Must-Have Shoes for Summer

The biggest update to your summer outfits starts with your shoes! Seriously, nothing transforms a look faster.

Our latest shoe roundup has something for everyone. Updates include slip-on sneakers, jelly shoes, Mary Jane styles, wedges, waterproof styles, flip flops, heels, colorful sneakers, and fun flat sandals. Shoes are such a great way to update your outfit without completely reinventing your wardrobe, and this season we have been having so much fun styling some new finds.

As always, every pair on this list passes our style and comfort test. If we can’t actually wear them all day, we don’t want them! Whether you’re heading on vacation, running errands, going out to dinner, or spending time with family, these are the shoes we keep reaching for.

For reference, Krista wears a size 9½ and I wear a size 6.5. Let’s get into our must-have summer shoes!

Neutral Sandals

For these first shoes, we wanted to show some of our favorite neutral shoes of the season that are comfortable and cute! These are our go-to shoes when we’re wearing a nicer blouse or dress, but they also look great with denim. We love having a few neutral sandals in our closets because they truly go with everything and can easily be dressed up or down depending on where you’re headed.

Krista’s Pick: Astrid Ankle Strap Wedge Sandal by ECCO
Krista is wearing the Astrid Ankle Strap Wedge Sandal by ECCO. These are officially post-knee-surgery approved! She even wore them during a long shopping day at our local mall and was comfortable the entire time. She loves the slight heel because it gives an elevated look without going overboard, and the wedge design makes them easy to walk in all day.

The “Mink” color goes with just about everything, which is always a huge win. Lately she’s been loving styling them with white denim, but they would also look so cute with dresses, linen pants, and summer skirts.

Julie’s Pick: Steve Madden Mayven Flatform Slide Sandal
I am wearing the Steve Madden Mayven Flatform Slide Sandal, and I have been reaching for these constantly lately. I am all about a Birkenstock, but sometimes they can dress down an outfit a little more than I want. These give you the same comfort and ease of a slide sandal while still feeling cute and put together.

I love that they have a little bit of height without sacrificing comfort. These are the kind of shoes you can throw on with denim shorts, jeans, a maxi dress, or even a casual dinner outfit. They are just so versatile and easy to style.

Wedge Heels

Wedge heels are always on our shopping list during spring and summer! We have found some really cute colors and styles this year, and they continue to be one of our favorite ways to dress up an outfit while staying comfortable.

They are easy to wear for parties, vacations, showers, dinners, and summer events. We also love that wedges tend to feel more stable than traditional heels, which means we actually wear them.

Krista’s Pick: Amal Wedge Heels with Memory Foam Insole by A New Day™
Krista is wearing the Amal Wedge Heels with Memory Foam Insole by A New Day from Target, and we could not believe these are only $45. Such a steal!

We love the woven detailing, which feels so summery and elevated. These are the type of shoes that instantly make an outfit look polished. We could see them being worn with everything from vacation sundresses to a cute dinner-with-friends outfit. The neutral color also makes them incredibly versatile.

Julie’s Pick: Zara Blue Wedge Sandals
I am wearing a pair of blue wedge sandals from Zara, and I absolutely love them. These are a little more casual because they have that classic flip-flop-inspired upper, but the wedge transforms them into something much more chic.

We are even seeing people wear shoes like these to more casual dress code weddings. I especially love wearing them with white skirts, white denim, and flowy summer pieces. The blue color feels so fresh and fun for summer and instantly makes me think of a beach vacation.

Fun Mules & Mary Janes

Mules and Mary Janes are popular all year long, but this summer we are finding some really cute and funky versions that are catching our attention.

We love that both of these styles feel a little unexpected while still being incredibly wearable. They are great options if you want something different from your typical sandal or sneaker.

Krista’s Pick: Vince Solstice Mule Sneaker
Krista is wearing the Vince Solstice Mule Sneaker, and how cool are these?!

They have the sporty feel of a sneaker but let in a lot more airflow, making them perfect for warmer weather. We also love how easy they are to slip on and off when you’re running out the door.

She has been loving styling these with denim for a simple running-errands outfit or casual lunch out. They are comfortable, practical, and just a really fun twist on a traditional sneaker.

Julie’s Pick: Sam Edelman Michaela Jelly Mary Jane Flat
I am wearing the Sam Edelman Michaela Jelly Mary Jane Flat in red. You know we have been loving jelly shoes this year, and the Mary Jane style makes them even more fun.

These are such a great way to add a pop of color to an outfit without having to think too hard about it. They are surprisingly comfortable, and the cutouts provide great ventilation during the hotter months. I have already gotten so many compliments on these, and I love that they instantly make a simple outfit feel more interesting.

Sporty Strappy Sandals

We love a more technical sandal for summer! These styles are perfect for outdoor events, farmers markets, sightseeing, travel days, or anywhere you’re going to be doing a lot of walking.

They’re practical, supportive, and comfortable, but still stylish enough that you don’t feel like you’re sacrificing your outfit.

Krista’s Pick: Sperry Isla T-Bar Slingback Sandal
Krista is wearing the Sperry Isla T-Bar Slingback Sandal, and these are super cute. The rope detailing gives them a nautical feel that is perfect for summer, and the neutral color means they can be paired with just about anything in your closet.

The footbed is incredibly cushiony, which has been especially important during her knee surgery recovery. These are the kind of shoes you could comfortably wear all day while still feeling pulled together.

Julie’s Pick: Frankie4 COAST Bronte Leather Ankle Strap Sandals
I am wearing the Frankie4 COAST Bronte Leather Ankle Strap Sandals. We have been ranting and raving about Frankie4 for a while now because we are genuinely huge fans of the brand.

I love the platform look and the secure foot straps. They feel supportive while still looking stylish, which can be hard to find. The leather construction makes them feel elevated enough to wear with dresses, but they’re also great with shorts, denim, and casual summer outfits.

If you have been wanting to try Frankie4, don’t forget to use our code: F4_LASTSEENWEARING20

Versatile Heels

Every summer wardrobe needs a few heels that can instantly elevate an outfit. Whether you’re heading to dinner, a wedding, date night, or a summer event, having a neutral heel that works with everything is always worth it.

Krista’s Pick: Dolce Vita Galae Slide Sandal
Krista is wearing the Dolce Vita Galae Slide Sandal, and these are such a fun take on the jelly shoe trend we’ve been seeing everywhere.

We love that they have the playful look of a jelly sandal but with a heel that makes them feel a little more elevated. They’re trendy without feeling over-the-top and can easily be styled with dresses, denim, or vacation outfits.

Julie’s Pick: Schutz Victorie Slide Sandal
I am wearing my go-to strappy heels: the Schutz Victorie Slide Sandal.

If you’ve followed us for a while, you already know these are my GO TO heels. They are super neutral and go with literally everything in my closet. I reach for them with jeans, dresses, skirts, vacation outfits—you name it.

I love having a shoe like this because I never have to think about it. If I need a heel, these are usually the first pair I grab. They’re timeless, versatile, and have earned their permanent spot in my closet.

Shoes are one of the easiest ways to refresh your wardrobe, and investing in a few great summer styles can completely change how your outfits come together.

Whether you’re traveling, heading to summer events, running errands, or just looking for a few fresh pieces for the season, these are styles we know we’ll be reaching for again and again.

We hope you found a few pairs you love as much as we do!

Which pair caught your eye?

Talk soon!

Xoxo,
Krista & Julie 💛

SHOP THIS POST:

YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY:
4 Easy Spring Outfit Formulas We’ve Been Wearing on Repeat

Our Go-To Spring Shoes for 2026

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *