Put away those heavy workwear boots and kick off the fluffy slippers. Summer is well and truly upon us, and we're gearing up to step out in style – quite literally – sporting warm weather-ready footwear that's as stylish as it is seasonally-appropriate.
Whether you're looking for shoes for everyday wear or more formal affairs, you've come to the right place. We've compiled a list of the best summer shoes for men and where to buy them. You'll find everything from crisp white trainers to elegant loafers – no flimsy flip flops in sight.
Best summer shoes for men in 2024
Leather sandals
Why you need leather sandals
A well-made pair of men's leather sandals is a summer essential, thanks to the perfect balance they strike between comfort and style. Versatile and easy to wear, they're the ultimate holiday shoe and will take you effortlessly from beach to bar.
How to wear leather sandals
Leather sandals straddle the space between smart and casual, so wear them to a barbecue or low-key dinner 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 boast a mouldable cork sole and soft suede lining.
Espadrilles
Why you need espadrilles
Espadrilles are a great substitute for leather sandals, offering the same smart-casual appeal with the added bonus of being easy to slip on and off. The combination of canvas or suede upper with a jute and rubber sole lends them a sense of relaxed elegance, which is exactly what you want from a pair of summer shoes.
How to wear espadrilles
Channel Riviera sophistication and team your espadrilles with comfortable linen trousers, a half-buttoned linen shirt and retro-inspired sunglasses.
Best espadrilles to buy
Velasca's Inguriatt Espadrilles epitomise the Milanese brand's commitment to craftsmanship. They're sewn according to the age-old method that made Espadrilles famous the world over: a natural jute layer is stitched together with rubber before the suede upper of the shoe is hand-stitched to the sole with the traditional Ojal stitching method.
Desert Boots
Why you need desert boots
If you can't quite shake your boot obsession, even in the summer months, at least opt for something more lightweight and breathable than your usual chunky winter boots. Desert boots – also known as chukka boots – are an ideal choice. Lightweight yet sturdy, they're ultra-versatile and will serve you well for just about any occasion.
How to wear desert boots
Desert boots are an all-round winner in our eyes, perfect for teaming with anything from a casual suit to jeans and a jumper. Comfortable yet smart, they're the perfect shoe to pack if you need to travel light on a weekend getaway or work trip.
Best desert boots to buy
These beige suede desert boots from Amsterdam-based brand Aurélien are as classic as they come. Made in Italy from supple suede and set on ivory coloured soles, their timeless, understated profile lends them ultimate versatility.
Slip-on trainers
Why you need slip-on trainers
There are better things to do in summer than faff around with laces, which is why a pair of slip-on trainers will revolutionise your summer footwear collection. They're comfortable, lightweight and versatile – all the things you'd expect from the best summer shoes.
How to wear slip-on trainers
Thanks to their casual nature, slip-on sneakers are perfect for everyday wear – whether you're meeting friends at the pub, hitting a barbecue or exploring a new city. Wear them without socks, teamed with chino trousers or shorts and a T-shirt with your favourite overshirt thrown over the top.
Best slip-on trainers to buy
WAHTS' Stevens slip-on sneakers get our vote thanks to their understated aesthetic and breathable construction. These easy-to-wear men's summer shoes are handcrafted in Portugal from perforated Italian suede and built on a white cupsole, with smooth calfskin lining for a super-soft feel. Choose from a range of versatile hues.
Suede derbies
Why you need suede derbies
You can never go wrong with a well-made pair of suede derbies, particularly in the drier months, when the suede is less likely to be damaged by rain or snow. The derby's open lacing details means less restriction and better ease-of-movement, so they're ideal for the dancefloor.
How to wear suede derbies
Derbies are a slightly more casual-leaning shoe that's super versatile and can easily be dressed up or down. Wear them with a linen suit and crisp shirt to a summer wedding, or give them a more casual edge by teaming them with lightweight chinos and a denim shirt.
Best suede derbies to buy
Iconic workwear shoe label KLEMAN is most famous for its bestselling Padror style, which has remained unchanged since the '90s, when it was introduced to fit SNCF (the French national railway company) agents. Manufactured exclusively in the brand's factory in Anjou, France, its renowned for for its robustness and resilience. The combination of boxy moc toe and chunky sole certainly isn't for everyone, but there's a reason it has endured for so long as a workwear classic.
Penny loafers
Why you need penny loafers
They may have been around for the best part of a century, but penny loafers are more relevant today than they’ve ever been. If you’re after a classic, versatile dress shoe that’s equally smart enough for business meetings and evening soirées, look no further.
How to wear penny loafers
Penny loafers were first popularised by Ivy League college students, who adopted the shoe as their de facto style and gave birth to its preppy reputation. Today, penny loafers maintain an air of preppiness but can be incorporated into a range of looks. Versatile and effortless, they’ll finish off tailoring or a layered weekend look with ease.
Best penny loafers to buy
Swedish footwear label Morjas never fails to impress with its sophisticated dress shoes. Its burgundy calf leather loafers tick all our boxes. Handcrafted in Spain and Goodyear welted, they're made for ultimate comfort. The thin rubber sole is lightweight yet durable, perfect for the summer months.
Discover more summer shoes for men with our full selection of footwear.
