Summer is unofficially underway.
Besides busting out your camp collar shirts for relaxed summer vibes, you might consider changing up your footwear for the warmer weather.
Summer shoes put a premium on breathability so your feet stay cool and don’t get smelly during the hot days. They’re also typically more casual than fall and winter shoes and just look chill and relaxed.
When most men think of a summer shoe that’s breathable and relaxed, they usually think of sandals first. But there are other summer shoe options besides sandals! Footwear options that thankfully keep your toes hidden — because no one wants to see a dude’s toes.
Below, we’ll dig into these options (and when sandals are appropriate), offering a guide to the essential summer shoes every man should consider adding to his wardrobe.
Espadrilles
Espadrilles are lightweight, breathable shoes with canvas or cotton uppers and distinctive woven rope soles, traditionally crafted from jute.
They combine comfort, relaxed style, and excellent airflow, making them perfect for beach outings, leisurely strolls, or relaxed gatherings during warm weather. Since they’re lightweight, they’re great for vacation packing.
The two cons of espadrilles are that they absorb water easily and wear down quickly on pavement.
They pair nicely with linen chinos, shorts, and Guayabera shirts.
Canvas Sneakers
Canvas sneakers combine breathable fabric and casual comfort that’s just right for summer. Iconic slip-on styles like those from Vans and SeaVees, first favored by California surfers in the 1960s, deliver effortless, laid-back vibes. Lace-up classics, including Converse Chuck Taylors, offer timeless versatility.
Wear them with shorts or chinos for an easygoing outfit at backyard cookouts or city strolls.
While canvas is breathable, canvas sneakers can still get smelly. Make sure to read our guide on how to go sockless in the summer without stinking up your shoes. Your best bet is to wear a no-show sock with canvas sneakers to avoid the smell issue.
Boat Shoes
Invented by Paul Sperry in 1935, boat shoes feature siped soles for grip on wet decks. They’re typically associated with East Coast preppy dudes, but can be pulled off by guys from coast to coast.
Boat shoes seem to cycle in and out of fashion. They were popular when I was in high school back in the 90s (I wore them), and then they became uncool. But boat shoes are back in style.
Boat shoes up the class level just a notch above sneakers, so that they look best with an outfit that rises a bit above the ordinary t-shirt + jeans/shorts combo — think a polo shirt, button-down, short-sleeve henley, or guayabera on top, and nicer jeans, khakis, or shorts on the bottom. You can even wear them with a blazer — if you dress down the rest of the elements in your get-up.
See our full guide to boat shoes.
Boat shoes are typically worn without socks. Make sure to let them air out after each wearing.
Huaraches & Woven-Leather Shoes
Huaraches blend airy woven leather comfort with versatile style. Originating in Mexico, they offer excellent breathability and a custom fit, as they mold to your feet as you wear them regularly. No need to wear socks with them. They offer the breathability of a sandal while covering your toes.
Slightly dressier than typical sandals or sneakers, huaraches pair well with things like chinos and Oxford button-downs. You could even wear them with a lightweight summer suit.
Mohinders City Slipper
My personal summer favorite is the Mohinders City Slipper. It’s basically a huarache slide. Handcrafted from water buffalo leather, they’re breathable, stylishly minimalist, and only get better with age. Whenever I wear them, I get compliments and questions about where I got them.
Mohinders aren’t great if you’re walking long distances. I’ve done that before and just ended up with blisters. Save them for cookouts or sipping drinks on the beach.
They pair well with khaki shorts, linen pants, and camp shirts.
Summer-Weight Loafers
Summer-weight loafers, particularly unlined leather or suede loafers and driving moccasins, provide an effortlessly refined option for warm weather. They seamlessly bridge casual and dressy outfits, easily pairing with everything from tailored shorts and polos to linen suits. They’re a nice addition to your summer smart casual wardrobe.
Keep them fresh with regular suede brushing, waterproof spray, and cedar shoe trees to manage moisture and maintain shape.
Sandals: Limited Use
One of Walker Lamond’s rules of life is “Men should not wear sandals. Ever.” My 14-year-old son spontaneously came to the same conclusion without any coaching from me. Why? Because dudes’ feet are just ugly.
Walker makes one exception for sandals: Sandals are allowed if you’re using them as gear for a specific water-based situation, like going to the pool or rafting. For all other situations, stick with one of the above summertime shoes.
Quick Decision Guide
- Near or in water? ➜ Sandal
- Smart-casual dinner? ➜ Unlined loafers or Huaraches
- Wet deck or rainy boardwalk? ➜ Boat shoes
- City exploration? ➜ Canvas sneakers
- Beach town evenings? ➜ Espadrilles or Mohinders
A solid summer shoe rotation — one breathable closed-toe, one dressy loafer, and one water-ready sandal — covers nearly every warm-weather occasion and will keep you feeling chill and looking sharp all season long.
