One day, we’ll show off fits in real life again, even if it takes a little re-learning along the way. The Highsnobiety Summer Style Guide is here to help, ensuring that lightweight pieces still result in heavyweight looks.
Beach shoes had long been a toe-curling category of footwear, a reserve of camping dads who swear by keeping well covered for a day by the ocean. But as you probably know, we’ve all become increasingly accepting of the weird when it comes to what’s on our feet. At least that’s what you’d think from looking at the recent arrivals. See Vibram and Suicoke’s painted-toe monster, brain boots, or pretty much any Crocs collab for reference.
With the sneaker world and its audience way more open-minded these days, I’ve realized that shopping for beach shoes means coming face to face with some of the best footwear on the market right now. They aren’t just acceptable. They’re actually cool.
Of course, the best beach shoes need to be waterproof, fit for strolling into the sea with, and tough enough to withstand contact with sand and sun. Luckily for us, brands are putting out options that fit this bill and look fire, including Merrell, Suicoke, and Bottega Veneta. I’m here for it.
Bottega’s standout puddle boot just got summerized. The result is a rubber sandal that’s perfect for showing that stripped-back beach looks don’t have to be sub-standard. This colorway definitely won’t get lost, either.
Here’s some proof that the physical form of footwear considered beach-worthy actually hasn’t changed that much, it’s just become way more acceptable. Japan’s Keen is making some of the best summer shoes of the moment — with the Yougi packing some EVA cushioning for some serious comfort.
Say what you want about Balenciaga, Demna usually has the house’s eyes firmly on the future. Here, he gives the humble pool slide a space-age silhouette. Just don’t be upset when a kid mistakes them for an ice pop.
If you’ve been following the strange direction the footwear game has taken of late, you’ll no doubt know all about the Suicoke Five Finger. In everyday life, it’s definitely at the stranger end of the spectrum. But in the water, it works.
This one’s my favorite of the list and comes courtesy of active footwear expert Merrell. Wear it in the water. Wear it on the sand. Wear it on the city streets. The ultimate all-rounder.
Not all beach shoes come with a holed-out or alien aesthetic. If you’re more into you’re pared-back looks, then this option by Italian outdoor outfitter Northwave might be your thing.
A mule, but ready for the water — what a world we live in. And in color-of-the-moment Shrek green.
A recent shoe of the week for us, Rick Owens gives the classic Birkenstock Arizona an iridescent coating inspired by the sci-fi movies of Fritz Lang. Not as built for the water as the Merrell or Keen shoes above, but a sophisticated beach shoe nonetheless.
It’s a new Kanye era, in more ways than one. March’s YEEZY Foam RNNR, perhaps the wildest of the family so far, released in March, was followed up by the recent unveiling of the YEEZY Gap jacket
If you don’t want Needles’ signature purple stipe to end at your track pants, then here’s a solution. Also bearing the Japanese label’s iconic butterfly logo, these are the slip-on/kick-off option that every vacation needs.
You thought we could bring you a curation of beach shoes without a pair of Crocs? Absolutely not. The divisive clog continues to ride a wave of blockbuster collabs and shock value releases that doesn’t look set to go anywhere soon. We’ve stuck with the OG here, though. Diplo can keep his mushroom Jibbitz.
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