You have enough things to sweat about in summer, so don't let your footwear be one of them. Instead, let me walk you through the 8 best, most comfortable sneakers of the season.
Whether you're already packing for your summer getaway or you're counting down the days until your summer Fridays in the office start rolling in, a solid, versatile sneaker will do wonders for you this season. The right summer sneaker has to absolutely bring it in terms of style, cushioning, and versatility, and the picks on the list below check off all those boxes, plus a few more.
Whether you're a Vans guy who likes to keep it classic or a Koio man who prefers to lean towards all things luxe, these are the sneakers you'll be wearing this summer—and more than likely far past it, too.
Pros
Cork insoles are ridiculously comfortable- Fully-stitched outsole for durability
Cons
- Not a lot of arch support
Our editors love the OCA Lows, and you will, too. This is a sneaker so lightweight, it feels like stepping on a cloud. Plus, you can't go wrong with this timeless, minimalist design, whether you opt for these shoes in canvas, suede, or leather.
| Colors | 20 |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 5-13 |
| Materials | Cotton, Rubber, Cork |
best comfortable summer sneakers
Nike Nike Killshot 2 Leather Shoes
Pros
- A modern look on classic performance tech
- Retro-inspired rubber gum sole adds traction
Cons
- Buyers report the toe box fits snug
The Killshot 2 has everything a summer sneaker should have: a sick profile, a smooth ride, and a lightweight, still-cushiony design that allows you to roam freely all day, every day.
| Colors | 11 |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 7-15 |
| Materials | Leather, Rubber |
Pros
- Breathable engineered knit upper
- Upgraded design adds height and removes weight
Cons
- Not the best for dressing up
Hoka's Clifton 9 is the sneaker that you'll wear everywhere this summer, because it can do it all. These are great for running and working out, but also an ideal everyday shoe, thanks to the lightweight, plush feel and fresh new look.
| Colors | 28 |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 7-16 |
| Materials | Recycled Polyester Mesh, Rubber |
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Pros
- Has FuelCell foam technology to drive you forward
- Reflective accents are great for nighttime wear
Cons
- On the pricier side
I've already waxed poetic about New Balance MADE in USA, and the latest version of the iconic 990s are all about fusing fashion with function. These kicks make for the perfect lifestyle sneaker all throughout summer, and with a breathable upper, you'll find yourself wearing them everywhere.
| Colors | Camo |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 4-14 |
| Materials | Leather, Mesh, Foam |
Pros
- Practical for skating
- Never goes out of style
Cons
- Runs slightly large, order half a size down
What could possibly be more classic than a pair of Chucks? Converse has kept things casual and cool over the years, and this is a shoe you'll be wearing for many years to come, no matter how scuffed up it gets. The iconic low-top silhouette is accompanied by a suede upper that lends some extra style.
| Colors | Black |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 3-13 |
| Materials | Suede, Rubber |
Pros
- Has cotton drill lining for breathability
- Vulcanized construction offers superior traction
Cons
- Not great for wide feet
This is truly an iconic shoe, and it isn't going anywhere anytime soon. Comfort and style are rolled into one with this design, which takes root in California skate culture—but can adapt to go with you anywhere.
| Colors | 9 |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 3.5-15 |
| Materials | Canvas, Rubber |
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Pros
- Mesh tongue for comfort and performance
- Leather upper is easy to dress up or down
Cons
- Only available in black and white
On makes a damn good tennis shoe, but you don't have to be in your Challengers era to get wear out of these all summer long. With a sleek, minimalist design, plenty of cushioning, and CloudTec technology, this is a comfortable favorite to keep around.
| Colors | 5 |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 7-14 |
| Materials | Polyester |
Pros
- Plenty of color options
- Available in Regular and Wide fits
Cons
- No half sizes available
For sleek, easy style, Koio's Capri sneakers check all of the boxes. These are your go-to vacation shoes, your office shoes, your weekend shoes—basically, you'll be wearing them all the time. And being as cool and comfortable as they are, why wouldn't you?
| Colors | 21 |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 7-16 |
| Materials | Leather, Rubber |
What To Consider
When you're buying your perfect summer sneakers, there are a few things to keep in mind. The first is where you want to wear them. Every pick on this list is a great lifestyle sneaker, but some—like, say, the Hokas—are also going to be suited toward your athletic endeavors.
Another thing to keep in mind is where you plan on wearing them. You can't really dress up a Clifton 9 with a suit and wear it to work, but you can wear your Koios and Cariumas into the office with just as much ease as you would wear 'em on vacation.
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Why You Can Trust Esquire
We’re not going to say something is great unless it’s actually great. Every product in Esquire’s round-ups is carefully curated by our fashion and e-commerce teams.
Every pick on this list (and our other lists!) comes from years of wearing different things, seeing what we love and what we don’t, and going from there. No two tastes are the same, but if you're looking for solid, tested recommendations, this is the place to start.
