What Is Your Shoe of the Summer?

My fave styles — and a spreadsheet of yours.

May 25, 2024

Move over, song of the summer — I want to hear your SHOE of the summer.

This genius framing comes from a post in my LA-centric moms group (s/o to Bridget!). Summer is a uniquely challenging footwear time, with so many chances to be out and about But also! Elements to navigate and time on one’s feet. I am always on the hunt for a new go-to shoe, something that is versatile and comfortable with a bit of fun and fashion, too.

When I asked the question on Instagram, you all delivered a host of fabulous responses. Click below for the spreadsheet of nearly 300 shoe of the summer suggestions. Thank you to everyone who took the time to share! I spent even longer than usual reading your thoughts.

SMT Shoe of the Summer Spreadsheet

The spreadsheet made me take a long look at my own closet. What is my shoe of the summer? Turns out, my warm weather rotation comes down to not one but five styles. To be fair, each of these was my shoe of the summer at the time I bought it — and then stayed in constant use for years to come.

Before we dive in, a bit about my shoe profile: My feet are small but wide (exacerbated by my pregnancies) with a high instep and arch. I am not — how shall we say? — the lightest on my feet. As a kid, I was known for being a bit hard on my shoes. The following suggestions have withstood a lot.

My Shoe(s) of the Summer

Note: I use affiliate links, which means if you buy something by clicking below I may receive a small commission at no cost to you. Thank you for your support, always.

Hi from Palm Springs! Me, my slightly aggressive spray tan, and my family are spending the long weekend here. It felt like a fitting spot to take some summer shoe pics…until I realized how awkward it can be to pose for shoe pics LOL. 🙃 Did my best! (My necklace is Dorsey and my sunglasses are Krewe.)

Most versatile sandals

Click to shop: Birkenstock Madrid Big Buckle in White

This style is, without a doubt, the MVS — most versatile sandal — in my closet. But when I bought these last year, I did so with a bit of hesitation. I love, love, love a Birk for the summer; my copper Arizonas are still going strong after five-plus years). The support and comfort can’t be beat, made even better by the fashion the brand has infused in recent years. (Turns out, you all love Birkenstocks, too; the spreadsheet is filled with testimonials.)

Back to this style: I had high hopes for the “Big Buckle” Madrid iteration, which felt like a fresh and welcome update. And I really wanted the bright white look — but the white footbed gave me pause. Wouldn’t it look dirty quickly?

A year later, I’m here to say: NOPE. I took a bit of extra care, wiping them off after a dusty outing. But they have held surprisingly strong. And the white footbed gives the sandal a more elevated look than the usual tan IMO.

For this summer, thanks to your spreadsheet suggestions, I am eyeing a 2024 update. The Madrid Big Buckle now comes in a high shine style with a gold buckle. Torn between the pinky beige and the patent black — both are so chic!

Classic white sneaker

Click to shop: Superga 2750 COTU Classic Sneaker

This one is a multiple for me! I am on my third (maybe fourth?) pair of these classic sneakers. And yes, I first gave them a go because of Kate. Although the Princess of Wales has since expanded her trainer wardrobe, she wore these Supergas quite a bit early in her royal tenure. The brand has established some high-fashion cred of late, too, collaborating with Alaïa for a <checks notes> $460 version. What!

Real talk: If I’m spending a whole day on my feet, say at a theme park, I’ll pick a sneaker with more cushioning (I’ve worn my classic nylon Reeboks so much they have a hole in one side…). But on the whole, I prefer the lower profile / less chunky look of the Supergas, which work as well with dresses as they do with shorts and jeans.

One suggestion from our Mother’s Day spreadsheet has me thinking about what sneakers I’ll buy next. Amy shared the Eda D’Orsay style from Frẽda Salvador: “Fresh, feminine, stylish white calf leather sneakers that look awesome with anything - dressed or down!” she wrote. I had just seen these on a mom at a birthday party and totally agree.

New fashion flat

Click to shop: Larroudé Elle Flat Mule

What if a Nap Dress were a shoe? Because that’s what these Larroudé mules feel like. They have the same sense of fun and fashion, with the crucial comfort to match. Highly recommend for any of your summer styles that demand a SHOE — you know what I mean, right? Styles with flounce or flare that ask more than a simple sandal. Bonus: No need for a fresh pedicure!

The raffia fabric is incredibly summery and versatile but if you are looking for something even more, the Elle also comes in hot pink and cracked metallic.

(Big shoutout to Marina Larroudé for the brand she has built. We first crossed paths back at New York Fashion Week and she has always been so supportive of SMT. She worked at Style.com and Teen Vogue before becoming the fashion director at Barneys New York — which is to say! She knows a lot about what makes a great shoe.)

(T-shirt by Madewell, similar here / jean shorts from Gap)

Click to shop: Adidas Adilette Aqua Slides

Whenever we are headed anywhere with sand or water, these are the classic slides I reach for. I have had the same pair for several seasons now and they look like they did on Day 1. Yes, yes, I know there are trendier iterations on the market now, in softer colors with a bit more of a cloud feel. But I actually dig the sporty stripes (Who, me? Choosing sports? I am surprised, too). I love how they look with cut-off denim shorts. Although these slides come in a range of colors, I am forever a navy girl. (You can find them at your local sporting good store; Adidas has them on sale this weekend.)

PS: Don’t sleep on Birkenstock’s Eva line. The waterproof versions of your fave styles are fantastic pool shoes, too. I have the navy Madrids (no longer avail), which I wear for a bit more of a femme feel poolside. The candy-colored Arizona Evas are next on my list.

Wear all-day wedge

Soludos Espadrille Wedges (no longer avail, alternates here and here and here)

And finally, for when I want a bit more of a lift but a heel is a step too far, these wedges are a summer staple. They are well suited for any events set in grass, sand or otherwise unstable turf — because unlike the royals, my stilettos always sink in! I wore these to the White House Easter Roll last year, when I was on my feet for hours without a problem (would have worn them again this year but it was raining).

This specific Soludos pair has ben in my closet for nearly a decade. I think I wore these to my baby shower with Fitzgerald, who turns nine soon (GASP). They are no longer available but I have linked a few above. My biggest tip if you are hunting for your own is to go with leather over canvas. Easier to clean! I prefer a hint of a toe in the sandal, versus a closed-toe style, but that’s just me.

For those looking to channel Kate’s specific style of wedges, she’s a Castañer gal. Lots of suggestions on the SMT Shoe of the Summer spreadsheet, too, including more of a flatform from Boden (on sale this weekend) and a stretchier style from Charleston Shoe Co.

And about that spreadsheet — so many good suggestions! A few styles have me very shoe-curious:

The Tevas resurgence — and all the designer iterations + dupes of those takes — has felt a little outside of my aesthetic if I’m being honest. But y’all are tempting me. I think the key is to go big/bright/bold, like these Chacos or the Arizona Love embellished ones.
I wish my wide feet could wear the barely-there sandals Meghan sported in Nigeria. A number of you swear by them. Loving these from TKees and intrigued by the “comfort sole” options at Ancient Greek Sandals.
Where are we at with mesh? It’s all the high-fashion rage right now. I just ordered these from Madewell and will report back! Reformation makes a similar but less-sheer version.
Saving my pennies for these luxe slides, another Meghan fave.
And finally, one brand the spreadsheet introduced to me? Nisolo. Lots of SMT fans of the Huarache sandal. Margaret says: “I live in High Humidity Town, USA, so the fact that they're leather and breathable is key. And the more you wear them the more comfortable they become (without looking trashed). Win win win win win!” The style is 30% off this weekend.

I know you have shoe thoughts! Hit that button below and share all in the comments.

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