It’s rare that you’ll find me in anything with laces from May to September. It’s just not my gig. I don’t want to be high maintenance about it, but I’m not going to waste even a second of precious sunlight untying my shoes. I want to be able to kick off a pair of clogs when I walk in the door or slip on some slides to make my way up to my neighbors’ pool. Hell, I even got away with wearing some pretty beat-up loafers to a wedding the other week.
I guess you could say that my summer wardrobe is built for comfort, ease, and perhaps a little style. If that sounds like you, dear Reader, then you’re in luck. I picked twelve great summer shoes that fit that bill. These are the best loafers, sandals, and everything in between that will carry you through summer 2022
Sabah Shoes Babas
I’m sure you already know that I’m a fan of Sabahs’ loafers, but they have a line of backless slip-ons that deserve some love, too. Made with the same soft leather, they’ll eventually mold around your foot, providing extra comfort and ease when wearing. Keeping it simple, you can wear these to just about anything the summer throws at you. I’m pairing the Palma Green pair with some Dandy Del Mar trunks this weekend and if that ain’t the peak of style, I don’t know what is.
Dandy Del Mar Huaraches
Speaking of Dandy Del Mar, they’ve got some great Huaraches out right now. This traditional Mexican sandal has a tighter weave and a triple-layered sole for comfort. They’re stylish without being ostentatious, giving you endless options from poolside to dockside to throwing your pair back on when it’s time for dinner. These are close to selling out but their slides are a great summer shoe, too.
Gauri and Co Woven Mules
If you’re looking for another backless option but still want to have a bit of the huarache feel, I recommend these mules from Etsy shop Gauri and Co. Handmade in India, they have a great silhouette for everyday wear and can easily dress down an otherwise stuffy formal event. Bonus for this company is the incredibly fast shipping from India. I think it was only four days from ordering to having them in hand.
Adidas Adilette Slides
We’re getting into slides territory now and I have to put the reigning champ first on the list. From middle school soccer players to granddads, these slides seem to transcend generational preferences; everyone owns a pair. And for good reason. They’re comfortable, easy to kick off, and are well known without being flashy. And while I like the classic black-and-white combo, there are colors for anyone and any occasion to choose from.
Suicoke Padri
A fashionable cousin to the Adilette is the Padri by Suicoke. I like the design of this model a lot. It adds a bit more to the standard silhouette without sacrificing on the classic look. What’s nice is the upper is made from nylon fabric, which helps to avoid rubbing on the top of the foot and the footbed has molded divots for added fit.
Puma Shibui Slides
The time for chunky slides is upon us and I’m here for it. It elevates the shoe game just enough to stay sporty while keeping comfort top of mind. I like the Shibui option from Puma, which has limited branding and an extra-thick sole that I can only imagine feels like walking on two jumbo marshmallows.
Birkenstock Arizona Essentials EVA
I used to look down on the EVA models from Birkenstock, thinking they weren’t the “authentic” Arizonas I know and love. How wrong I was. The EVA sandals, which boast extra comfort and are water-friendly, are exactly the type of shoe I’m packing for my upcoming beach trip. I’ll probably opt for black so I can dress them up for dinner, but I enjoy the color options the EVA Arizonas have, including electric blue and a minty green.
Greats Classon Clog
It’s pretty bold of a brand to call themselves Greats, but after seeing the Classon clog, I may just agree. I’m really digging the yellow clog, seeing it as a carefree alternative to the above-listed slides. “Matching be damned – it’s summer, let’s have some fun,” I’d say while throwing these on. The leather construction and Velcro strap give this a bit more comfort while not adding any bulk to the overall classic clog look.
Gardenheir Italian Garden Clog
Another day, another clog. This time from one of my favorite brands: Gardenheir. Italian-made, these shoes show the potential of elevating a stagnant market such as the garden apparel industry. With a super-thick cork sole, you get the support for long wear while also having a stylish alternative to the cheap sandals most of us throw on when doing yard work. With an array of tones, I don’t mind wearing these outside the garden. In fact, I threw on my lemon-colored pair for Father’s Day and they were a hit.
Allbirds Wool Lounger
Look, I know that summer isn’t all beach and pools, so if you’re hanging out indoors, I want you to have some new options too. Allbirds’ wool lounger may seem like a no-fuss house shoe, but the construction of the rubber sole and merino wool outer means you’re going to be able to wear these all day (and minimize sweating for my no-socks brethren).
Sperry Top Sider Boat Shoe
Here’s another summer staple that had to make the list. The boat shoe adds just the right amount of prep to your step. It’s comfortable, classic, and a great all-around option. While I’m prone to seasickness, you bet I look the part on the dock with a pair of Sperry’s (comfortably eating an Impossible Burger from the sidelines while everyone else is having fun).
Easymoc Buckle
I’m thoroughly enjoying seeing the Easymoc get some well-deserved attention. Taking the boat shoe silhouette and shaving off a bit here and there, you’re left with a buckled-up moccasin that’s unlike many shoes on the market. What’s more, it’s made from full-grain leather and handmade in Maine. Something tells me you’ll feel the quality in every step with these shoes.
