The Best Summer Shoes for Men in 2026, Tested by Style Editors

If you’re looking for the perfect summer shoe with breathable comfort, durability, and tons of style, look no further than Rothy’s werehable RS01. After testing these sneakers for a few weeks, they’ve completely dominated our summer shoe rotation. Sweat and overheating was never a problem, thanks to the loose knit upper and below-ankle profile. It’s like a breeze in dress sneaker form, and if your feet tend to run hot in the summer, this material is a game-changer.

Style-wise, the RS01 hits that perfect middle ground between sporty and elevated. Our testers pair this shoe with everything from chino shorts to lightweight summer suiting. It has that timeless, California-cool vibe, so it's polished but relaxed. The terry-lined tongue and padded collar give it a slightly retro, lived-in look that’s versatile enough for the office, weekend errands, or a beach boardwalk stroll.

And while the RS01 isn’t fully waterproof, the knit upper and rubber outsole do hold up well against the occasional splash or light rain. Plus, it’s fully machine washable. Just wash with cold and let them air-dry out of the heat. (Tip: if you've got wide feet, size up.)

Read more: Rothy's RS01 Sneaker Review

Cole Haan’s GrandPrø Rally Laser Cut Sneaker crushed our wear tests and ended up being the casual shoe we reached for most. It’s insanely lightweight, breathable as hell, and looks put-together even when you’re sweating through a heatwave. Right out of the box, our testers noticed how little it weighs. Like, featherlight.

Compared to other leather sneakers, especially retro court styles like the AF1s, this one feels noticeably lighter in hand and on foot. You can toss it in a carry-on or wear it through a full travel day without feeling like you’re lugging around bricks. That’s thanks to the rubberized EVA outsole, which gives you just enough cushioning so you don’t feel each step, but without any extra bulk.

Underfoot, the OrthoLite foam footbed adds to the comfort. It’s made from an open-cell polyurethane foam, which has a soft but slightly springy texture. It’s more airy and moisture-wicking than traditional insoles. I wore it through a packed day that included a long walk to the office, a full 9-to-5 on my feet, and a dinner downtown. The shoe kept my feet feeling stable and supported, with zero heel slip and no sinking sensation. Just a steady, cushioned ride all day.

After packing it for a weekend trip, I found it works for basically every casual situation: airport, brunch, rooftop drinks, even a light walk after dinner. It’s clean, minimal, and easy to style with anything from chino shorts to breezy trousers. The real game changer, though, is the upper. Cole Haan laser-cut the leather so it’s covered in these breathable perforations. It’s paired with a soft textile lining that keeps things smooth on the inside, so no rubbing, even if you go sockless.

If your summer plans involve days spent by the pool, Lululemon offers a smooth slide that looks great with swim trunks. Not only is it made from durable water-resistant foam, I’ve found it keeps me planted on slippery locker room floors after stepping out of the shower at the gym. Plus, the cushioning is thick and supportive, shielding your feet from scorching hot pavements and rough poolside textures.

Our fitness editors found that it provides soothing comfort after a half-marathon or intense CrossFit session. Also, the dual-density foam gives you that soft landing when you step in, plus firmer support underneath so your feet stay planted, not just cushioned. The wide strap locks in your foot comfortably as your piggies get all the breathing room possible.

Read More: Best Slides for Men

I always saw boat shoes as something my dad would wear to the family barbecue with a polo and chino, but Sperry’s gave this pair a fresh spin on the nautical-inspired silhouette. Usually arriving in tan or navy, the brand’s updated version comes in an olive shade that looks great with white linen pants or denim shorts. It adds enough personality to keep an otherwise neutral outfit from feeling boring. I’d be remiss not to admit they do have a bit of a break-in period. On the first try-on, the leather nubuck upper, which has moccasin construction, feels a bit snug especially across the top of my foot. But after three or four wears, it loosens up and molds to my feet.

I’ve worn these on vacation for our boat day during my trip to Costa Rica. I was able to get them wet as the waves splashed us onto the catamaran, but the water didn’t get inside and make my feet feel clammy. When I was walking around the island for hours, I really noticed the difference in the Wave-Sliping outsole, compared to a traditional boat shoe with a thinner one. It gives the shoe a sturdier, more grounded feel with enough traction to handle wet sidewalks and uneven ground without making the shoe feel clunky.

The Birkenstock Arizona is the one sandal we keep coming back to, summer after summer. It’s just ridiculously comfortable, easy to style, and built like a tank. First off, the oiled nubuck leather straps look clean and feel solid. You get two adjustable buckles, so you’re not flopping around, and the deep heel cup gives you that locked-in feel. It’s the rare sandal you can actually walk in—like, really walk. One of our editors wore them all day through the airport, straight into a three-mile walking tour, and didn’t experience any fatigue or soreness.

But the real secret sauce is the cork-latex footbed. It molds to your feet the more you wear it, so give it a few days, and it’ll feel like it was custom-made for you. We’ve worn these on concrete, cobblestone, sand, and grass, and the footbed and straps did a great job of keeping our feet firmly planted. Even with these modern features, the Birkenstock’s classic style hasn’t changed since it first launched in the early ’70s. After pairing this with a bunch of summer fits, our fashion editors say it goes with pretty much anything. Shorts, sweats, swim trunks, even jeans if you’re pulling off that look. Best of all, these Birks actually last. I’ve been using one since 2015, and found that it just gets better with age.

Read More: Best Sandals for Men

After I’ve gone for a run in the sun, the last thing I want to do is squeeze my tired feet back into a pair of stiff sneakers, which is why I like the Nike ReactX Rejuven8. The ReactX foam gives it that soft, cushioned feel underfoot, while the roomy forefoot gives my toes a little more space to spread out after a workout. It has a futuristic look that makes it more fun to wear, especially because Nike offers it in a bunch of cool colorways, including some with trippy gradient finishes.

I also appreciate all the ventilation holes throughout the upper, which let some much-needed air reach my feet when I’m wearing these during the summer. And while they’re designed for recovery, the sticky rubber outsole gives them enough grip for walking around on slick floors without feeling like I’m wearing a slipper.

If you want a slip-on shoe that makes getting dressed and out the door easier, check out Olukai’s Lae’ahi. The back has a drop-in heel so, when I step into it I don’t need a shoehorn or have to wrestle my feet in. I found myself reaching for these on hot summer days because the breathable mesh keeps my feet from feeling sweaty when it’s pushing 80 degrees and higher. The water-resistant accents are a nice touch for unexpected splashes or a quick walk along the beach.

Aside from the shore, this shoe can also hold up in business meetings with a dress shirt and slacks. The rubber outsole feels durable and grippy, which I appreciate when I’m logging plenty of steps around New York. I probably would skip rocking them on the muggiest subway days as something more ventilated would be more comfortable. Just a note: they run large, so I’d recommend going down a half size for a more secure fit.

I’ve become a big fan of mules because they give me the convenience of a sandal while still keeping most of my foot covered, and Luca’s version is one that’s been in rotation. The open-back design makes them incredibly easy to slide into, which is especially handy when I’m rushing through TSA or just running out the door. They also look considerably sleeker than a pair of basic slides, so I’ve worn them with jeans and a polo when I want an easy, preppy look.

The Italian full-grain leather upper gives them a more elevated feel, while the crepe rubber outsole has a soft, slightly springy sensation. Underneath, there’s a cork footbed that provides the same kind of supportive, contoured feel you’d expect from a classic Birkenstock. I wouldn’t choose these for a full day of walking as the footbed starts to feel a little firm after several hours. But I will reserve them for quick errands or grabbing lunch. I wear a size 8 with relatively narrow feet and found there was plenty of space up front, so I think these could be an especially good option if you typically need more room in the toe box.

When it comes to summer shoes, the best lifestyle sneaker should check off three boxes: comfort, function, and enough versatility to wear with a bunch of fits. Enter the Brooks Chariot. Originally a performance running shoe from the ’80s, the Chariot’s been reworked into an everyday sneaker that’s clean, low-key, and super wearable.

A suede upper and EVA cut-foam midsole double down on those retro running roots, giving it the kind of classic look that still feels grounded in performance. We wore it with shorts, chinos, even lightweight jeans. It worked every time.

What sets Brooks apart—and why it’s one of our favorite brands for both running and walking—is its famed insoles. The Chariot carries over that same DNA, with plush cushioning and built-in stability that help keep your stride supported during city walks and sightseeing tours. It feels better than most lifestyle sneakers out there, especially the retro icons everyone’s wearing right now.

We love how it feels on foot. During a regular workday in the summer, we found our feet didn’t feel clammy by noon like they might in a shoe with thicker leather uppers. The mesh panels actually let air flow through, keeping things cool, not swampy. One of our editors wore it through a long day of travel—walks, flights, and Uber rides. And after weeks of wear, ours still looked good enough to wear out to dinner.

Read More: Best Running Shoes for Men

Slip into these sandals and you might as well be stepping onto a yacht off the Amalfi Coast. That’s exactly the energy Todd Snyder was going for, and it shows. The soft suede upper brings a laid-back vacation-ready feel, while the molded foam footbed offers serious comfort that doesn’t skimp on support. With contouring at the arch and heel, your feet feel cradled, not flattened. The lightweight molded-foam footbed adds a soft feel underfoot, whether you’re exploring the city or posted up at a rooftop bar.

I wore them on a five-mile walk through the South of France and came back with zero foot pain. I usually steer clear of flip-flops because they’re not the most appealing or that comfortable. But these? Total game-changer. They feel amazing, and the suede makes them look way more elevated. Bonus: the stitching is seriously durable, so they’ll hold up wherever your summer takes you. They come in two shades, but that sandy tone pairs well with everything including a breezy resort look: a Hawaiian shirt and off-white trousers.

Common Projects is our go-to shoe brand when we’re going for that quiet luxury vibe. It has a clean, minimalist look that plays nice with all kinds of bottoms: chinos, shorts, and linen pants. The smooth leather is super polished, but it’s surprisingly breathable, especially once it’s broken in. I’ve worn mine on hot commutes and rooftop hangs, and my feet didn’t sweat like they were trapped in a sauna.

These are a little stiff out of the box, but quickly start to feel smooth and natural after wearing it for about a week. The silhouette is sleek enough to dress up with a blazer for date night, but chill enough to wear sockless without looking sloppy. The low profile, subtle branding, and neutral colorways make it the kind of sneaker you wear on repeat, from Monday meetings to Sunday brunch. And yes, this pair is an investment, but the material is super durable and will last for years to come.

Read More: Best Dress Sneakers for Men