A Guide to Choosing Summer Footwear

During the summer, your footwear will need to be lightweight and breathable. Invest in a range of classic shoe trends 2023 to have the right style for whatever you do.

Avoid flip-flops, as these lack support and can cause pain in your foot's arch, heel, and ball. Instead, go for a pair of espadrilles with a supportive platform design.

Comfort

A shoe that fits well and feels comfortable is a must in summer. Ill-fitting shoes can rub your feet and cause blisters, calluses, and other painful conditions.

Lightweight, breathable materials are essential in summer footwear, especially if you plan on doing any activity requiring prolonged footwear. Thick leather and synthetic fabrics can trap heat, making your feet feel hot and sticky.

Look for shoes with good arch support to help avoid fatigue in the feet and legs. A podiatrist can evaluate the type of arch support best for you and your foot shape.

If you wear sandals this summer, wear a trendy and practical style. From thongs to flip-flops, there's a variety of options for everyone. Many sandals come in various colors and embellishments, allowing you to match them with any outfit. They can also be found in a wide range of leathers, from suede to calfskin to capretto.

Style

As the temperatures rise and opportunities for layering become less frequent, summer shoes give you an excuse to experiment with lighter textures and colors than you can typically wear in colder months. Whites, off-whites, and tans are common seasonal shoe colors, but you might also see blues, greens, and yellows.

Sandals are the ultimate casual summer shoe. Wear a pair of raffia sandals with a striped sundress for a day of running errands, or pack a pair in your carry-on for a Memorial Day weekend getaway.

Heeled sandals provide low-key polish with the same ease of wear as flats, and you can dress up the look with a new color of shoelaces. Consider yellow or pink laces on a traditional cap-toe oxford or a sharp monk strap to give the shoe a summery vibe. Espadrilles are another great summer shoe, with canvas or jute soles for a laid-back look you can pair with shorts and summer dresses.

Activity

Summer is a great time to stay fit, and the right shoes are essential for keeping you comfortable. If you're part of the growing home fitness trend, swapping your winter sneakers for a lightweight, breathable pair from Allbirds will allow your feet (and legs) to cool down when squatting, stretching, and sprinting in your favorite workouts.

For those looking to refresh their summer shoe collection without leaving the house, an online footwear store offers a wide variety of options to suit every need. While flip flops are OK for a quick walk to the mailbox or beach, they shouldn't be worn daily as they can aggravate foot problems. Look for styles with padding, thick bottoms, and arch support to minimize wear and tear on the ball of your foot.

Sandals are a staple of summer, and they can be worn for various occasions, from strolling the city to spending the day at the beach. Opt for leather or faux-leather sandals to add a bit of sophistication to your outfit, or choose casual canvas or rubber pairs to keep it laid back.

Materials

When selecting summer shoes, looking for materials that will be breathable in the warm weather is important. Thick or heavy materials become hot and uncomfortable in the summer heat.

A good choice for warm-weather footwear is woven leather. The open weave of the leather increases the breathability of the shoe. Woven leather shoes also work well with seersucker suits.

Avoid flip-flops, Crocs, and other flat sandals. These shoes lack support in the foot arch and can cause stress and strain on the heel, ankle, or football.

Slide sandals are comfortable and come in various styles, from formal lace-up styles to casual canvas and rubber pairs. Sandals can be embellished with bows and metallic or faux-croc finishes to provide a fun and on-trend style. They are ideal for a day at the beach or pool party. Flip-flops are simple and versatile shoes with flat soles and plastic toe support between the big and other toes. They are available in basic rubber and leather styles, in pretty woven designs, and pretty gems.