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When temperatures rise and sweating is pretty much inevitable, socks can be more of a nuisance than they’re worth. If you’re looking for ways to stay cool and ditch your knits without restoring to sandals, there are a number of stylish shoes and sneakers that are suitable for going sockless in the summer months.
To prevent sweat buildup inside shoes, which can lead to rubbing that can cause to blisters, look for styles with breathable uppers and linings that are soft against the skin like genuine leather or canvas. Styles made with synthetic fabrics such as polyester or nylon mesh are great too, as these finishes are both breathable and moisture-wicking.
When looking for shoes you can wear without socks, you’ll also want to choose pairs with ventilation ports for proper airflow and antimicrobial treatments to prevent odor buildup. What’s more, styles you can throw in the washing machine are ideal for an easy refresh.
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From sneakers to ballet flats and loafers, we rounded up 30 cute women’s shoes you can wear without socks. Keep reading to shop our selection ahead and choose your favorite pair.
Ecco Sartorelle 25 Tailored Oxford
Ecco’s Sartorelle 25 Tailored Oxford is made from two layers of supple leather and features the brand’s FluidForm technology for a lightweight feel with cushioned arch support.
Acne Studios Classic Slip-On Sneakers
Who doesn’t love a classic white canvas slip-on? Laidback and super versatile, Acne Studios’ Classic Slip-On Sneakers are made of breathable canvas and feature a subtly distressed design for a chic, pre-worn look. These also have convenient pull tabs and are machine washable.
Tory Burch Ruby Square-Toe Suede Loafers
Delivering a touch of glamour, Tory Burch’s Ruby Square-Toe Suede Loafers feature a delicate gold chain trim around a wooden heel. And staying true to the brand’s aesthetic, the blue suede vamp is embossed with a signature Tory Burch logo.
Loeffler Randall Leonie Leather Ballet Flat
Ballet-inspired apparel and footwear continue to trend, which means Loeffler Randall’s Leonie Leather Ballet Flats should be at the top of your wishlist. Complete with a soft leather upper and thin elastic strap across the vamp, these look like actual ballet slippers. A breathable cotton lining also helps keep you comfortable.
Veja Campo Leather Sneakers
Veja’s Campo Sneakers have a smooth leather upper that features the French footwear brand’s signature ‘V’ logo and thick soles crafted out of wild rubber harvested from the Amazon rainforest. They’re offered in seven colorways including options trimmed with vegan suede.
Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Hi
A classic silhouette, these Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Hi Sneakers have a lightweight canvas upper and lining, padded insoles and durable vulcanized rubber outsoles. The pair should not only let the foot breathe but last a long time, too.
Cole Haan Modern Classics Oxford
For a timeless look, as well as plush cushioning, arch support and flexibility, look no further than Cole Haan’s Modern Classics Oxford. It’s available in this sleek black croc-embossed leather style and a leopard-print calf hair version.
Keds Champion CVO
Considering they’re a closet staple, you can never have too many white sneakers in your lineup. Keds’ Champion CVO has a soft, breathable fabric lining and memory foam footbed for long-lasting comfort. Moreover, the rubber outsoles are flexible and textured to help keep you steady on your feet.
Allbirds Tree Runners
The summer-ready sister to Allbirds’ popular Wool runners, the brand’s Tree Runners feature an upper made of eucalyptus tree fiber. In addition to being responsibly-sourced, the material is also lightweight, breezy and conforms to the shape of your foot. The pair also features a merino wool footbed for moisture and odor control.
Sperry Seaside Perf Leather Sneaker
Sperry’s Seaside Perf Leather Sneakers have a perforated leather upper and unlined interior for optimal breathability and a roomier fit. Underfoot, the style is fixed with a lightly cushioned footbed and rubber outsoles featuring Wave-Siping for reliable traction on slick surfaces.
Castańer + Net Sustain Kenda Canvas Espadrilles
Simple, summery and versatile, Castańer + Net Sustain Kenda Canvas Espadrilles are made to be lightweight and breathable. Underfoot, rubber soles add stability to the platform style.
Nike Air Max 270 Premium Sneaker
An open-weave mesh upper and stretchy sock-like fit make these Nike Air Max 270 Premium Sneakers ideal to wear with nothing underneath. Meanwhile, the visible Max Air unit in the heel and lightweight foam sole provides springy, responsive cushioning to help you go the distance. If you’re not a runner though, the style is great to just hang out in, too.
Frye Emory Oxford
From the brand that specializes in high-quality leather goods, Frye’s Emory Oxford has a vintage-inspired leather upper, lining and outsole with reliable tread.
Vans Classic Slip-On
Vans’ Classic Slip-On is equipped with a durable canvas upper and soft cotton drill lining for breathability and comfort. It also had a padded collar and footbed and gum rubber outsoles featuring the brand’s signature waffle tread pattern for grip.
New Balance 990v5 Sneaker
These trendy New Balance 990v5 Sneakers feature a highly breathable upper that combines mesh and suede, a dual-density foam collar and an Ortholite footbed built to cushion feet and support the arches.
Vince Blair Perforated Leather Slip-On Sneaker
Perfect for completing any casual outfit, Vince’s Blair Perforated Leather Slip-On Sneakers can also be also stylish for the office, too, if the dress code isn’t very formal.
Aquatalia Revy Flat Leather Loafers
Wearers are sure to love Aquatalia’s Revy Flat Leather Loafers featuring a notched vamp, slightly rounded square toe and buttery-soft construction.
Ilse Jacobsen Tulip 139 Sneaker
Coming in over a dozen colors to choose from, Ilse Jacobsen’s Tulip 139 slip-on has all-over teardrop perforations with scalloped embossing, soft microfiber linings and a removable cushioned insole.
Superga Cotu Sneaker
Also available in leather options, Superga’s Cotu Sneaker includes a breathable cotton canvas lining and logo-embossed eyelets.
Toms Parker Slip-On Sneaker
You can depend on Toms’ Parker Slip-On Sneakers featuring a textured woven textile upper and cushy OrthoLite Eco LT insole for all-day comfort. Underfoot, the brand’s signature rubber outsoles provide support and traction. This pair comes in seven colorways.
Børn Beca Flat
It’s a major bonus that Børn’s Beca Flats are designed with a convenient heel pull tab for easier entry. Also coming in six leather hues, they feature Opanka hand-sewn construction for a long-lasting, flexible bond and extra foam underfoot with arch support.
Adidas Ultraboost 20 Running Shoe
Special technology ensures these Adidas Ultraboost 20 Sneakers deliver a locked-in fit. The sporty style is engineered with a supportive, foot-hugging Primeknit upper and springy Boost midsole cushioning to help you go the extra mile.
Vionic Adore Sneaker
Vionic’s Adore Sneaker has a breathable mesh upper with cooling side cut-outs, plus a stretchy, lightly cushioned collar and dual front and back heel tabs for easy on and off access. Approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association for promoting foot health, the pair also features a removable insole and arch support.
Rothy’s The Sneaker
Boasting an eco-conscious design, Rothy’s The Sneaker is knit from its signature thread spun from plastic water bottles. The shoe is made to hug the contours of your feet and can be easily washed in the machine — just slip out the insoles first. It’s also available in a variety of colorways and prints.
Ugg Bren Slip-On Sneaker
A soft cotton mesh upper, plush terrycloth interior and EVA cushioned insoles make Ugg’s Bren Slip-On Sneaker super comfy and cozy. Crepe rubber outsoles provide added flexibility.
Allbirds Women’s Tree Breezers
In addition to its ultra-comfortable sneaker offerings, Allbirds also offers sustainably made ballet flats and slippers. Allbirds’ Tree Breezers Ballet Flat is knit from breathable eucalyptus tree fiber and features a soft ribbed collar for a comfortable fit. They also have cushiony, moisture-wicking and odor-reducing merino wool insoles and eco-friendly contoured SweetFoam EVA outsoles. They’re machine-washable, too.
Teva Highside ’84 Sneaker
Ideal for taking on precarious terrain, Teva’s Highside ’84 Sneaker is crafted with a lightweight ripstop upper and rugged rubber outsole featuring 4mm lugs that grip the ground. The retro-inspired style, which also boasts a plush EVA foam footbed, comes in three colors.
Clarks Un Rio Tie Sneaker
What’s not to like about Clarks’ Un Rio Tie Sneaker? It boasts a breathable perforated design with soft leather linings, moisture-wicking OrthoLite footbed and lightweight EVA soles.
Kahmune Kennedy Flats
This pair of Kahmune Kennedy Flats has a buttery-smooth leather upper in a luxe chestnut brown hue. The pointy-toed silhouette also boasts an elasticized topline, cushioned leather footbed, and leather soles with a rubber heel cap.
Columbia Women’s Vent Shoe
Not only does Columbia’s Vent Shoe feature a breathable mesh upper, but it also has ports in the midsole that enhance airflow to help keep feet cool. The style delivers a snug, sock-like fit, responsive Techlite cushioning and reliable traction thanks to Omni-Grip rubber outsoles. It’s available in four colorways.
