The Only Shoes I’d Wear to the Office in 90-Degree Heat

Working in the summer is quite literally the worst. Not only does it feel like everyone in the world is having fun except you (even if most people are also reporting to an office), but the countdown to summer Friday freedom and your vacay PTO feels like it’s crawling by. As a freelancer, I broke free from this cycle, but in turn have traded weekends for workdays and a general lack of awareness of what day of the week it is. I am familiar with the struggle of getting office-ready in scorching temps while enduring frigid AC blasting simultaneously—always a challenge! In this predicament of dueling environments, footwear needs to be carefully considered. It depends on your office dress code and personal preference, but no, I do not think showing your feet in an office setting is particularly appropriate. I am also a very cautious sandal wearer in general. Most feel too dressy, sporty or beachy to wear in work-appropriate situations, so I normally gravitate toward closed-toe options that feel seasonally suitable. I’m talking woven leather, canvas, and suede to add a touch of summery earthiness to a work ‘fit that doesn’t feel out of place inside the building or outside for happy hour. Your preserved pedicure will thank you once it’s released to the world on Saturday at the beach.

Try a Canvas Loafer

Loafers are one of the most versatile shoes I own, so I cannot imagine not having at least two pairs in different fabrications for year-round styling. A canvas pair adds lightness and natural texture, spicing up otherwise boring office basics with some seasonal flair. Well-designed shirtdresses are a secret style weapon of mine that I think everyone should have in their weekday wardrobe, so naturally I paired one of my favorites (I have several) with these canvas loafers for a put-together look that takes very little effort on busy mornings. I gave the loafers another summery companion with a straw box bag since I’m kind of fun like that, but a go-to leather work bag can be fine here as well.

Try a Woven Ballet Flat

I love a ballet flat all year long, but sometimes they are not so nice on summer feet. This style specifically tends to be a snug-fitting shoe so if your feet get hot (sweaty or slightly swollen) this will cause some friction. Enter the crochet leather flat. Offering breathability without showing off toes, this closed-toe wonder is a summer shoe must-have for office days or otherwise. I popped mine on with printed silk trousers, a fitted tank top and a sleek black leather bag to make it a little more serious. If I was going into an air-conditioned office, I’d probably add a simple cardigan in a solid neutral color to lean into the retro-feeling silhouette of this outfit.

Try a Suede Mule

Chocolate suede somehow feels a little less harsh than a closed-toe black leather shoe in the middle of summer. The texture still reads polished but with a touch of rustic approachability, but not in a way that is too casual for the office. An open-back mule is basically like a reverse sandal, so there is airflow without showing too much of the foot, but just make sure the heels are moisturized; otherwise, you’ll kill the look. I definitely think it’s cool to lean into summer style by mixing textures, so I ran with a floral silk blouse, white pleated mini, woven belt, and a pop of green bag, and the earthy chocolate brown grounded the whole look without feeling western or bohemian.