Picture this: the soft touch of sand beneath your feet, an Aperol Spritz in hand, and hair tousled by early morning sea breezes. It’s that heady mix of balmy days and sun-soaked moments that makes the season so irresistible. But as we swap out our winter layers for crisp linens, it’s also time to turn our attention to the ultimate warm-weather staple: shoes. Whether your wardrobe is in need of a chic upgrade or you're simply craving a seasonal refresh, our edit of the summer’s most desirable footwear trends will ensure you step into the season in style. And on that note, we say it's time to let the dogs out to get a bit of sun.
The square-toe mules
Square-toe mules are dominating the summer runways, and it’s no surprise why. From Bottega Veneta’s sculptural take to The Row’s stripped-back elegance, this angular silhouette is rewriting the rules of refined footwear. There’s a sense of rebellion in their clean, structured lines—no longer conforming to the rounded or pointed shapes of the usual mules. They pair effortlessly with linens and slinky satin slips, offering an edge that elevates soft minimal ensembles.
JACQUEMUS Ballet Mules
ST AGNI Heeled loafer
JACQUEMUS Ballet Square toe-mules
Fisherman Sandals
At Loewe’s Spring/Summer show, the fisherman sandal emerged in bold metallics and soft, supple leather, styled with everything from structured suiting to deconstructed dresses. This juxtaposition of practicality and luxury is what makes them so captivating. They’re no longer just the laid-back sandal for beach days—they’ve been elevated into a statement piece, bridging the gap between form and function. They provide a look that is effortlessly cool that offers a refreshing contrast to the more polished footwear options.
THE ROW Fisherman Sandals
LOEWE Campo cutout leather sandals
LEE MATTHEWS Sandal
PRADA Rubber Sandals
OXFORD Fisherman Sandals
Thongs
Thongs and heeled thongs are having a moment this Spring/Summer, popping up on runways recently like Miu Miu and Jacquemus and proving they’re way more than just beachwear. Designers have given them a sleek update, with buttery leather straps and glossy finishes, adding a little lift to your look while keeping things super easy and laid-back. Whether you're slipping them on with a slinky dress or your go-to shorts, they’ve become a go-to summer staple that’s all about that effortless, barely-there vibe.
HAVIANA'S SQUARED
CHRISTOPHER ESBER Moodstone Mule
BOTTEGA VENETA Stretch Strap Sandal
MIISTA Red Sandals
SANDY LIANG Thong Mules
Gladiator Sandals
Gladiator sandals are making a fierce comeback for summer, blending timeless edge with modern flair. Their strappy, lace-up design, once seen in ancient arenas, now strides through fashion streets, offering an easy balance of boldness and elegance. And is this a coincidence that gladiator sandals are coming in just as Paul Mescal's Gladiator 2 is coming out? Perhaps.
CELINE Gladiator Sandal
A. EMERY The Jalen Sandal
Ballet Flats
From Miu Miu to CHANEL, these flats made a statement on the runways, but with a fresh twist— soft leathers, delicate details, and sleek silhouettes that feel super modern. They’re the kind of shoe you can slip on with just about anything, whether it’s a pair of jeans, a flowy dress, or tailored pants, instantly adding a touch of effortless charm. There’s a nostalgic feel to ballet flats, but this season, they’re less prim and more about relaxed elegance.
CHARLES & KEITH Ballet Flats
Maison Margiela Tabi Ballet Flats
CAMILLA AND MARC Ballet Flats
SANDY LIANG Mesh Ballet Flats
Sporty Sneakers
No summer shoe collection is complete without timeless sneakers. You can't live without this incredibly practical option in your summer wardrobe. While sneakers is certainly not ground-breaking, many people underestimate its place during the warmer months. A fresh pair of sneaker can instantly elevate even the simplest of outfits, and is the perfect comfort option if you're running errands.
MIU MIU x NEW BALANCE Leather Sneakers
ADIDAS x WALES BONNER Sneakers
SALOMONS Vanilla Ice Sneakers
ONITSUKA TIGER Mexico 66D Sneakers
If you're looking to complete your summer wardrobe, look to our breakdown of the 2024 bikini's we're buying this summer summer for a guide to the most noteworthy fashion pieces and how to wear them.
Image: Instagram
Featured products are selected editorially. Our opinions are our own. Occasionally, we may receive a standard affiliate partner fee if you make a purchase using the links we feature.
