Summer is heating up, and so are the footwear choices hitting the streets. From nostalgic retro kicks to cutting-edge designs, this season’s shoe trends offer something for every style personality.
Whether you’re heading to a beach party or city brunch, these standout shoes will elevate your warm-weather wardrobe while keeping comfort in mind.
1. Belt Buckle Trend
Buckle details are making a major comeback this summer, adding an edgy-yet-sophisticated touch to sandals and flats alike. The oversized hardware creates a striking focal point that instantly elevates even the simplest outfit.
Fashion insiders are particularly loving this trend for its versatility – buckled shoes work equally well with flowy dresses or structured denim. Many designers are incorporating vintage-inspired buckles that nod to ’70s fashion while maintaining a thoroughly modern silhouette.
The chunky nature of these buckles also provides surprising stability and adjustability, making them both a style statement and a practical choice for all-day wear.
J.Crew New Colbie Buckle Sandals in Suede
J.Crew’s interpretation of the buckle trend comes in the form of their New Colbie sandals, crafted from buttery-soft suede that molds to your feet with each wear. The understated color options – particularly the neutral tones – make these incredibly versatile for summer wardrobes.
Comfort hasn’t been sacrificed for style, with the brand incorporating cushioned footbeds that make these appropriate for city exploring. The ankle strap provides security while the statement buckle adds just enough visual interest without overwhelming an outfit.
Fashion editors have been spotting these paired with everything from linen dresses to cropped jeans, proving their chameleon-like ability to complement various looks.
COACH Margot Sandal
Luxury meets practicality in COACH’s Margot sandal, which has quickly become a street style photographer’s favorite this season. The signature hardware detail gives these sandals immediate brand recognition while maintaining an elegant profile that works for multiple occasions.
Memory foam padding hidden within the leather footbed makes these surprisingly comfortable for all-day wear. Street style stars have been photographed wearing these with everything from tailored shorts to maxi dresses, showcasing their remarkable versatility.
The slightly elevated heel provides just enough height without sacrificing walkability – a crucial factor for summer shoes that need to transition from day to evening events seamlessly.
2. Thong Sandals
Evolving into sophisticated thong sandals that are dominating street style photos worldwide, flip flops have grown up this season. The minimalist aesthetic offers a clean, unfussy look that pairs beautifully with this season’s voluminous dresses and oversized shirts.
Unlike their casual beach counterparts, these elevated versions feature premium materials like butter-soft leather and architectural details that make them appropriate for upscale settings. The barely-there design creates a lengthening effect for legs, making them particularly flattering when worn with shorts or mini skirts.
Fashion influencers are embracing neutral colorways that blend seamlessly with summer wardrobes, though metallic options provide a perfect opportunity for a subtle statement.
Tony Bianco X Revolve Krista Sandal
Tony Bianco’s collaboration with Revolve has produced the Krista Sandal – a minimalist dream that perfectly captures the elevated thong trend. The paper-thin straps create an almost barefoot illusion while providing surprising stability for city walking.
Crafted from premium leather with a squared-off toe, these sandals bring an architectural element to summer outfits. Street style photographers have captured these paired with everything from slouchy linen suits to casual denim, showcasing their chameleon-like versatility.
The barely-there design makes legs appear miles long, especially in the nude colorway that blends seamlessly with skin tones. Fashion editors particularly love how these pack flat for vacation without sacrificing style.
AEYDE Melody Leather Flip Flops
German brand AEYDE has reimagined the humble flip flop with their Melody style, transforming it into a luxury statement piece that’s captured street style photographers’ attention worldwide. The sculptural leather strap sits perfectly between toes without the discomfort typically associated with thong designs.
The slightly cushioned footbed features the brand’s signature leather treatment, which develops a beautiful patina over time. Fashion insiders particularly appreciate the subtle branding – just a small embossed logo – allowing the clean design to speak for itself.
Available in both neutral tones and unexpected colors like butter yellow and sage green, these have become the versatile foundation of countless summer outfits spotted in fashion capitals.
3. “Show Your Toes” Styles
Pedicures are taking center stage this summer with the proliferation of open-toe designs that put feet on full display. Unlike previous seasons where closed shoes dominated, current street style embraces the sensuality and breeziness of toe-revealing footwear.
Designers are playing with negative space, creating cutouts and strappy configurations that frame toes artfully. This trend works particularly well with summer’s gauzy fabrics and lightweight silhouettes, creating a cohesive warm-weather aesthetic.
Fashion photographers have captured countless variations on city streets – from minimal toe loops to elaborate cage designs that climb up the ankle. The added benefit? These styles allow for maximum airflow during hot summer days while maintaining style credentials.
Tory Burch Pierced Slide in Metallic
Metallic accents elevate Tory Burch’s Pierced Slides from simple summer footwear to statement accessories that street style photographers can’t get enough of. The distinctive pierced logo creates an instantly recognizable silhouette while casting interesting shadows on sun-kissed feet.
The slightly raised footbed provides unexpected comfort for all-day wear, making these a practical choice for summer city exploration. Fashion influencers have been spotted pairing these with everything from casual denim to flowing maxi dresses, demonstrating their remarkable versatility.
While available in several colorways, the metallic options have proven most popular for their ability to function as a neutral while still adding a touch of glamour to otherwise simple summer ensembles.
ZARA Flat Strappy Sandals With Metal Ornament
ZARA has captured the essence of luxury footwear at an accessible price point with their metal-adorned strappy sandals. The architectural hardware element draws the eye while creating a distinctive silhouette that photographs beautifully on city streets.
Despite their elaborate appearance, these sandals feature thoughtfully placed straps that provide surprising stability for walking. Street style stars have been photographed wearing these with both casual and dressy outfits, showcasing their impressive versatility.
The flat profile makes them practical for long summer days while the metal detail adds just enough visual interest to elevate even the simplest outfit. Fashion editors particularly appreciate how these offer runway-inspired design at a price point that allows for guilt-free seasonal updating.
4. Retro Kicks
Nostalgia reigns supreme in footwear this summer with retro sneakers dominating street style photos worldwide. Vintage-inspired silhouettes from the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s have been reimagined with modern materials while maintaining their distinctive throwback profiles.
Fashion photographers have captured these paired with unexpected combinations – flowy dresses, tailored suits, and even beachwear – creating compelling juxtapositions that feel thoroughly modern. The chunky proportions of many retro styles create an interesting counterbalance to summer’s typically lightweight clothing.
Beyond their style credentials, these sneakers offer all-day comfort for urban exploration, making them as practical as they are fashionable. Color blocking and primary hues feature heavily, adding vibrant pops to summer neutrals.
PUMA Speedcat Og Women’s Sneakers
Originally designed for motorsport in the 1990s, PUMA’s Speedcat has made a triumphant return to street style, captured on fashion influencers worldwide. The distinctive curved silhouette and ultra-low profile create a sleek look that pairs surprisingly well with summer dresses and shorts.
The suede upper has been refreshed in contemporary colorways while maintaining the iconic shape that made these a cult favorite. Street style photographers have noted how these add an unexpected sporty element to otherwise feminine summer outfits, creating interesting tension in styling.
Despite their racing heritage, these sneakers provide remarkable comfort for city walking, with cushioned insoles that make them practical for all-day wear. Their relatively slim profile makes them less bulky than many retro sneakers – a plus for summer packing.
Reebok Club C 85 Vintage Shoes
Reebok’s Club C 85 has emerged as the understated hero of summer street style, offering vintage tennis charm without trying too hard. The clean white leather upper develops a personalized patina over time, making each pair uniquely worn-in – a quality street style photographers frequently highlight.
Fashion insiders appreciate the subtle green accents and window box logo that signal to those in-the-know without screaming for attention. These sneakers have been spotted paired with everything from floaty prairie dresses to structured linen suits, demonstrating their chameleon-like versatility.
The slightly cushioned collar provides ankle support without bulk, making these comfortable for long summer days exploring urban environments. Their reasonable price point has made them a repeatable purchase for many style enthusiasts.
5. Fringe Moment
Movement and texture define this season’s fringe footwear trend, bringing playful energy to summer street style. Unlike the bohemian fringe of seasons past, this iteration feels more architectural and intentional, with precisely cut strands that sway hypnotically with each step.
Fashion photographers have captured these dynamic shoes paired with otherwise minimal outfits, allowing the fringe to become the focal point. The textural contrast works particularly well against summer’s lightweight fabrics, creating visual interest through juxtaposition.
Beyond their obvious style credentials, fringe shoes add an element of fun to everyday dressing – they’re practically impossible to wear without smiling. Color trends lean toward natural raffia tones and vibrant brights that pop against neutral summer wardrobes.
Larroudé Ivy Fringe Flat in Beige Raffia
Natural materials meet playful design in Larroudé’s Ivy Fringe Flat, which has quickly become a street style favorite for its distinctive silhouette. The neutral raffia construction provides texture while remaining versatile enough to pair with virtually any summer outfit.
Fashion photographers have captured these in motion, highlighting how the fringe creates captivating movement with each step. The pointed toe adds an unexpected element of sophistication to an otherwise playful design, making these appropriate for both casual and dressier summer occasions.
Despite their statement-making appearance, these flats offer surprising comfort with padded insoles that make them practical for city exploration. Their natural material allows feet to breathe during hot summer days – a practical consideration that doesn’t sacrifice style.
Prada Shuffle Fringed Leather Mules
Luxury meets playfulness in Prada’s Shuffle mules, which have been capturing street style photographers’ attention worldwide. The contrast between the structured leather base and the fluid movement of precisely-cut fringe creates a fascinating visual dynamic that photographs beautifully in motion.
Fashion insiders particularly appreciate the manageable heel height, which provides elevation without sacrificing walkability – a crucial factor for summer shoes. The slip-on style makes these practical for warm weather when no one wants to fuss with complicated fastenings.
Street style stars have been spotted pairing these with unexpected combinations – from structured suiting to casual denim – demonstrating their remarkable versatility despite their statement-making design. The distinctive triangular Prada logo adds a subtle luxury touch without overwhelming the design.
6. Sleek Slides
Minimalism meets practicality in this season’s sleek slides trend, which has been dominating street style photos from New York to Tokyo. The pared-back aesthetic offers a clean foundation for summer’s typically more elaborate clothing, creating balanced proportions that photographers love to capture.
Unlike the chunky pool slides of previous seasons, these versions feature slim profiles and premium materials that elevate them beyond casual wear. Fashion insiders appreciate how these slip-on styles transition seamlessly from morning coffee runs to evening dinner dates with a simple outfit change.
The lack of straps or complicated fastenings makes these ideal for hot summer days when no one wants to fuss with their footwear. Color trends lean toward sophisticated neutrals with occasional metallic accents for subtle interest.
Free People Verona Slide Sandals
Artisanal craftsmanship meets everyday wearability in Free People’s Verona slides, which street style photographers have been capturing on fashion insiders worldwide. The hand-woven leather upper creates subtle texture while maintaining the clean lines that define this season’s slide trend.
Available in earthy neutrals that pair effortlessly with summer wardrobes, these slides have become a staple for those who value both aesthetics and comfort. The slightly molded footbed provides surprising support for all-day wear, making these as practical as they are stylish.
Fashion editors particularly appreciate how these pack flat for travel while still offering enough structure to be appropriate for city exploring. The handcrafted nature means each pair has slight variations, creating a unique quality that mass-produced footwear lacks.
J.Crew Made-In-Italy Mule Flats in Metallic Leather
Subtle glamour defines J.Crew’s Italian-crafted metallic mules, which have been spotted on fashion editors and influencers throughout major cities this summer. The reflective finish catches light beautifully, creating visual interest while the streamlined silhouette maintains sophistication.
Fashion photographers have captured these paired with everything from casual denim to occasion dressing, highlighting their impressive versatility. The cushioned insole provides unexpected comfort for a style that looks this polished – a factor frequently mentioned in street style interviews.
While available in several metallic options, the soft gold has proven most popular for its ability to function as a neutral while still adding dimension to summer outfits. The quality leather develops a beautiful patina over time, making these an investment that actually improves with wear.
7. Lace-Ups
Romantic yet practical, lace-up sandals have returned to street style prominence this summer with fresh proportions and unexpected details. The wrapping straps create visual interest while providing exceptional stability – a combination that explains their popularity among fashion-forward city dwellers.
Street style photographers have captured countless variations, from delicate ankle-wrapping designs to boldly colored ribbons that climb halfway up the calf. The adjustable nature of lacing makes these ideal for various foot shapes and ankle sizes – a practical consideration that doesn’t sacrifice style.
Fashion influencers have been showcasing these paired with everything from floaty dresses to structured shorts, demonstrating their remarkable versatility. The vertical lines created by lacing also produce a lengthening effect for legs – an optical illusion that hasn’t gone unnoticed.
Loeffler Randall Louisa Lace Up Ballet Flat
Ballet-inspired details meet contemporary design in Loeffler Randall’s Louisa flat, which has quickly become a street style photographer favorite this season. The delicate ankle lacing creates visual interest while the squared-off toe adds an unexpected modern touch to the otherwise romantic silhouette.
Fashion insiders particularly appreciate the cushioned footbed that makes these practical for city walking despite their delicate appearance. The ribbon ties can be styled multiple ways – wrapped around the ankle, tied in a bow at the front, or crisscrossed up the leg for different looks.
Available in both neutral leathers and statement-making metallics, these versatile flats have been spotted paired with everything from casual denim to occasion dressing. Their relatively affordable price point has made them a repeatable purchase in multiple colorways.
ALOHAS Moroisa Sandals
Sustainability meets high style in ALOHAS’ Moroisa sandals, which have been capturing street style photographers’ attention for their distinctive lacing detail and eco-conscious construction. The contrasting colors on the laces create visual interest that photographs beautifully against summer’s typically neutral palettes.
Made using responsible production methods, these sandals appeal to the growing segment of fashion consumers who value both aesthetics and ethics. The chunky sole provides surprising comfort and stability, making these practical for all-day city exploration despite their fashion-forward appearance.
Street style stars have been spotted wearing these with unexpected combinations – from floaty dresses to structured tailoring – demonstrating their remarkable versatility. The adjustable lacing ensures a perfect fit for various foot shapes, adding a practical element to their obvious style appeal.