Summer Shoes Worth Stepping Into

Thoughtfully chosen footwear for summer, from heritage staples to modern classics.

The weather’s getting warmer, the layers are coming off—and it’s time to think about what’s on your feet. From canvas trainers to leather boat shoes, here are some of my top picks for summer footwear this year.

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Sebago Docksides

Readers will know I’m a big fan of Sebago—the heritage, the craftsmanship, the quality, and the design all resonate deeply with me. I’ve been wearing the Campside Mocs nearly every day for over a year now. But for summer, I’ve recently stocked up on some Docksides—the classic boat shoe that Sebago is arguably best known for.

First introduced in 1970, the Docksides were Sebago’s answer to practical sailing footwear—but quickly became a staple far beyond the marina.

What makes them so good in the warmer months? For one, they’re lightweight and unlined, so your feet can actually breathe. They slip on easily—ideal for lazy days or spontaneous plans—and the siped rubber sole grips well whether you’re by the coast or just pacing through the city. Most of all, they’re incredibly versatile: they go just as well with shorts as they do with chinos, jeans, or fatigue trousers. No fuss, no break-in needed—just easy summer wear.

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Shoes Like Pottery SLP-01

I’ve got two pairs of these—one in mustard, one in red—and they’re incredibly comfortable for everyday wear.

Made in Japan, they feature the brand’s signature blue sole and are built using a kiln-firing technique called ka-ryu, which gives the rubber a soft but durable bounce. The name comes from that very process: just like pottery, each pair is “fired” to finish.

They’re a much kinder alternative to the classic Converse, which, let’s be honest, absolutely wrecks your feet unless you get lucky. What I really love, though, is the colour range. Sure, they do the usuals—white, black, navy—but the brighter options are where they shine. Once I had the mustard, I had to get the red. This could be a slippery slope.

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Garmsville by Goral

I’ve got a pair of these on the way—and that wait is part of the appeal. They’re all made to order, which means nothing is rushed, and everything is done properly. Made in collaboration with Jason Jules, the design takes cues from mid-century deck shoes, drawing inspiration from old J. Press and ‘60s menswear catalogues.

They’re made in England using Halley Stevensons herringbone-textured waxed cotton—weather-resistant yet breathable, ideal for the summer months. You also get thoughtful touches like metal eyelets, a navy leather trim, and even herringbone detailing on the sole. Built using Goral’s Blake Stitch construction, they’re fully resoleable and made to last. A classic with substance.

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Doek Oxford – Ecru/Brown

These are the kind of shoes that always catch my eye—understated, with a clean mid-century look that works effortlessly across different outfits. I can already picture them with wide-leg fatigues or baggier chinos. The ecru upper is beautifully subtle, and that darker sole gives just the right amount of contrast.

They’re made in Kurume, Japan, using a textured kasuri canvas that takes months to produce and has a distinctive slubby weave. The rubber sole is hand-vulcanised for long-lasting wear, and inside, you’ve got a cork footbed that keeps things breathable through the warmer months. It’s quiet craftsmanship, done well.

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Reproduction of Found – Grey German Military Trainer

These are pretty high on my shopping list. I’ve admired them from afar for a while now—and I know that as soon as I try them on, I’ll want to buy them, so I’ve been holding off. They’re a faithful recreation of the classic German army trainer from the 1980s, and they’ve become a bit of a staple in the Japanese city boy look, for good reason.

The simple grey leather upper is incredibly versatile. I’d pair them with fatigues, but they work just as well with aged denim. It’s one of those rare styles that manages to feel sporty, minimal, and timeless all at once—a great option for summer if you’re after something low-key but elevated.

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AURALEE x New Balance 475 Green

I had to include a pair of New Balances on this list, and when I was searching, I came across these for the first time. They really stood out as something a bit different. Often, New Balances lean on darker, primary colours, but I quite like these for their washed-out, pastel tones—perfect for spring and summer.

This model comes from a collaboration with Japanese label AURALEE, known for its minimalist and thoughtful approach to design. Their take on the obscure ‘80s NB 475 trail runner updates it with subtle earthy colours and refined details, making it a standout without being loud.

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Wakouwa by Anatomica Navy Cotton Canvas Oxford Trainers

These are hands down a beautiful shoe through and through. They highlight everything I admire about Japanese craftsmanship—especially the incredible attention to detail.

The design pays tribute to sailing culture with a nod to both European and Japanese heritage, crafted from high-quality American cotton canvas and finished with a vulcanised sole that offers arch support and an orthopaedic last for comfort.

Styling-wise, these are endlessly versatile, but the running theme for me is fatigue trousers. The deep navy blue strikes a perfect balance between nautical workwear and mid-century prep, making them a subtle yet distinctive addition to any summer rotation.

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Yachting Day Boat Shoes by Jeffrey Campbell

When I was putting this list together, these shoes immediately came to mind. As soon as I saw the picture, what struck me first was the shape. The way the suede pairs with the classic boat shoe silhouette just blends perfectly, giving the shoe a balanced, timeless feel.

They look like they’d age really well too, developing character over time without losing their charm. That lived-in look gives them an authentic vintage vibe without trying too hard—something I really appreciate in summer footwear.

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Yuketen Blucher with Kiltie with Camp Sole – FO G Brown

To finish off the list, I wanted to highlight a pair that stands out from the rest. These Yuketen bluchers aren’t your typical summer shoes—they bring a different level of craftsmanship and detail.

Handmade in the USA with Opera’s full-grain flesh-out leather tanned in Tuscany, they feature genuine moccasin construction, hand-lasting, and hand-stitching. The combination of memory foam, arch support, and Yuketen’s original rubber camp sole with cork chip mix adds comfort and durability. Genuine cowhide laces, a 1950s moccasin last, and layered leather and rubber bottoms all contribute to their unique character.

Whether it’s canvas, suede, or something a little more rugged, each pair on this list brings something different to the table. They’re all thoughtfully made, built to last, and just right for warmer days ahead.