Let’s be honest, we’re all dreaming of sun, sea and sangria.
Whether you have an oversees extravaganza, a backpacking bonanza or a southern staycation on the horizon, summer holidays are a chance to sit back, relax and take in the sunshine.
But, one thing that some people don’t find relaxing about the going on their jollies, is packing. Like marmite, you either love it or hate it; either prepping your bag two weeks in advance or leaving it until the night before hoping that the holiday fairies will do it for you.
To make the job that bit easier, we’ve rounded up the best holiday shoes for men and women in summer 2021, featuring staple styles that are practical, easy to wear and lightweight enough to pop in your suitcase or hand luggage.
Can you take shoes in your hand luggage?
We conducted a survey of 1,000 UK residents and found that one in three holidaymakers regularly go away with hand luggage alone, and a third will only take a checked bag if they are on their travels for six or more nights. So, making sure you know the rules is important if you’re heading overseas.
Many of us are quite uninformed about cabin bag allowances, which isn’t surprising as each airline has different rules. But, the answer is yes – you are allowed to carry shoes in your hand luggage. If your bag is the right size and weight and the contents are in line with the legal restrictions, you can take whatever you like in your bag (though we do recommend checking your airline’s cabin bag policy to double-check what you can take before you fly.) Also, with limited space, it’s important to choose your holiday shoes tactically – which is where our best summer shoes, sandals and trainers come in.
Best summer sandals…
Is a holiday even a holiday without a pair of summer sandals? We think not (unless the weather’s not on your side for a British staycation!). Whether you’re looking for a pair to take you from beach to bar or some flip-flops for poolside relaxation, here are our favourites for men and women.
For women:
Kick off your capsule wardrobe with a pair of the best summer sandals for women to take you from work to holiday mode in no time. Let the beach boardwalk become your runway in these strappy sandals from Linzi. Featuring a double strap in glistening-gold faux leather and an espadrille flatform wedge, these cool yet practical sandals are the only pair you need for an outfit worthy of a disposable camera snap.
What’s more, these lightweight strappy sandals can be yours in other summery shades too, such as tan, taupe, black and even cheetah print.
For men:
If you remember to pack one pair of men’s holiday shoes, make sure it’s these.
Simplistic, slip-on and supremely lightweight, the adidas Originals Adilette Aqua slides are a must for everything from poolside lounging to enjoying a beach-bar beverage. These navy sliders boast a soft, Cloudfoam footbed for moulded comfort and are quick drying so you don’t have to waste more than a minute of your precious vacation. The brand’s signature three stripes are an instant symbol of quality and durability you can rely on.
Best smart summer shoes…
After a long day of sun-worshipping, exploring local historical gems and chatting to the locals, we don’t blame you for wanting a pre-dinner nap! Once you’ve caught a few Zs, it’s time to scrub up and switch out those flip-flops for something more night-appropriate; here are our best smart summer shoes for warm evenings on the terrace.
For women:
If you’re trying to whittle down your suitcase must-haves to no avail, we’re here to reassure you. Choose a pair of slip-on mid-heels as your staple day-to-night shoes. Essential for everything from tapas nights to seafood by the shoreline, these Linzi Thalia mules combine all the elements of a perfect women’s holiday shoe. Made from soft, faux leather with a woven strap and square toe, these on-trend heels come in coral; a summery hue that can be paired with almost anything.
If neutral tones are your cup of tea, this elegant heel is also available in white, taupe and black.
For men:
If you’re looking to meet in the middle of casual and formal style, turn to the classic canvas shoe. Showcasing a beige canvas upper with stitch detailing, a padded collar to help keep blisters at bay, and a simple lace-up fastening, the Heavenly Feet Hanworts are a holiday must-have to fling in your suitcase. These lightweight shoes are neutral enough to team with your favourite Hawaiian shirt (it is summer after all!) but formal enough for dinner dress codes, making them our choice for the best men’s summer shoe.
At just £9, why not add a second pair in grey to your basket, too?
Best summer trainers…
When sandals just don’t cut the mustard for daytime adventures, treat yourself to a pair of the best summer sneakers that you’ll be able to wear all holiday and beyond. From plane rides to road trips, not only are trainers ideal for travel, but they’ll be your savour when the dreaded flip-flop tan strikes. Here are our best summer trainers for this season.
For women:
A new pair of trainers is hard to resist when you’re dreaming the days away until your holiday – and who can blame you with a pair like the New Balance 574 Coastals? A modern yet practical shoe for daily wear, these beige sneakers feature supportive midsole cushioning, a lightweight fabric upper and a rubber outsole for extra traction. Fusing retro and contemporary style cues, these web exclusives are versatile enough to handle whatever is on your bucket list this summer; and with a name like ‘Coastal’, it would be rude not to!
Save a fantastic £10 on the RRP of these beige beauties – but hurry, they’re selling fast.
For men:
If you’re looking for the ultimate pair of men’s holiday shoes, look no further. A variation of the iconic indoor football boot, these adidas Originals Samba Super trainers in navy suede or black are a cult classic on many a shoe rack.
A grippy, cleat-inspired rubber sole brings traction and the shoe’s signature toe bumper adds durability. Combined with a ribbed tongue and a full-grain leather upper, the Samba is most adored for its retro styling, where three-stripe side branding, Samba wording and a large trefoil on the tongue are a throwback to the original styles released in the ‘50s. No wonder they’ve made our list of the best summer trainers!
Best summer walking shoes & boots
If you’re travelling outside of your usual postal code, it’s exciting to get out and explore your new surroundings. Whether you’ve opted for a city break to feel the hustle and bustle of home with a twist, or you plan to breathe in the countryside air with a long trek to see mountainous views, we’ve picked a couple of the best summer walking shoes and boots to squeeze into your backpack.
For women:
Holiday hike under the hot sun? It’s time to bring out the big guns. Switch your sandals for walking shoes to keep you comfortable all day and make hikes a total breeze (it is a holiday after all!).
These ladies’ Hi-Tec Jaguar walking trainers are a hybrid between a practical, sturdy shoe that can handle outdoor terrains and a lightweight, breathable trainer that’s ideal for warmer climates. Spot innovative features such as a synthetic mesh upper for ventilation, a compression moulded EVA midsole for underfoot cushioning and a lugged rubber outsole for enhanced traction on tougher terrains.
For men:
Walking boots are great if you need a super-robust, highly waterproof option for the most advanced environments and climates. But, the more protective the boot, often the heavier they are; this strikes trouble where luggage weight limits are concerned if you’re heading overseas.
Instead, opt for a still-sturdy but more lightweight walking shoe, such as this men’s Cotswold Nailsworth. Crafted from nubuck suede in a choice of tan, brown or navy, these versatile trainers offer a lightly padded collar for extra ankle protection and a chunky sole for optimum support. Finished with a leather-covered insole and perforated ventilation holes, these are some of the best summer walking shoes around.
We hope you have enjoyed our selection of the best holiday shoes, trainers and sandals for a vacation to remember. For more footwear inspiration, browse our new-in range of men’s and women’s shoes for fantastic deals to help kickstart your summer capsule wardrobe.
If you’re looking for how to keep your feet cool in a heatwave, check out our guide to buying the best summer slippers, here.
