The Best Shoes For a Hot Summer in the City

The Row foam sandals

by Madeleine Cotton

Comfort and breathability are the factors to take into consideration when picking out summer shoes, especially if you live in a city. Here are a few options touching a variety of styles.

the going out sandals

Staud leather mules

STAUD * BRIGITTE LEATHER MULES * $315

There’ll be many evening dates and special occasions in the summer that a pair of chic mules will match any dressed up outfit.

the everyday sandals

the row foam sandals

THE ROW * FOAM SANDALS * $620

A lightweight sandals that can be your go-to slip on shoes for when you need to pick up some bagels on a Sunday morning. 

the commuter/works flats 

dune round toe ballet flats

DUNE LONDON * LEATHER ROUND BALLET FLATS * £89

The summer flats are integral for commuting on trains to the office. Who needs the blisters? 

the birkenstock

Birkenstock  Eva sandals

BIRKENSTOCK * ARIZONA STEALTH BUCKLE EVA SANDALS * $54.95

The spring-summer classic, a trusty footbed so that long walks in concrete to the beachy sands, every girl needs a pair of Birks.

the flip flops

Sleepers flip flops

SLEEPERS * TAPERED PLATFORM FLIP FLOPS * $50

Don’t believe the hype from non-city folks - my feet do not get dirty from all the walking around the city in flip flops. Not like they do when I’m walking my dog in the suburbs. IYKYK. Flip flops are an eternal style that are forever chic as long as you’re fully ready with a fresh pedicure. 

*Originally published in 2019, updated May 7, 2026

*DNAMAG uses affiliate links, but these do not influence our editorial content. We may earn commission for any sales from affiliate links. It helps pay our writers.