With summer in full swing, maybe you’re looking for an easy wardrobe refresh. Or perhaps you’ve been paying close attention to your current shoe rotation and are just now realizing that they’re not cutting it.
Whether you’re interested in a new pair of sneakers that’ll beat the heat or something to pair with your summer wedding suit, we’ve taken the time to curate the perfect list of the best shoes a man can buy in summer 2024 – covering all purposes and occasions.
The Best Summer Sneakers
Adidas Samba
Surely by now you’ve noticed, but the Adidas Samba has been absolutely everywhere for the past year or two. While certainly an iconic and timeless sneaker in its own right, it’s safe to say that the Samba sneaker is kind of the “in-shoe” as of late.
Inspired by soccer trainers from the 1950s, Sambas are built to last for daily wear and go surprisingly well with a variety of aesthetics. If you’re worried about jumping on the wagon a bit late – don’t be. Sambas have been around for a while, and though they’re currently riding out their “moment,” they’ll never truly be out of style.
The best part? They come in a wild amount of colors and collaborations, with the cheapest pairs going for an easy $100 or so. Win-win.
Nike Killshot 2
The runner-up sneaker of the moment would also happen to be of the tennis variety, only this time, from Nike. The Killshot 2s are a remarkably sleek and classic take on the tennis shoe, and come in all sorts of unique and visually exciting colorways.
Look outside, and you’ll spot these everywhere, as well. But that doesn’t mean they’re a passing trend. Like the Samba, they’re a truly iconic and practical choice, and their small profile makes them ideal for summer wear.
And hey, they’re only $90.
New Balance Made in USA 990v6
In the late 2010s, New Balance became cool again in the eyes of the fashionable public, and the world has been significantly better off for it, if we do say so ourselves. Not only are New Balances comfortable, their most iconic “dad-shoe” silhouettes are incredibly charming and easy to style.
Newer offerings like the 990v6 make it even easier. Especially their camo colorway, which lends a neutral dose of green to any outfit. These sneakers are easy on the feet and fair on the wallet – for something crafted in the USA, that is.
With mixed elements of suede, mesh, and more, they’re as stylish as they are breathable, making them great for summer styling. The $219 price tag might seem steep at first glance, but for the quality, it ain’t too shabby.
Asics Gel-Kayano 14
Perhaps a bit more of a quieter trend, the Asics Gel-Kayanos have exploded in popularity across certain fashion circles, frequently selling out some variations.
To many, the Gel-Kayano 14s represent the ultimate dad sneaker with a supercharge of fun, modern style. They’re like the cool, chunky sneakers you would have loved to wear as a kid – so why not rock ‘em now?
Besides serving up their unique aesthetic in spades, they’re extremely comfortable and easy to wear in warmer climates due to their mesh construction, and come in a number of variations, each with their own colorful accents and detailing.
For about $150, what more could you want?
Converse Chuck 70 Canvas
Arguably the most iconic sneaker of all time, Converse’s Chuck 70s have remained an absolute essential to anyone’s wardrobe for decades. While some prefer low-tops, we think the high-tops are especially classic and easily malleable to any aesthetic.
We’re partial to the “Parchment” colorway, which offers a clean, off-white color that is sure to go with basically anything.
Chuck 70s are incredibly easy to style, and their canvas construction makes them significantly more breathable than some other types of sneakers. If you don’t already have a pair, what are you waiting for?
It could be the best $90 you’ll ever spend.
The Best Summer Smart Casual Shoes
Drake’s Ecru Herringbone Cotton Espadrilles
No shoe exemplifies the sort of laid-back elegance that the humble espadrille manages to accomplish. Though these ones from Drake’s bring quite a bit to the table, in their own right.
Featuring a herringbone cotton upper and jute detailing on a comfortable rubber sole, consider these your ultimate summer style hack when you’re trying to look relaxed and sophisticated at the same time.
Chasing that “old-money” aesthetic? You’re gonna want these on your shoe rack. Made in Spain, with multiple colors available, and only running you $115, these are an excellent value, and well worth the purchase.
G.H. Bass Larson Weejuns Loafer
Much has been said about the G.H. Bass Larson Weejun, as it very well might be the most iconic loafer of all time. But it’s hardly overrated – they deserve some credit!
Loafers are sort of the unofficial smart casual shoe of the summer, and G.H. Bass’s offerings are hardly ever left out of that conversation.
Weejuns are quite well made for their asking price, and exhibit classic styling that pairs remarkably well with just about any outfit you can imagine. Casual but smart, and hand-sewn in El Salvador, you can’t do much better for $175.
Yuketen Alejandro Huarache Sandal
Sandals don’t have to be dorky. Yuketen, a unique Japanese-American brand that’s been making waves as of late, truly understands this. Their leather Alejandro Huarache Sandal is ultra-sophisticated, sporting a delicate design that’s incredibly well-constructed.
Handmade in Mexico, Hand-cut and hand-woven, these prioritize comfort by having the edges of the leather strips shaved off, plus an official Vibram outsole – a component made in the USA.
They’re sold out on their official website at the time of this writing, but you can snag ‘em on Todd Snyder at a good discount ($189)!
L.L. Bean Casco Bay Boat Mocs
Haven’t you heard? Boat shoes are back, baby. While some feel that their recent resurgence this summer is something of a passing trend, we’re inclined to disagree. Boat shoes are an iconic staple of men’s fashion, and they’re better than ever.
L.L. Bean footwear is always remarkably high-quality for the price, and their Casco Bay Boat Mocs are no exception. Featuring a classic shape and built for performance and comfort, you might not be able to find a better way to try out boat shoes for yourself, at a better price.
Less than $100? For shoes that look and feel this good? These will have you set for summer 2024, and beyond.
G.H. Bass Pasadena Bucks
The humble white buck shoe has a long and rich history in the context of menswear and men’s fashion, and though some may think they solely offer up a rather vintage-inspired look (which they do), we would argue they’re still quite timeless!
A good pair of white bucks adds a dose of classic American prep to just about any outfit, and if there’s any time to wear them, it’s summer.
G.H. Bass doesn’t just kill it at the loafer game, their Pasadena Bucks are a great value, too!
They’re easy to style and easy to wear, and they’re sure to get you some compliments at your next BBQ. For only $175, you’ll get a truly timeless pair of shoes that look great and feel even better.
The Best Summer Formal Shoes
Morjas The Belgian Loafer
Going to a summer wedding? Or perhaps a fancy work event? You want something that exudes elegance, but still looks relaxed enough for the summer vibe that sticks in the air through September.
Look no further than the Morjas Belgian Loafer, an ultra-refined take on the loafer shoe made from a stunning black leather and featuring blake stitch construction. The subtle pebble-grain texture on the leather keeps these from looking too sleek, but the silhouette offers that in spades.
All in all, these somehow straddle the line between chilled-out and luxurious, all for $350.
Beckett Simonon Dean Oxfords
So, you need a sturdy and reliable oxford shoe for your business professional work setting – and something you can confidently pair with a navy suit to any event.
The Beckett Simonon Dean Oxfords should be your pick, as they offer an exceptional value and stellar looks. Made from real, full-grain leather and stacked leather heels that are easy to repair, these will last you a good, long time.
We’re partial to the classic brown pair, as they’re the easiest to style, yet tastefully conservative. Made to order for just $219, you don’t want to pass these up.
SUITSUPPLY Black Tuxedo Oxford
Sometimes, an event calls for black tie, and while you could get away with a sleek black loafer or well-polished black dress shoes, why not go all-in with these patent leather oxford shoes from SUITSUPPLY?
With a high-sheen finish and sleek silhouette, you’d be surprised at how well these wear in the summer. Made in Italy from high-end leathers, they’re incredibly lightweight for an oxford. If the event you’re attending happens to have any sort of ballroom dancing, rest assured, these will have you looking (and feeling) like Fred Astaire.
If you’ve got a tux and can’t figure out what shoes to wear, let these be your answer. For summer events – and all year long. They’ll run you $299, but consider them a worthy investment.
Putting a Cap (Toe) on Things
That about concludes our list for the best men’s shoes for summer 2024. While a lot of these can be worn year-round without any style sins, many were chosen for their breathability, summer-inspired styling, and overall value.
Whether you need a new pair of sneakers for Sunday adventures or something professional enough for business casual summer wear, there’s a little something for everyone here.