The heat is here again and that means it’s finally time to bust out some stylish new shoes in time for summer. Whether you need something quick and comfortable for a vacation or you’re looking for something classier for a date in the city, there are plenty of options to keep you looking cool when the weather gets hot. These are our picks for the shoes no one should find themselves without this summer.
Sandals
You have to love it when practicality and fashion decide to coincide with each other. The most obvious summer shoe of all also happens to be one of the most stylish, as evidenced by the presence of sandals during Men’s Fashion Week SS16. When the fashion powers that be decreed that sandals were appropriate footwear, men everywhere rejoiced. It’s not just the fashion designers, either, as popular opinion is shifting too. A survey of 100 women asked if they approved of men wearing flip-flops and an overwhelming 71 of them said yes. Of course, that doesn’t mean to go overboard here. However, we highly recommend investing in a quality pair of nice leather sandals if you hope to avoid looking like just another beach bum.
Gum Soles
Beyond traditional shoe styles, one thing that is being paid more attention to is the sole, and few materials are more in vogue than the gum sole. The durable, non-marking material has been seen everywhere, including on slip-ons, high-tops, and even boat shoes. One list of must-own summer kicks points to the Nike Air Uptempo Gum as one of the shoes of the season and we’re inclined to agree. The pairing of the pristine white upper with the gum sole is a winning combination that’s sure to look great all season long. Plus, it won’t scuff up a marble floor.
Espadrilles
One of the most popular shoe trends for both men and women in 2016 is slip-on shoes. And of those, the espadrille is leading the way. The jute rope soles look both casual and exotic and don’t make your feet sweat or get gross in the hot weather the same way leather soles do. This collection gave us some terrific inspiration for slip-on style with a variety of espadrilles boasting uppers ranging from traditional lightweight canvas with bold, floral prints to woven yucca fiber. There are even lace-up options to help make it the perfect summer shoe.
Brogues
It’s hard to beat a classic pair of dress shoes and no style is more on trend than the brogue. The slightly more formal take on the Oxford is the dress shoe du jour and a must-have for any man’s wardrobe. One of the best things about a nice pair of brogues is how versatile they are as a dress shoe. This article explains how you can effortlessly interchange them for a black tie event, a business casual luncheon, or if you’re simply trying to look stylish on the town.
