Shoes in the Summer. That almost sounds like an oxymoron.
Since I’ve been out of the office over the last couple of years, I’ve been wearing out Rainbows. Literally a pair of year. But don’t despair – there are so many great footwear options that work in these hot months. Dressing up an otherwise polo/shorts outfit with a great pair of drivers or a pair of Nylites makes a world of difference, and adds some variety. Color is another way to add some juice. Don’t shy away.
Essentially intended to dress up an outfit, these are choices that are comfortable and cool. This is what my rotation looks like:
From Top Left:
1. Oak Street Bootmakers Brown Bit Loafers: Unless I’m wearing a suit (rare…), these are about as dressy as I’ll get. Usually with a cuffed pair of lighter chinos or 5-pockets.
2. Res Ipsa Kilim Loafers: My obsession with these continues. They are such a cool spark of color. The key is to let these be the star of the show…solid pants/shorts and a white shirt.
3. Rainbow Single-Layer Flip Flops: The reigning champion…is there another option?
4. True Linkswear All Day Knit IIs: These fit in the ‘casual sneakers’ category for me. Comfortable enough to wear around all day, but stylish enough to go out on the town. Additionally, they are good for a quick session at the range…
5. Martin Dingman Monte Carlo Bit Drivers: Drivers are still a great option in the summer. There are so many varieties. Martin really swung for the fences on these: the alligator grain, the bit, and the camo treads immediately get these on the All-Star ballot.
6. Sid Mashburn Tan Suede Camp Mocs: I am at the point where I wear camp mocs all year-’round. Plenty of options these days, including these tan suede jobs with white soles (gasp!). Hey – they look good!
7. johnnie-O Getaway Drivers: Another seriously cool driver option. Color is your friend.
8. Tretorn Nylites: Canvas shoes have gone all over the place over the years, but the Nylites have stayed the course. I’ve had the white/green pair for years and wear them all the time. Great casual options that are an upgrade to flip flops.
9. Asics Kayano 28s: Working on your fitness.
What did I miss?
Alright, I’ll admit that almost 20 years post-grad I still rock Sperry Billfish during summer. They’re a great knock around shoe with more support than topsiders.
I need to give my suede tassel loafers more rotation during the summer, no reason they have to be relegated to fall/winter.
The True Links Knitwear are smart and stand out in a sea of AllBirds and On Clouds.
Shout out to my Chacos for being there for me through all these years.
The popularity of sperrys ebbs and flows, but like birkenstocks, they are always acceptable.
Olukai makes great flip flops. Been on my feet for about 7-8 years now. Just picked up a pair of their Tuahine models
I gave up on anything from Oak Street Bootmakers – they rarely have anything in stock.
I wish I could wear rainbows but not doing actual shoe sizes is a problem for me. XL is too small, XXL is too big. I resort to reef flip flops which have served me well.
Been sleeping on Tod’s Gommino Driving Shows. A nice alt to Gucci horse bits. Great resort wear.
Have been eyeing the Sid mocs but don’t know if I can come to grips with suede in the summer. Have not owned a better athletic shoe than ASICS
I have a pair of Tretorns from several summers ago that need a replacement but I can’t find them in stock anywhere.
Also the TrueKnits are legit. Wore them last week walking Merion (Curtis Cup wish I was playing) and they were amazingly comfortable
I need Oak Street to bring back the Bit Moc in brown…or get the Natural Chromexcel back in stock!
Exactly! I couldn’t figure out why the brown was a “limited edition”… that should be the standard color. But at this point I’d buy a pair of bit mocs in whatever color they’ll actually stock.
Probably an unpopular opinion here but Cole Haan use to make a terrific camp driving moc years ago,
Yeah, Cole Haan used to make some decent shoes way back when. I still have my CH bit loafers from 2007, whose quality is on par with Gucci bits.
The old designers for Cole Haan started Martin Dingman, worth a look.
A pair of natural Vans are my go-to summer shoes. They look better the more beaten up they are. That and a pair of Quoddy Mocs that are close to 10 yrs old and that’s al I need
Gucci bits.
Rancourt pinch penny loafers are my go-tos lately. So comfy..
A pair of Rainbows a year? I am 33 – on my THIRD pair ever and I WEAR them everywhere. That’s really throws me off.
Sabah Loafers are another I gave a try and now have 3 pair of. They are great and wear very well in the suede or leather.
Wanted to get your thoughts on res ipsa killim’s with a tux for a black tie optional summer gala