Best Sneakers For Summer 2023

Image of a pair of off-white adidas Campus Light sneakers on top of a brown pile of brick.
Credit: adidas

Image of a pair of off-white adidas Campus Light sneakers on top of a brown pile of brick.
Credit: adidas

With summer here, now is the perfect time to update your wardrobe with the latest and greatest sneakers to flawlessly complement your warm-weather outfits. Fortunately, we've assembled a fantastic collection of shoes that are sure to impress before the summer arrives to kick off your search in the best way possible.

However, with so many amazing sneakers available from some of the world's best shoe brands, finding the ideal trainers for summer can be daunting. Therefore, we've concentrated on shoes that will complement the bright blue sky and are suitable for a wide range of outfits, taking into consideration the warm weather, to help narrow down your selection.

Of course, there is no single "best sneaker for summer" as that all comes down to personal preference. However, we believe our selection of shoes below caters to everyone's individual tastes and offers plenty of variety. From brightly coloured "Jewel Yellow" Air Force 1s to "White Cement" Jordan 3s, there's something for everyone here.

So, as the temperatures continue to soar, ensure that your shoe collection is on point for the summer season thanks to our comprehensive list. Let's dive in...

Best sneakers for summer

  1. Nike Air Force 1 Low Colour of the Month "Jewel Yellow"
  2. Bad Bunny x adidas Campus Light "Cloud White"
  3. Air Jordan 3 Reimagined "White Cement"
  4. Devin Booker x Converse Chuck 70 Hi "The Next Icon"
  5. New Balance 9060 "Sea Salt"
Nike Air Force 1 Low Colour of the Month "Jewel Yellow" product image of a bright yellow sneaker featuring a white midsole and small transparent Swoosh on the side.
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Credit: Nike

1. Nike Air Force 1 Low Colour of the Month "Jewel Yellow"

We're kicking things off with the striking "Jewel Yellow" Air Force 1, which is a part of Nike's recent revival of the Colour of the Month collection.

Nike considers the Colour of the Month line as a crucial turning point in the history of Air Force 1. This collection played a significant role in saving the model from the brink of extinction during the early 1980s, which makes this "Jewel Yellow" remake rather special in our opinion.

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In terms of what makes it a great choice for summer, well, its bright yellow and white exterior certainly ties in nicely with the weather and the return of sunshine. Also, the classic low-top Air Force 1 silhouette is incredibly versatile, making the shoe easy to wear with a range of different outfits.

Ultimately, there are few shoes out there right now that scream summer as loud as this Air Force 1. So, if your wardrobe needs a little more colour after winter, then this "Jewel Yellow" design - one of the best Air Force 1s around right now.

Bad Bunny x adidas Campus Light "Cloud White" product image of a cream and chalk white adidas low-top.
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Credit: adidas

2. Bad Bunny x adidas Campus Light "Cloud White"

While bright, bold colourways are handy for the summer months, white sneakers are also a great go-to. As a result, we've picked out this "Cloud White" Bad Bunny x adidas Campus Light as a top pick.

It's one of the best adidas collaborations released this year as the combination of music and fashion blend perfectly into the classic Campus Light silhouette.

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The sneaker is dressed in a combination of cream and chalk white, giving a very light and bright feel. In terms of materials, adidas has primarily used suede, and has added a stacked heel tab and tongue that feature the iconic Bad Bunny logo for added flair. Additionally, the shoes come with an extra set of white laces and a dustbag to keep them looking pristine when not in use.

While Bad Bunny has released several amazing adidas sneakers over the last few years, this "Cloud White" colourway is without a doubt one of the best for the summer months.

Air Jordan 3 Reimagined "White Cement" product image of a white sneaker featuring a pre-aged midsole, elephant print overlays, and red details.
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Credit: Nike

3. Air Jordan 3 Reimagined "White Cement"

In continuation of the Reimagined collection, Jordan took us all back to 1988 with this "White Cement" Air Jordan 3 re-release this year, one of the best Jordan 3s around right now.

It's an accurate recreation of what an original "White Cement" 3 would look like today as Jordan utilised the same specifications and design elements from the '88 model to create this stunning reimagining.

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The result is a shoe crafted with a white leather upper and the iconic elephant print overlays. The sneaker also features the same red accents as the original and a pre-aged midsole to give the shoes more of an '80s feel.

So, if you're looking to rock a piece of history this summer, then we'd highly recommend adding these Reimagined Jordan 3s to your collection.

Devin Brooker x Converse Chuck 70 Hi "The Next Icon" product image of an egret-coloured Converse high-top featuring a gum outsole.
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Credit: Converse

4. Devin Booker x Converse Chuck 70 Hi "The Next Icon"

Adding to the list of amazing Converse sneakers this year is the Devin Booker Chuck 70 Hi, featuring a colourway aptly named "The Next Icon."

This shoe is characterised by its minimalistic design, constructed almost entirely of an Egret canvas material that rests atop a similarly-coloured rubber midsole.

Read More: Best high-top sneakers

While the colour scheme is monochromatic, there are a few details that deviate from the Egret hue, such as the silver metal eyelets and a unique gum outsole.

Despite its simplicity, we feel the shoe's colour palette makes it versatile and easy to pair with any summer outfit, making it an ideal choice for daily wear out in the warm weather.

New Balance 9060 "Sea Salt" product image of a white New Balance trainer with a pre-aged midsole and silvery grey accents.
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Credit: New Balance

5. New Balance 9060 "Sea Salt"

We're rounding off our list with a sleek and fashionable sneaker that seamlessly blends contemporary design with classic elements. The "Sea Salt" New Balance 9060 features a simple yet effective look that's ideal for the summer months.

The premium leather and mesh upper brings both durability and breathability, while the Sea Salt colourway creates a minimalist yet refined feel that can complement any outfit.

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More specifically, the sneaker features a bright white upper contrasted by silvery grey accents and New Balance branding. New Balance has also applied an off-white finish to the rubber midsole to give the shoe a more retro aesthetic.

Overall, this "Sea Salt" colourway is another great white sneaker option to consider this summer. So, make sure you check out one of the best New Balance shoes around before your next purchase.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

With so many options to choose from, you may have a number of questions about selecting the perfect sneakers for summer. Don't worry though, because we've answered some of the most common queries below.

Can you wear black sneakers in summer?

Although some people may avoid wearing black sneakers during summer due to the colour absorbing heat, opting for a pair of black shoes can make you stand out in the sunlight. However, if you do decide to go for black sneakers this summer, it is best to choose a lighter and more casual pair that'll allow your feet to breathe in the warm weather.

Also, it's important to note that personal preference is the ultimate deciding factor when it comes to choosing what to wear during warmer weather, and there are no strict restrictions on what you can or cannot wear colour-wise.

Can you wear leather sneakers in summer?

Leather sneakers are often overlooked during the summer season because of their bulky, heavier reputation. However, we believe that leather shoes can be an excellent choice, especially if you want to steer clear of the lightweight knitted trainer typically more common.

We would highly recommend opting for leather shoes that feature perforations in the toebox area though, as this will give your feet some air to breathe to avoid overheating.

Can sneakers be worn on the beach?

Sneakers can technically be worn on the beach, but they might not be the most practical choice for several reasons. Firstly, sand can easily get into your shoes, making them uncomfortable and difficult to walk in. It can also be challenging to remove all the sand from your sneakers after the fact, which isn't what anyone wants at the end of the day.

What's more, if your sneakers get wet in the saltwater or waves, they may not dry quickly, and the saltwater can be harsh on the materials depending on what your shoes are made of. This may lead to long-term damage in some cases.

So, if you're planning to spend a lot of time at the beach, we'd advise you wear appropriate beach footwear like flip-flops, water shoes, or sandals. These types of shoes are designed to handle the beach environment, provide comfort, and are easy to clean. Reserve your sneakers for other activities where they are better suited.