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Summer is officially here, and I hope you’re somewhere out there, not sweating as much as I am. Whether you’re wearing a plain top or silk button-up, there are countless ways to stay cool in the heat or at least look the part. And since it’s a time of year that dictates that you can wear only so much fabric, what’s on your feet will usually determine a good or lousy outfit.
Some of the best summer sneakers for men seamlessly play the role year-round, and odds are you’ve strolled by someone in a pair of anything that I’ll bring up here. But whether it’s a blindingly bright day or there’s some morning fog, I’ve no doubt that each option bodes well in the heat.
Key Takeaways
After hours, hell, days of research spent exploring everything from customer reviews to the latest pairs in my closet and on store shelves, I’ve narrowed it down to the eight best contenders to rock until the leaves (and soles) start to fall.
Among them all, I found that the Diesel D-Airspeed reigns supreme, much in part because of its breathable upper fit for summer and head-turning look that stands out as much as any sneaker.
But, of course, the ideal summer sneakers for men ultimately depend on one’s needs. First and foremost, you should prioritize materials like canvas or mesh to keep your feet cool and dry when temperatures rise. On that note, the Vans Classic Slip-Ons iconic design and easy slip-on functionality are hard to beat, especially at their wallet-friendly price.
Remember, the perfect summer sneakers are out there waiting for you. Consider your needs, explore your options, and enter a season of style and comfort.
Why they’re great: A streetwear stud, the D-Airspeed boasts a breathable ripstop upper sitting atop a futuristic sole that’s as comfortable as it is eye-catching. The light material and padded interior of these men’s summer sneakers make them perfect for summertime heat, and the bold design ensures that you’ll stand out from the crowd.
Who are these for? The trendsetting sneaker, or rather one of the many birthed from trends, is for someone who’s primed to make a statement. From heel to toe, Diesel’s chunky set of kicks demand attention and pair perfectly with just about everything — specifically larger bottoms.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: The fashion-forward may not be everyone’s first choice. As for comfort, although the ripstop material is breathable, it isn’t as durable as leather or suede.
Material: Ripstop | Sole Material: EVA Rubber | Sizes Available: 7–12.5 | Colors available: 2
Why they’re great: This minimalist masterpiece has served as Reebok’s casual gold standard for decades and shows no signs of slowing down. Looks aside, its smooth leather upper is surprisingly breathable, and its cushioned footbed provides ample comfort when tackling your day-to-day.
Who are these for? The understated person who values versatility and doesn’t need anything too flashy. After all, these extremely casual men’s summer sneakers complement a wide range of looks, from casual jeans to shorts and tees to button-downs.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: The sizing can be inconsistent, so double-check the size chart before ordering.
Material: Leather | Sole Material: Rubber | Sizes Available: 3.5–15 | Colors available: 13
Why they’re great: Timelessly cool. You’re looking at an icon right here. The affordable factor, simple on-off design, and true-to-size fit deem it a no-brainer for anyone seeking summer sneakers for men that won’t break the bank.
Who are these for? Anyone who doesn’t suffer from foot issues that are bothersome enough to stop them from rocking this classic. Seriously, does it get any simpler to style and slip into before heading out the door? No, and that’s the point.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: The damn-near laughable lack of arch support will be an issue for those with flat feet. Maybe invest in a pair of insoles with the money you save getting these men’s summer sneakers.
Material: Canvas | Sole Material: Rubber | Sizes Available: 3.5–15 | Colors available: 100+
Why they’re great: The Gazelle is as timeless as it gets and acts as a solid subversion from the Samba craze that has swept feet since 2022. Its snug fit and versatile design work with everything from jeans to trousers, deeming them quintessential for a reason.
Who are these for? Anyone who wants a stylish, comfortable pair of men’s summer sneakers that can easily be dressed up or down. The iconic silhouette operates just fine for everyday wear, running errands, or (nowadays) trips to the office.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: They run slightly narrow for people with wider feet. Plus, the suede construction can be tougher to clean than typical leather or canvas designs.
Material: Suede upper | Sole Material: Rubber | Sizes Available: 4–14 | Colors available: 5
Why they’re great: Margiela’s ubiquitous GATs effortlessly emulate adidas’ now-iconic BW Army Trainer, boasting the essence of vintage sneakers with a reimagined feel. Since the style is undeniable here, the soft leather and rubber construction is just as notable, and the cushioned insole provides all-day comfort.
Who are these for? Otherwise, it’s a good fit for people who want Tabis but are not sure if they can pull it off.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: The price tag of these summer sneakers for men is tough to take on, and sure, I can tell you to grab the vintage adidas pair these are based on, but these are such a mainstay these days that it’s hard to consider them one and the same.
Material: Leather | Sole Material: Rubber | Sizes Available: 8–13 | Colors available: White, Black, Beige, Brick Red
Why they’re great: This sleek set of mules comes courtesy of Salomon’s latest joint effort with MM6, Maison Margiela’s diffusion line that’s only grown more popular in recent years. For lack of better words, both brands joined forces to chop the top off, transforming an already summer-friendly silhouette into an even more seamless pick for the season.
Who are these for? These men’s summer sneakers are for the even newer-age hypebeasts — ones who’ve been sick of Vans and only recently got tired of Dunks, Jordans, and the aforementioned Sambas. In other words, they’re for those observant enough to realize that other shoemakers exist.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: Are they expensive? Obviously, a standard pair of XT-4s will already cost a pretty penny, but tacking that unmistakable motif onto the toe box is bound to bump things up.
Material: Textile | Sole Material: Rubber | Sizes Available: 7–11.5 | Colors available: White/Black/Blue
Why they’re great: Like walking on, well, clouds, the Cloudtilt delivers on its name with a unique CloudTec Phase midsole that prioritizes a smooth, rolling motion with every step. Coupled with its lightweight, breathable upper, the Cloudtilt can take on anything from a quiet stroll to a multi-mile trek or endless airport trips.
Who are these for? Urban explorers who value comfort and style in their daily adventures. Whether pounding pavement or tackling trails, the tech-forward design and unmatched cushioning of these summer sneakers for men make them the perfect companion for long walks.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: Some might see the shoe and instantly think “tech bro,” but, ironically, the CloudTec technology is what makes them so comfortable. Take that as you will, but don’t let the connotation deter you from staying comfortable.
Material: Recycled polyester | Sole Material: Cloudtec | Sizes Available: 7–14 | Colors available: White, Black, Lime
Why they’re great: Nike’s latest addition to its historic Air Max line sits atop the newly designed Dynamic Air unit, designed from dual-pressure tubes that are nothing short of cloud-like. That, plus its multilayered mesh upper, prioritizes comfort and airflow from head to toe.
Who are these for? These men’s summer sneakers are a great pick for anyone who keeps up with Nike’s latest tech. They’re innovators in the space, so this is no shortcoming from the performance giant. However, people with wider feet should reconsider. Worst case, they can get a half-size larger and pick up some insoles.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: Although the design of these men’s summer sneakers may be too left field for some, they’re a seamless bridge between more streamlined technical designs and the ever-so-common chunky sneakers – two trends that have dominated the scene.
Material: Mesh | Sole Material: Rubber | Sizes Available: Men’s 7–15 | Colors available: White/Black, Volt/White, Blue/White
Buying Considerations For The Best Summer Sneakers For Men
Material
The best summer sneakers for men are often made of breathable materials like canvas, mesh, or knit. These lighter fabrics allow for increased airflow, keeping your feet cool and dry even when temperatures skyrocket. If you need something dressier, then perforated leather is another good option because it doesn’t muster up too much moisture.
Size
As long as I’m not talking to a wall here, you should already know that picking the right size is crucial for comfort. Few two shoes are alike, which means that you should refer to as many size guides as possible in case you’re considering a silhouette that you haven’t worn yet.
Style
Most importantly, summer is a time for experimentation, so feel free to tack on bolder colors and patterns with your men’s summer sneakers. That said, odds are there’s a guy in your life who loves rocking classic white sneakers all year round, and summer is no exception; perhaps you even are that dude. Nevertheless, these are always a safe bet and easy to style.
How We Chose
Selecting the best summer sneakers for men requires a discerning eye and a clear understanding of what makes a shoe stand out in the heat. Here’s a breakdown of our selection process:
Company Reputation: When choosing the best summer sneakers for men, I emphasized brands with a proven track record, like the Nikes, Margielas, and Reeboks of the world. Sure, they’re three significantly different brands, but part of what it boils down to is how strongly they stand behind their products and, as some of the most massive names to do it, there’s no way I could overlook the hottest options.
Customer Reviews: As anyone should before purchasing (when possible), I sought out all the feedback I could get from other customers — haters or lovers — which ultimately played a significant role in my selection process. As you’d probably expect, I prioritized sneakers with consistently high ratings, and the same goes for ones that appear in my closet; after all, just because some pairs work for me doesn’t mean they’ll work for everyone… unless reviews suggest that I’m right.
Materials and Price: Although looks are essential to most people’s reading, comfort and functionality are critical to summertime footwear. I carefully considered the materials, favoring breathable fabrics like canvas, mesh, and perforated leather to keep your feet cool and dry. Additionally, I balanced each pair’s quality with their retail rate, seeking to offer options that are worth your hard-earned money.
Why Trust Us?
Yoni is a FashionBeans writer whose work has appeared in several publications. For FashionBeans, he’s covered everything from soaps for down there to age-appropriate deodorants and tons of accessories fit for anywhere from the head down—that’s right, even boxers.
To pin down the best summer sneakers for men, he researched the latest pairs and indexed on the most seminal pairs the footwear world offers. Of course, this includes several options taken from his own closet to ensure that his recommendations are actually worth the money. His commitment to providing authentic and valuable advice has helped countless readers make informed decisions about their fashion purchases.
As a result, readers can shop with ease, knowing that the work has been done for them.
Final Verdict
Ultimately, the best summer sneaker for you hinges on your priorities. If standing out and staying on-trend is the goal, then Diesel’s D-Airspeed takes the cake this season. But, if you’d rather pick a pair that can do no wrong, then the Vans Classic Slip-On remains a timeless choice for those on a budget.
However, if you pick them up, remember that breathability is key in the summer heat, so consider options like mesh or perforated leather if you’re prone to sweaty feet. And, as always, choosing the right size is non-negotiable for comfort.
FAQ
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In short, yes. And while a few sets of derbys or loafers may suit you well this time of year, too, it’s hard to opt for the heavier, clunkier option when there’s something so easy to slip into within arm’s reach. As mentioned above, the right materials will play a critical role in determining whether you’re buying the right shoes when it’s hot out.
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You certainly can, and I won’t stop you, although I may ask if your feet are warm. Ultimately, it’ll come down to comfort. High-tops are a solid pick to fit your summertime wardrobe, but that’s usually only the case if they’re made using breathable materials like mesh or have perforations that promote enhanced airflow. Of course, if you’re concerned about overheating, consider pairing them with shorts or cropped pants to allow for better ventilation.
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Yoni Yardeni is a versed journalist with over half-a-dozen years of experience. In recent years, he’s written for a handful of publications, writing about topics ranging from the latest in hip-hop and tech to thousand-dollar sunglasses to premium home decor.
