10 Best Summer Shoes for Men 2025, Tested by Style Editors

If you’re looking for the perfect summer shoe with breathable comfort, durability, and tons of style, look no further than Rothy’s washable RS01. After testing these sneakers for a few weeks, they’ve completely dominated our summer shoe rotation. Sweat and over heating was never a problem, thanks to the loose knit upper and below-ankle profile. The color-block construction is sharp but also helps your feet stay cooler for longer. It’s like a breeze in dress sneaker form, and if your feet tend to run hot in the summer, this material is a game-changer.

Style-wise, the RS01 hits that perfect middle ground between sporty and elevated. Our testers pair this shoe with everything from chino shorts to lightweight summer suiting. It has that timeless, California-cool vibe, so it’s polished but relaxed. The terry-lined tongue and padded collar give it a slightly retro, lived-in look that’s versatile enough for the office, weekend errands, or a beach boardwalk stroll.

And while the RS01 isn’t fully waterproof, the knit upper and rubber outsole do hold up well against the occasional splash or light rain. Plus, it’s fully machine washable; just pull out the insole and throw the whole thing in the wash. That’s a massive bonus in summer, when sweat, dust, and grime build up fast. (Tip: if you’ve got wide feet, size up.)

Read more: Rothy’s RS01 Sneaker Review

Whether you’re going for a long walk on the beach or taking a boat ride, The Water Coast is ready for all the splashes. Made with a soft, bouncy cushion and a breathable, perforated upper, this waterproof shoe is designed for seaside adventures. The memory foam with arch support kept us comfortable on all types of terrain. To our surprise, our feet didn’t feel clammy after not wearing socks with them for hours.

The moc toe slip-on resembles a boat shoe but provides the functionality of a sandal. Yes, some might say it gives dad vibes, but it has lots of versatility. Our testers wore it with jeans, shorts, and trunks for different occasions. Plus, it easily transitions between poolside to a night out on the town without looking out of place.

Read More: Best Waterproof Shoes for Men

Summer always calls for a great pair of loafers, and this slip-on style is built for casual fits and frequent travels. Astorflex updates its marquee shoe for cross-country flights by making it flexible enough to be folded down to half its size without losing shape. We found that this feature makes it easy to pack, saving space in our luggage. It also has a slimmed-down rubber heel, making it even lighter and more portable. Whether you’re headed to a destination wedding or going to a resort dinner, this shoe has you covered for pretty much every scenario.

One of the key features of the Patnoflex loafer is its unlined, vegetable-tanned leather upper. This design reduces weight and also enhances breathability, making it ideal for warm-weather wear. Inside, the loafers feature an ergonomic and breathable footbed, providing comfort during long walks or extended periods of wear.

The minimalist Venetian-style silhouette of the Patnoflex loafer offers a sleek and versatile look that goes great with a variety of outfits. Whether you’re dressing up for a dinner or keeping it casual for a day of sightseeing, these can be matched with linen pants, shorts, or jeans. Plus, you get to choose from multiple colorways including tan leather and dark chestnut nubuck. While not fully waterproof, the Patnoflex loafers offer a degree of water resistance due to the natural properties of the vegetable-tanned leather and the rubber outsole.

I’ve been wearing the Nike Zoom Vomero all year, and honestly, there’s no reason to switch it up for summer—the comfort level is that good. The foam midsole hits the sweet spot between bounce and cushion, so whether I’m speed-walking to catch the train or strolling through Central Park, every step feels smooth and easy. I’ve worn them all over New York, on cobblestones, slick sidewalks, subway platforms, and they’ve held it down every single time.

What really seals the deal, though, are the mesh uppers. They’re super breathable, so even on hot, 80-degree days, my feet stay cool and dry. No overheating, no sweat buildup, just airflow where you need it. I’ve definitely taken a few fast turns down stairs to the train or hit unexpected puddles, and the grip has never failed me. These kicks are built for everyday wear, but they still feel light and breezy enough to wear on the dog days of summer.

If your summer plans involve days spent by the pool, Lululemon offers a quick-drying slide that won’t ruin if it gets wet. Not only is it made from durable water-resistant foam, I’ve found it keeps me planted on slippery locker room floors after stepping out of the shower at the gym. Plus, the cushioning is thick and supportive, shielding your feet from scorching hot pavements and rough poolside textures.

It also makes for a great recovery shoe for runners. Our fitness editors found that it provides soothing comfort after a half marathon or intense Crossfit session. Also, the dual-density foam gives you that soft landing when you step in, plus firmer support underneath so your feet stay planted, not just cushioned. The wide strap locks in your foot comfortably as your piggies get all the breathing room possible. The slide looks great with swim trunks as well as shorts on mornings when you want to make a quick coffee run.

Read More: Best Slides for Men

Vinny’s Leather Fisherman Sandal is hands-down one of the best fisherman sandals I’ve tested. I’ve worn them through heatwaves in the city, weekend getaways, and even got caught in a surprise summer downpour, and they held up better than expected. It perfectly balances structure with breathability. The woven leather upper has enough openings to keep air flowing (your feet won’t feel trapped or sweaty), but still gives full coverage up front, so your toes aren’t out there catching curbs or grime. It’s that open-yet-closed design that gives them a cool, slightly retro vibe; somewhere between Euro dad on holiday and downtown creative.

The leather itself is legit. It’s soft but sturdy, and since it’s treated for water resistance, it didn’t warp or stain when I accidentally stepped into a puddle or spilled a drink. They dried quickly and kept their shape, which isn’t something I can say for a lot of other leather sandals. The buckle closure is another win. It gives the fit a snug, secure feel, which I appreciated when walking longer distances. I didn’t have to worry about slipping out or getting that floppy, loose feeling some sandals get after a few wears.

Style-wise, they’re wildly versatile. I’ve paired them with everything from pleated trousers and a camp collar shirt to linen shorts and a tank top. They read a little dressy thanks to the leather finish, but the fisherman silhouette keeps it grounded and chill. Whether you’re heading to a summer dinner, a low-key hang, or even just walking around a new city, these sandals fit right in: stylish, functional, and unexpectedly comfortable.

Common Projects is my go-to shoe brand when I’m going for that quiet luxury vibe. It has a clean, minimalist look that plays nice with all kinds of bottoms: chinos, shorts, and linen pants. The smooth leather is super polished, but it’s surprisingly breathable, especially once it’s broken in. I’ve worn mine on hot commutes and rooftop hangs, and my feet didn’t sweat like they were trapped in a sauna.

These are a little stiff out the box, but quickly start to feel smooth and natural after wearing it for about a week. The silhouette is sleek enough to dress up with a blazer for date night, but chill enough to wear sockless without looking sloppy. The low profile, subtle branding, and neutral colorways make it the kind of sneaker you wear on repeat, from Monday meetings to Sunday brunch. And yes, this pair is an investment, but the material is built to handle wear and tear as well as rainfall.

Read More: Best Dress Sneakers for Men

Personally, I love to wear a mule with flowy fits during my summer vacations. Take this simple-but-elegant slip-on that works for pretty much any occasion, be it casual or dressy. Its heel exposure keeps things cool yet still offers a more suave look than a regular sandal. With a smooth upper, comfy rubber sole, and canvas lining, these are perfect for everything from airport sprints to casual coffee runs and park picnics.

Our testers took it for a spin to the Bahamas. After wearing it for hours during sightseeing tours, they found that their dogs didn’t sweat as much in this shoe compared to other mules. Though, the sole doesn’t have much traction, so we don’t recommend wearing it on slick or uneven surfaces. This mule is best saved for smooth resort floors or dry stable ground. In terms of styling, it looks great with a knit polo and wide-leg pants, but is versatile enough to pair with t-shirt and shorts too.

Slip into these sandals and you might as well be stepping onto a yacht off the Amalfi Coast. That’s exactly the energy Todd Snyder was going for, and it shows. The soft suede upper brings a laid-back vacation-ready feel, while the molded foam footbed offers serious comfort that doesn’t skimp on support. With contouring at the arch and heel, your feet feel cradled, not flattened. The EVA outsole adds a light, springy bounce that takes pressure off each step, whether you’re exploring the city or posted up at a rooftop bar.

Our Deputy Editor Christian Gollayan wore them on a five-mile walk through the South of France and came back with zero foot pain. “I usually steer clear of flip-flops because they’re not the most appealing or that comfortable,” he admits. “But these? Total game-changer. They feel amazing, and the suede makes them look way more elevated.” Bonus: the stitching is seriously durable, so they’ll hold up wherever your summer takes you. They come in two shades, but that sandy tone pairs well with everything including a breezy resort look; a Hawaiian shirt and off-white trousers.

Boots might be a hard sell for summer shoes, but these are not just any boot. In fact, their origin dates back to surviving the deserts in WWII—that means they were built for carrying rough men through sizzling weather from the start.

As for the OG style, Clarks’ desert boot is also versatile enough for summer dressing, along with the rest of the year. It is the perfect companion for any jeans. Just add a floral short sleeve button down or a knit polo, and you’re good to go.

Read more: Best Desert Boots for Men