The Best Summer Shoes for Women
Stock your summer wardrobe with our favorite footwear picks. These shoe styles work for various occasions, so you’ll be ready for anything:
Walking Sandals
One of the most versatile summer shoe styles you can have is the walking sandal. These functional, fashionable shoes have an open design for ample airflow, and they’re made from durable, fast-drying materials. They’re designed for walking with an ergonomic cushioned footbed, which makes them ideal for sightseeing.
Wear walking sandals with a pair of elastic-waist cotton capri pants and a cotton top. There are short-sleeve button-down styles for semi-dressy style, along with Supima cotton T-shirts in a rainbow of colors and an assortment of graphic prints. If you think you can’t wear skirts for long walks, think again. There are athletic skirts made for active pursuits that complement any style of walking sandals.
Heeled Sandals
Another sandal style you may want for summer is the heeled sandal. Platform sandals go with midi skirts and fit-and-flare dresses, and you can wear them with cropped pants and skinny jeans, too. The open design of platform sandals lets you show off your pedicure and keeps your feet cool, while the addition of a heel imparts a formal touch for date night and other semi-dressy summer occasions.
If you want a sandal with a lower heel, there are chunky wedge sandals. Wear them with women’s Bermuda shorts or a skort and a women’s blouse. Women’s polo shirts also pair well with shorts and wedge sandals, along with most everything else in your closet. Polos can be worn under cotton sweaters on cool evenings and are adaptable to all seasons.
Ballet Flats
One of the most enduring footwear trends is the ballet flat. A mainstay of the ’90s, this slip-on shoe goes with everything from women’s jeans and shorts to skirts and dresses of all kinds. They come in different styles, including those with perforations for breathability and all-day comfort.
Create a throwback look with a pair of ballet flats and a midi or maxi dress with a floral motif. Or wear a T-shirt dress and denim jacket with this shoe style. A choker necklace completes the ’90s-inspired look, or you can impart a modern twist to the outfit with a trio of layered necklaces in varying lengths.
Loafers
If you need a shoe that’s office-appropriate yet casual enough for a laid-back lunch date, consider the loafer. These slip-ons are squarish in shape and sometimes have adornments like buckles or tassels. You’ll find leather loafers, suede styles, and those made from cotton canvas for a summery look and feel.
Wear loafers with almost any summer outfit. They’re dressy enough to wear with khaki shorts and skirts, but you can also wear them with denim.
Mary Janes
Wear a tiered maxi dress with Mary Janes to add a retro-inspired touch. This semi-dressy strappy shoe goes with dresses and skirts of all kinds, but you can also pair Mary Janes with pants. Impart a fashionable touch to high-rise jeans with a tee and a pair of black Mary Janes.
When shopping for Mary Jane shoes, there are multiple options available. Some styles are made for sporty pursuits and have soft, breathable construction. Others are crafted from suede or leather for a traditional dressy look.
Canvas Sneakers
Another summer shoe that you can wear with almost everything is the canvas sneaker. These sneakers come in different colors and prints; for maximum versatility, choose a classic white pair. Or pick up a few pairs and rotate them through the week, depending on what you’re wearing.
Canvas sneakers are light yet durable, and they’re comfortable to walk in. They have a lace-up closure for a custom fit, and they look just as stylish with casual shorts as they do with a midi dress. You can even wear them to the office with a maxi skirt as long as the dress code permits.
Flip-Flops
Whether you’re going to the beach, pool, or your backyard, flip-flops are a useful shoe to have around. Slide your feet into a pair for cool comfort; many flip-flops have ample cushioning to protect your feet and make each step comfortable.
Although you can wear flip-flops with anything, they may be too casual for some occasions. Flip flops are perfect for wearing with a swimsuit, and you can wear them with a cover-up dress. They go with rash guard cover-up hoodies and shorts, and they’re available in sizes to fit most.
Slippers
Although you may associate slippers with winter, they’re also good for summertime, too. Keep your feet comfortable when walking around the house in a pair of furry slides with a crisscross design. This plush slipper style comes in an array of colors to match your women’s pajamas. There are also loafer-style slippers that you can wear to grab the paper or take the dog out.
Explore the summer footwear selection to find the best summer shoes for your wardrobe and lifestyle. The most important factor is choosing shoes that fit properly and feel comfortable; from there, the rest is a matter of style preference.