It might be challenging to find summer shoes Even for someone who gets blisters just gazing at tall platforms, shoe shopping may be difficult, especially in the summer when activities like weddings, city getaways, and nonstop socializing can add up to an unusually high step count. In case you’re looking for something a bit cozier than a rubber flip-flop, we’ve picked five fashionable yet useful hot-weather options for you to consider.
This month, I’ve taken on the role of unofficial sandals correspondent for Vogue, covering the top brands, designs backed by celebrities, and emerging trends. If I had to suggest just one pair to buy, though, it would be some fisherman sandals. But not all summer footwear will highlight your lack of or lackluster pedicure; when you’re not in the Med, leather flats, loafers, and retro trainers can all work to counterbalance your whimsical summer ensembles. For instance, Kate Moss has long favored ballet pumps over sandals, while Kendall Jenner has been a strong advocate of the summer loafer in recent years, even matching robust black slip-ons with white boxer shorts. For our picks of the greatest summertime sneakers, whether you’re taking on A heat wave over in Croydon or Ibiza?
Summertime footwear recommendations:It might be challenging to find summer shoes
- The Loeffler Randall Leonie pumps (£197) are the best ballet pumps.
- The best pair of fisherman sandals are the leather ones from Marni (£677).
- Lovers of Mary-Janes: Unattached Sutton Flats by Mary Jane (£140).
- Nike Cortez shoes (£120) are the best throwback sneakers.
- The Row Lucca loafers are the best; they cost £1150.
- The Ancient Greek Sandals IRO sandals (£85) are the best jelly shoes.
Sandals for fishermen
Because of the supportive ankle strap and hefty sole, fisherman shoes are as sensible and practical as it gets for a summer sandal. The main benefit is that they complement every summer ensemble, whether it’s denim cutoffs for a long day of sightseeing or fitted pants for the office. Though Prada, Reformation, Ancient Greek Sandals, Marni, and Studio Nicholson all offer similarly exquisitely designed counterparts, The Row’s ideal fisherman sandals quickly became a staple in celebrity holiday Instagram pictures.
vintage athletic shoes
While white trainers straight out of the box will always be a summertime classic, retro sneaker designs like the Adidas Sambas, Adidas SL72s, and Nike Cortez trainers have recently gained a lot of popularity among fashion insiders. Adopt a retro color scheme with combinations that have a clear ’70s vibe: orange and grass green, as well as dark brown, tan, and cream. This summer, Alice Cary of Vogue is pulling out her Nike Cortez sneakers, which were notably worn by Farrah Fawcett in the first Charlie’s Angels movie with flares and in the unpacking scene of Forrest Gump.
Although white sneakers straight out of the box will always be a summers classic, fashion insiders have recently become very interested in retro sneaker styles such as the Adidas Sambas, Adidas SL72s, and Nike Cortez trainers. Use hues that harken back to the 1970s, such as orange and grass green combined with cream, tan, and dark brown. This summer, Alice Cary of Vogue is breaking out her Nike Cortez sneakers—famous for having been worn by Farrah Fawcett in the unpacking scene of Forrest Gump and the first Charlie’s Angels movie—with flares.
ballet shoes
Ballet pumps were a go-to accessory for indie-sleaze celebrities like Kate Moss and Alexa Chung in the Noughties because they allowed them to comfortably dash around London and gave the impression that late-night pub outfits were a little less forced and more put together. Kate Moss paired her well-worn Repetto shoes with all of her Topshop micro minidresses to create a cohesive look. With companies offering more opulent alternatives to the black leather designs of the past few summers, they have once again become a celebrity standard. Consider Loewe’s crystal embellishments, Alaïa’s sold-out studs, and Fendi’s expensive-looking neutral colors. However, similar to Kate Moss’s go-to Repettos, these are all cozy choices for days when you’re unsure of what time you’llchoice for days when you’re unsure of the time you’ll be gone.
Jelly sandals
Since The Row featured caged jelly shoes in its September 2024 runway show, even the most discriminating fashionistas have been going back to the shoes they last used to tramp across rock pools when they were six years old. This nostalgic summer shoe has been gaining popularity recently. Although these £800 flats are currently sold out, Naomi Smart of Vogue has chosen the IRO jellies from Ancient Greek Sandals as her summer shoe; she has been wearing them to work rather than to the beach or swimming pools.
Lovers
I published a piece for British Vogue last summer about how A-Listers were sporting the back-to-school loafers you usually wear again in September instead of sandals. With Gucci’s creative director Sabato de Sarno’s debut collection for spring/summer 2024 featuring no fewer than 25 platform loafers on the runway, this mood has persisted for an additional year. For those who are worried about blisters and overheating, I adore St. Agni’s set of macramé earrings, which would look perfectly at home in Ibiza.
