Put your best foot forward in the summer’s hottest shoe trends, including classic flats and sky-high platforms.
Shoes are a fun and fashionable way to express your inner style wherever this summer takes you. From beach days to city nights, footwear can transform your outfit and keep you on-trend.
Let your footwear do the talking with these must-have summer shoe styles.
Caged Sandals
Who What Wear predicts caged sandals will be a top summer trend. They’re a feminine take on the classic men’s fisherman shoe. Caged sandals typically feature multiple straps, offering more coverage than traditional styles.
These timeless shoes can be dressed up or down for various occasions, making them a wardrobe staple during warm-weather months.
Ballet Flats
You can never go wrong with ballet flats for summer. Though they’re fabulous throughout the year, flat shoes are adorable with warm-weather pieces.
Flats are a versatile and timeless addition to any shoe collection. Keep things simple with a plain pair, or opt for eye-catching ballet flats with accents like straps, studs, and woven details.
Slingbacks
Summer is one of the best times to sport sandals and heels with slingback straps. Byrdie highlights them as a top trend to watch for this season.
Slingbacks are an excellent investment because they’re always in fashion. The behind-the-heel strap gives everyday shoes an upscale flair.
Clogs
Forget everything you thought you knew about clogs. Everyone from Bella Hadid to Sarah Jessica Parker has been wearing these unexpected yet high-fashion summer shoes.
InStyle says they’re fantastic for looking effortlessly cool without sacrificing comfort. Pair the chunky footwear with flowy skirts and dresses to create a unique summer style.
Kitten Heels
It’s official: kitten heels are back in fashion. American University’s The Eagle publication says the shoe peaked in the 1950s.
Though they waned in popularity for several decades, kitten heels reemerged in the 90s and have stuck around since. Many gravitate toward the style for its understated elegance and comfortable fit.
Colorful Sneakers
Expect to see multi-colored sneakers in unexpected hues everywhere this summer. Glamour recommends bright, bold styles to give outfits a fun pop of color.
Many associate sneakers with sporty and athletic looks. However, you can pair them with skirts and dresses for a chic, European vibe.
Boat Shoes
Give your closet a coastal flair with a pair of boat shoes. The style is divisive but has returned to the runways in recent years.
British Vogue reports Miu Miu was one of the first brands to highlight boat shoes for spring and summer. Wear them with a slouchy top and a short skirt or jeans for a preppy yet relaxed outfit.
Mary Janes
According to Lejer Boutique, Mary Janes first debuted in 1902. Their classic, feminine appearance has stayed relevant for over a century.
Though the shoe is often synonymous with girlish icons like Shirley Temple, the latest styles offer a hint of modern edge. You can wear Mary Janes everywhere, from the grocery store to date night.
Platforms
Platform shoes have been a summer icon for years and show no signs of stopping. S’portofino ranked them among this season’s seven hottest trends.
A chunky heel instantly elevates an otherwise simple pair of sandals. Platforms can be styled for casual or formal occasions to elongate your figure without compromising stability.
Thong Sandals
Invest in high-quality thong sandals for outfits needing a sleek and minimal finishing touch. Elle says luxury companies like Chanel and Burberry are revitalizing the shoe for summer.
Thong sandals are recognizable for their Y-shaped strap design. Most pairs have a flat sole, but many modern versions incorporate low heels.
Espadrilles
An espadrille is a must-have in any fashionista’s closet. It features a woven, rope-like sole and comes in flat or heeled styles.
Espadrilles are casual yet glamorous, perfect for summer weddings, garden parties, and romantic beach getaways. Stick to a neutral color for ultimate versatility, or pick a colorful pair to liven up your wardrobe.
Mesh Accents
Many shoes will incorporate mesh accents this summer. Mesh is a fun and easy way to refresh classic silhouettes like flats and sneakers.
Mesh shoes are a favorite among celebrities like Kourtney Kardashian and Jennifer Lawrence. Their breathability and eye-catching style make them the ideal summer pick.
Pointed Toes
A pair of pointed-toe shoes can transform your entire look. Sandals and high heels with pointy toes combine refined minimalism with vintage charm.
The style is more edgy and chic than designs with rounded toes. Many brands offer pointed-toe options with varying heel heights to fit any summer aesthetic.
Studded Embellishments
Studs may seem like a strange summer choice, but Bustle ranks them among the hottest seasonal picks. These fashionable embellishments give shoes the perfect amount of toughness.
They contrast beautifully with feminine outfits and provide a stylish edge. You can find studded high heels, sandals, and more these days.
Out with the old, in with the new
The fashion industry constantly evolves, making it challenging to keep up with the latest trends. Forget outdated designs and embrace modern silhouettes and styles.
Trendy No More: 13 Fashion Trends That Have Lost Their Appeal (And What to Wear Instead)
Invest in high-quality shoes this summer
Footwear is an essential wardrobe item that you shouldn’t skimp on. Upscale brands like Sarah Flint emphasize quality craftsmanship and timeless silhouettes.
Sarah Flint Shoes Review: Worth the Splurge?
Select images provided by Depositphotos.
Elise Armitage is an entrepreneur and founder of What The Fab, a travel + lifestyle blog based in California. At the beginning of 2019, Elise left her corporate job at Google to chase her dreams: being an entrepreneur and helping women find fabulous in the everyday. Since then, she’s launched her SEO course Six-Figure SEO, where she teaches bloggers how to create a passive revenue stream from their website using SEO. Featured in publications like Forbes, Elle, HerMoney, and Real Simple, Elise is a firm believer that you can be of both substance and style.
