The Best Summer Work Shoes Don’t Have To Scream ‘Corporate'
Footwear that means business in the best way possible.
Dressing for a day in the office during a sweltering heat wave requires a bit of practical thinking. In addition to considering what sort of clothes will offer a cooling sense of relief (like gauzy button-down shirts, lightweight tailored trousers, and breezy work dresses), you also want to consider the best summer work shoes that will round out your office-friendly wardrobe.
Intent on helping you do just that, Marie Claire consulted two hard-working (and uber-fashionable) women who spend most of their weekdays in the office. According to Nordstrom’s Associate Fashion Director Linda Cui Zhang and Stockholm-based fashion content creator Lydia Tsegay, comfort is absolutely key when choosing the best work shoes that fit the job.
“When I shop for summer work shoes, I find myself gravitating towards pairs that I can wear all day,” says Zhang. As someone who is constantly racing from one meeting to the next, Zhang favors shoes designed with plenty of cushioning and room to breathe. It doesn't mean you have to compromise on style, though. The fashion expert’s wardrobe is filled with kitten heels made from soft leather, trending work sneakers grounded in cloud-like insoles, and slingbacks that are designed with airy open-back silhouettes.
For Tsegay, comfort is also a priority. “I’m usually standing in the office for hours on end—rarely do I sit—so I have no tolerance for shoes that cause pain." She also notes that an ideal pair of summer work shoes should be able to clock in after hours. “My post-work schedule is filled with happy hours and dinners, so my office shoes need to be versatile enough to transition from day to night,” she adds. Tsegay relies on sleek, open-toed mules, feminine ballet flats, and streamlined loafer styles for these moments.
With all this in mind, Marie Claire put together a curated edit, broken down by categories, of expert-approved summer work shoes from a mix of brands, from Gianvito Rossi to Loeffler Randall to Sam Edelman. These shoes are guaranteed to work almost as hard as you do.
Practical Kitten Heels
Searching for a simple work outfit formula? Use this look as a source of inspiration.
Since kitten heels are usually no more than two inches tall, they’re generally easy to move around. Whether commuting by foot, rushing around your office, or heading out to grab lunch with a client, a pair of smaller heels can likely keep up with your on-the-go schedule.
Zhang's current favorites are a ladylike slingback structure and an angular closed toe. “This type of look offers a sense of femininity, particularly when crafted with [details] like a dainty bow,” she says.
On the other hand, if you’d prefer a barely-there feel, you can always go for an open-toed silhouette. “My footwear collection consists largely of open-toed kitten heels—like strappy sandals and sleek mules,” says Tsegay, who pairs them with structured A-line skirts. "There's something about this pairing that just works so well for an office outfit."
Charming Flats
You can't beat the ease of styling a pair of ballet flats. Try out a high-low look with a blazer and jeans.
“Flats are staple summer work shoes,” says Zhang. Whether you stash them in your laptop bag as a pair of back-up shoes or wear them all day long, you should have at least one pair of easy flats.
Zhang has been gravitating towards pointy-toed flats, while traditional ballet flats and mesh ballet flats are both having a big moment this season.
To style them, we think simple is best. Throw on a structured blazer, a T-shirt, and a pair of trousers or a relaxed pair of jeans if your office is denim-friendly.
Polished Loafers
Team your loafers with a tailored vest and trousers to create a work outfit that you'll want to wear on repeat.
Design features like sleek leather, top stitchings, and eye-catching hardware make loafers feel fashion-forward while corporate-appropriate. Although timeless iterations are offered in neutral colorways, Zhang says there’s nothing wrong with stepping outside the box and leaning into pops of color, like a shiny silver that will infuse a modern edge into your summer work outfits.”
Aside from experimenting with color, you can lean into your style by playing with texture with summery fabrics like raffia and canvas. For a warm-weather outfit that never disappoints, pair your loafers with a tailored vest and floor-length trousers.
Versatile Work Sneakers
Elevate your sneakers with a crisp shirtdress that turns up the sartorial volume.
Laid-back days in the office call for sleek summer work sneakers that look as good as they feel. With a pair of trainers that balance style and comfort, you won’t have to stress about any aches and pains you might otherwise experience while wearing sky-high heels. Cushioned insoles, supportive arches, and sturdy laces will prove especially useful if you plan to be on your feet all day.
Tsegay recommends work sneakers that fit within a neutral color palette for practicality. “I’ve found that sneakers designed in black, white, brown, and gray shades tend to fit perfectly with my office wardrobe.” Pick a pair of sneakers that fall within this category, and Tsegay says that you’ll be able to style them alongside tons of pieces in your wardrobe, from maxi skirts to feminine shirt dresses.
Office-Friendly Sandals
For those who say that sandals aren't meant for the office, perhaps this look will change your mind.
The debate concerning whether or not sandals are appropriate for the office is a bit nuanced. Although we would suggest saving your beach-ready flip-flops for your travel capsule wardrobe, other sandal styles could potentially align with your company’s dress code. If your office leans toward the casual end of the spectrum, consider sandals with sufficient coverage—like fisherman sandals with a caged exterior or flat sandals with thicker straps.
If you're worried your sandals might give off an out-of-office vibe, dress things up with tailored separates like a blazer and belted pants.
Power Pumps
Take your pumps for a spin alongside a matching dress.
Whether you have an intense meeting with a co-worker or a high-stakes presentation in front of your boss, you can count on a pair of pumps to give you a boost of confidence. “An elongated pump has a leg-lengthening effect, and who doesn’t love a bit of lift,” says Zhang. "I also love the way pointy pumps look while peeking out beneath a flowy dress," she adds.
Tsegay agrees, noting that slipping into a pair of high heels can enhance any look, but she also warns that you don’t want your shoes to be too high. “I would recommend staying within the four-inch range, as wearing extremely high heels repeatedly can actually cause long-term damage to your feet,” she says.
Meet the Fashion Experts
Formerly an accountant with a career in merchandise planning, Linda Cui Zhang joined Nordstrom in 2021 as a buyer and is currently the Associate Fashion Director. Originally from North Carolina, Linda resides in New York City.
Lydia Tsegay is a Stockholm-based fashion content creator who specializes in curating outfit inspiration. Follow her on Instagram at @Femmeblk.
