The Best Summer Shoes to Own (and When to Wear Each One)

When it comes to the best summer shoes, I find myself reaching for the same few styles every year. The pairs that work with dresses and denim, feel comfortable, and make summer outfits easier to put together.

These are the categories I wear most and the ones I think are worth owning.

If You Only Buy 3 Summer Shoes

If you’re trying to keep things simple, these are the three styles I would start with. I come back to these every summer:

A flat sandal for everyday is easy, comfortable, and works with everything from jeans to dresses.
A comfortable heel for dinners, summer events, and anytime you want to feel a little more dressed up.
A woven flat for when you want something a little more refined than a sandal.

Flat Sandals For Everyday

Flat sandals are what I wear most during the summer. They’re easy, comfortable, and work with everything from jeans to dresses.

I reach for these on days where I’m running errands, have casual plans, or anything where I’ll be on my feet. A simple leather sandal always looks a little more polished than rubber or overly casual styles, which makes a difference in how the outfit comes together.

Woven Flats

Woven flats are the pair I reach for when I want something a little more refined than sandals. The texture feels more seasonal than plain leather flats, and they work beautifully with linen pants and dresses. My most worn styles are the Demi Jane and the Fonteyn by Margaux. Both fit true to size, get softer with wear, and the quality shows in how they wear season after season. I’m wearing a size 7 in the style pictured above (if in-between sizes, size down since they will stretch with wear).

The raffia ballet flat is another good option for summer occasions where you want your toes covered, a summer shower, an indoor event, or just a change from sandals.

Best Summer Shoes: Flip Flops

There’s nothing that feels more like summer than flip flops. But I prefer a dressier flip flop in leather, metallic gold, or a refined finish. It’s worth having for casual summer days when you want something easy but still pulled together.

I reach for mine at the beach, running errands, or anywhere I want to slip on and go. Look for a padded footbed and quality materials. The difference between a flip flop that looks cheap and one that elevates a casual outfit usually comes down to the finish. I’d recommend Tkees as a starting point. They have a very wide range of neutral shades.

Summer Heels (My Most Worn Styles)

Summer heels are the category I reach for when I want an outfit to feel a little more dressed up but still comfortable. Most of the heels I wear are either strappy heels for events or block heels for longer days.

Strappy heels are what I wear most for dinners, summer parties, and weddings. I almost always stay in the 2–3 inch range because they’re comfortable enough to wear all evening but still feel polished. These gold heels are the dressier ones I wear most, with arch support for the most comfort.

Block heel sandals are my favorite for outdoor events or nights where a thinner heel doesn’t feel practical. They still feel elevated but are much easier to wear. I have these heels in both Dune and Saddle and wear them with everything from dresses to jeans.

Summer Shoes: Wedge Heels

A wedge sits in that sweet spot between a flat and a traditional heel. You get the lift plus stability, which makes them one of the best summer shoes for outdoor dinners, long days out, or anywhere grass is involved. I reach for a lower wedge with casual summer outfits like shorts, a sundress, a white jean skirt. For a midi or maxi dress, a higher wedge gives you better proportions. I’ll choose wedge heels over block heels when I want more of a casual summer vibe.

White Sneakers

A white sneaker is the one shoe that works with almost everything in summer. Dresses, denim, and linen pants all look great with the right sneakers. I wear mine with no-show socks to keep the look clean. My two go-to’s are the Gucci Ace for a more elevated option and a classic slim sneaker like these Adidas Sambas for everyday wear.

White Shoes for Summer

A white shoe isn’t essential, but it’s one I find myself reaching for more than I expect. It has a way of brightening an outfit, especially in the summer when everything feels lighter. If you already have a go-to neutral sandal, this isn’t essential, but it’s one of those additions that can make summer outfits feel lighter.

I wear mine most with denim, all-white looks, and dresses where a darker shoe can feel too heavy. It’s an easy way to keep an outfit feeling fresh without adding anything complicated.

The Summer Shoes I Reach for Most

If I look at what actually gets worn each summer, I repeat the same categories over and over. A flat sandal for everyday, a woven flat when I want something a little more polished, and a comfortable heel for dinners and events.

I still enjoy trying new styles, but those are the pairs that end up carrying most of my summer wardrobe.