Looking for the best summer shoes for men? Look no further! Whether you're strolling along the beach or exploring the city streets, we've got you covered. From classic Birkenstocks to stylish leather sandals, this article will guide you through the must-have footwear for the sun-soaked season. Get ready to step up your summer style game with these top picks that combine fashion and functionality. So, let's dive in and discover the best summer shoes for men that will keep your feet happy and stylish all season long.
Summer Shoe #1: Espadrilles
Left to right: Soludos, Sea Star Beachwear If you're anything like me, you love spending as much time near the water as possible during spring and summer.
Espadrilles make the perfect shoes for these getaways.
The most common style features a flexible sole—typically made from Esparto rope, although modern versions may use jute or other natural fibers—paired with a cotton or canvas upper.
Soludos Espadrilles These eco-friendly shoes feature a jute sole, a comfortable print, and blanket stitches that conform to your foot. They come in various colors.
Shop Amazon Shop Soludos
Due to their appearance and design, espadrilles are best suited for tropical, warm-weather locations—you won't find yourself wearing them in winter in Chicago. Instead, they're perfect for coastal areas, beaches, and pools.
Soludos offers a range of stylish espadrilles with different uppers, including canvas and leather (the leather versions are more suitable for urban environments).
Sea Star Beachwear has reimagined the classic espadrille while maintaining its signature aesthetic. Their version features a neoprene upper and a deck shoe sole.
Birkenstocks, the Default Summer Shoe
We're big fans of Birkenstocks here at the GQ offices. You can find any one of us wearing a pair pretty much any time of the year (although come December, it's all about mohair socks seven days a week, baby!). But during June to August, the ratio of Birks to GQ staffers is at its peak. They're not only incredibly comfortable, but also stylish as hell—the ultimate everyday shoe. Whether you prefer the beach-friendly Arizona, the funky and versatile Boston, or even a high-fashion collaboration, starting with a pair of Birks is always a good choice.
Birkenstock Arizona Essentials: Best Men's Beach Shoes
When preparing for a day at the beach, it's important to have the right footwear. Don't settle for outdated options. Instead, check out these two-strap EVA Birkenstocks. They're waterproof, ultra-lightweight, and highly flexible—making them the perfect choice for men's beach shoes.
The Birkenstock Arizona Essentials add a modern touch to the classic cork Birkenstock style that we all know and love.
| Materials: | EVA |
| Colors: | Black, Khaki, and White |
Manebí Woven Linen Espadrilles
When you think of espadrilles, images of Catalan beaches and glasses of cava at sunset may come to mind (let's keep that dream alive). However, once you add them to your wardrobe, you'll realize they're incredibly versatile. The soft construction and breathable linen upper make them a great alternative to sandals. The Manebí espadrilles, made in Spain, strike the perfect balance between transportive and practical.
Materials: Linen upper, jute midsole, and rubber sole.Style: Espadrille.
Buy Now on Matches Fashion: $112
Best White Sneakers for Summer
White Canvas Sneakers
Why You Need Them
Novesta Star Master
Cariuma OCA Low-Top Canvas Sneakers
Veja Nova Low Canvas Sneaker
A classic pair of white canvas sneakers is a staple in any summer wardrobe. They're simple, versatile, and even the high-end options won't break the bank. Plus, they look even better with a bit of wear and tear, so you can spend more time enjoying the sun without worrying about damaging your shoes.
Check out brands like Converse, Novesta, and Veja for timeless options.
How to Wear
The great thing about white canvas sneakers is their versatility. They can be paired with anything from shorts and a T-shirt to cropped dress pants and a camp-collar shirt. Consider them your go-to shoes for casual off-duty days.
Clarks Desert Boots: Best Summer Boots
Revolutions aren't always about politics. When Clarks boots were introduced in 1950, they brought a touch of Cairo to the global shoe scene. Now, they can be found on nearly every continent, adorning the feet of office workers and hipsters alike.
Clarks Desert Boots are crafted with suede or leather uppers and feature soft crepe soles, making them one of the most popular men's boots. They offer a unique style that sets them apart from other footwear options. Are you ready for the desert boot revolution?
| Materials: | Leather or suede |
| Colors: | Black, Brown, and Sand |
Leather Sandals
Why You Need Leather Sandals
A well-made pair of men's leather sandals is an essential for summer. They strike the perfect balance between comfort and style. Versatile and easy to wear, they're the ultimate holiday shoes that can effortlessly take you from the beach to the bar.
How to Wear Leather Sandals
Leather sandals strike the perfect balance between casual and smart. They can be worn to a barbecue or a low-key dinner, paired with lightweight chinos and a breezy linen button-down shirt or shorts and a Cuban collar shirt.
Best Leather Sandals to Buy
Myrqvist's black calf leather Solvik sandals offer an elegant take on open-toed footwear. Handcrafted in Portugal, they feature a moldable cork sole and soft suede lining.
Sperry Gold Cup Authentic Original Boat Shoes
Once again, we turn to the experts who pioneered the classic boat shoe style. Sperry knows their boat shoes, and these are handmade in Maine with Horween leather.
Materials: Leather with Vibram outsoles.Style: Boat shoe.
Buy Now on Sperry: $375
Best Leather Slides for Summer
Stepney Workers Club Dellow Canvas Sneakers
Inspired by traditional worker’s sports clubs, Stepney Workers Club, based in East London, takes a "free-thinking approach" to classic sneakers. These monochrome ecru canvas sneakers will surely put us in the right summer mood.
Materials: The upper is made of canvas and the outsole is made of vulcanized rubber.Style: Sneaker.
Buy Now on Mr Porter:
Best Fisherman Sandals for Summer
Common Projects Achilles Leather Sneakers
When Common Projects introduced its minimalist leather Achilles sneakers in the late 2000s, it revolutionized the sneaker game. Over a decade later, the brand still offers the best long-lasting, versatile pair that every wardrobe needs – especially during summer.
Materials: Leather.Style: Sneaker.
Buy Now on Mr Porter: $410
Best Canvas Sneakers for Summer
Toms Alpargata: Best budget men’s slip-on shoes
By giving one-third of profits to grassroots organizations driving progress at a local level, Toms has showcased its commitment to making a positive impact.
Available in various textiles and colors, the relaxed design and feel of Toms Alpargata slip-ons are a wonderful addition to your summer shoe collection. If you desire a pair of casual men's shoes that reflect your forward-thinking approach, the Toms Alpargata slip-ons are the perfect choice.
| Materials: | Various textiles |
| Colors: | Black, Bonsai Green, Dark Slate More |
Nike On Deck Slides
If you're at the beach, by the pool, or in the gym shower, you'll want something light, comfortable, and uncomplicated. Nike's no-frills flip-flops with a grippy waffle tread fulfill all these requirements.
Materials: Foam midsole.Style: Flip-flop.
Buy Now on Nike: $25
Best Loafers for Summer
Visvim Zahra Slub Cotton Canvas Slip On Shoes
Who wants to bother with laces in the summer? Visvim's Zahra slip-on shoes, inspired by classic skate shoes, offer quality and style. The elevated soles add a nice touch.
Materials: The upper is made of cotton canvas, and the soles are made of rubber.Style: Sneaker.
Buy Now on Mr Porter: 0
Best Sports Sandals for Summer
Vince Derek Leather Sandals
If you prefer something slightly more sophisticated than Birkenstocks (although Birkenstocks are great too), Vince's Derek sandals strike the perfect balance between elevated and casual. Pair them with linen pants or shorts for a stylish summer look.
Materials: Leather.Style: Sandals.
Buy Now on Saks Fifth Avenue: $230
Buy Now on Bloomingdale’s: $230
Buy Now on Nordstrom: $230
Best Slip-On Sneakers for Summer
Adidas Adilette: Best men’s slip-on summer shoes
A good pair of slides is an essential part of any summer shoe collection. They should be easy to wear, durable, and comfortable. Adidas Adilette slip-on shoes meet all these requirements.
The Adidas Adilette is the perfect summer shoe. Its one-piece design ensures that the strap stays in place, while the plush materials are lightweight and quick-drying.
| Materials: | EVA |
| Colors: | Cloud White, Core Black, Solar Blue More |
Suicoke Depa-V2 Sandals
Sporty nylon-webbed sandals gained popularity in recent years and Suicoke’s Depa-V2 sandals offer a minimalist and Japanese-inspired approach. These sandals, made with nylon webbing and a Vibram rubber sole, are suitable for both trails and sidewalks.
Buy Now on Mr Porter: $185
Buy Now on End Clothing: $185
Quoddy Downeast: Best nubuck summer shoes
A pair of boat shoes is an essential item, and the Quoddy Downeast Boat Shoes are made with nubuck for a sleek look and gripped rubber soles for traction. These slip-on shoes are casual yet sophisticated.
Gucci Horsebit Loafer: Most stylish summer shoes
The Gucci Horsebit Loafer is renowned for its impeccable style, adorning the feet of celebrities and VIPs worldwide. The iconic Gucci horsebit and folded heel emphasize both style and comfort.
Koio Maranello: Best leather summer shoes
The Koio Maranello penny loafers showcase meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail. These polished loafers are made with suede and feature hand-placed rubber dots on the soles.
On Running Cloudridge: Best trail summer shoes
The On Running Cloudridge hiking boots offer a lightweight and breathable design, unlike traditional bulky hiking shoes. With a Swiss-engineered outsole and a sock-like fit, these shoes are ideal for conquering any terrain.
SHOP AT ON RUNNING | $210
Sperry Authentic Original: Best boat shoes
Sperry boat shoes are a timeless design loved by many. The Sperry Authentic Original Leather Boat Shoes are hand-sewn for durability and are perfect for withstanding years of wear and tear.
SEE LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON
Oliver Cabell Low 1: Best summer sneakers
The Oliver Cabell Low 1 sneakers are made with Italian calfskin leather, boasting a distressed style and iconic look. These hand-stitched sneakers offer luxury at an affordable price.
SHOP AT OLIVER CABELL | $199
Loro Piana Summer Walk: Best linen summer shoes
The Loro Piana Summer Walk Loafers are made with lightweight and breathable linen, ensuring coolness and comfort even in hot temperatures. These loafers feature flexible rubber soles and suede trim for a timeless and sophisticated look.
The Row Fisherman Leather Sandals
The Row Fisherman Leather Sandals offer a ventilated and elegant style, crafted from grained leather calfskin. These sandals are perfect for elevating any summer outfit, combining both comfort and sophistication.
Buy Now on Bergdorf Goodman: 0
New Republic Riviera Suede Loafer: Overall best men’s summer shoes
The New Republic Riviera Suede Loafer is a timeless design with a twist. These loafers incorporate classic elements with hand-sewn stitching and comfortable suede, allowing you to stand out from the crowd.
SHOP AT NEW REPUBLIC | $50
Bottega Veneta Rubber Slider
There are no better shoes for a casual day by the pool than a pair of rubber slides. Bottega Veneta’s stylish take is embossed with its signature weaving technique and comes in various colors that reflect the brand's unique spin on classic designs.
Materials: Rubber. Style: Slide sandal.
Buy Now on Mr Porter: $520
Buy Now on Bottega Veneta: $520
Buy Now on Matches Fashion: $520
Best Espadrilles for Summer
Marni Raffia Fussbett Sabot Mules
We’ll gladly take Marni's Fussbett Sabots in any material – be it calfskin, terrycloth, or shearling. However, these raffia ones catch our eye, especially for summer. They are the perfect shoe for both a garden party and a quick trip to the local store.
Materials: Raffia and leather with a rubber sole. Style: Mule.
Buy Now on Ssense: 5
Buy Now on Bergdorf Goodman: 5
Best All-Around Sandals for Summer
Summer shoe #1: Espadrilles
Left to right: Soludos, Sea Star Beachwear If you’re like me, you’re heading for the nearest body of water as often as you can, just like every other spring and summer.
Espadrilles are the perfect shoe for these getaways.
The most common style consists of a flexible sole—traditionally made from Esparto rope, though modern versions most likely are made from jute or other natural fiber—plus a cotton or canvas upper.
Soludos Espadrilles
An eco-friendly jute sole, easy-to-wear print, and blanket stitches that have just enough give to fit your foot perfectly. Available in multiple colors.
Shop Amazon Shop Soludos
Due to their design and appearance, espadrilles are best suited for tropical, warm-weather locations. They are not recommended for wearing in winter or in cold climates. They are ideal for coastal areas, beaches, and poolside locations.
Soludos offers a wide range of good-looking espadrilles in various uppers, including canvas and leather (leather versions are more suitable for urban environments).
Sea Star Beachwear has reimagined the espadrille while maintaining its aesthetic, creating a version with a neoprene upper and deck shoe sole.
And When All Else Fails…Any Sneaker Under the Sun
It's safe to say that sneakers are a versatile footwear option for any time of the year. They are particularly great for summer, spring, fall, and winter. With school out, summer vacations happening, and summer Fridays (along with the occasional office happy hour) in session, it's a time for casual comfort. Embrace your favorite pair of sneakers, whether they are classic tennis shoes or high-performance trainers, and wear them with all your summer outfits.
In conclusion, when it comes to the best summer shoes for men, there is a wide range of options to choose from. Whether you're looking for comfort, style, or versatility, this list has got you covered. From classic espadrilles to trendy Birkenstocks, from stylish boat shoes to practical sneakers, there is a perfect summer shoe for every occasion. So, step into the season with confidence and style, and embrace the long sunny days ahead with the perfect pair of summer shoes on your feet.
