Stylish Closed-Toe Shoes for Spring & Summer (That Won’t Overheat Your Feet)
For many of us, the warmer days of spring and summer mean it’s time to break out the sandals. But let’s be honest — there are days (and reasons) when covered toes are simply the better call. Finding closed-toe shoes that feel as good as they look in the heat is the real challenge, so I’ve rounded up some favorites that check every box: stylish, breathable, and seriously comfortable.
This post was originally published on May 28, 2024 and has been updated with current product selections.
When choosing closed-toe shoes for warm seasons, look for designs and materials that will allow for more air flow. Open weave, cutouts, and perforated leathers or other materials add breathability. Or look for styles that have less overall foot coverage, like d’Orsay styles or slingbacks. Here are a few of my picks for the season…
Stylish Closed-Toe Shoes for Spring & Summer
Loafers & Slip-on Styles
Paul Green woven leather loafers
These sleek open weave leather loafers are comfortable right out of the box! The woven leather is soft and flexible, and the insoles are nicely padded with some gentle arch support. They run true-to-size and are also available in off-white.
Budget-friendly option: these have a similar look and are available in 3 colors.
Spring Step floral laser-cut flat
If your style leans a bit Bohemian or artsy, this cute slip-on is worth a look. It’s available in several colors, and runs true-to-size.
These slip-ons always get rave reviews for comfort. This style is available in multiple colors, also a in a style with a thicker sole. (They do tend to stretch out a bit with wear, so go with a size that feels snug at first.)
Sneakers
I love the sleek look of this sneaker with mesh inserts for breathability. It’s also available in pink and citron green.
Vionic Winny Perforated Sneaker
A popular sneaker style, now in perforated leather! This brand is well-rated for comfort, stability & support. Also available in black and white.
This sporty style has tons of rave reviews, and is available in a few color options. Per customers, they run true-to-size.
✈️ Traveling soon? Be sure to visit The Best Travel Shoes for Spring & Summer (+ How to Choose the Right Pair) for my top picks for travel style & comfort (even on cobblestones!)
Ballet Flats & Mary Janes
Vionic Orinda perforated ballet flat
The squared toe gives a classic ballet flat a modern edge. This style is well-rated for comfort, and some colors are available in N and W widths.
Mary Jane flats are still riding a wave of popularity. I find the strap over the instep can provide extra stability. The geometric cut out pattern allows for plenty of airflow, and this brand tends to run true-to-size.
These flats get rave reviews for style and comfort. This open weave style is also available in olive green, and there are several other solid colors in suede and leather.
Reviews say they run true-to-size to slightly large.
Espadrilles & Huaraches
These timeless styles always look chic!
These made-in-Spain espadrilles seem to sell out every year, but there are still a few left in most sizes. I love those rainbow stripes!
A timeless look with a memory foam footbed, these huaraches are available in 3 colors. Per reviews they run large.
Finding the right closed-toe shoes for warm weather is really about knowing what to look for — breathable materials, smarter construction, and styles that don’t sacrifice comfort for looks. I hope this roundup gives you some great options to work with this season!
More Women’s Closed-Toe Shoes for Spring and Summer…
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Those Clerergie sneaks are to die for!!
Thank you! I love them too.
Wow, what a great compendium of shoes. I love all of them! Adding a shout-out to my favorite espadrilles, the Toni Pons Vic, which has a lowish wedge and is comfortable for all-day wear. I love the silver, but am considering black — the gold-taupe color is really pretty for those who prefer gold:
https://www.nordstrom.com/s/toni-pons-vic-espadrille-slingback-sandal-women/4044547
I have the Jerez flats and they are wonderful. The shoe looks as new as when I purchased them several years ago.
Thanks for this! I’m planning some summer “uniforms” for my freezing office and I was questioning whether to even buy any more sandals (have been searching for navy and cool taupe for several seasons now) because if my feet are cold I’m miserable no matter the season. This list is the answer for our midwestern and southern friends who have to manage blazing hot temperatures outside and arctic temperatures inside!
Oh summer shoes….how I hate them. I get blisters so much. In summer I feel shoes with my hands in a shop. Sometimes I hit the jackpot and they don’t give me blisters. More often they do, despite the promises.
By the way, I am a mesh hater haha.
Greetje
Your recommendations in shoes always puzzle me in light of the many of us who have arthritis, bunions, plantar fasciitis, etc. and could never wear the dainty and non-supportive shoes you suggest — and those of use with very narrow or wide feet, as well. You are very fortunate to be able to wear such lovely footwear comfortably.
Hi Dianne, have you checked out Sole Bliss? https://us.solebliss.com/ They make shoes specifically for bunions and wide feet.
Unfortunately, I have narrow feet, hallux rigidus, and plantar fasciitis! Shoe manufacturers really ignore us when it comes to comfort shoes.
I had plantar fasciitis for about a year. I’ll never forget how painful that was! I had a great physical therapist at the time. She was actually a DPT. She was a runner in college, and treated many athletes, including olympians.
She told me that she’d had plantar fasciitis, and found it to be the most painful injury she’d ever had.
Of all things, she highly recommended the brand FitFlop. I ended up wearing them almost every waking moment. They’re very supportive, but also extremely squashy. I have rather narrow feet, but a bit wider across the toes. They worked well for my feet. Some of the styles are rather homely, but they do have some cute styles. I like these sneakers! https://www.fitflop.com/us/en/shop/rally-x-jim-thompson-limited-edition-leather-sneakers-p-HU9#B28
I agree with you, Dianne. I got plantar fasciitis last summer and was miserable for almost 9 months. Now I wear ‘recovery slides’ inside the house. And I need arch support all the time. Also have bunion.
Meanwhile, I tripped on my front step last week wearing birkenstock sandals and carrying groceries. Fell on kneecaps and skinned knees. Friend chastised me for not wearing closed-toe shoes (another friend recently broke bones in her foot and arm by tripping while wearing flipflops).
All this to say — not sure how any modern, older woman dares wear non-supportive shoes, unless they are just going to the opera for a couple hours!
Hi Dianne,
When I had plantars fasciitis last year, Hoka sneakers and slides were my only friends. I see there’s now a Fisherman’s sandal, as well. The cushioning is out of this world.
I have wide feet and Paul Greens are my favorite brand, full stop. If someone needs speciality shoes, perhaps a fashion blog is not the best source.
Please forgive my ignorance, but I was wondering shat happens to raffia shoes if they get wet? I have never had raffia shoes, or raffia anything and I couldn’t find any care instructions on the shoe site.
Mine have gotten wet (not soaked) without any affects. I’ve seen raffia used in outdoor decorative objects, so assume it must be OK to get wet.
It all depends on what the raffia actually is — I’ve seen many so-called raffia handbags that are actually paper raffia — J Crew is an example. Those paper raffia items cannot get wet or they fall apart. True raffia — from plant fibers — is weather-resistant and generally pliable enough for shoes.
As someone with a thin foot and narrow heel, I almost always require a buckle (or laces) to keep my shoes on. Fortunately, my longtime favorite style fisherman sandals normally fit that bill. Just bought the J. Crew gold ones and absolutely love them. How I envy those of you who can wear a slip-on flat!
Sue, thank you for showing such a wide selection of lovely shoes! …really, something for everyone! I’ve also suffered from plantar fasciitis, and always look for good arch and heel support. I especially like Vionics and Naturalizer brands.
Another great post — you must be reading my mind! I always struggle to find comfortable summer shoes that don’t “show off” my crooked toes. In addition to closed-toe shoes that look summery, I also look for sandals with straps that cover most of my toes while allowing some breathing room. I just ordered the multi-colored espadrille you show here — thank you for the great suggestions!
Susan – Some lovely flat , but where are the heels? I need
a heel- at least an inch and a half or there’s pain.
SusanR
Hi Susan, here’s a wedge espadrille that always gets rave reviews: https://go.shopmy.us/p-45901723
I bought a perforated EARTH shoe last summer from QVC when it was on a marvelous sale…it fits my plantar fasciitis and has superb cushioning. I’ve had toe nail fungus (yeah, great) so I don’t like to show my toes. These shoes are comfortable and I get numerous “likes” on them.
https://earthshoes.com/collections/perforated-detail/products/bronnie-casual-slip-on-perforated-sandals-in-light-blue-leather-r-bronnie-lbl02
This excellent selection of flat shoes reminds me of the first time I came across you (Sally’s blog), thinking “She’s got the most amazing low heeled and flat shoes.”
The woven Paul Green and the Sam Edelman Toby sneakers are my favourite.
Greetje
I just ordered the Toni Pons espradilles from Nordstrom. I am looking forward to wearing them with the adorable Quince linen pants that you recommend in a previous post. Thank you!
I used to love the grasshopper brand shoe. Nice canvas slight wedge shoes. I found them comfy and wish they were still around. 😢
I love all of them. Great picks.
You might add these to the list, very cushioned foot bed and great for lots of walking. https://rothys.com/products/womens-espadrille-mary-jane-jasmine