summer approaches, it’s time to ditch those heavy boots and dress shoes and switch to something more comfortable and stylish. But with so many options out there, it can be overwhelming to find the right summer shoes.
On this page, we’ll present the different styles of shoes you should consider wearing during the hotter months and why. We’ve also hand-picked specific models you could consider purchasing within each category.
Given Zappos’ impressive collection of shoes, including hundreds of pairs ideal for summer, we’ve highlighted notable pairs from their online inventory. Yet, if our choices aren’t to your tastes, we’ll also share some pointers on what to look for when browsing on your own.
What To Look For In A Pair Of Summer Shoes
When shopping for the ideal summer shoe, there are some characteristics to keep in mind.
First and foremost, when picking shoes for the hotter months is the material; you want to look for shoes made of breathable fabrics such as canvas, mesh, or leather. These will allow air to flow through, not only keeping your feet cool but also allowing any sweat to evaporate as you walk.
In addition to material, comfort is also crucial. The shoes you opt for should have cushioned insoles, arch support, and shock absorption to reduce fatigue and keep your feet feeling great, even after a long day. After all, summer is a time to enjoy outdoor activities, so it’s essential to have shoes that can keep up with you.
Style is yet another critical consideration when looking for summer footwear. Whether you prefer classic boat shoes, trendy espadrilles, or sporty sneakers, there’s a summer shoe out there for every style preference. Consider the occasion and outfit you plan to wear the shoes with when choosing a style. A versatile pair of shoes can go a long way in your summer wardrobe, allowing you to dress up or down your look effortlessly.
Finally, durability is the last factor to consider. Summer shoes need to be able to withstand the wear and tear of outdoor activities, so look for shoes with sturdy soles, reinforced stitching, and durable materials. This will ensure that your shoes last the entire season and beyond.
On the other hand, if you find a pair of shoes that you don’t expect to last for an entire year but can buy at a cheap enough price, then this is not a bad option, either. Always consider value, which is the number of wears divided by the cost, to determine how much you’re paying each time you wear a particular pair of shoes.
If you pay $25 for a pair of shoes that last you 50 days (almost two months), then you’re spending $0.50 per day, which is not as bad as it sounds, especially when compared with a pair that costs $50 and which lasts for half as long.
Our Favorite Summer Shoes On Zappos
- Style: Sandals
- Color: Varied
- Pricing: $75 [Buy Now On Zappos]
Sandals are a must-have for any summer wardrobe. They are perfect for the beach, pool, or any casual occasion. But not all sandals are created equal, so make sure to look for a pair that is both comfortable and aesthetically pleasing.
One of our top picks when it comes to sandals is manufactured by OluKai, and it’s the Ohana sandals. These offer both comfort and stability with their EVA footbed and compression-molded insole. In addition, leather accents and comfort-minded technology make these shoes very stylish and suitable even for people with no foot problems. For a long beach day, these flip-flops are remarkably comfortable and a great choice.
- Style: Espadrille
- Color: Varied
- Pricing: From $78.95 [Buy On Zappos]
Espadrilles are the perfect summer shoes for casual occasions. They are lightweight, breathable, and comfortable. Plus, they come in a variety of colors and materials, making it easy to find a pair that matches your style.
For a classic look, try the Soludos Original Dali Espadrilles. These shoes are made of durable canvas and feature a jute sole for added comfort.
- Style: Boat Shoes
- Color: Brown Leather
- Pricing: $175 [Buy Now On Zappos]
- ON SALE: $104.97
Boat shoes are a classic summer shoe that never goes out of style. They are perfect for casual and dressy occasions and look great with shorts, khakis, or chinos.
When it comes to boat shoes the Sperry Authentic Original is widely considered to be the iconic boat shoe. This classic 2-eye boat shoe makes for the perfect casual summer footwear and is available in a wide variety of colorways and materials.
- Style: Loafer
- Material: Suede Leather
- Pricing: $160 [Buy Now On Zappos]
- ON SALE: $119.99
The inherent design of most loafers makes it so that they tend to be lighter and more breathable than other shoe designs, making them an incredible option for the summer. Yet, not all loafers are created equal. When it comes to summer, you want to opt for loafers that are crafted with a synthetic upper or, when it comes to leather, try to stick to suede leader uppers. This latter option will allow you to maintain a classy look while also maximizing your personal comfort.
When it comes to a specific pair of summer loafers, consider the ECCO S Lite Moc Loafers. These boast a soft suede upper, mesh vamp, and lightweight rubber soles. More specifically, ECCO implements their proprietary outsoles, which are particularly comfortable, allowing you to wear these loafers all day completely free of pain.
- Style: Sneakers
- Color: Varied
- Pricing: $95+ [Buy Now On Zappos]
- ON SALE: $60
You could say we’ve saved the best for last with this final category of shoes that are ideal for summer. Indeed, sneakers are an absolute must-have for the hotter months.It’s true that they’re not as convenient for the beach as sandals or espadrilles, but sneakers will do in a pinch, and they’ll help you look much more put-together for that lunch or dinner you were already planning on enjoying by the beach.
When it comes to picking a pair of sneakers that works best in summer, there’s likely endless options. However, we do have particular pair of sneakers that we’re fond of as they’re not only versatile in formality, they’re also timeless and comfortable for extended wear.
We’re talking about the Stan Smith, and there are so many different varieties of them that it’s most probable that you already own a pair. That said, you definitely can’t go wrong with a second (newer) pair, and you’ll want to pick them up before the summer gets started and the most exciting models start going out of stock, whether online on Zappos or elsewhere.
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