Every season, your footwear rotation is bound to change. Now the mercury’s rising, it’s time to shelve your Chelsea boots and heavy DMs and swap them with lightweight shoes which help you survive the heat instead.
It seems most men believe there are few options when it comes to summer footwear, namely thong flip-flops or logo-emblazoned sliders – the types you’d likely spot on Brits abroad strutting down the strip in Benidorm. That’s why we’re here to dispel these misconceptions and help you discover a whole world of stylish summer staples which will keep you from looking like the latest Love Island contestant.
Our top tip? Your feet can be cool without being on show, so you should build your collection beyond the realms of sandals alone – especially because there are countless summer events which call for covered toes. And when you do choose to wear sandals, make sure they’re more along the lines of quiet luxury than they are logomania – understated leather and suede, we’re looking at you.
Loafers, which look great with both trousers and shorts, are perfect for a summer soirée or al fresco dinner date. The best options will feature lightweight soles and two-tone colourways to freshen up the colour palette. Retro sneakers are the answer for a BBQ in your friend’s garden or even for office attire. For those experiencing Adidas Samba fatigue, perhaps switch to the brand’s Spezial or Gazelle silhouettes to change things up.
Then, there are some obvious summer essentials every guy should have on their shoe rack. First up, Birkenstocks. Just swap the cosy marl socks with a lightweight ribbed style instead – or perhaps lose them altogether.
A pair of simple leather sandals is another menswear essential, especially when you’re dealing with higher temperatures further afield – head to the likes of Russell & Bromley, Grenson or Vagabond for timeless designs you can trust season after season. And, if you’re gorpcore-inclined, some velcro Tevas wouldn’t go amiss.
Shop the best summer shoes for men below
G.H.Bass Weejuns Larson Penny Loafers Green & White Leather
George Henry Bass is credited with creating the first penny loafer back in 1936 – and the brand he founded is still a go-to today. With a vast selection to choose from, from two-tone to black or brown, there’s a loafer for every summer outfit. Seeing as this style has been around for 87 years, it seems it’s not going out of fashion any time soon.
Buy now £195.00, End
Sebago Classic Dan Leather Loafer
Sebago’s another brand with a rich history. Based in Maine, USA, its first penny loafer was created as early as 1946. Now, it’s known for boat shoes, trainers, as well as its strong selection of loafers – a one-stop shop for all things summer footwear. And you can’t go wrong with a classic all-black design.
Buy now £210.00, John Lewis
Duke + Dexter Wilde Sacred Spring Penny Loafer
Newer to the scene, Duke + Dexter is a London-based footwear label with a unique loafer offering – from textural rattan designs to those printed with painterly illustrations. Our favourite is the Sacred Spring artwork, inspired by Katsushika Hokusai’s ‘Eight Views of the RyÅ«kÅ« Islands’ series.
Buy now £260.00, Duke + Dexter
Adidas Samba OG
Though you may feel like you’ve had your fix of Adidas Sambas over the past couple of years, the trend’s still going strong. The good news? Footlocker offers three of the latest colourways that will update your shoe rack this season.
Buy now £89.99, Footlocker
New Balance T500
Inspired by the classic 80s tennis court shoe, New Balance’s latest release is perfect for menswear’s current obsession with retro sneakers. From the cream suede upper to the tonal panelling and logo detailing, these are a minimal answer to the trend.
Buy now £110.00, Size?
ASICS gel-venture 6 trainers in green multi
Originally designed as a trail running shoe, the Gel-Venture 6 has since been adapted to become a gorpy streetwear staple – and this green and cream colourway is ideal for the sunny season.
Buy now £105.00, Schuh
Grenson Dale Sandals
If you’re a fan of leather footwear, Grenson should be on your list – especially for classics. These mules are one of the heritage brand’s newer silhouettes and are the smart-casual answer for summer.
Buy now £195.00, Grenson
Birkenstock Boston Soft Footbed
A mule that needs no introduction, if you’re yet to add Birkenstock’s Bostons to your rotation, consider this your cue. Comfortable, cool and versatile, they’re an investment you won’t regret. The only problem? Choosing between the selection of neutral colourways.
Buy now £150.00, Schuh
Russell & Bromley Dalvey Cross Strap Sandal
If you’re a fan of Prada’s crisscross sandals but not the £700 price tag, perhaps Russell & Bromley’s Dalvey is the answer. A Grecian-inspired silhouette, these are made for sun-drenched holidays and warm city breaks alike.
Buy now £125.00, Russell & Bromley
MR P. Tom Padded Suede Sandals
Mr.Porter’s own brand, Mr P, is known for expertly crafted classics – and these slides are no exception. No loud logos or shiny fabrics to see here, instead these feature padded suede uppers and leather moulded footbeds, all finished off with a Vibram rubber sole. Nothing but the best.
Buy now £195.00, Mr. Porter
Vagabond Seth Sandals
For those who lean towards a minimal look, you can’t go wrong with Scandi label Vagabond. All of its understated sandals are crafted from leather or suede for designs that will last. Our favourite is this double-strap silhouette which perfectly strikes the balance between style and comfort – moulded insole and adjustable fastening included.
Buy now £90.00, Vagabond
