14 Best Summer Sneakers That You'll Wear All Season Long
These trendy kicks are lightweight, breathable and stylish.
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Summer might be the only season that requires you to invest in new sneakers. The warmer weather can wreak havoc on your feet in a pair that kept you comfy all winter and spring due to moisture, swelling and extra activity. That's why the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab has rounded up the best summer sneakers for women that will keep your feet happy (and dry!) throughout the rising temps. But don't think that function means you have to skip style. The selects below are cute enough to go with any of the many dresses, skirts, shorts and capris you'll be wearing all season. Our options include white sneakers, trainers for exercise and even sneaks for your boat trip. Of course, before you buy, there are a few things to keep in mind ...
Shopping tips for when you buy summer sneakers:
Tip: Make sure to try the shoes on at night instead of morning (your feet swell more by the end of the day so this will give you a better idea of fit). Here’s what to look for when you shop:
- Breathable materials: Opt for something lightweight and airy like mesh for a sporty sneaker, or a cotton canvas for a fashion sneaker. You can find some summer sneakers made of leather as well for a more polished look.
- Minimal coverage: Many people will prefer low cut styles in the summer vs. something that goes higher up on the ankle.
- Lightweight: Especially if you’re going to be spending lots of time walking outdoors, you don’t want your footwear to weigh you down. (Not to mention, add weight to your luggage if you’re traveling!)
- Cushioning: Sneaker soles should have enough cushioning to absorb impact as you walk. Avoid soles that seem too thin or stiff.
- Style: Aesthetic matters, too. Pick something that will look good with summer outfits, like dresses and shorts.
Below are our picks for the best summer sneakers for women:
Pros
- Machine washable
- Versatile style
- All-day comfort
Cons
The heat doesn't stand a chance with these sneakers. The material is lightweight and breathable, and you can wear them with or without socks. The best part just might be that they are machine washable, meaning you can keep them fresh all season long.
TIOSEBON Women's Athletic Walking Shoes
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Lots of colors
- Easy slip on
Cons
Both our testers and Amazon users love these shoes thanks to the price, cushioning and sock-like feeling. One tester told us, "I love that they are super light," while another said "I didn't feel any discomfort at all."
ASICS Women's Gel-Quantum Running Shoes
Pros
- Perfect comfort scores
- Well-cushioned
- Supportive for exercise
Cons
This pair from ASICS came out on top in our tests for the best walking shoes. Testers noted how comfortable, supportive and well-cushioned they were. Doctors we spoke with also said these provided excellent stability and control, making them ideal for people with flat feet.
New Balance Women's FuelCore Nergize V1 Sneaker
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Breathable
- Lots of colors
- Lightweight
Cons
The mesh upper here provided good breathability and movement. This pair also stood out for offering a great fit in our tests. "Right when I put them on they started molding to my feet," raved one tester. They are available in a bunch of different colors, too.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Versatile style
- Easy slip-on
Cons
- Fit runs narrow
For those days when you just need to slip on a pair and go, these sneakers are great for the summer because they are lightweight and can be worn with any outfit.
Pros
- Easy slip on
- Comfortable cushioning
Cons
- Not as breathable
Combine slipper-like cushioning on the inside with the upscale look of a slip-on loafer and you get this comfy sneaker that goes with just about any summer outfit. It's made with real leather and comes in both basic and trendy colors.
Pros
- Real cotton canvas
- Lots of colors
Cons
Kate Middleton is a huge fan of this brand, as are our experts. The biggest feature to note is the real cotton canvas fabric, which is perfect for summer from both a functional and aesthetic standpoint.
Pros
Cons
- Expensive
These luxury Italian sneakers add the fun factor with colorful glitter that'll sparkle in the summer sun. Our pros love how they're comfortable and easy to slip on, yet trendy and versatile to wear everyday.
adidas Women's Ultraboost 21 Running Shoe
Pros
- Well-cushioned
- May help improve joint pain
Cons
- Expensive
- Cushioning may wear over time
These sneaks are pretty pricey, but are ideal if you're in the market for a pair that will absorb impact and improve joint pain. In fact, in our tests for the best running shoes, testers said they felt like they were "walking on a cloud."
Pros
- Versatile style
- Stylish
- Tons of colors and prints
- No uncomfortable lining
Cons
Cute? 100%. Comfortable? You bet. The perforations allow for more airflow so your feet will stay cool, while the style is unique (no athletic vibe here!). The quality and fit allow for all-day wear, and they come in cute patterns and colors.
Skechers Tie-Dye Frayed Canvas Sneaker
Pros
- Trendy
- Memory foam footbed
- Lightweight
Cons
If you're a Sketchers fan, add these adorable sneakers to your collection. Obviously tie-dye is huge right now, but also, they have a memory foam footbed, which offers good pressure relief.
Pros
- Drainage holes
- Bungee cords for easy lacing
- Odor control
Cons
The perfect addition to help you get your sea legs. Two main appeals here: drainage holes on the bottom of the shoe for water to flow through and bungee laces to pull them tighter.
Vans Slip-On Core Classics
Pros
- Easy slip-on
- True to size
- Breathable lining
Cons
Touted for being many people's "go-to shoe," reviewers on Amazon love the easy wear and style. "Fits a little tight the first day or two then very comfortable day-after-day. I also toss mine in the laundry every so often to keep them clean," one person wrote.
Pros
- Real cotton canvas
- Supportive outersole
Cons
Keds and the summer go hand in hand. For when you need a no-fuss shoe, this is the best option thanks to the real cotton canvas and textured rubber outsole, which is sturdy and supportive.
Lexie Sachs (she/her) is the executive director of strategy and operations at the Good Housekeeping Institute and a lead reviewer of products in the bedding, travel, lifestyle, home furnishings and apparel spaces. She has over 15 years of experience in the consumer products industry and a degree in fiber science from Cornell University. Lexie serves as an expert source both within Good Housekeeping and other media outlets, regularly appearing on national broadcast TV segments. Prior to joining GH in 2013, Lexie worked in merchandising and product development in the fashion and home industries.
Michelle is the digital content director of the Hearst Lifestyle Group, where she helps oversee multiple brand's strategy efforts on digital. Previously, she was the deputy editor and managing digital editor for Good Housekeeping. She has over 10 years of experience writing and editing lifestyle content.
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