30 Summer Flats for Staying Stylish in the Heat

As someone from Florida, also known as the Sunshine State, I've spent a lot of time in the heat and consider myself to be a summer shoe expert. A key part of dressing in warmer weather is wearing the right shoes a.k.a. the most comfortable ones. Flats trump heels in the walking department, but flats vary in style and comfort level. We tested our favorite brands and rounded up the best options.

Ahead, we've compiled a list of 30 summer flats you can wear on a long walk and how to wear them.

Teva Original Universal Tie Dye $55.00

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Nothing says easy summer style quite like a pair of Tevas. They're perfect for all-day wear and are made from recyclable synthetic and plant-based materials. These sandals come in an array of colors, including a pastel tie-dye that would look angelic with an easy-fit oversized cotton dress (Merlette and Et Tigre make some of the best, in my opinion).

Charles & Keith Pink Keiko Padded Platform Sandals $56.00

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This won’t be the last flatform on this summer flats roundup, but I added this pair to my shopping cart in record time. If you’ve never worn a puffy sandal, I don’t know that you’re actually living life to the fullest—the soft padding is that nice. These come in multiple colors, but I think we can all agree that pink is the winner, as the bold hue makes sunny summer style a breeze. I would pair these dreamy slides with wide leg trousers and a loose button-down for the ultimate comfort. 

Steve Madden Lawrence $100.00

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This may not be the first silhouette that comes to mind, but hear me out: chunky white loafers for summer. I’m a huge fan of contrasting a flowing piece (like a silk slip midi dress) with shoes that look like toy trucks, and this pair from Last Studio is extra special thanks to the pink trim in a crisp white hue. 

Reformation Ludo Toe Ring Strappy Sandal $128.00

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These classic flat sandals feature a sturdy, leather material in three versatile shades, taking them to the next level. I would wear these to the beach with my hijab and coordinating seaside attire, but they would look great with any sundress or vacation-ready outfit that fits your style.

Madewell The Bradley Lugsole Loafer in Leather $158.00

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Picture this: A perfectly worn-in vintage T-shirt, light-wash denim, and these leather loafers. If closed-toe shoes don't sound like great summer flats for the heat, slip on a pair of no-show socks or whatever liner your heart desires.

Ugg LA Sun Platform Sandal $50.00

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During summer 2020 I got my hands on these quilted toe-strap sandals from Source Unknown in a gorgeous matcha green, and within a month the style was sold out everywhere. A quilted flatform is always a must, though, and this white pair from Ugg certainly does this trick.

Teva Hurricane Verge Sandals $80.00

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I saw strappy white summer sandals while shopping at the Simonett boutique in Miami, but they are no longer available. These options from Teva are the next best thing. To say these feel like you're walking on clouds would be an understatement: I’ve styled them in so many ways, but one of my favorite ways to wear these is with something less casual, like an oversized black blazer and a pair of ultra-slim, slit-hem pants.

Shop-Pêche Mora $89.00

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Do not sleep on Shop-Pêche’s curated selection of shoes, especially these vegan leather fisherman sandals, available in cream and black. Although the cream does feel more seasonally appropriate, I would personally go with the black and style them similarly to how the model wears them on the site, with a pair of white socks and a '90s-inspired button-down dress (think Phoebe from the episode of Friends when she grabs Rachel and Monica by the ear).

Vagabond Shoemakers Erin Sandals $100.00

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If you prefer something a bit more minimalist but still want that quintessential '90s vibe, these summer flats are for you. Smooth black leather sandals would honestly look great with any outfit—I can definitely see myself sliding into these while running errands in sweatpants, then switching it up for a dinner date with a long black skirt and a Jean Paul Gaultier-esque sheer top. 

Birkenstock Boston Suede Sandals $113.00

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I think about these Birkenstock sandals more than any human who doesn’t even own them should. I think it was around last year that I saw Emma Chamberlain in them, and they are truly such effortlessly cool shoes. Pair these with bootcut denim and a bodysuit for a cozy summer look.

Alohas Whiz Black Mule $134.00 $114.00

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Chunky summer flats with an open back? Say less. I'm such a sucker for a square toe, and Alohas reduces its environmental impact by only producing shoes on demand to avoid overproduction and waste—a really admirable strategy.

Kkerelé Mai Slip-On Shoes $130.00

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I'm so obsessed with Kkerelé. All of the brand's shoes are handmade in Lagos, Nigeria on demand, and you'll find some of the most unique styles you'll ever come across. I love these leather-wrapped chunky sole slip-on shoes, and I think they would look so good with a floral dress on a Sunday afternoon at the farmer's market.

Alohas Black and White Leather Sandals $170.00

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I just can’t get enough of Alohas. The eco-conscious brand truly has my heart, as do these elevated flip-flops in a color palette that would look so good with any sort of neutral outfit—I would 100% wear these with an all-black look.

Vince Bowie Leather Lug Sole $280.00

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Finding a sandal that you can walk in without sacrificing style is a feat. Thankfully these offer the best of both worlds. The back strap keeps them on your feet and the thick top straps glide over the tops of your feet without causing friction. Strap these on for a day of walking with an airy dress.

Melissa Shoes Melissa Possession $69.00

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Closed-toe sandals may be the most underrated summer shoe, and these Kelly green numbers prove it. Classy, comfortable, and more versatile than you might think, they have it all. Plus, if there were ever a time to experiment with color and print, summer is definitely the season for it.

Zou Xou Pileta Sport Slide $195.00

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As soon as I saw these slides, I started thinking of ways to wear them, which is always a good sign. I find that summer slides are the most versatile style-wise, in addition to the most practical. Wear them with Levi’s ribcage jeans and a crop top, whether layered with a button-down or alone.

Eytys Capri Sandals $220.00

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These sandals are giving me goth summer energy in the best way possible. Style them with black tapered pants and a cropped cardigan for an unexpected summer look.

Mansur Gavriel Square Toe Ballerina $395.00 $275.00

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The return of ballet flats seemed impossible even just a few years ago. The square toe beautifully complements this iconic silhouette. The best part? The leather and matching lining are breathable, which is essential in a summer flat.

Vivaia Maya Square Toe Flat Sandals $97.00 $69.00

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These elegant summer flat sandals would be completely appropriate for an outdoor summer wedding, especially when paired with an effortlessly chic wrap dress. 

ATP Atelier Polish Finish Open Toed Sandals $375.00

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Strong on both comfort and style, these gorgeous leather sandals would pair seamlessly with a pair of high-waisted, wide-leg trousers and a button-down.  

Osoi Tozle Flatform Sandals $357.00

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I may be a little biased because I own these, and they are slowly but surely becoming the only shoes I wear. These sandals feel like you’re walking on a summer flatform cloud, and the leather strap is the softest thing I think I have ever felt. I recently went on a weekend trip with these as the only shoes I packed, and I had zero regrets.

Brother Vellies Greg Shoe $395.00

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No roundup of shoes would be complete without Brother Vellies. Handmade with calf suede, the Greg shoe is the ideal pair for transitioning from summer to fall. These would look great with so many outfits, but I’m picturing a rib-knit skirt and lightweight cardigan with tons of silver jewelry.

Re/Done '70s Classic Clogs $415.00

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I've been on the hunt fora pair of clogs for months now, and these might just be the ones. I love anything inspired by the '70s, and Re/Done truly knows how to capture that era without looking costume-y. I feel like I would have no choice but to pair these with the brand's bootcut jeans, and I'm not mad about it at all.

ROAM Foldy Puffy Leather Slides $140.00

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The Attico has been consistently winning me over in the shoe department recently, and these two-tone leather slides are no exception. The hot pink strap contrasts perfectly with the black and green sole, and the style looks comfortable enough to wear while exploring on vacation.

Maison Margiela Transparent Tabi Oxfords $840.00 $412.00

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I recently got my first Maison Margiela Tabi shoes, and I'm now convinced that everyone needs a pair. I love these transparent Tabi oxfords because they combine my two favorite things, fashion and childhood nostalgia. I can’t think of anything these wouldn’t look good with.

By Far Lilo Quilted Sandals $633.00

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These instant classics come in a few different hues, but I’m gravitating toward the cappuccino beige or the black. Dress them down with your favorite denim and a bright top; I have a vintage blouse from the '60s that would look totally groovy.

Burberry T-Bar Loafers $680.00

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These kind of remind me of my elementary school uniform shoes, which I loved then and still do. The croc-embossed T-bar loafers have unique cutouts at the toe, which create so many fun styling options. Channel your inner Wednesday Addams by styling them with a black, long-sleeved dress (white collar shirt underneath optional) and a pair of black tights for an unexpectedly emo summer look. 

Dr. Scholl's Once Twice Platform Wedge Sandals $95.00 $60.00

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You may associate Dr. Scholl's with comfort, but style? Not so much—at least until now. Their line of platform sandals toes the line between practicality and fashion.

Naturalizer Darry Sandal $110.00

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Another expert in comfortable footwear, Naturalizer has dozens of sandal styles that prevent blisters and bunions but still look chic when paired with your favorite summer fit.

Rothy's The Weekend Slide $139.00

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Beloved by celebrities and style stars, Rothy's creates shoes that you can walk in from single-use plastic bottles (trust us they are more comfortable than they sound). Plus, they are machine washable, so you can toss these in with a load of your colors.