No matter what you call them, sneakers are here to stay. Kicks, gym-shoes, tennies, runners, or factory-laced high tops, it’s all the same. These are the shoes that you want to wear every day. People rave about them, collect them, and fan out over new releases from their favorite brands. The comfort factor is one of the key reasons that sneakers are so popular, even during the summertime months. The right sneaker is like putting on a cozy cloud. So let’s take your footwear game to a whole new level with the 10 best summer sneakers you can buy right now.
Cariuma Catiba Pro
The Cariuma Catiba Pro is a low-top off white sneaker with a gum sole. It does come in a few different colors, but the classic off white with the Cariuma leaf logo is the way to go. Technically this is considered a skate shoe, with a flat bottom, that has the optimal traction for riding that board. But even if you aren’t a skater, this is still a cool shoe to own. Maybe you’ll decide to buy an old-school Mike McGill Powell Peralta board off of Ebay that will remind you of your childhood in the 80s and 90s to go with these sneakers.
Adidas Original Men’s Stan Smith
An old-school traditional sneaker that will never go out of style is the Adidas Original Men’s Stan Smith. Adidas could stand for, “all day I dream about sneakers.” (Haha.) Blindingly white with green detailing, this sneaker is the one you’ll put on again and again. It’s just that comfortable. Plus, it’s made with 50 percent recyclable materials, has a rubber outsole for grip, and are a reinvention of the original made clean and sustainable. You can love the environment and adore your shoes. Oh, and in case you don’t have any clue who Stan Smith is, he was a top tennis player in the 60s through the 80s. Now you know.
Adidas Samba Vegan Shoes
In cloud white with black stripes and a gum sole, the Adidas Samba Vegan Shoes are a classic that’s been remade to be sustainable. So if you are a true vegan, don’t wear any leather, and certainly won’t eat any kind of animals at all, then you may want to pony up the money for this pair. Even if you aren’t a vegan, this is still an original that deserves space in your closet.
Superga 2750 Cotu Classic
Superga is a brand that makes a low-top canvas style kick that is basic and comfortable. The Superga 2750 Cotu Classic is a style that comes in eight different colors, but the Sage Grey is the neutral tone you need in your life. It’s going to go with practically any shorts you’ll wear this summer. Plus, when these sneakers get that worn-in look, they’ll be even cooler to wear. You’ll put them on all the time because the cushioned footbed feels amazing.
New Balance 997H
For a retro-looking 70s style sneaker, look no further than the New Balance 997H. For a fun summer color, you have to get it in Varsity Gold. It’s fantastically fun and festive with a suede mesh upper style and regular lace-up closure for a secure fit. Wear them with a patterned Hawaiian shirt and board shorts for that summer party on their beach where you’re knocking back bottles of Corona. Lime, anyone?
Allbirds Men’s Tree Runners
Allbirds is known for making shoes that feel like wearing nothing at all, in a good way. Ideal for summer. The Allbirds Men’s Tree Runners are a must-have in comfortable footwear. These are actually made with eucalyptus trees, are machine washable, and will conform to your feet. They come in a bunch of classic colors, but they have limited edition ones too, if you want to buy a few pairs. Our favorite is the Navy Night with a white sole. You can just picture wearing these while sailing off the coast of your favorite beach town.
Nike DBreaker-Type Sneaker
A colorful addition to our list is the Nike DBreaker-Type Sneaker. This is, as Nike calls it, an “explosion of shapes and colors.” They are right in this sneaker that takes their heritage Bowerman and mashes it up with their Drop-Type concept. If you know exactly what that means without looking at a picture of the sneaker, then you are probably some kind of super kicks collector. The color combo is black, purple, orange, and white, but this is clearly a shoe that wants to stand out on your foot this summer.
Veja V-10 Sneaker
The Vega V-10 Sneaker is a new classic that should be a part of your sneaker collection. Get it in Extra White/Nautico for the best in a neutral shoe that goes with everything you want to wear this summer. With inserts of waterproof mesh, this shoe is suitable for the beach or pool, and even something that you could wear while boating. As a court-inspired sneaker, this true tennis shoe is unisex, so you could pick up a pair for you and your significant other to match each other. How cute would that be? On second thought, don’t do that.
Cariuma IBI
Another top choice is the Cariuma IBI. There is a reason that two of this brand’s sneakers made our list – they’re just that great to wear. The Cariuma IBI is a knit style that you should buy in Stone Light Grey for a neutral tone. They come in 14 different colors though, so if you want a few others that would work for summer, try their Sunny Yellow, Green, or Mineral Blue. In any case, you’re getting a sneaker that is light and breathable for the hottest and most humid summer weather.
Common Projects Original Achilles Full-Grain Leather Sneakers
A luxury choice that is befitting of a true sneaker connoisseur is Common Projects Original Achilles Full-Grain Leather Sneakers. This pair is a low-top made of real leather set on a rubber white sole. The perfect choice for that summer linen suit, shorts, or even a pair of lightweight denim. Made in Italy, these come with a dust bag and a gold-stamped serial number right on the back of the heel. Fancy. For the dough, this pair will definitely be your splurge shoe this summer.