MomSkoop
Summer is the perfect time to refresh your shoe collection and step out in style. Whether you’re heading to the beach, a backyard barbecue, or a casual day out with friends, the right pair of shoes can make all the difference.
From breezy sandals to trendy sneakers, there’s a style out there for every occasion and every personality. Get ready to find your next favorite pair with these 13 summer shoe picks your feet will thank you for.
1. Strappy Sandals
Few shoes capture the spirit of summer quite like a good pair of strappy sandals.
They wrap around your foot just enough to feel secure while still letting your skin breathe in the heat.
Dress them up with a flowy sundress or keep things casual with denim shorts — they work either way.
Most strappy sandals come in neutral tones like tan, white, and black, making them incredibly easy to pair with almost anything in your closet.
Some styles even feature adjustable buckles for a more customized fit.
If you tend to walk a lot, look for options with a padded footbed to keep your feet comfortable all day long.
2. Retro Sneakers
There’s something undeniably cool about a shoe that looks like it just stepped out of a 1980s sports catalog.
Retro sneakers bring that nostalgic energy to modern outfits in the best possible way.
Chunky soles, bold color blocking, and old-school logos make them a statement piece without even trying.
What makes retro sneakers so great for summer is their versatility.
Pair them with bike shorts, wide-leg jeans, or a casual skirt and you’ve got an effortlessly stylish look.
They’re also built for walking, so comfort is rarely an issue.
Brands like New Balance, Nike, and Adidas have been dropping retro-inspired styles that sell out fast, so grab a pair before they’re gone.
3. Mesh Ballet Flats
Mesh ballet flats are having a serious fashion moment right now, and honestly, it makes total sense.
The sheer, breathable fabric keeps your feet cool even on the hottest days, while the classic flat silhouette adds a touch of elegance.
They look polished enough for a summer brunch but relaxed enough for a stroll through the farmers market.
One of the biggest perks of mesh flats is how lightweight they feel on your feet — almost like wearing nothing at all.
They fold up easily too, making them a smart choice to toss in your bag when you need a break from heels.
Look for styles with a cushioned insole for added all-day comfort.
4. Platform Espadrilles
Espadrilles have been a summer staple in Spain and Southern France for centuries, and once you slip on a pair, you’ll understand why they’ve stuck around.
The woven jute sole gives them that laid-back, vacation-ready vibe that just screams warm weather.
Add a platform and suddenly you’ve got height, style, and serious summer energy all in one shoe.
Platform espadrilles pair beautifully with wide-leg linen pants, midi skirts, or cropped jeans.
The extra lift from the platform makes your legs look longer without the discomfort of a traditional heel.
Just be sure to break them in a little before wearing them on a long day out, since the jute sole can feel stiff at first.
5. Minimalist Slides
Sometimes the best shoe is the one you barely notice you’re wearing.
Minimalist slides are exactly that — clean lines, simple straps, and a flat or slightly cushioned sole that makes getting dressed feel effortless.
No buckles, no laces, no fuss.
Just slip them on and go.
These slides work surprisingly well across a wide range of outfits.
Throw them on with a linen set for a chic daytime look, or wear them over to a friend’s house on a lazy afternoon.
Neutral shades like nude, white, and beige are the most popular because they blend seamlessly with everything.
If you want a low-maintenance shoe that still looks intentional and put-together, minimalist slides are your answer.
6. Kitten-Heel Mules
Kitten heels get a bad reputation sometimes, but fashion lovers know the truth — they’re one of the most wearable heel styles ever created.
Standing at just one to two inches tall, the kitten heel gives you a subtle lift without putting your feet through the pain of a stiletto.
Mule styling means the back is open, so your feet stay cool and comfortable all summer long.
Kitten-heel mules look especially stunning in soft summer tones like blush, sage, or butter yellow.
They transition beautifully from office outfits to evening plans without missing a beat.
If you’ve been wanting to add a little heel to your rotation but aren’t ready for anything towering, this is the perfect starting point.
7. Woven Loafers
Woven loafers have a handcrafted, artisan quality that makes them feel special the moment you put them on.
The interlaced leather or fabric upper adds texture and visual interest without going over the top.
They’re the kind of shoe that makes a simple outfit look like you actually tried, even when you really didn’t.
What’s great about woven loafers is that they breathe better than most closed-toe shoes thanks to the gaps in the weave.
This makes them surprisingly summer-friendly despite being a closed shoe.
Style them with tailored shorts and a linen shirt for a smart-casual look that works for everything from art gallery visits to outdoor dinners.
Earth tones tend to be the most popular colorways for this style.
8. Cushioned Flip-Flops
Not all flip-flops are created equal, and anyone who has spent a day in a cheap pair knows the struggle.
Cushioned flip-flops change everything.
With a thick, supportive footbed — often made from memory foam or contoured EVA — they offer real comfort instead of just the illusion of it.
Your feet will feel the difference almost immediately.
Brands like Havaianas, Reef, and Vionic have raised the bar on what a flip-flop can be, offering arch support and soft straps that won’t dig into your skin.
They’re perfect for the beach, the pool, or running quick errands on a hot day.
Grab a fun color or a classic neutral — either way, your feet will be happy all summer long.
9. Mary Jane Flats
Mary Janes have been beloved since the early 1900s, and their staying power is no accident.
The signature single strap across the instep gives them a sweet, vintage-inspired look that works just as well today as it did decades ago.
In flat form, they’re incredibly comfortable and practical for summer days that involve a lot of walking.
Modern Mary Jane flats come in everything from glossy patent leather to soft suede and even fun prints.
They pair effortlessly with summer dresses, pleated skirts, or even relaxed trousers.
The closed-toe design means they’re a great option when you want something more polished than sandals but still light and easy to wear.
They’re a wardrobe classic that never really goes out of style.
10. Sporty Sandals
Sporty sandals are built for people who refuse to slow down just because it’s hot outside.
Originally designed for outdoor activities like hiking and water sports, these sandals have crossed over into everyday fashion in a big way.
With adjustable straps, grippy soles, and durable materials, they’re ready for whatever your summer throws at them.
Brands like Teva, Birkenstock, and Chaco have become iconic in this space, with styles that range from rugged trail-ready designs to more streamlined urban versions.
Wear them to a festival, a river hike, or just a busy day around town.
Sporty sandals also dry quickly, which makes them ideal for beach days or unexpected summer rain.
Functionality and style don’t have to be a trade-off.
11. Low Block Heels
Block heels are proof that heels don’t have to hurt to look good.
The wide, stable base distributes your weight more evenly than a skinny stiletto, which means you can actually wear them for more than an hour without regret.
At a low height — typically under two inches — they add just enough lift to make any outfit feel a little more dressed up.
Low block heels come in tons of summer-ready styles, from strappy sandal versions to sleek mule designs.
They look amazing with midi dresses, wide-leg trousers, and even casual jeans.
Nude and tan shades are especially popular because they elongate the leg without clashing with your outfit.
If you want heel-level confidence with flat-level comfort, this is your shoe.
12. Canvas Slip-Ons
Canvas slip-ons are the ultimate grab-and-go summer shoe.
No laces to tie, no buckles to fasten — just slide them on and you’re out the door in seconds.
The lightweight canvas upper keeps your feet from overheating, and the flexible sole makes them comfortable for hours of casual wear.
They’re the kind of shoe you reach for without even thinking about it.
Vans popularized the canvas slip-on decades ago, and the style has never really faded.
Today you can find them in hundreds of colors, patterns, and prints — from classic black and white checkered to bold florals and tie-dye.
Pair them with shorts, joggers, or a casual summer dress for an effortless everyday look.
Easy, affordable, and endlessly wearable.
13. Fisherman Sandals
Fisherman sandals have a rugged, earthy charm that sets them apart from every other sandal style.
Originally worn by Mediterranean fishermen for their durability and grip, they’ve evolved into a fashion-forward summer staple with serious staying power.
The crisscross toe straps and closed toe design give them a structured look that feels more intentional than your average sandal.
What makes fisherman sandals so versatile is their ability to bridge the gap between casual and smart-casual.
Wear them with linen pants and a tucked-in shirt for a European-inspired look, or keep things simple with shorts and a tee.
They tend to run unisex in style, which adds to their broad appeal.
Leather versions age beautifully, getting better and more comfortable with every wear.