There was a time in not too distant memory when it was almost impossible to choose a nice pair of sandals for summer. It was an era that gave sandals a terrible name and inspired a widespread prejudice against summer footwear altogether. It’s a black mark that summer shoes are still trying to live down, but recent seasons have seen an explosion in the creativity and effort that goes into the category.
After the year we all had, it’s no surprise that we’ve become more accustomed to jumping into a pair of sandals, slides, or mules. This habit doesn’t need to stop. In fact, considering the level that summer shoes have hit lately, this habit should be encouraged to continue.
With the help of MR PORTER, we hit the net to pull together a list of summer shoes that shouldn’t scare you. From Bottega Veneta to Birkenstock and everything in between, this is concrete proof that, actually, summer shoes have hit an all-time high.
Bottega Veneta’s Rubber Sandals have been a real highlight of the season. The rubber clog works in all environments and all wardrobes, and it’s not lacking in shock value, either.
When we spoke about the dark days of summer shoes, we forgot to say that there was one shining light throughout the whole thing: Birkenstocks. They will never die.
If you’re a regular Highsnobiety reader, you’ll know how much we love a good pair of mules. Gucci’s black rubber mules are a newcomer to the scene with a perforated monogram vamp and an unlikely rugged outsole to boot.
One of Japanese label visvim’s staple designs is the Christo. The go-to sandal has earned a cult following since its introduction in 2003. This pair looks to a blue suede upper to make its statement.
The classic two-strap suede sandal is a timeless asset in the contemporary wardrobe. It can be worn with socks when the mercury drops, or bare-footed in the heat. This Yuketen pair is all about quality. Untreated leather uppers leave the pair with a beautiful, natural finish.
Espadrilles have classically been a throwaway, no-fuss item. At the hands of Castañer, the jute-soled pairs become beautiful, luxury footwear. Soft suede uppers in brown make them an easygoing, all-occasions design.
Few retailers have succeeded in creating their own label which slots into the general product selection as smoothly as MR PORTER’s Mr P. line. This pair of sandals features a suede and webbing strap crossing over the top of the foot for a comfortable, secure, and refined ride.
Cork soles are a serious asset in summer. They’re comfy, mold to your foot after a few wears, and are super lightweight. They float, too, in case you lose your pair in the ocean.
The king of prep makes some of the best boat shoes. No surprise, really. This pair of suede boat shoes from Ralph Lauren is ideal for going from day to evening during summer.
White canvas uppers feature soft leather trims to ensure that this pair of espadrilles is a long-term fixture of your summers.
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