We may have started off Spring 2020 with a quarantine-driven slipper surge, but staying at home doesn’t mean letting your shoe game go completely stale. If anything, the warmer seasons should welcome a revival of your shoe game, allowing men to wear shoes for fun and not just to protect their feet from harsh weather.
Styles like the loafer, the oxford, and the white sneaker are all-year, mandatory styles. But spring and summer open up the doors to a world of fun, colorful sneakers, suede shoes and sandals that are best suited for the warmer months. That’s why the most stylish men’s shoes of the season span a wide range of styles, brands and colorways, from Adidas running shoes to Gucci loafers.
To find the best men’s shoes for spring and summer, we turned to social media and asked six of the top menswear and style influencers what their picks are for the upcoming seasons and how they’d style these shoes. Here’s what we found:
- Nike is putting out a ton of must-see throwback and collaboration sneakers (the white high top pictured below is particularly awesome)
- Comfort brands are branching out with athletic/casual sneaker styles
- Guys should trade in flip flops for a more refined sandal
- Guys should also trade in thick winter boots for something lighter
Keep reading to see what these dapper dudes are sporting this spring and summer. After all, don’t you deserve to treat yourself to the season’s most stylish men’s shoes?
1. Adidas Ultraboost
Recommended by Ray Kim, @mrjunho3
“I bought my first pair of Adidas Ultraboosts in 2016 and haven’t looked back. They’re lightweight, stylish and ridiculously comfortable. It feels like a bed of clouds are hugging you the moment you put on these shoes. Adidas Ultraboosts also go well with just about anything. I wear them with joggers, shorts, jeans, etc. They’re stylish and versatile. If you’re looking for casual, everyday sneakers, these are it.”
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Since their debut in 2015, the Adidas Ultraboost has raged through American sneaker culture like wildfire and is often regarded as the brand’s most comfortable shoe. The Ultra Boost is well known for its midfoot cage design, adaptive textile upper, and, as Ray mentioned, a cloudlike midsole. The tread is also perfect for road use, coming straight from Continental, a premium tire manufacturer. This is absolutely one of the best men’s shoes for spring, so don’t be afraid to make it your daily sneaker — thousands of guys already have.
The latest version of the shoe, the Adidas Ultraboost 20, is one of our favorite Adidas sneakers for men, so it’s no surprise to see it here, too. There are a ton of colorways to choose from, but black-and-white is always a good choice.
2. Nike Men’s Air Max 90 Sneakers
Recommended by Ray Kim, @mrjunho3
“Versatile, timeless comfort! The Nike Air Max 90 is one of my all-time favorite sneakers. They pair well with just about anything (including jeans) and I love how light they are. This specific colorway is perfect for spring. I’d rock these with some fitted joggers and a simple tee or hoodie.”
The Nike Air Max 90 is often said to be one of the “dopest” Air Max models to ever hit the market and has owned the spotlight in the sneakerhead world multiple times over the last 30 years. Aside from the dope factor, they’re just plain comfortable. Originally designed for running, the Air Max is now mainly used for walking in style. This model features the signature waffle sole for added traction and added grooves for flexibility and natural range of motion. Take Ray’s advice and rock these with a pair of the best men’s joggers.
3. Common Projects Suede Chelsea Boots
Recommended by Leo Chan, @levitatestyle
“For the spring season, go for a lighter color to add to your wardrobe. The suede material adds another layer of detail to your outfit. Sharp and casual that can be worn all day, another effortless option to match with anything.”
Suede is officially safe to wear again, and if you want to do it right, make it a boot. This Common Projects Chelsea features a rubber-crepe sole for added traction that’s perfectly suited for spring instead of a heavy lug sole. The pull tab in the back allows for easy on-and-off access and is stamped with the brand’s signature serial number. Wear these with both dark and light colors. Also, make sure to protect the suede with these tips!
4. Nike White & Grey Blazer Mid ’77 Vintage Sneakers
Recommended by Leo Chan, @levitatestyle
“Love a good pair of sneakers all year round. For the spring season, go for a pair of white high tops to brighten up your outfit. They’re comfortable to wear all day and easy to match with anything. The tip for styling a pair of sneakers is choosing a retro-style option like the Nike Blazer Mid. It’s proven to stay stylish through the test of time.”
Okay, Leo Chan, we see you. The Nike Blazer is iconic, for sure, but this take on it is next level. The Blazer comes with a certain throw-back aesthetic that most shoes just can’t match. This style features a buffed leather upper with suede toe trim, textile logo patch on the tongue and an off-white outsole. Recently, this model dropped in black and white and was all scooped up nearly as fast as it was made available. Rock this with your favorite black denim before they sell out for good.
5. Gucci Brixton Horsebit Suede Loafers
Recommended by Leo Chan, @levitatestyle
“Can’t go wrong with a pair of Gucci Loafers – choose a classic design like this Gucci web with the signature horsebit. Spring season is time to ditch the long socks and show the ankle with some no-look socks.”
Many guys ditch their socks in the warmer months to rock a low profile shoe and show off some ankle. This Gucci loafer offers the perfect opportunity to do so. This particular loafer that Leo recommends has a collapsible heel to wear either as a closed loafer or stay on trend and use it as a slide. Wear this with an unlined tan blazer and navy skinny pants or try them out with a couture wide-leg trouser.
6. Nisolo Huarache Sandal
Recommended by David Komisarchik, @threadability
“These are something new I’m trying this season. I am not a sandals kind of guy, but I would like to get some more breathable shoes for summer. I think these are the perfect compromise for those of us who aren’t feet people but still want to catch a breeze on the toes. I think they’re really easy to style, just throw them on with shorts and a short sleeve button down. It’s a little classier and looks better than flip flops in my opinion.”
For those, like David, who are looking for a toe-y breeze, huarache sandals are the ancient, but stylish, way to get it. Nisolo reminds us right on this product page that the huarache style dates back to pre-Columbian Mexico and offered a solution, even back then, to cool feet down in the summer heat. If you’re typically a driving moc or loafer kind of guy, freshen up your shoe game and try the huarache style.
7. Topman Lace Up Trainers
Recommended by David Komisarchik, @threadability
“Everyone needs a pair of all-white sneakers. These are clean and look good with literally any outfit. Personally, I’m most into styling them with tailored trousers or a suit. Right now, we can wear those brighter colors and linen suits for the warm weather. A white sneaker is the perfect way to dress it down, but still look very intentional with your style.”
Looking “intentional,” as David said, is what personal style is all about. The white sneaker is the king of mandatory footwear right now, which makes this pair one of the best men’s shoes for Spring 2020. Although many brands have a version of the classic white sneaker, Topman offers careful attention to detail to create this amazingly affordable low profile sneaker. It’ll work for any outfit you throw at it, #ChangeMyMind.
8. Nike Air VaporMax 360 Sneaker
Recommended by Christopher Chin, @septembermondays
“The Nike Air Vapormax 360 is already one of 2020’s best sneakers. The best part, they’re just as comfortable as they are good looking. If you’re trying to flex on Instagram like @septembermondays, then this pair is for you.”
Chris is somebody who appreciates style, comfort and that unquestionable unique factor, which allows him to define his personal style. Nike’s Air VaporMax 360 is no different. This shoe combines innovative cushioning from the ‘00s with a classic silhouette from the ‘90s, partnered with today’s trendy colors, to bring us a triple threat sneaker for the spring. If you’re somebody who doesn’t like to wear socks past winter, the mesh upper will do you good.
9. New Balance 574
Recommended by Christopher Chin, @septembermondays
“Don’t be fooled by the fancy colorways that New Balance has been producing, these are just as good for Spring as they are for Summer. If you’ve never owned a pair of NB’s before, here is your chance to embark on a new adventure. I prefer my sneakers to be lowkey like NB’s. If you’re like me, you’ll give them a shot.”
New Balance is synonymous with comfort and sporty, casual style. Thanks to the dad-friendly, low-key aesthetic, New Balance is also making some of the most stylish men’s shoes of the year. The brand does make hundreds of different colorways, but this model in particular, with the light grey, red and blue, is perfect for wearing with lighter-colored clothing. This vintage-inspired track shoe makes for one of our favorite men’s shoes for spring and summer. Wear them with shorts, chinos, joggers and your favorite pair of light denim.
10. Ankari Floruss Slide
Recommended by Moti Ankari, @motiankari
“I’m really lucky and grateful that I get to travel a lot for work and I do spend a lot of my time in warm climates like the Caribbean. I found myself needing a chic and modern slide that is comfortable and can be worn not only to the beach, but out to casual dinners too.”
Warmer weather most certainly means sandals. The slide is one of the most popular styles as of late and is on trend for 2020 as well. Ankari Floruss is relatively new to the scene but is making a splash with their “Seven Days” concept that outlines a stylish shoe carefully designed for each day of the week. This slide is a perfect option for weekend wear of all kinds.
11. Nike + Off-White Vapor Street Sneaker
Recommended by Moti Ankari, @motiankari
“We’re only a few short weeks away from summer and these sneakers will motivate me to go to the gym and get that summer body ready!”
While we definitely HOPE that gyms open back up soon, this shoe is still something to look at for spring and summer. This Nike Vapor, reimagined by Off White’s Virgil Abloh, features a cleat-like rubber sole with spikes for added traction, especially on soft ground. Feel free to head down to the field knowing you’ll have the freshest feet on the track. If you’re looking to find that summer bod inside the one most of us acquired during quarantine, Nike and Off White will have you, or your feet at least, going extra hard.
12. Pikolinos Belfort
Recommended by Jeremy Moore, @makingitmoore
“I still wear these shoes to this day and I acquired these just over a year ago, so that speaks to the overall durability. But for me, the style and look is crucial. Especially with spring requiring me to throw on a smart casual outfit in the AM, but then switch into a comfortable happy hour look. These shoes check off all the required boxes to make a statement.”
Minimal sneakers are a must. Stylish shoes that are versatile enough to work in different style settings are even better. Pikolinos are a comfort-first brand that draws aesthetic inspiration from euro style. This sneaker is reminiscent of an old school running shoe with modernized technology to make it breathable and cushioned. While Jeremy opted for the white colorway from last year, the style remains a classy, versatile option. Wear this with anything ranging from smart casual office attire to flat front shorts with a t-shirt.
13. ECCO ST1 Perforated Sneaker
Recommended by Jeremy Moore, @makingitmoore
“This shoe is amazing and literally could be worn in any “spring” outting or inning scenario. They offer a black sleek leather and mesh design and a clean white sole. But, they took it a step further adding in Shock Thru technology which takes the impact off your ankles and knees offering an underlying benefit. Not only do the ST1 sneakers meet my style standards, but they are unique, which is hard to find in any black shoe style. I styled them for spring time with a pair of joggers and short sleeve button down.”
Finding a truly unique pair of black sneakers can be challenging, but luckily, Ecco has risen to the occasion. This sneaker is a perfect hybrid of sporty and casual and is comfort driven for all day wear. Like Jeremy said, the Shock Thru tech is a new development in the soles of the ST line from Ecco. Additionally, the brand has introduced Fluidform, which is an injection process for the shoe’s anatomical lasts that provides the most comfortable base for this men’s shoe. Plus, the black colorway goes with pretty much any casual or business-casual outfit.