By the time you hit 50, your wardrobe knows what works—and more importantly, what doesn’t. Summer is the perfect season to edit your shoe collection down to the essentials: pairs that feel as good as they look, match your lifestyle, and make getting dressed effortless. Whether you’re heading to brunch, walking through city streets, or escaping for a weekend getaway, the right summer shoes should be stylish, supportive, and versatile enough to wear on repeat.
In this guide, we’re helping you build a shoe capsule that delivers comfort and polish without the clutter. From the staples worth keeping (hello, sleek leather slides) to the pairs it’s time to let go of (we see you, worn-out flip-flops), these smart updates will help you step into the season feeling fresh, confident, and completely put together.
1. Keep Sleek Leather Slide Sandals
Gracefully slip into summer with slide sandals that blend sophistication and ease. Leather slides are the epitome of pared-back elegance, offering a timeless appeal that seamlessly complements both casual and dressy ensembles. Crafted from high-quality leather, these sandals boast minimalistic straps that lend a polished look.
Picture yourself at an outdoor cafe, savoring a morning coffee, with these slides effortlessly elevating your look. Their versatility shines through, pairing gracefully with dresses or cropped pants. The subtle sheen of the leather adds a touch of luxury, while ensuring durability for seasons to come.
Consider brands like Massimo Dutti or Ancient Greek Sandals for options that blend craftsmanship and fashion. Their understated design makes them ideal for any occasion.
2. Keep Low Block Heel Sandals
Imagine gracefully navigating a garden party or a city stroll with just enough lift from low block heel sandals. These shoes merge height and stability, offering an elegant upgrade from flats without the precariousness of stilettos.
Their chunky heels provide a dependable base, allowing you to enjoy events like weddings or casual outings with confidence. Their stylish design elevates any outfit, making them a versatile addition to your wardrobe.
Brands like Margaux The City Sandal or Sarah Flint Perfect Block Sandal offer beautifully crafted options that provide both comfort and style. With their classic appeal, these sandals ensure that every step you take is steady and stylish, ideal for both day and evening wear.
3. Keep Fashion Sneakers in Neutral Tones
Step out in style with fashion sneakers that offer both comfort and contemporary flair. Neutral tones like beige, taupe, or gray provide the perfect canvas for versatility, effortlessly complementing a range of colors and styles.
Whether paired with trousers, midi skirts, or summer dresses, these sneakers are a go-to for a clean and modern look. Their comfort makes them ideal for long city walks or casual outings, ensuring your feet feel as good as they look.
Brands such as Veja, Cole Haan, or New Balance 327 offer sleek designs that blend seamlessly into your wardrobe. Embrace the ease and chicness of these sneakers, making them a staple in your summer shoe collection.
4. Keep Woven or Raffia Flats
Embrace the breezy charm of woven flats that capture the essence of summer. Raffia or woven materials create a texture-rich appearance, making these flats a delightful choice for both everyday wear and travel.
Their breathable design ensures comfort during warm days, while their lightweight nature makes them ideal for packing on your next getaway. The intricate weaving adds an element of interest, making even a simple outfit feel thoughtfully styled.
Explore options from brands like ZARA, Sezane, or St. Agni, known for their chic and comfortable designs. With these flats, you’ll step into summer’s ease and elegance, perfect for strolling through markets or enjoying casual brunches.
5. Keep Supportive Flip-Flops
Revolutionize your idea of flip-flops with supportive options that prioritize comfort without sacrificing style. Shun the $5 rubber pairs and invest in those designed for all-day wear, offering cushioning and arch support.
Perfect for pool days or casual errands, these flip-flops make sure your summer moments are unmarred by foot pain. Their sleek design means they pair well with casual wear or beach attire, adding a touch of sophistication to a relaxed look.
Consider options from Vionic, Olukai, or FitFlop. These brands focus on ergonomic design, ensuring that your flip-flops support your lifestyle. With supportive flip-flops, you can embrace summer’s laid-back vibe while keeping your feet happy.
6. Ditch Ultra-High Stilettos
In the realm of summer footwear, ultra-high stilettos often fall short. Despite their allure, they rarely find practicality in warm-weather settings, often becoming a source of discomfort instead of delight.
For those seeking comfort and style, other options provide an ideal balance without the pain associated with such heights. From long summer evenings to casual outings, stilettos can hinder rather than enhance your experience.
It’s time to prioritize comfort over suffering, opting for shoes that align with both your style and lifestyle needs. By leaving ultra-high stilettos behind, you open up space for footwear that truly serves you, allowing summer to be both stylish and enjoyable.
7. Ditch Cheap Rubber Flip-Flops
Often a staple in casual summer wear, cheap rubber flip-flops offer little beyond convenience. While they might seem like the perfect beach companion, their lack of support can lead to foot strain and discomfort.
With minimal cushioning and virtually no arch support, these flip-flops are far from ideal for prolonged use. Trading them for quality alternatives ensures that your summer adventures aren’t marred by aching feet.
Investing in better flip-flops means choosing comfort and health over temporary ease. Your arches deserve support, and by moving away from cheap rubber options, you embrace a summer filled with style and comfort, without compromising on foot health.
8. Ditch Heavy Gladiator Sandals
While gladiator sandals once reigned supreme on the style front, their heavy design now seems to weigh down more than just feet. Their intricate straps often cut off the leg, creating an overly busy silhouette.
In today’s fashion landscape, a cleaner, minimalist sandal offers both visual appeal and comfort. Opting for simpler designs allows for versatility and a timeless look that aligns with modern sensibilities.
By letting go of heavy gladiators, you free up your wardrobe for sandals that enhance rather than detract. It’s a step towards a more streamlined and chic summer style, where comfort and elegance walk hand in hand.
9. Ditch Wedge Sneakers
Once a quirky addition to casual outfits, wedge sneakers have now stepped into the realm of fashion confusion. Their hybrid design no longer aligns with current trends, often leaving wearers perplexed rather than polished.
The allure of height combined with a sneaker’s comfort is better served by sleek platform sneakers instead. This modern alternative offers a cohesive look without the mixed signals wedge sneakers send.
Swapping these out for contemporary options means embracing a silhouette that complements rather than confuses. A wardrobe free of wedge sneakers paves the way for a more harmonious style journey, where each piece has its purpose and place.
10. Ditch Worn-Out Ballet Flats
Ballet flats once heralded as the epitome of delicate style, often become a burden once their cushioning fades. Without proper support, they can lead to discomfort that interrupts your day.
Investing in a structured version ensures that your love for this classic style doesn’t come at the cost of comfort. With designs that provide both elegance and ergonomic support, your feet feel cared for with every step.
Opting for a supportive upgrade means honoring the timeless appeal of ballet flats while embracing modern needs. This choice allows you to stride confidently through summer, style intact and comfort uncompromised.