5 Summer Essential Sneakers

Summers are always busy, despite their connotation of being a time for vacations and freedom. With the weather being nice, everyone wants to be outside and do, well, just about everything. Last year, I was asked to go camping in Michigan, attend a wedding in Boston, head to an amusement park in Ohio, and join a birthday party in New York. I’m really not trying to brag here but more so just to show all of the different types of various activities one can get themselves into during this season. And you should totally do all of them, but you do not want to go ill-equipped. Your feet (alongside your own mental fortitude) will be doing all of the work and will literally carry you from point A to B, so give them the support that they need. Check out our five essential sneakers that will make you ready for whatever activities the summer throws your way.  

Woman’s adidas Gazelle Indoor Orange Peel White

The adidas Gazelle Indoor has been making major waves this year, and some may say partially due to the heightened popularity of the Samba. But the Gazelle Indoors deserve just as much of the spotlight. I wear my Gazelle Indoors just about everywhere without even a second thought. They are the type of sneaker where you can bring them along for the ride and they’ll just fit whatever look you’re going for. From running errands to trying to casually dress up for a night out, the Gazelle Indoors are in that special “everyday sneaker” lane that can’t be said for a lot of silhouettes. They’re lightweight shoes that come in a variety of colors and a signature gum outsole that makes them standout from your typical Samba. Plus, everyone will be wearing Sambas, so get on the trend before it becomes too mainstream. 

Hoka One One Tor Ultra Low Simply Taupe

The trails are calling everyone this summer and the right shoes can make or break any hiking excursion. Hoka One One has significantly expanded its reach outside of its running lane with their latest Tor Ultra Lo silhouette. As form and function are becoming more seamlessly blended within fashion designs, the brand has become a popular option for those looking for something more comfortable and attractive than your average outdoorsy boot. The Tor Ultra Lo is equipped with a treaded Vibram outsole for great traction, a Gore-Tex bootie for plush cushioning around the ankle, and a non-wicking mesh for a water-resistant beast of a shoe. I’m not a woodland person at all, but I have to say, if I got a pair of these, I would find an excuse to take a walk amongst the trees.  

ASICS Gel-Kayano 14 Cream Black Metallic Plum

If you thought we were done with ASICS love, then I’m sorry to disappoint. The Gel-Kayano 14 will go down as one of the best shoes of 2023 in my honest opinion. Especially for those days where you know you’re going to be going from place to place and on your feet all day, I wouldn’t want any other shoe by my side more. The ASICS Gel technology is some of the best cushioning systems in the footwear world, making this shoe one of my summer favorites. And recently, ASICS announced this new colorway of the Gel-Kayano 14 that looks significantly similar to the JJJJound collab. It will be much cheaper too, so you can get that hype feel without the pain in your wallet.

Converse Chuck Taylor 70 Devin Booker The Next Icon

Converse Chuck Taylors are classics, there’s no doubt about that and you won’t find any arguments here. The Chuck Taylor 70s model has been and continues to be another go-to for me when looking for a playful sneaker that feels youthful and open to fashion fluidity. I’ve worn them with jeans at a baseball game, but I’ve also worn them with dressy trousers as I was giving a presentation at a reception. Simply put, they’re another solid option for the summer and look great beaten up too. This collaboration with NBA superstar Devin Booker is a great example of the 70s model’s versatility. They’re clean and straightforward and will nicely complement whatever you throw at its way.

Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG Washed Black

I have to admit, I haven’t liked a lot of Jordan 1s. I think I’ve just gotten fatigued by all of the colorways that, to me, they now seem to be trying too hard to be a “signature” sneaker. But, in my opinion, the Jordan 1 doesn’t need to do much to maintain its relevance. It’s one of the sneakers that started this whole sneaker craze to begin with. It’s already memorable, so it shouldn’t have to be as vibrant and loud as certain colorways call for it to be. That’s why, when I saw the Washed Black colorway, I instantly gravitated to it. It’s just the shoe for everyone looking for another day-to-day wear that has an elevated feel with its smooth Washed Black suede and soft white leather uppers. It’s rejuvenated my appreciation for the Jordan silhouette and if you’ve gotten a bit tired from those colorways of the past, this should help bring you back to speed.