Summer's officially on—and your feet need front-row access to the party. Whether you're soaking up the sand on the beach, dancing at night at a music festival, or simply rolling through Target with a cold beer in your hand, the perfect pair of shoes can make any summer moment a main character moment. Here’s your ultimate guide to this summer’s standout shoe trends—sorted by occasion, mood, and seriously stylish vibes.
Ready to find your sole buddies?
Best Beach Sandals 2025: Poolside to Sandbar
Sand, sun, and footwear that can take both? Yes, please.
When it comes to day-at-the-beach, waterproof is the name of the game—but that doesn't have to mean giving up style. Meet the Crocs Classic Clog—the shoe that's essentially the beach's equivalent of a VIP pass. Easy to rinse, comfortable enough for a boardwalk walk, and come in a spectrum of colors (even tie-dye, for the extra in you).
For lounging by the pool, Birkenstock's EVA collection brings the classic shape you adore—with zero of the "oops, I ruined them in the water" remorse. Lightweight, quick-drying, and, dare we say it, quite stylish, they're basically like your go-to floatie: fun, practical, and completely Insta-worthy.
And if you're in the mood for that relaxed surfer cool, Reef flip flops are for you. Cushy footbeds, fashionable straps, and beach bar-worthy cool? (essentially, they're the SPF 50 of shoes—a complete must-have.)
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Summer Festival Shoes: Style That Lasts All Day
Music fest blisters? Not on our watch.
Summer adventure to-do list: snacks, playlist, GPS. and shoes that'll take you there comfortably and in style. Speaking of which, the Nike Air Max ranks first. Great for dancing the night away or power-walking across a national park, this shoe packs a punch with its cloud-like cushioning and striking color options. Built for miles, built for selfies.
Teva sandals are another MVP for the go-getters. Adjustable straps, arch support, and that slightly rough-around-the-edges look that says "I hike, but I also brunch." Perfect for road trips where you're zipping from trailhead to taco stand.
And for that stylishly easy, retro vibe? Hello, Puma Suede Classic. Breathable and comfortable (yes, even after three encores and a food truck queue), these shoes are the perfect treat-me-right shoe for everyday errands.
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Lightweight Walking Shoes for Errands
Because darting to the market is still a style moment.
You know those errand-running, I-have-an-iced-coffee-date-with-my-friend, and possibly even a spontaneous trip to the farmer's market kind of days? That's when you want shoes that can do it all.
Enter the slip-on sneaker—hassle-free, carefree, and wonderfully blister-free. Vans and Skechers are acing this category with styles that slip on in an instant and somehow manage to work with everything. (Leggings, sundresses, cutoffs—is yes, yes, and yes.)
If you feel a little more glamorous, espadrilles have returned and are emitting "Capri vacation" energy. Woven soles and gentle uppers make them comfortable enough to wear all day—and chic enough to turn your to-do run into a fashion moment on the street.
No pinchy flats? Yeah, we didn't think so either—until today.
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Evening Vibes & Sunset Scenes
Get glam—but keep it breathable.
When the sun goes down low and the party lights turn on, it's time to get hot. This summer, platform sandals are where it's at—giving you that added height and confidence. Go bold with bright colors or go sleek with metallics—either way, they're your key to dancing till midnight (and actually staying comfortable).
Not a heels person? Go ahead and step into the fashion sneaker trend—clean lines, high-gloss color, and just a hint of glitter to turn heads. Simple white or pale pastels are totally on-trend—kind of like that catchy Taylor Swift song you can’t stop humming. They pair perfectly with maxi skirts, linen shorts, or even a cheeky mini dress.
Pro tip: In the event that your evening is spent on rooftop cocktails or al fresco dinner, choose something strappy but supportive. Heeled sandals with cushioned footbeds are a thing—and your future self will appreciate it.
Style Tip: Summer Color Pairing
Let your shoes speak (and perhaps flirt).
This year's color palette is delivering bold meets airy. Here's how to make it happen from the ankle down:
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Neons: Infuse all-white ensembles with a splash of highlighter yellow or electric pink for a fun contrast. These pair beautifully with tanned skin and confident sunnies.
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Whites: Sleek, timeless, and forever. White sneakers, specifically, are the LBD of summer footwear—reliable, flattering, and always current.
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Soft Pastels: Consider baby blue, lilac, or mint green. Fresh and cooler than the A/C, these colors are perfect with light-wash denim or linen separates for a light, airy look.
No fashion rule? Don’t care. Summer is about experiment time—so if you want to pair hot pink sandals with a coral sundress, go for it. Confidence is the true outfit-creator. Mix textures, clash prints, or wear bold hues head-to-toe. The only rule? Own your look and have fun strutting your style with a smile. Summer’s your runway—make every step count!