When the temperature cranks up, footwear needs to be reconsidered. Unfortunately, though, most of your favorite kicks just don’t cut it in the heat. Your Jordan 1s leave no room for breathing, and those faux fur Grateful Dead Dunks you just copped are doing no favors for foot temp.
On the other end of the spectrum are open-toe sandals, which undoubtedly solve the breathability issue, but divide opinions when it comes to style. So, if a pair of Suicoke or Birkenstocks is a visible toe too far for you, fear not, because there may be another solution.
We’re here to prove that the beloved world of sneakers is not completely out of the question in the height of summer. In the past few years, we’ve seen several huge leaps in sneaker technology, from technical uppers to 4D engineered sole units. That means that sneakers have never been so comfortable as today, and that goes for breathability, too. So if sandals are a no for you, keep your feet cool with our selection of lightweight sneakers for summer from Nike, Acne Studios, Salomon, and more.
Nike’s Daybreak silhouette has made a resurgence in 2020. With retro runners all the rage, it’s no surprise that this streamlined, lightweight model has curried favor. This pair offers increased breathability with transparent TPU inserts to the upper.
Sitting pretty somewhere between sneaker and sandal, the adidas Novaturbo comes with serious utilitarian attitude. Highlighted by an orange cable trim that runs around the upper, this pair stands out just enough.
SANKUANZ comes with one of the strongest statement sandal alternatives of the season in the form of the Double Strap Shoe. Punctuated by a platform sole, this pair can be styled with socks if you’d rather hide your toes.
On the heels of one of the year’s most popular collaborations — when ASICS met Affix — the Novablast feels like an instant classic. A mesh upper makes this pair a summer essential in bright orange.
Acne Studios’ characteristically unconventional approach is on display for all to see when it comes to the Bolzter Bryz M Sneaker. This all-black colorway features two straps to hold you in and a chunky hiking sole for comfort.
Unexpected brand of the moment, Salomon, connects with Boris Bidjan Saberi for an exclusive iteration of the Bamba 6 Sneaker. With hiking sneakers at the top of everyone’s footwear wishlists, from high-fashion heads to streetwear aficionados, it’s never been a better time to invest.
HOKA One One may be most famous for its running trainers, but the Porter Sandal is an underrated part of the brand’s collection. Although it’s called a sandal we’ve included it anyway because the closed-toe upper is more similar to a hiking sneaker.
adidas taps OAMC for help on the Type 0-4, a futuristic trail runner which, thanks to suede panels to the upper, can be styled for city wear as easily as hiking. We’re loving the muted color palette, too.
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