With bags of sunshine on the horizon and summer plans coming to fruition, it’s time to check out this year’s summer wardrobe. And what better place to start than with this season’s best summer shoes? Here are some of our favourites, from classic to more contemporary choices of both styles and brands for Average Joes and Janes.
Sperry
Sperry has been producing high-quality shoes since the founder, Paul Sperry, invented and patented the first non-slip soles in the 1930s. This innovation led to the development of the original boat shoe, which has since become a staple in the summer wardrobe. The range has developed over the years, but the classic boat shoe style remains firmly in the line-up.
Men’s Billfish 3-Eye
£110
Sperry has taken the iconic boat shoe and added a modern twist to create Billfish. This sporty adaptation combines nubuck leather with a highly breathable mesh, making for a comfortable, practical and stylishly reimagined update to a classic.
The materials might have been updated, but all the hallmarks of the boat shoe remain. The moccasin stitching, the 360 laces and the triple eyelets bring that well-known boat shoe silhouette to the Billfish 3-Eye, but with the comfort of a well-ventilated trainer – the best of both worlds.
Men’s Gold Cup Penny Loafer
Currently £64
Another classic look that should never be underestimated is the Penny Loafer. Part of Sperry’s premium Gold Cup range, these woven leather loafers bring luxury and comfort in spades. The leather is soft and supple, with a lightly padded insole, and the shoes’ woven construction provides plenty of airflow to keep you cool on hot summer days.
From a day of sightseeing to an evening out, the Gold Cup Penny Loafers add a touch of class and style to any outfit, and the quality of the leather will see you wearing them season after season.
Women’s Captain Oxford Mule
£100
A slip-on shoe is a must for a summer wardrobe, but not everyone is a fan of the open-toe look. This Captain Oxford Mule is a great compromise, combining the airy feeling of a cutout back with the easy slip-on comfort of a mule.
Made with a nubuck leather upper and a padded, comfortable crepe sole, it’s a chic look that works from the pool to the dance floor. These mules will become her go-to summer shoes, and probably well into the autumn, too.
Women’s Authentic Original 1-Eye boat shoes
£50
If she’s looking for a classic, the Authentic Original 1-Eye boat shoe is surely it. The leather upper is finished with brass eyelets and moccasin stitching, with 360 laces to complete the iconic look. The leather laces do have a habit of working their way loose, but as frustrating as that might be, it at least gives a good reason to stop, take a look around and enjoy the scenery!
The white, non-slip, non-marking sole contrasts nicely with the tan upper, adding a sophisticated style that works with shorts, dresses, or jeans and brings nautical vibes to her holiday wardrobe.
TOMS Shoes
For 20 years, Toms has been creating shoes and supporting children’s education and well-being through donations from every single pair sold. Known for its espadrilles, or Alpargatas, Toms’ range has significantly grown over the decades. It now encompasses boots, shoes, and trainers, as well as classic Alpargatas, for the whole family.
Carlo 2.0 Trainer
£60
Casual and simply styled, Carlo 2.0 is an excellent trainer choice for summer. The uppers are made of a highly breathable mesh fabric that helps keep feet cool and fresh even in the height of summer.
With matching laces and contrasting heel detail, they elevate an outfit with ease and can go from daytime to evening with style. The padded heel grip and cushioned insole add an extra layer of all-day comfort, right from the first wear.
Choosing a light-coloured pair for your summer wardrobe is a must; any rogue marks can be easily removed with a damp cloth, and the thin mesh dries in no time.
Women’s Valencia Lace-up Espadrille
£75
An elevated take on a classic espadrille, these lace-up platform pumps bring comfort and style in a neat package.
The canvas upper is perched on a 3.8cm rope-covered platform, with a hardwearing rubber sole. Inside is a CloudBound insole for comfort and support, and the padded heel holds the shoe in place without being overly firm.
The embroidered logo on the heel and decorative laces finish the look with a little touch of elegance and glamour. They look great and feel chic – lovely summer shoes to enhance any outfit.
Flower Mountain
Since 2015, Flower Mountain has been combining the essence of Japanese craftsmanship with the vibrancy and fast pace of modern life to create unique designs that work for everyday life. The brand officially launched in the UK in 2021, bringing a variety of unisex styles, from performance trainers to lifestyle-driven options. There are choices to suit everyone.
Rulis Uni
£210
These unisex trainers combine fabric sports-style uppers with layered multi-coloured suede to create a unique look that is both bold and yet subtle at the same time. The laces pass through reinforced eyelets, and the upper part of the lining is leather, giving strength and stability, wear after wear. The insole is made from natural cork, which is antibacterial, keeping your feet fresh.
The moulded rubber sole and sidewalls add more interest, with indented tread and geometric patterns that complement the cutouts and embroidered patterns adorning the sides.
There is a good range of sizes available, but, unusually, many of them are half-sizes, which may make the fit rather loose; you may need to size down.
Stylish, comfortable, and just a little unusual, Flower Mountain Rulis make a great addition to your summer wardrobe.
Chatham Footwear
Chatham Footwear has roots in both nautical and country life, and for 30 years, it has produced quality footwear suited to even the most rugged lifestyle. Using the best materials and tried-and-tested methods, the results speak for themselves.
Men’s and women’s Chatham G2 Deck Shoes
From £125
These British-designed lace-up deck shoes are a core staple of the Chatham range. Available in men’s and women’s sizes and in a variety of colours, the G2 is made from high-quality leather and features an enhanced grip sole. Inside, the cushioned insole is antibacterial to keep your feet protected during the warmest of weather.
The brass eyelets, 360 lacing and hand-stitched finish add to the premium feel, while the contrasting-coloured stitching to the heel adds an extra flash of interest.
So confident is the brand in the high quality of its products that the G2 Deck Shoe comes with a 2-year warranty – something you don’t come across very often…
Lyme Lady G2 Mule Boat Shoe
£125
New for the 2026 summer season, Chatham has updated the popular lady’s boat shoe, creating the Lyme Lady G2 Mule. The slip-on mule is crafted from soft, premium leather for flexibility and comfort.
The insole is well-padded and antibacterial, which, for a leather shoe worn in the hottest of summers, is a bonus, keeping things wiff-free and fresh.
The Lyme Lady G2 is well-finished and looks stunning, and is extremely comfortable to wear. The soft leather moulds beautifully to the foot, making it an excellent choice for any time of day or night. Summer shoes at their very best.
- Summer shoes that add a splash of style - 20 May 2026
- Spoiled for choice: Finding the perfect weekend carry-on bag - 18 May 2026
- P&O Cruises Azura: Exploring the Canaries - 3 May 2026