Sneakers are stylish anytime of year. But it’s really important in summer that you choose a pair that won’t make your feet uncomfortably hot. This article has all the best summer sneakers for you to choose.
Why wear sneakers in the summer?
Sneakers go with everything – unless of course, you’re in a very formal work environment or a party that requires you to dress up. You can wear your summer sneakers with your shorts, jeans, and summer dresses.
Plus, while sandals are a go-to for summer, there are times when you want a different look, more support, or your activities call for sneakers.
similar dress (here, here and here), sneakers and sunhat
What to look out for in your summer sneakers
When shopping for summer sneakers, you want to make sure they are breathable so your feet don’t get too hot and sweaty. Look for sneakers in breathable fabrics, with perforations to let air circulate.
In summer, more than any other season, you don’t want to feel as if you are wearing heavy, clumpy shoes. Choose sneakers that are lightweight, and that will go with everything in your summer closet.
Carmen @carmen_gimeno above shows how you can wear your sneakers ith your summer pants.
Get her look with this pair of adidas sneakers (another option here), similar shirt (another option here), pants, handbag and sunglasses.
Her outfit is also an artful leasson in mixing prints and patterns. Take a look at our article on how to mix prints like an expert for more tips on that.
Let’s take a look at the best pairs of sneakers for summer
Let’s look at the best sneakers to choose this summer.
superga
If you want a truly timeless pair of white sneakers that will go with everything in your closet, you can’t go wrong with a pair of Superga sneakers. The Princess of Wales loves hers!
Superga 2750 Cotu Classic Sneaker
(Amazon / Zappos)
Nike
For a more ‘serious’ pair of sneakers that you can run or exercise in during the warmer months, Nike’s Air Zoom shoes (below) are a great choice. They’re lightweight and have plenty of cushioning.
Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 40 Running Shoe
Ted Baker sneakers
For sneakers with a pretty point of difference, the Ted Baker print sneakers (below) are like a wearable work of art. They will easily dress up an otherwise simple t-shirt and jeans, or shorts, outfit.
Ted Baker London Art Print Sneaker
(Nordstorm / Zappos)
tulip 139 sneaker
The Tulip 139 sneakers (below) have perforations to keep your feet cool, and are particularly recommended for travelling and sightseeing. Wearers also say they are a good choice if you have plantar fasciitis.
Ilse Jacobsen Tulip 139 Perforated Slip-On Sneaker
(Nordstorm / Amazon / Zappos)
Cloudswift running shoes
If you like to run or walk during summer, then the Cloudswift running shoes (below) have superfoam cushioning that delivers energy return to relieve strain on your feet in hot or cold temperatures.
On Cloudswift 3 Running Shoe
(Nordstorm / Amazon / Zappos)
converse
Just as the Superga sneakers we started our list with are a true classic, so too are the Converse All Stars (below). We can’t think of anything they wouldn’t go with, and they look great on women of any age.
Converse Chuck Taylor® All Star® Low Top Sneaker
(Amazon / Nordstrom)
Dawn Lucy @fashionshouldbefun above (read her style interview here) keeps her outfit neutral and cool with her black sneakers.
She is wearing a pair of Converse sneakers and a skirt from Ruti. Check out this similar denim jacket, tee, bag, earrings and sunglasses to complete the look.
Comme des Garçons PLAY
To add a touch of playfulness to your summer outfits, the Comme des Garçons sneakers (below) feature the instantly recognizable heart and eyes motif.
Comme des Garçons PLAY x Converse Chuck Taylor® Hidden Heart Low Top Sneaker
Skechers walking sneakers
Skechers are great if you’re planning a lot of walking, so the Go Walk sneakers (below) are ideal if you are planning a lot of sightseeing. They’re lightweight and feature air mesh to keep you cool.
Crocs lightweight sneakers
Another lightweight choice for you, the Crocs sneakers (below) are light and feature perforation to keep your feet cool. Reviewers like the arch support built into the shoe.
Crocs Literide 360 Pacer Trainers
(Amazon / Zappos)
farm rio
Farm Rio always features lots of fun prints that are perfect for summer vacations. The sneakers (below) would go well with a white dress, or you could match the colors in the sneakers to any pink or orange in your outfit.
FARM RIO Coconut Tree Flatform Sneaker
(Website / Nordstrom)
Tory Burch lady bug
If you’re already a fan of Tory Burch bags, how about a pair of Tory Burch sneakers? The ladybug sneakers (below) feature Tory Burch styling on the soles, and come in a good choice of colors.
Tory Burch Ladybug Sneaker
(Website / Nordstrom / Amazon / Zappos)
veja
For a sneaker with eco-friendly credentials, Veja sneakers are made from recycled plastic bottles. They have great reviews from women who say they are comfy from the first wear.
Veja Esplar Logo Sneakers
(Amazon / Zappos)
Abi @stealmystyle40 above wears her Veja sneakers with a classic outfit of chinos, denim and stripes.
She is wearing a pair of Veja sneakers. Check out this similar tee, denim jacket, pants, bag and sunglasses.
lands’ end
Summer is the perfect time to play around with patterns, and the polka dots ont the Lands’ End sneakers (below) feel fun and summery.
Perforated sneakers
Metallics go with everything, and the perforations in the Pikolinos sneakers (below) will let your feet breathe. They’re a good choice if you need arch support.
Pikolinos Cantabria Sneakers
(Amazon / Zappos)
lace espadrille sneakers
An espadrille style will add a summery feel to your sneakers, and the lace on the Toni Pons sneakers (below) will let the air circulate around your feet.
Toni Pons Far Espadrille Sneaker
(Nordstrom / Zappos)
Sneakers for the beach
If you’re wearing your sneakers to the beach, then you’ll want a waterproof pair. The Wyhan water shoes (below) will keep you comfy for beach or river walks.
Moisture wicking sneakers
Moisture-wicking properties are important in warm weather. The Tretorn sneakers (below) are designed to be worn with or without socks and feature a moisture-wicking insole.
hightops
Gingham is a great pattern for summer. The Nike sneakers (below) will add a preppy, pretty feel to your summer outfits.
Nike Blazer Mid 77 EWT Sneaker
Adaline @sdmomstyles above opts for high-top sneakers with her cycle shorts.
Recreate her outfit with this Nike Blazer sneakers, similar sweater, bike shorts and belt bag.
silver sneakers
Metallics go with everything in the same way as white sneakers do. The AllSaints sneakers (below) are sure to get you noticed.
If you love the look of silver shoes, we have plenty more for you in this article on the best silver and gold shoes to go with everything.
AllSaints Shana Metallic Sneaker
(Nordstrom / Zappos)
yellow sneakers
Yellow is a perfect color for summer. The soles of the sneakers (below) feature cork for extra comfort.
There are more ideas on how to wear yellow in this article.
CARIUMA OCA Low Canvas Sneakers
printed sneakers
The high-top sneakers (below) feature a beautiful floral print. Wear with your jeans and a red top. Or match a red bag to the floral pattern. There are lots more prints and colors to choose from if these don’t fit your style aesthetic.
kufeiti High Top Canvas Sneaker
Do you have a favorite among the summer sneakers above? Let us know in the comments above!
shop the best summer shoes here:
Continue reading:
- The Best Women’s Sandals For Summer 2023
- The Most Comfortable Walking Shoes For The Stylish Woman
- Best Shoes With Arch Support – Comfortable Walking Shoes To Walk In All Day!
Like this article on the best summer sneakers? Share it on Pinterest!
Sylvia is 40+style’s editor-in-chief and has been helping women find their unique style since 2011. An alumni of the School of Color and Design, she is devoted to empowering women of any age to look and feel their best. Read more about Sylvia and 40+style on this page.
Want to get more articles from 40+style in your inbox, subscribe here.
You can also connect with 40+style on Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest.
Support 40+style by using the links in our articles to shop. As an associate for Amazon and many other brands, we receive a small commission (at no cost to you) on qualifying purchases which enables us to keep creating amazing free content for you. Thanks!
I love the kufeiti sneakers with the red blossom. Gorgeous.
Greetje