Kick Back: Summer's Top 3 Casual Shoes
Here's why these are the three styles of shoe you'll be wearing most this summer.
Touting high temps, chill vibes, and plenty of opportunities for you to kick back and partake in your favourite pastimes, summer is one season we all universally look forward to. However, come sunshine and warm weather, the season also demands we acclimate our wardrobes along with our lifestyles to suit the surroundings — and that extends to footwear as well. No matter if the bulk of your plans revolve around a pool, BBQ, deck, dock, or an Instagram-able holiday spot, take our advice; these are the only casual shoes you’ll need while off-duty this summer.
Espadrilles
A deceivingly simple, often colourful canvas upper hugs the characteristic roped soles of these quintessential casual shoes, creating an unmistakable silhouette. Espadrilles have long been a go-to style for those in hot climates, and they’re perfect during the summer months as well.
Easy to slip on and off, lightweight, breathable — espadrilles tick all the boxes for what we’re looking for in a casual summer shoe, and they’re even capable of transcending the ‘casual’ label altogether. Pair yours with some shorts or your swimsuit and espadrilles appear laid-back as they come, though wear yours with some smart trousers or even tailoring and they look refined in a rakish way.
White Sneakers
Sneakers are the ultimate default. If you’re ever unsure of what to wear in a casual scenario, you can never go wrong with a classic pair of white sneakers.
To start with, white goes with everything, which means white sneakers are always going to be one of the most versatile shoes in your collection. Second, smart sneakers (think: fewer colours, less aesthetic detailing, luxury materials) can similarly match a range of different dress codes as well, from casual through to business casual.
If you only had one pair of sneakers to see you through an entire summer’s worth of fun plans, do yourself a solid and make it a simple white pair.
Sandals
Perhaps the most casual pair of kicks one can wear in the summer are sandals; an ancient style of shoe that, like our affection for them, hasn’t changed much over the years. What has changed, however, are small improvements that make today’s sandals a viable option for the well-dressed man enjoying some downtime.
Now available in premium materials like luxury leathers and soft suedes, the modern sandal is no footwear afterthought. In fact, we’re planning entire outfits around ours this summer, and you can too. Look out for loose linens, supple seersuckers, and soft silks, all of which channel the same sort of carefree cool that sandals do, regardless of where you find yourself.