Summer Holiday Footwear Guide
From beach days to city breaks: footwear made for every destination so that you can be summer-ready in an instant.
This is your all-in-one guide to holiday shoes. We’re talking about the summertime shoes to pack, how to wear them and, most importantly, why they actually work. From day-to-night sandals and city-smart trainers and pool-ready slides, we’ve broken it down by destination to make packing easier (and dressing a lot more fun).
Inspired by Summer 2025's biggest fashion moments, cult-favourite silhouettes, and the destinations everyone’s talking about, it’s your ultimate cheat sheet for travelling light but stepping out strong. Whether you’re strolling through side streets or heading out for a sunset dinner, we’ve got the footwear formulas to get you there, with the outfit to match.
Written By: Meilsa Rustemova - Published: 12.08.25
1. Step Into the City
The go-anywhere shoes for on-the-go getaways
You know that feeling, you land in a new city, check into your hotel, and suddenly you’re a local. City breaks aren’t just about sightseeing anymore; they’re about slipping into another life, even if just for 48 hours. Whether it’s sipping espresso like you’ve always lived there or navigating side streets with the confidence of a native, the fantasy is half the fun. And naturally, the right footwear plays a key role.
The best city shoes balance form and function, delivering sharp style without compromising comfort. This season, the go-to silhouettes are summer trainers, polished loafers and elevated mules, each one built for full days out, spontaneous plans and whatever the itinerary throws your way. Retro trainers, in particular, are everywhere. Slimline runners and ‘90s tennis styles are leading the charge. Look for clean lines, subtle logos and gum soles, with neutral palettes still dominating, though a bold colour moment never hurts.
Meanwhile, loafers continue their ascent thanks to the quiet luxury movement. Think glossy black leather, subtle horsebit details or patent finishes with structure. On the street style front, they’re being paired with tailored blazers, crisp white socks and oversized shirting.
Then there’s the mule, a versatile wardrobe essential enjoying a high-fashion reboot. With square toes, micro kitten holiday heels, and luxe satin finishes leading the way, these shoes strike the perfect balance between laid-back ease and polished sophistication. Whether elevating your favorite denim or adding a sleek touch to classic black trousers, mules effortlessly transform any look.
Across all three styles, the common thread is wearability. These aren’t just fashion-forward, they’re made to be worn, styled and re-styled. Try them with wide-leg trousers and a boxy shirt, a denim midi and blazer, or minimalist tailoring with sleeveless knits.
2. Poolside & Picture-Ready
Lounge, dip, repeat, your poolside lineup starts here.
You know the scene: the sun’s out, the loungers are lined up, and your out-of-office is firmly on. Poolside days are a state of mind, slow, sunkissed, and stylish. Whether you’re reading poolside, taking a quick dip, or just perfecting your “doing nothing” pose, what you wear should feel just as effortless as the moment. Think slides that slip on in a second, wedges that add polish without trying, and holiday sandals that can handle a stroll to the bar or the beach.
From ‘90s minimalism to Y2K nostalgia, summer’s sandal line-up is all about subtle statements. Barely-there sandals continue to dominate, nodding to the runway’s love for stripped-back elegance. With soft leathers, nude palettes and delicate fastenings, they’re perfect for everything from lounging by the pool to dressing up for golden hour. Jelly shoes make a playful comeback, with iconic designers like reworking the childhood staple in luxe finishes, in glitter, neons and sheer textures that land squarely in the Y2K revival. Sculptural clogs and wedges offer an elevated take on summer dressing, with architectural soles and exaggerated shapes adding drama to even the simplest looks.
They're the perfect day-to-night pick for beach clubs, rooftops, and everything in between. Meanwhile, thong sandals (along with flip flops and their heeled counterparts), once divisive, now definitive, have become a staple thanks to their sleek leather straps and effortless silhouette. Style them with maxis dresses or oversized tailoring for an off-duty finish that still feels curated. What unites them all? A sense of ease. When you're rotating between linen sets, swimwear and dresses, your footwear should be just as low-maintenance, easy to slip on, hard to forget. Go for barely-there finishes that let the rest of your outfit breathe, without sacrificing polish. Pair with a co-ord and straw tote, an oversized shirt over your bikini, or a ribbed tank dress and wet-look hair. Add statement sunglasses and gold jewellery and you’ve nailed the look.
3.Country Calm
Weekend retreats, picnic chic, and gentle luxury.
Sometimes the only way to truly switch off is to get out, way out. Whether it’s a slow-paced escape to a stone cottage in the Cotswolds or a dreamy long weekend in the Dordogne, rural retreats offer a kind of peace city breaks just can’t. It’s a chance to swap deadlines for hedgerows, phone screens for scenic walks, and rush hours for rolling hills.
Country calm calls for shoes that tread lightly yet leave a lasting impression. Leather fisherman sandals, once a niche favourite, are now the off-duty staple for fashion insiders. Their resurgence is thanks to the minimalist movement, and utilitarian versions made them a natural fit for countryside strolls and slow weekends. With caged silhouettes and breathable leather, they blur the line between practical and polished.
Boat shoes, too, have sailed back into the conversation. Once reserved for prep-school nostalgia and coastal getaways, they’ve been revived with chunkier soles, unexpected colourways, and a gender-neutral appeal, part of the wider ‘old money’ and coastal grandmother trends that have dominated the media.
And for when the countryside decides to live up to its muddy, rain-soaked reputation, a pair of wellies is non-negotiable. Modern styles move beyond the farmyard, with sleek matte finishes, chic colour palettes, and cropped silhouettes that make them just as at home with a belted trench and tailored trousers as with denim and an oversized knit.
And then there are woven ballet flats, reworked classics that are more earthy than twee. As balletcore continues to influence both high fashion and street style, these woven iterations feel grounded, rustic, and ideal for low-key escapes. For styling, opt for puff-sleeve midis and straw hats, relaxed tailoring with a soft knit, or a lightweight cotton jumpsuit and a slouchy crossbody.
4. Heat Seekers
Long flights, big plans, and heat that hits the second you land.
You’ve been counting down for months, the itinerary is locked in, and the stakes couldn’t be higher, this is the trip where you want to look and feel unstoppable. Whether it’s a sun-soaked festival, a desert escape, or the hottest social calendar event of the year, your wardrobe needs to keep up with the heat and the hustle. Light layers, breathable fabrics, and shoes that can handle the heat without missing a beat are non-negotiable. This is where festival flats and other versatile footwear work overtime, taking you from airport lounges straight into late-night cocktails without missing a step.
Lightweight slides have cemented themselves as the ultimate holiday essential for 2025, embracing minimalism with a focus on texture and craftsmanship. Expect padded soles, quilted leather, and tonal neutrals to dominate.
Canvas slip-ons bring a fresh twist to classic casual, updated with oversized rubber soles and subtle heritage-inspired branding. Perfect for laid-back weekends or spontaneous adventures, they’re favoured by style insiders who prize timeless ease over fleeting trends. Meanwhile, toe-ring sandals in natural tones have emerged as a subtle but significant trend. Their delicate, minimalist designs in earthy hues like tan, sand, and clay tap into the season’s love for all things neutral and quietly elegant. Popular with emerging influencers and luxury labels alike, these sandals offer a modern-boho vibe that works just as well on sandy shores as in urban patios.
Why do these shoes work so well? Because when it’s hot, you need footwear that breathes, packs light, and travels easily without sacrificing style. Pair them effortlessly with floaty trousers and a strapless top, a bandeau dress and oversized tote, or a tank, wrap skirt, and chunky jewellery for that perfectly curated holiday look.
5. Party Mode: On
Girls’ trips, big nights, and dancing until sunrise
This trip isn’t about taking it easy, it’s all about going all out. The group chat’s been active for weeks, the outfits have been planned to perfection, and the dress code? Unapologetically bold. Think sequins, bodycon fits, and looks that turn every pavement into a runway. When the itinerary reads rooftop bars, underground clubs, and dancing until sunrise, your footwear needs to be just as extra as the plans. This is not the moment for minimalism, it’s the era of statement shoes, and they’re doing the most. Comfort matters, but style wins, so opt for pairs that strike the perfect balance between support and standout.
Platform heels are back, and they’re not playing it safe. Think serious height, major impact, and the kind of stability that keeps you dancing through every plan, from rooftop cocktails to after-hours spots. Crystal-studded sandals bring that throwback sparkle, and are pure Y2K, channeling Paris Hilton-at-the-Penthouse energy. For a sharper, sleeker finish, pointed-toe heels deliver polish with attitude, turning even the simplest outfit into a full fashion moment. And if you’re in the mood to stand out? Snakeskin boots are the go-to, bold, tactile, and totally unforgettable.
Summer boots are our hidden gems, perfectly bridging the gap between edgy and elegant for those cooler summer nights or unexpected weather shifts. Lightweight leather and suede ankle boots with pointed toes or subtle cut-outs add just the right amount of attitude without weighing you down. Think of them as your secret weapon—versatile enough to pair with mini dresses, tailored shorts, or statement skirts.
These styles don’t just complete the look, they are the look. Build around them. Think mirrorball minis, sheer slips, asymmetric co-ords, or a dress that’s practically begging for a flashbulb moment. Your party shoes should lead the charge.
The Last Step: Making Every Pair Count
No matter where you’re heading this summer, your footwear deserves more than a last-minute suitcase slot. The right pair does more than complete an outfit; it transforms how you move, how you feel, how you show up. Packing smart doesn’t mean packing safe. It means knowing which silhouettes are timeless, which styles ensure confidence, and which pairs will carry you through every plan on your itinerary, even the spontaneous ones. So here’s to sandals that feel like sunshine, summer loafers that mean business, and party shoes that don’t quit when the music’s still going.
FAQ:
How many shoes should I take on holiday?
Start with your itinerary and the climate – they’re your packing compass. A city break might call for trainers, loafers, and mules, while a coastal escape needs sandals, slides, and something smarter for dinner. Think in categories rather than numbers: one for walking, one for lounging, one for dressing up. That way, every pair earns its spot in your suitcase and works hard for multiple outfits.
How many pairs of shoes for a two-week holiday?
For two weeks, three to four pairs is the sweet spot. Cover the bases – something city-smart, something beach-ready, something evening-worthy, and one wildcard for statement-making moments. That could mean trainers, sandals, heels, and a pair of slides. The key? Each style should cross over into more than one setting, so you’re travelling light without sacrificing looks.
What are the best holiday shoes men should pack?
It depends on the destination, but versatility is everything. For city trips, think slimline trainers and polished loafers. For the beach, leather sandals or slides that go from poolside to promenade. And for evenings, smart espadrilles or minimal slip-ons that work with linen trousers or tailored shorts. Neutral tones keep outfits effortless, but one bold pair can instantly change the mood.
What shoes to wear with a summer dress?
It’s all about matching the dress’s energy to the shoe’s mood. Floaty maxi? Strappy leather sandals or espadrilles. Sleek slip dress? Mules or minimalist heels. Something printed and playful? Chunky trainers for contrast or jelly sandals for a nostalgic twist. The season’s favourites – barely-there straps and natural textures – keep the look fresh, light, and holiday-ready.
What shoes to wear with a dress that aren’t heels?
Flats don’t mean flat on style. Ballet flats in woven leather, fisherman sandals, or sleek loafers all bring polish without height. Slides in tonal shades work perfectly with linen midis, while platform espadrilles give a lift without feeling like heels. The trick is to choose refined shapes and luxe finishes so the look stays chic from day to night.