As the weather warms up, it becomes increasingly more difficult to find a comfy pair of shoes you can wear all day. The wrong pair of shoes won’t just leave your feet hot and sweaty. They can also contribute to swelling, discomfort, and fatigue, making it difficult to stay comfortable on your feet for more than a few hours.
On the other hand, the best summer shoes for men are designed for support, even if you’re standing, walking, or moving throughout the day. Thankfully, there are tons of sneakers, walking, and trail shoes to handle whatever you have planned. If you’re hoping to stay cool and comfortable all summer long, then these are the best summer shoes for men that you should consider checking out!
What to Look for When Choosing the Best Summer Shoes for Men
Breathable materials: Shoes made from mesh or knitted fabrics will be better for air circulation and keeping your feet cool in the hot weather.
Cushioned support: If you plan on doing a lot of standing or walking, then cushioned support can absorb impact and reduce foot pain and soreness.
Lightweight construction: Heavy shoes are a pain to wear in the summer. Look for designs that are lightweight and suitable for warm weather.
Arch support: Proper arch support is vital for reducing foot pain, as it helps to distribute the weight more evenly when you stand or walk.
Flexibility: Good shoes shouldn’t restrict your feet. Having ones with flexible material that moves with your foot will allow for a more natural stride.
Moisture management: If you’re prone to sweaty feet, then opt for a shoe with sweat-wicking linings or ventilated uppers to prevent overheating, blisters, and stinky odors.
Best Summer Shoes for Men Who Are on Their Feet All Day
1. KURU Quantum 2
Considered by many to be the ultimate walking shoe, the Quantum 2 is a lifesaver for those suffering from heel pain. It has a wider base and roomy toe box, so you don’t have to worry about blisters or chaffing. The Quantum 2 is also made with an open-weave mesh for increased airflow (which is especially important for the hot summer weather!). And with KURU’s signature KURUSOLE heel cushioning, you’ll have enhanced support to protect your feet all day long.
2. New Balance Fresh Foam 1080v15
Although it’s designed as an athletic performance shoe, the 1080v15 is slim and stylish enough for everyday wear. However, you’ll get all the benefits of a running shoe, including plush cushioning, shock absorption, and a perforated mesh upper. That means they’re extra supportive, even for low-exertion activities such as walking or cycling. Plus, if you’re still not sold on New Balance shoes, keep in mind that they come in four different widths (narrow, standard, wide, and x-wide), so you can always find your perfect fit.
Related: Best Shoes for Walking Dads Who Need Comfort All Day
3. On Cloud 6
REI has some of the best summer shoes for men, including the iconically comfortable On Cloud brand. Their shoes, especially the On Cloud 6, are engineered to keep your feet happy after hours of wear. To start, they’re made with a nylon-blend speedboard, which is essentially a lightweight plate in the midsole for extra support. They also have mesh uppers for breathability and moderate cushioning for comfort. And compared to other shoes, you won’t have to waste time squeezing your foot in thanks to the wide opening and easy step-in sockliner.
4. Salomon Speedcross 6
If you’re looking for a shoe that can withstand more vigorous outdoor activity, the Salomon Speedcross 6 is it. This trail running shoe has a grippy sole that does well on wet, rugged, and even muddy surfaces. Plus, the innovative EnergyCell+ midsole by Salomon adds substantial cushioning to absorb impact and reduce foot fatigue. The material is an anti-debris mesh, which is also ideal for summer or hot weather runs. This means your feet will stay nice and cool even if you’re sweating or tromping through streams or puddles.
If you’re looking for shoes that are strictly for marathon running, then here are a few good options to consider instead.
5. L.L.Bean Comfort Fitness Walking Shoe
The L.L.Bean Comfort Fitness Walking Shoe is a great all-around shoe for breathability and support. This fan-favorite is extremely light, although it does have a foam-padded collar and tongue for a snugger fit. On top of that, the shock-absorbing foam insole and cushioned midsole are designed to provide support no matter how long you’re on your feet.
As an added bonus, these shoes are also completely waterproof. So if you get stuck in a late afternoon rainstorm or a muddy trail after a downpour, you’ll be glad you have protection.
6. Brooks Ghost Max 3
If comfort is your top priority, then you’ll love the Brooks Ghost Max 3. As one of the best summer shoes for men on DSW, this running shoe has a high stack of soft DNA LOFT v3 cushioning. That makes it a softer style shoe for those needing more protection.
It also has a GlideRoll Rocker shape (which helps with the heel to toe movement), so each step feels effortless. Of course, it’s also good for the heat because it has a mesh fabric lining and upper made from over 60% recycled materials.
Stay Comfortable With the Best Summer Shoes for Men
Choosing the best summer shoes for men comes down to more than just picking something that looks good (although there are some great options for stylish men’s casual summer shoes, too). Because of the heat and humidity, footwear should also be lightweight, breathable, and comfortable to wear. Once you have the best summer shoes for men, you’ll need the right outfit to complement them. So check out these summer men’s outfit combinations to ensure you look your best all summer long!
