JiveDash

Best Summer Shoes for Women in 2024

these handy flats

HEAWISH Women's Floral Ballet Flats

Women's Floral Ballet Flats
Pros
  • can fit in most bags
  • can be worn with anything
Cons
  • not much support

As a heel enthusiast, being able to carry around a cute bendable shoe for when I'm ready to be grounded again is always a lifesaver. This floral option (in various colors) will do the trick.

this celeb fave style

TKEES Women's Gemma Slides

Women's Gemma Slides
Pros
  • neutral hue that's perf for everyday
  • an easy, packable option
Cons
  • reviewers with wider feet say these can feel narrow

Celeb fave brand, TKEES, is a must for adventures in the sand. I have these in green and love the ease of slipping them on and off.

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these understated slides

Everlane The Day Crossover Sandal

The Day Crossover Sandal
Pros
  • reviewers say there's no break-in period
Cons
  • according to reviews, the soles can feel hard

Heads up: You're gonna love 'em sooo much. These understated beauts feel great right out of the box and go with absolutely everything. Reviewers mention they keep buying 'em over and over again.

Rave Review: "Love these sandals. They are super comfortable and easy to walk in. These sandals look good with dresses, shorts or pants. They fit true to size. Will be ordering more in different colors."

these flatforms

Steve Madden Bigmona Natural Raffia

Bigmona Natural Raffia
Pros
  • adjustable, which is great for feet that swell in the heat
Cons
  • some reviewers say you may need to size up

Lookin' for somethin' to elevate (heh) your style this summer? A pair of cute flatforms (that come in tons of designs) will be perf for you.

Rave Review: "Love love looove!! Might as well order another color! Took the risk and ordered half size up and was perfection!!!"

these trusty birks

Birkenstock Mayari

Mayari
Pros
  • reviewers say these shoes last forever
  • come in lots of styles and colors
Cons
  • not super packable for trips

There's a reason this brand gets so much love. The soles conform to your feet over time, making them soooo comfy.

Rave Review: "I will always recommend Birks. I love how they mold to your feet. I find them super comfortable and they last forever. I highly recommend these! This pearl color that I bought is amazing."

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these dunks

Nike Dunk Low Twist Sneaker

Dunk Low Twist Sneaker
Pros
  • reviewers talk about how comfy and cushion-y they are

What are you even doing if you don't have a pair of dunks? Serve up cool girl vibes in any colorway and you'll get props no matter where you're heading this summer.

Rave Review: "I have a wide foot and these fit very comfortably. I highly recommend to go up by half a size. I normally am a 10 in shoes but I went 10.5 in these because I often wear thicker socks (like crew socks) and these fit very well. The tongue is a bit bulky but I was aware of that after looking at the photos. I like the style of these a lot since they are different than the average dunk. I also have a higher arch than the average person and these are very comfortable to walk around and they have some nice cushion in them. I have gotten 2 pairs already since I love these that much!"

this cool collab

Nike x Serena Williams Design Crew Air Max 1 Sneaker

x Serena Williams Design Crew Air Max 1 Sneaker
Pros
  • a futuristic spin on a classic silhouette
Cons
  • only available in one colorway

How cool are these Air Max's from Nike's collab with Serena Williams? I'll answer: so cool.

Rave Review: "Love the color, it's true to size, and very comfortable."

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these mesh mary janes

Sam Edelman Michaela Mesh Ballet Flats Vintage Pink

Michaela Mesh Ballet Flats Vintage Pink
Pros
  • breathable design
  • cute crystal embellishments can be dressed up or down
Cons
  • reviewers say there isn't a ton of stretch

It doesn't get more breathable than a mesh shoe. Your toes will be playing peek-a-boo in these precious Mary Jane style ballet flats.

these chic flip-flops

Tory Burch Classic Flip Flop

Classic Flip Flop
Pros
  • lots of pretty colors
Cons
  • a lil pricey

Designer flip-flops? Don't mind if I do...

this cute slingback

GENTLE SOULS BY KENNETH COLE Madylyn Slingback Sandal

Madylyn Slingback Sandal

Now 15% Off

Pros
  • can be dressy or casual
Cons
  • some reviewers note they can make a sound when you walk

How gorge is this slingback option by Kenneth Cole? Reviewers are loving the rich hue, cute design, and the comfort it gives!

Rave Review: "Love the woven textured look! Fits about 1/2 size smaller than usual. I usually take a 7 1/2 in sandals but needed a size 7 in this model. I can't emphasize too much the comfort of this sandal. Perfect for many looks in spring, summer, and fall. Love it."

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these cool wedges

BCBG Westa Wedge Heel

Westa Wedge Heel
Pros
  • available in both black and white

The architectural design of this wedge heel is making my artsy heart melt.

this tropical pick

Larroude Madison Flat In Caribbean Leather

Madison Flat In Caribbean Leather
Pros
  • available in three colorways
Cons
  • no neutral colors at the moment

The island gyal in me couldn't resist adding this Caribbean-inspired pick. Look at that oceanic blue! Those seashells! All of the gold goodness!

Rave Review: "These fab sandals are elevation personified! It has comfort, style, cool-chic vibes, heavy ornamentation—it has it all!"

this fun pair

Larroude Evergreen Margot Wedge In Evergreen Soft Towel

Evergreen Margot Wedge In Evergreen Soft Towel

Now 50% Off

Pros
  • Barbie vibes
Cons
  • tall heel, so my people who love flats should stay away

Who needs a towel when you've got funky shoes made with terry material? Yeah, I'll wait!

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these bright runners

HOKA Women's Skyward X Shoes

Women's Skyward X Shoes
Pros
  • from personal experience, like running on a cloud
  • expect so many compliments!
Cons
  • a reviewer wrote there was too much cushion

This version of this sneaker is called Lemonade/Sunlight—how fitting is that? I have this pair in bubble gum pink and can assure you that you will fly on any run and feel like you're on clouds merely standing with these. Heads up: people will stop you in your tracks when you're wearing them (it has happened to me)!

Rave Review: "These Skyward X are AMAZING. I'm a nurse on my feet all day long. Never thought I'd find a love like I have with my Bondi. These are like marshmallow heaven meets I'm weightless in space."

these chic flats

Chelsea Paris Yona Flats Nutshell 37

Yona Flats Nutshell 37
Pros
  • cute bow accent
  • pointed toe gives boss energy
Cons
  • not available in black

How about a pair of flats with a lil heel that you can wear all day at work? Your commute's got nothin' on these cuties.

this woven mule

Nalebe Stellar Raffia Mules Champagne 39

Stellar Raffia Mules Champagne 39
Pros
  • who knew raffia could be dressy?
  • made in Italy
Cons
  • they're a definite splurge

Me + woven raffia + mules go together real bad! So the fact that we're getting it all plus glam? Yeah, sign me up.

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Why trust Cosmo:

shape, rectangle

Cosmo’s team of fashion experts—which includes fashion director Cassie Anderson and fashion features director Rachel Torgerson, senior accessories editor Andrea Zendejas, and fashion editors Tarah-Lynn Saint-Elien and Danielle Flum—have decades of experience in the industry. They spot relevant trends on the runway before they even hit your TikTok FYP or Insta Explore Page and conduct research across retailers of all kinds to bring you the best clothing and accessory picks for every season. Basically, we've curated a chic little corner of the internet for you like it’s our job (because it is, heh).

We have pretty high standards when it comes to clothing and accessory recommendations. Each of our shopping articles adheres to the 15 Percent Pledge and includes products for all sizes. And you better believe we read those product reviews (and test many of the brands IRL) so you don't have to. You're welcome!

Headshot of Tarah-Lynn Saint-Elien

Tarah-Lynn Saint-Elien is the fashion editor at Cosmopolitan, writing weighty and witty stories that run the gamut of gushing over Zendaya to convincing you of everything you need in your closet! She began her journey in the industry with a fashion and faith blog and an internship at Elle.com almost 10 years ago. Since then, she's also served as the style editor at The Haitian Times. The Haitian-American pageant queen is a Syracuse Masters graduate and the author of two books, including: Claim Your Crown. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter: @iamtarahlynn

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