What Will Be the Shoe of Summer 2025? 7 Menswear Experts Weigh In

Theodora also offered advice for elevating your footwear this summer: lean into texture. “If you’re a classic sneaker guy, maybe lean into a suede or metallic leather. You can’t go wrong with Dries [Van Noten] here.” The Belgian label has long put out interesting sneakers. This season is no exception: the brand’s of-the-moment runner comes in everything from chestnut suede to grassy green to metallic silver leathers and sleek black mesh.

David Rivera, creative director, The Hundreds

David Rivera, who leads creative for Los Angeles streetwear stalwart The Hundreds, is all about embracing comfort this summer. His summertime sneaker rotation includes a mix of vintage and contemporary Nikes, including the Air Max 95 and the Air Max Sunder, with some ROA boots thrown in for good measure. Like many of our experts, he predicted we’ll see a lot of low-profile sneakers this summer, “The fashion cycle is shifting…a more tailored aesthetic is emerging. It’s starting with pants and flowing down to slimmer footwear.”

Rivera called out a couple of especially strong styles within the slim-shoe wave: Tyler, the Creator’s Converse 1908, Nike’s soccer-inspired Total 90s, and the Puma Speedcat. But he was also quick to note not to be shy about wearing leather dress shoes throughout the summer, especially with some crisp white socks and shorts. “It adds contrast and creates this nice balance between polished and relaxed.”

Jian DeLeon, men’s fashion director, Nordstrom

“Expect soccer-inspired sneakers and similarly sleek silhouettes to dominate this season and beyond,” said longtime New York menswear fixture Jian DeLeon. The Nordstrom style guru also suggested not limiting the slimmed-down silhouette to just sneakers, either. “Low-profile soles are a great way to refresh your summer shoe rotation, especially in classic styles like boat shoes and penny loafers.” And if you’re looking for an elevated sandal, DeLeon added that it’s hard to beat the fisherman sandal, a style that has been trending upwards for a few summers now.

Eugene Lardy, founder at Street Night Live

Through his newsletter Street Night Live, Eugene Lardy covers men’s fashion with the feverish eye of a true obsessive in tune with every changing wind of microtrend. “I’m assuming that we are still going to see a lot of Adidas on the streets, but maybe we’re going to see people trade the Sambas for the BW Army or other GAT-inspired sneakers,” said Lardy. However, if you’re looking for a sneaker that isn’t from the Three Stripes, he also recommended the menswear-diehard-approved Mephisto Cruiser: “A great balance between casual and dressed up.”

One non-sneaker style that Lardy is especially hyped about for the season is Timberland’s 3-Eye boat shoe, an ultra-rugged riff on the maritime staple. “​​[It’s] so successful because of the combat midsole. It creates this hybrid look that’s fun to wear with shorts or pleated trousers,” he explained. “It gives it a bit more character over your traditional boat shoe.”

Ethan Glenn, founder, Every Other Thursday

Ethan Glenn, TikTok’s reigning champ of elevated minimalism, is fully embracing slimmed-down footwear this summer. “I love wearing a slim loafer with no socks…the perfect casual shoe that can be dressed up so easily,” he said. He recommended the Morjas Ivy loafer and the Banana Republic’s moc-toe loafer. And for the more adventurous, a personal favorite of his: Lemaire’s square-toe loafers.

When it comes to sneakers, Glenn only had one on his mind. “The shoe of the summer is the Dries Van Noten suede sneaker. Hands down,” he said. “I got my pair last fall and have worn them so much there’s a hole in the heel.” The brand’s ultra-slim runner—inspired by 1970s athletics, made from leather with suede trims—is a perfect specimen for the low-profile silhouette that is already dominating the men’s footwear conversation. While Glenn admits the slim rubber sole lacks the comfort and longevity of other sneakers, he still can’t stop wearing them. Because, as he put it: “Damn, they look good.”