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My day-to-day shoe situation is comprised of four pairs of footwear: two pairs of fall/winter booties, one pair of spring/summer sneakers and one pair of strappy sandals. (I have an equally pared-down heels rotation for special occasions, but those qualify as occasion pieces not day-to-day favorites.) This should tell you a couple things. One, that I’m a rare breed of fashion editor—one who has never had a shoe-shopping habit and will probably never develop one. Two, giving any of these pairs a spot in my incredibly limited rotation is my equivalent of high praise; fall/winter booties, spring/summer sneakers and strappy sandals are veritable must-haves—and must-haves you can rely on to get you through entire seasons, at that.
Since fall and winter is long gone and I’ve already dedicated a full shopping guide to the joys of summer sandal shopping, it’s time for summer sneakers to get their moment in the literal and metaphorical sun. Because some days, you crave the comfort only a shoe with (even modest) support can provide. Some days, you don’t feel like exposing your toes to the dirt and grime that pervades the outside world. Some days, you know a lot of walking is on the agenda, and as much as you love your go-to strappy sandals, you’re painfully aware that they induce blisters after hours of wear. And some days (well, nights), you know you’re planning to hit up a bar where getting your toes stepped on is a harsh reality that’s very much on the menu.
On these occasions—and frankly, on so many others—a pair of summer sneakers is your only shoe solace. And when the summer sneaker selection is as absolutely adorable as it is this summer, you hardly need the practical argument I carefully laid out above. A quick glance at the summer sneakers on offer is sure to convince you to stock up on them en masse—or, if you’re anything like me, find the sole mate (pun very much intended) you’ll be wearing every other day this season.
Slip-ons that are equal parts cute and convenient.
Laceless shoes will shave seconds off your day-to-day—key when those seconds could be spent soaking up the summer sun.
I mean, they’re watermelons. Need I really say more?
A trainer that could take you from the gym to, well, anywhere.
A retro-delightful addition to any athleisure wardrobe.
So cute you can style them like a flat. So comfy you’ll never forget they’re sneakers.
Converse will forever be my favorites. These millennial pink high-tops are sure to add a much-needed dose of fun to any ensemble.
These Keds are basically a walking work of art.
As if the colorblocked sole wasn’t enough, they added ruffles—ruffles.
Go full ’90s kid and sport these everywhere this summer.
A lower-key way into the colorful Converse thing.
’90s-inspired, and versatile enough to pair with anything in your closet.
Basically just really cute, really comfy flats.
Sneakers so vibrant and delightful you might actually not mind your next trip to the gym.
Summer sneaks, fit for the fan of all-black-everything.
Because of course there are tropical print takes on summer sneakers. This is 2019 we’re talking about, after all.
Monochrome and boring are far from one and the same.
Subdued in palette. Anything-but-average in silhouette.
The pink shoelaces are the cherry on top of these chunky, retro delights.
For the shopper who prefers their sneaks gray, not white.
It shouldn’t at all come as a surprise that tie-dye has made its way to the sneakers sphere.
Sure to shake up any all-white ensemble just enough.
Colorblock sneakers are basically always a good idea.
A seriously vibrant palette, fit for summer’s brightest days.
When even the soles on your shoes are fun, you know you’re doing something right.
That ever-so subtle aqua gradient on the sole is 👌.
Black and pink is an endlessly great color combo. Pink and green is, too.
Because three kinds of stripes are better than one.
For the shopper who loves blue—but also aqua, and also pink, and also yellow, too.
A pop of color(block).
Leave it to Moschino to craft an absolutely campy (but a little bit street?) summer sneak.
Hot pink Nikes? Yes, please.
1. Austin Sprinter Sneaker, $105 at Free People
Summer animal prints are absolutely a thing.
2. Superga Striped Platform Sneakers, $49.95 at Anthropologie
A not-so-average take on summer’s go-to nautical pinstripe.
3. Vans Sk8 Colorblock Sneakers, $65 at ASOS
There are so many colorblock sneakers on offer, and honestly, I’m into every single pair.
6. Dominic Chunky Sneakers, $56 at ASOS
Cute enough to wear to brunch after you hit the gym.
7. Karhu Green Colorblocked Sneakers, $59.95 at Anthropologie
A not-so-basic summer color combo.
8. Jaxon Platform Sneaker, $160 at Free People
Because chunky white sneakers are always a good idea.
9. Disqualify Sneakers, $48 at ASOS
Upgrade your workout wardrobe. Or your athleisure wardrobe. Or your everything wardrobe, really.
10. Sunday Strolls Sneaker, $89 at Free People
Last year’s camo trend is still tricking into this year’s zeitgeist.
16. Nike M2K Tekno Sneaker, $75 at Urban Outfitters
For the fan of color who doesn’t want to abandon the white sneaker thing entirely.
18. San Pietro Sneaker, $328 at Free People
Half moccasin, half sneaker—all statement-making.
22. Vocalist Embroidered Sneakers, $45 at ASOS
A subtle nod to this year’s Met Gala theme.
25. Superga Canvas Hi-Top Sneakers, $69 at Anthropologie
Sure to play as well with your favorite sundress as they will with your lowest-key tee-and-jeans combo.
27. Nike M2K Tekno Sneaker, $60 at Urban Outfitters
Double the swoosh—and four times the color.
29. Champion x Susan Alexandra 93Eighteen Sneaker, $100 at Urban Outfitters
The entire Champion x Susan Alexandra collection at Urban Outfitters is lit—and these sneaks are no exception.
31. Keds Champion Sneakers, $50 at Anthropologie
Because you can’t go wrong with a classic pastel Ked.
32. Nike Blazer Mid Gel Sneaker, $100 at Urban Outfitters
For the ’90s friend who loves a streetwear detail.
35. Deploy Lace-Up Sneakers, $60 at ASOS
A little neon, a little tie-dye—a lot of statement-making fun.
38. Vans Deck Club Slip-On Sneaker, $55 at Urban Outfitters
Obsessed.
39. Fila Disruptor 2 Premium Mono Sneaker, $65 at Urban Outfitters
A no-fail addition to any wardrobe.
40. Vans Sk8 Hi-Top Sneaker, $65 at Free People
Practical—and all kinds of retro-cute.
41. Keds Starlight Leather Studded Sneakers, $65 at Lulus
Why yes, those Keds are bedazzled.
49. Puma Nova Mesh Sneakers, $90 at ASOS
A classic sneaker, rendered in all your favorite pastels.
53. Colorblock Low-Top Sneakers, $21 at Forever 21
Sleek enough to wear to the bar. (Seriously!)
54. New Balance 997 Sport Trainer, $110 at Free People
An anything-but-average silhouette, rendered in an anything-but-average palette. Uh, yes please?
55. Vans ComfyCush Era Colorblock Sneakers, $39 at ASOS
Here for the design. Here for the color combo. Here for all of it.
57. Nike Pink Air Force 1 Low Sneakers, $100 at ASOS
Because sometimes all you need in life is a pop of bubblegum pink.
58. Classic Slip-On DX Sneaker, $59.95 at Free People
A nautical stripe done the less expected way.
60. D.A.T.E. Laser Sneaker, $298 at Free People
Told you colorblock shoes were on offer in every possible iteration.
Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.
A version of this story was originally published in May 2019. Updated July 2019.
