As someone who relies on pretty minimal closet basics, shoes have provided the easiest way to tap into trends—and my ever-growing shoe collection is proof. As available closet space quickly dwindles, I've learned to make strategic purchasing decisions, usually inspired by the runways or the seasonal shoe trends. As I'm shopping, I keep one thing in mind—the best summer shoes are the ones that can mold to your existing warm-weather wardrobe. Like Miu Miu's cool pairing of strappy heels with Bermuda shorts and Proenza Schouler's netted flats with minimalist, slightly sheer dresses— the shoes of the season can easily pair with your tried-and-true closet staples.
On my summer shoe wishlist are some new iterations of the classics: strappy sandals, a sky-high platform (already making a big splash as a popular spring shoe style), and simple '90s-era mules. But there are several other summer shoes that are back from last season with slightly updated takes. Mesh flats can move over—a slightly different netted material is on the scene and will be available in spring's trending color palettes. Satin ballet flats are getting slightly upgraded with fresh silhouettes, including a sweet square-toed kitten heel that marries the girlhood aesthetic trend with the sophistication you want in summer evening shoes.
Keep scrolling to see the 29 best summer shoe options at every price point, broken down into five categories you'll see everywhere. Plus, what to pair with them to master the style of the runways.
Strapped In
Unlike the wrap-around (and around) styles that were popular in past years, summer 2024's strappy sandals are simple, delicate, and engineered with comfort in mind—you won't have to deal with unruly straps digging into your foot and ankle. Emme Parsons offers a loose interlacing option, while Jeffrey Campbell riffed on the flip-flop strap with a sleek metallic coating. These strappy sandals are one of the easiest to style with dressy and casual pieces alike, from summer dresses to the season's popular denim trends.
Playing With Platforms
After several seasons spent in flat-footed styles, like loafers, some of the best summer shoes can take you to new heights. Chloé's new Fall 2024 season is teaming with the return of the house's iconic bohemian platform, but there are plenty of options to get a head start on the trend this summer. Larroudé (a fun shoe label started by former magazine accessories editor Marina Larroudé) has the '70s fashion-inspired open-toe platform mule, while Free People's slightly sporty flatforms offer an easy way to make a taller heel work for you; the chunky sole provides arch support that a stiletto typically doesn't.
Mules Rule
Made for slipping on and heading out the door, Summer 2024's crop of mules is the epitome of an easy summer shoe. Tory Burch put an edgy spin on the silhouette with a pierced hardware detail at the toe, while Sam Edelman's ruched leather version is both ladylike and practical. They're a great swap for your usual work sneakers and play with proportion when styled with shorter summer dresses and skirts, like the above-the-knee silhouettes at Valentino and Acne Studios.
Beyond the Ballet
The satin footwear selection on the Summer 2024 runways is the grown-up version of your ballet slippers from childhood. Think bright colors and subtle heels that give the fabric day-and-night appeal. In this category, we're predicting Prada's triangle satin mules, available in poppy chartreuse and oranges, will be one of the hottest summer shoe styles of the season. Try styling feminine textures like satin with juxtaposing borrowed-from-the-boys pieces, like baggier trousers, boxier jacket silhouettes, or even a non-traditional skirt suit a la Sandy Liang.
Nothing but Net
Celebrities like Hailey Bieber have co-signed the mesh flat movement, and for summer 2024, netted footwear is going the distance. Alaïa's sold-out netted flat will return for another season, while thicker weaves will also come in kitten heel pumps and refined loafer styles. Take a styling cue from Bieber, and try yours with a slightly oversized tailored trouser in an airy summer fabric. Or welcome a head-to-toe breeze in a slinky summer dress and netted shoe pairing, mastered on the runways at Proenza Schouler and 3.1 Phillip Lim.
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