Summer is a busy time – you need shoes for all those activities! Here are the summer shoes for moms that will get you through.
I am a shoe minimalist. Shoes have always been hard for me, so I tend to buy a few pairs of all-purpose shoes and wear them until they die. In the summer, this means that I can get by with six pairs of shoes. Six! That’s it!
As you read through my recommendations for summer shoes for moms, keep in mind that the shoe categories are the important thing. Don’t feel like you need the exact shoes I’m recommending. You probably have most of these shoes in your closet already. I will give you my recommendations for each category, though, in case you have a hole in your stable of summer shoes for moms. I know I do, and I’ll be asking for recommendations from you to fill my summer shoe hole.
So, with that, here are the summer shoes for moms that you will need to get you through the summer.
Summer Shoes for Moms
Fashion sneakers
Sneakers are an absolute staple of any mom’s wardrobe in every season. We’re chasing kids and doing all kinds of activities, and our feet need to be comfy and supported. But we want them to look cute too! You need some all-purpose sneakers. They are without a doubt one of the best summer shoes for moms.
These aren’t athletic shoes (I’ll talk about those next). These are comfy, sporty, easy to wear, and go with everything.
What to look for
I’ve tried so many fashion sneakers over my years of motherhood. All this research has led me to realize that fashion sneakers with a low profile are the most versatile. They can be worn with shorts, dresses, jeans, linen pants, athletic clothing, and whatever else you throw on to cover your body.
As far as color goes, I like to stick with something fairly neutral so they go with everything in my wardrobe. I’ve been toying with getting a second pair that are more colorful just for fun, but the staple you need is a neutral pair.
The fashion sneakers that tick all the boxes for me are Nike Field Generals. I have the all-white version, which appears to be out of stock, but there are a ton of other colorways available, many of which are neutral.
Athletic shoes
Even though your fashion sneakers will be your go-to summer shoes, they won’t get you all the way there. They won’t be the shoes you work out in, for example. And, unless you live in a super hot place, summer is the time of the year you’ll want to work out outside. If you’re pounding the pavement, you need the right summer shoes for moms to let you do it!
What to look for
Comfort is key when you’re choosing your athletic shoes. Try them on, walk around the store like you’re a 90s kid in Payless, and really make sure you’re going to be happy with them before you buy them. Also, make sure you’re buying the right kind of athletic shoes for the activities you plan to do in them. Walking shoes versus running shoes versus cross-training shoes versus court shoes matter!
For me, I’ve found that Adidas athletic shoes fit my feet well. My current pair is called the JogIt. It looks like Adidas isn’t selling them on their website anymore, but they can still be purchased at places like Shoe Carnival and Amazon if they look like shoes that might work for you.
Everyday sandals
I feel most confident about my shoes in the summertime because I can wear sandals. Growing up in Florida, I could wear sandals pretty much every day of the year. So I know sandals.
What to look for
Your everyday sandals should be comfortable and should allow you to walk and stand comfortably. They should also look good with pretty much everything you might want to wear in the summertime because summer shoes for moms should be versatile!
The pair of everyday sandals that works best for me is my metallic Birkenstock Arizonas. The cork footbed conforms to your foot, so you can walk literal miles in them. I chose the silver color to add a little pizzaz to my outfits while still making sure they go with everything in my closet.
Water-friendly sandals
If your summer plans include the pool, the beach, or the water park (which probably is every mom), you need a pair of water-friendly sandals in addition to your everyday sandals. Although there are lots of cheap options out there, I would highly recommend spending a little more money to get a pair of water-friendly sandals that won’t tear up your feet.
What to look for
Ideally, your water-friendly sandals will be insanely comfortable, have great support, and won’t rub at all. They will also be cute so you actually want to wear them. Ladies, I have found the perfect water-friendly sandals – the Reef Water Vista sandals. I know I said you didn’t have to buy my specific recommendations earlier, but I really think you should buy these if you ever walk in wet environments. Peer pressure!
Nicer sandals
Yes, I think every mom should have a third pair of sandals to wear in the summer! We have covered your everyday sandals and your water-specific sandals, but you also need a pair of sandals that you can wear when you want to dress up a little bit. Think strappy. But still pretty flat because we’re chasing after kids, after all.
What to look for
Ok so we know we want something a little nicer looking than our everyday sandals, but we don’t necessarily want something fancy. I think a nice flat, strappy sandal in a neutral color fits the bill. And don’t forget that they need to be comfortable. We are far too old to wear uncomfortable shoes!
I’ve been wearing a pair of Naturalizers that ticked every box for the last seven(!) years, but they are on their last leg. So, this is a hole in my wardrobe of summer shoes for moms that I need to fill sooner rather than later. If you have recommendations for a nicer pair of sandals, I’m all ears!
Flats
Finally, don’t forget about a pair of flats. You might not have many events over the summer where you don’t want to wear sneakers or sandals, but there will probably be some. Be proactive and get a pair of nice flats now so you’ll have them handy when you need them if you don’t already have a pair you love.
What to look for
Your summer flats should be comfy (duh), a neutral color, and look summery. Your clunky flats that you wear in the Fall will look and feel out of place in July. I love a pair of woven flats for the summer events that just scream for something a little nicer than sneakers or sandals. The pair I love is by Cushionaire – the Windsor Woven Mary Jane. I opted for the wheat color that will go with everything, but it looks like they are mostly sold out. The cognac color would be my second pick.
Other posts
If it’s fashion you’re after, I’m probably not your #1 blogger. I do, however, share what I’m wearing and loving from time to time. If this interests you, please consider checking out the following posts:
I hope my list of essential summer shoes for moms has helped you fill your shoe closet for this season. Is there a shoe that you love for the summer that doesn’t fit into one of my categories that you think every mom should own? Please share down in the comments below or over on Instagram @sarainseason!