5 Best Summer Shoes for Men

Once you’ve put away your snow boots and winter shoes, it’s time to start thinking about the footwear that’ll keep you on your toes all summer long. Sure, you probably have a pair of old flip-flops lying around. But you’ll need more than a thonged sandal to experience all the season has to offer. 

Fortunately, the best summer footwear for men comes in a range of different styles, meaning you don’t have to restrict yourself to thonged sandals or sliders. To help you out, here are our five favorite summertime styles.

#1 Classic White Sneakers

If it’s summer, your shoe collection isn’t complete without a fresh pair of classic white sneakers for men.

What places white sneakers among the best shoes for summer? It all comes down to two factors:

  • Simplicity 
  • Versatility

When it comes to building that perfect summer outfit, white sneakers are simple enough to pair with your favorite board shorts and tank top, yet versatile enough to go with a summer suit for those semi-casual occasions, like family gatherings and social events. 

Need to add a pair of white sneakers to your rotation? Check out the TOMS Baja Slip-On. This slick and casual summer shoe elevates the classic white sneaker with a 100% vegan build, featuring ventilation holes for breathability, a rubber sole, and our OrthoLite® insoles made with plant-derived and recycled materials for unbeatable comfort.

#2 Sandals 

A no-brainer, sandals are easily the most iconic summer shoe—it’s a style that takes breathability to a whole new level by removing as much obstruction between your feet and the summer breeze as possible. 

From the pool to the park to wherever else your summer takes you, it just makes sense to go in sandals. They’re one of the best men’s shoes to wear with shorts and come in a robust variety of styles, meaning there’s a pair to match any event. The most popular styles of these types of men’s shoes include: 

  • Flip flops & slides 
  • Sport sandals
  • Closed-toe sandals
  • Gladiator sandals

#3 Knit Sneakers

Between family reunions, fairs, festivals, and vacations—plus all the things you already do to stay active—summer has a way of keeping you on your feet. All that extra action means that the best summer footwear should be:  

  • Breathable
  • Comfortable
  • Lightweight

Knit sneakers hit every mark on that list, making them a great addition to your summer wardrobe. Made from a special mesh material, they’re a proven way to keep your feet cool no matter how much you’re moving. Factor in a super-stretchy material that’s durable yet light as a feather, and you have a shoe made with those summer months in mind. The TOMS Alpargata Rover features a canvas upper made primarily with jute, which is a preferred eco-fiber that requires less water and fewer chemicals. This lightweight and modern shoe with athletic-inspired elements like sneakerized outsoles and OrthoLite® insoles for non-stop comfort are ready for all of your summer adventures.

#4 Espadrilles

The espadrille originated in Europe in the 13th century, but it’s since gone to become one of the most recognizable shoe styles in the world. This is partly due to the shoe itself—the unique jute fabric of the soles is distinct and naturally supportive to the foot. 

And it doesn’t hurt that over the years, the espadrille has received more than its share of ringing endorsements. The famous champions of this shoe style include:

  • Pablo Picasso 
  • Don Johnson in Miami Vice
  • President John F. Kennedy 

But you don’t have to be a world-famous artist, the president, or even an undercover detective to rock a pair of espadrilles. They’re an adaptable men’s summer shoe for any occasion—and any guy, from beach bums to barflies to backyard grill masters. 

TOMS Alpargata Rope Espadrilles is the newest version of our classic espadrille for men. Lightweight and available in a variety of great colors, they’re one of the best shoes for summer. Plus, this casual shoe is made sustainably with post-consumer plastics, so you can be comfortable and environmentally conscious. 

#5 Slip-Ons 

Sometimes, the best shoes for summer are the ones you can get on and off with as little fuss as possible. Sandals are great for that, but when you need a little more coverage, slip-ons are the way to go. Plus, slip on shoes can be worn for a number of occasions, and make great men’s fall shoes as well.

There are a couple of routes you can take when it comes to slip-ons for men: 

  • Boat shoes –  Nothing says summer like being on the water, and there’s no better shoe for the deck than the boat shoe. But this style isn’t strictly for those with a flair for the nautical. Whether you’re setting sail or swinging a croquet mallet, choose a pair of boat shoes that offer both comfort and traction, like TOMS Claremont Boat Shoe.
  • Canvas slip-ons – When the vibe’s more chill, a classic pair of canvas slip-ons can be the best shoe for your summer wardrobe. Whether you opt for TOMS Baja Slip-On or our Fenix Slip-On, you’re guaranteed comfort, breathability, and style with every step.

Find Your Perfect Summer Shoe at TOMS

Now that you know the best summer shoes for men, it’s time to go shopping. After all, summer’s only here for a limited time. You don’t want to miss out on the fun simply because your shoes weren’t up for it.

From sneakers to slip-ons to our iconic espadrille, TOMS has all the men’s summer shoe styles you need, all made with sustainability in mind. And the best part is, when you buy a pair of TOMS, you support people and organizations working to promote equity at the grassroots level.

Ready to step into something sustainable? Shop our men’s styles now. 

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Reviewed By Andrew David Stewart

Andrew David Stewart is the Manager of Digital Marketing at TOMS and has been working in the digital marketing and social media world for 6 years. Andrew is a lover of nature and the outdoors, and is passionate about telling stories through digital media.