6 Hot Shoes for Summer & 6 That Scream “Last Year”, According to Stylists

6 Hot Shoes for Summer & 6 That Scream “Last Year”, According to Stylists

Summer’s here, and your footwear choices can make or break your warm-weather style. Fashion moves fast, with yesterday’s must-haves quickly becoming today’s fashion faux pas. We’ve consulted top stylists to identify which shoes deserve a spot in your summer rotation and which ones should probably stay in storage until they potentially cycle back into fashion’s good graces.

1. Retro Sneakers

Vintage-inspired kicks from the ’70s and ’80s have stormed back into the spotlight. Brands like New Balance, Adidas, and Nike are reissuing classic silhouettes with contemporary tweaks that honor the originals while feeling fresh.

The chunky yet streamlined profiles offer both comfort and style, making them perfect for summer festivals, city exploration, or casual Friday office attire. Earth tones and primary colors dominate this trend.

Celebrities and street style stars have embraced these throwback designs, pairing them with everything from sundresses to tailored shorts. Their versatility makes them a worthwhile investment for summer footwear rotations.

2. Woven Sandals

Handcrafted appeal meets summer practicality in this season’s woven sandal trend. Natural materials like raffia, leather, and jute create breathable, lightweight options perfect for hot days.

The textural interest adds dimension to simple summer outfits, while neutral colorways ensure maximum versatility. Many designs feature traditional weaving techniques from around the world, bringing cultural richness to your wardrobe.

Beyond their good looks, these sandals offer surprising durability and comfort. The natural give in woven materials means they conform to your feet over time, making them ideal for long summer walks and vacation adventures.

3. Clogs

No longer just for gardening, clogs have evolved into fashion’s favorite comfort shoe. Today’s versions range from traditional wooden-soled styles to modern interpretations with platform soles and bold colors.

Their backless design makes them perfect for quick errands and casual gatherings. The elevated silhouette adds height without sacrificing comfort, a rare combination in summer footwear.

Styling versatility remains one of their strongest selling points. Pair them with cropped jeans for a casual look, or contrast their chunky profile with a flowing maxi dress for unexpected balance. Brands from Birkenstock to Hermès have embraced the trend.

4. Metallic Shoes

Summer’s answer to statement footwear comes in gold, silver, and bronze tones that catch and reflect sunlight beautifully. Metallic shoes have transcended special occasions to become daytime staples.

From subtle shimmer ballet flats to full-on mirror-finish sandals, the range offers options for every comfort level. The neutral quality of metallics means they function as a versatile base that works with nearly every color in your wardrobe.

Low-heeled mules and strappy sandals lead the trend, offering just enough flash without feeling costumey. Even sneakers have joined the metallic movement with subtle accents that add dimension to casual looks.

5. Jelly Sandals

Childhood favorites have grown up! Jelly sandals have returned with sophisticated updates including sleeker designs and elevated color options beyond the glitter-infused versions of the ’90s.

Modern jellies now come in matte finishes and architectural styles that pair surprisingly well with sundresses and casual office wear. The waterproof nature makes them practical for beach trips and sudden summer showers.

Fashion houses like Gucci and Valentino have created luxury versions, cementing jellies as a legitimate fashion statement rather than just a nostalgic novelty. Their affordability at most price points makes them an accessible trend.

6. Boat Shoes

Preppy staples have sailed back into fashion with contemporary updates. Today’s boat shoes maintain their functional non-slip soles and water-resistant leather, but now come in expanded color options and sleeker profiles.

Women’s versions have evolved beyond the traditional masculine design, offering feminine colorways and lighter constructions. The hand-sewn details and quality materials make them a sustainable purchase that improves with age.

Styling has evolved too – pair them with linen shorts and an oversized button-down for an effortless summer look. Their comfort makes them ideal for sightseeing or outdoor dining, while their timeless appeal ensures they’ll remain relevant for seasons to come.

1. Dad Sneakers

Once the darling of street style photographers, the exaggeratedly chunky dad sneaker has finally lost its cool factor. These oversized shoes with their complex layered designs and excessive bulk now read as trying too hard.

The extreme proportions that made them stand out now make them look dated. Fashion has shifted toward more refined silhouettes that don’t overwhelm the foot or the outfit.

Celebrity endorsements have waned as influencers move on to sleeker styles. The impracticality of wearing such heavy shoes during summer heat further pushes these down the relevance ladder. If you’re still attached to yours, consider saving them for fall when their heft makes more seasonal sense.

2. Platform Shoes

Ultra-high platforms that dominated social media feeds last summer have quickly descended from fashion heights. The exaggerated stacked soles that once seemed fresh now appear costume-like and impractical for real summer activities.

Comfort concerns have contributed to their downfall. Navigating hot summer days in heavy, ankle-twisting platforms has lost its appeal as wearers prioritize footwear that allows for movement and all-day wear.

Many platform designs also featured synthetic materials that don’t breathe well in summer heat. Stylists suggest transitioning to more moderate height options if you still crave elevation – think subtle platform sandals with natural materials rather than towering synthetic constructions.

3. Plastic Flip-Flops

Basic rubber flip-flops have fallen from fashion grace, relegated to shower shoes and beach necessity status only. Their flimsy construction and lack of support make them unsuitable for actual summer outfits or city wear.

Environmental concerns have further dampened enthusiasm for disposable plastic footwear. The quick breakdown and frequent replacement cycle creates unnecessary waste when more durable options exist.

Style-wise, they simply don’t elevate any look. Even casual summer outfits deserve better finishing touches than these utilitarian basics. Upgrade to leather sandals or structured slides that offer similar ease with significantly more style and sustainability points.

4. Logo-Heavy Sandals

Sandals plastered with oversized logos and brand names have fallen out of favor as fashion embraces subtlety. The obvious branding that once signaled status now reads as lacking confidence or originality.

Luxury houses have shifted toward quieter signifiers – unique hardware, distinctive shapes, and quality materials rather than splashing their name across every available surface. This reflects a broader move toward understated elegance in fashion.

Practical concerns also factor in. Logo-heavy designs date quickly and limit versatility, making them poor investments for seasonal wardrobes. Stylists recommend redirecting funds toward timeless designs with discreet branding that won’t scream “last season” by next summer.

5. Plain Ballet Flats

Basic round-toe ballet flats in solid colors have lost their fashion standing. The simple, unadorned style that once seemed timeless now appears dated without modern updates or interesting details.

Today’s footwear landscape favors flats with personality – think pointed toes, interesting textures, ankle straps, or architectural elements. The completely plain version reads as a missed opportunity for style expression.

Comfort issues have also contributed to their decline. Traditional ballet flats often lack arch support and cushioning, making them impractical for summer activities. If you love the general silhouette, look for updated versions with comfort technology, squared toes, or subtle design details.

6. Chunky Sneakers

Massive-soled athletic shoes with bulky proportions have reached their trend expiration date. These exaggerated sneakers that dominated streetwear now feel forced and overdone as fashion embraces cleaner lines.

Their heavy construction makes little sense for summer heat when lighter footwear options abound. The visual weight they add to outfits contradicts the effortless feel of ideal summer style.

Even athletic brands have shifted toward more streamlined performance shoes. If you invested heavily in this trend, consider saving them for specific streetwear-focused outfits rather than making them your daily summer go-to. The fashion pendulum has swung toward balance rather than extremes.