The Summer Shoes That Earn Closet Space Every Year
A few summers ago, I realized I was buying shoes the same way I used to buy clothes.
I’d find a pair I loved, wear them once or twice, and then spend the rest of the season reaching for the same handful of favorites.
Eventually, I stopped buying shoes for one outfit.
Now I look for shoes that solve a specific purpose. Boat days. Beach days. Everyday outfits. Dinner reservations. If a pair can’t earn repeat wear, it doesn’t earn closet space.
Every summer, I end up reaching for the same four pairs.
These are the shoes that actually get worn.
1. Boat Days: OluKai Kahakai Sneakers
Living in a coastal town means I spend a lot more time around docks, marinas, and boat decks than I ever expected.
These are the shoes I reach for when I know the day is going to involve water.
They have enough grip for docks and boat decks, they’re comfortable for walking around town afterward, and they don’t scream “performance shoe.” That’s what I like most about them. They solve a problem without looking overly technical.
If we’re taking the boat out, these are usually the first shoes I grab.
2. Beach + Pool: Clarks Breeze Sea Sandals
I’ve owned multiple pairs of Clarks sandals over the years, and they always seem to find their way back into my summer rotation.
These live near the back door because they’re constantly getting used.
Beach days. Pool afternoons. Golf cart rides. Quick trips into town.
They’re lightweight, comfortable, and easy to wear for hours without thinking about them. The soft pink color feels a little more polished than a standard flip-flop, but they’re still practical enough for real life.
If I’m packing a beach bag, these are usually coming with me.
3. Everyday Outfits: Onitsuka Tiger Slip-Ons
These are the shoes I wear when I don’t want to think about my shoes.
Errands. Lunch. Casual Fridays. Walking around town. Travel days.
The pink accents make them feel a little more fun than a basic white sneaker, but they’re still neutral enough to wear with almost everything. They work with jeans, shorts, casual dresses, and the airport outfits that show up repeatedly on this blog.
They’re comfortable, low-profile, and somehow manage to look sporty without looking athletic.
That’s a combination I appreciate more every year.
4. Dinner + Events: TOMS Wedges
Every summer closet needs one shoe that works for dinner reservations, waterfront restaurants, showers, and events that call for something slightly more polished.
For me, that’s this wedge.
I like that it adds a little height without sacrificing comfort. The soft blue color works beautifully with white denim, summer dresses, and the coastal color palette I wear most often this time of year.
They’re also made for more narrow feet, which I have.
These are the shoes I reach for when I want to look a little more dressed up without feeling overdressed.
Four Pairs. Every Summer Situation Covered.
The older I get, the less interested I am in owning endless options.
I’d rather have a small collection of pieces that get used over and over again.
These four pairs cover nearly every summer situation I run into:
Boat days
Beach trips
Pool afternoons
Everyday errands
Travel days
Dinner reservations
Weekend events
Every summer, I find myself reaching for the same four pairs.
Not because they’re trendy.
Not because they’re new.
Because they work.
And at this point, that’s the best compliment I can give any purchase. -LME
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