THE JOURNAL
Sun’s out, toes out? No, thank you, says a good chunk of the population. While sandals may just be the oldest style of footwear on record, predating the now-ubiquitous sneaker by a good millennium or two, the strap-laden toe-baring shoes that creep out during summer still prove somewhat divisive. We at MR PORTER are for the most part fans – we’ve devoted a whole list to our favourites here – but equally we can understand the aversion to semi-nude feet in public, whether they be your own or a stranger’s. Hey, even our very own Content Director has written a short treatise on why he’d prefer not to see our trotters out in our London HQ.
So, in light of the above, we thought it fair to cater to all tastes in the shoe department this season. Sandals may seem inescapable at present, but if you fall into the footphobic camp or are simply in-between pedicures, then let us assure you that there’s no shortage of more modest picks, too.
Below, we’ve kindly curated an edit of closed-toe shoes that feel right for summer – be they lightweight and breathable, sturdy enough for evening strolls, sunny in disposition or all of the above. (And because the warm weather has us in extra high spirits, we’ve even suggested the T-shirts, shorts and other such wares to pair them with.)
01.
The high-fashion Bottega Veneta clog
In years past, the phrase “cool clogs” might’ve been a contradiction in terms. But not anymore. Now brand-of-the-moment Bottega Veneta has joined a host of high-end labels giving the once homely shoe its coveted stamp of approval, crafting these poolside-ready picks from a streamlined white rubber. An ideal alternative to the flip-flop for those who prefer their toes tucked away.
Wear with
02.
The elegant Loro Piana loafer
Getaway to the Italian Riviera on the cards? Lucky you. While we imagine your suitcase is already brimming with tortoiseshell sunglasses and patterned swimshorts, what you really need is a stylish pair of shoes to accompany on your evening passeggiata. Stash away your battered trainers and skip the flip-flops that’ll immediately mark you out as a tourist. Instead, opt for a suave yet snug loafer by one of Italy’s own. These Loro Piana Summer Walk slip-ons in a rich chocolate brown are a no-brainer.
Wear with
03.
The sparkly CELINE HOMME leather sneaker
No summer wardrobe is complete without a pair of crisp white low-top leather sneakers – no year-round wardrobe for that matter. However, once the classics are covered, don’t be afraid to experiment with colour and form. CELINE HOMME’s CT-04 arrive in plenty of pared-back hues, but these blue, red and sparkly silver iterations are tailor-made for summer festivals if you ask us.
Wear with
04.
The hot-pink JW Anderson slip-on
Since its debut, the chunky chain-embellished backless loafer has become a fixture in the JW Anderson stable. And this season, the beloved British designer has turned the dial up to 11. Enter this hot-pink party-ready remix on the silhouette that’s about as eye-catching as they come. We’d wager it’s impossible to slip these on and not have a ball.
Wear with
05.
The 1990s-style Gucci sneaker
Colour, print and retro infusions are Mr Alessandro Michele’s calling card – and even his more athletic creations prove no different. Take these high-top sneakers, which hark back to 1990s styles and are tricked out with racing red and bright orange details. They’re also made from Demetra, a vegan alternative to high-quality leather (although you’d struggle to spot the difference). Round them out with the brand’s logo-laden drawstring basketball shorts and one of their tongue-in-cheek graphic tees for peak Guccification.
Wear with
06.
The hedonistic TOM FORD espadrille
Ever since his celebrated stints at Gucci and SAINT LAURENT in the 1990s, Mr Tom Ford’s name has been a byword for all-out glamour and unabashed sexiness. Most recently, he’s applied this tried-and-true formula to the espadrille, transforming a summer essential not typically known for its come-hither appeal into an alluring evening shoe by way of tactile calf-hair and louche leopard print.
Wear with
07.
The Cali-cool AMIRI low-top sneaker
Think Californian style and floral-printed surfwear might be the first thing that comes to mind. But the Golden State is also home to a swathe of brilliant streetwear and skatewear brands offering a more cool, contemporary approach to warm-weather dressing. Among them you’ll find rock’n’roll inspired AMIRI, whose neon panelled Skel Top sneakers will instantly brighten up a grungy outfit of neutrals.
Wear with
08.
The classic Yuketen deck shoe
If you’re on the hunt for an investment pair of boat shoes – the sort that’ll last you many a summer – then look no further than Mr Yuki Matsuda. Those in the know turn to his label, Yuketen, for impeccably crafted yet forward-thinking pieces that are built to a last a lifetime, such as this lug-soled nubuck number. Wear with a printed linen shirt from KAPITAL and Beams Plus’ utilitarian rip-stop trousers (no deck necessary).