The Best Summer Workout Shoes Don’t Have to Scream “Corporate”

By editor
July 18, 2024

A little bit of practical thought is required to prepare for a day in the company during a searing heat wave. In addition to considering what sort of clothing will provide a cooling sense of relief (like gauzy, lightweight, and cool), you also want to consider the best summers work boots that will round out your office-friendly clothing.

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. Relaxation is a key factor in choosing the best job shoes to wear to the job, says Associate Fashion Director and creator of Stockholm-based fashion content.

When I purchase for summer job shoes, Zhang says, “I find myself gravitating toward pairs that I may use all day.” Zhang favors boots with plenty of insulation and room to breathe because she frequently races from one appointment to the next. It doesn’t mean you have to compromise on style, though. The trend expert’s closet is filled with made from soft buckskin, trending grounded in cloud-like shoes, and that are designed with spacious open-back shapes.

For Tsegay, convenience is also a concern. I have no compassion for shoes that cause problems because I frequently sit in the office for hours on end. She also points out that the best set of work shoes for the summer should be able to work in the background. My company shoes need to be adaptable enough to work from day to day because my post-work plan is filled with happy hours and dinners, she says. Tsegay relies on smooth, open-toed horses, romantic, and streamlined designs for these events.

With all this in mind, Marie Claire put up a customized change, broken down by classes, of expert-approved summertime work boots from a mix of brands, from Gianvito Rossi to Loeffler Randall to Sam Edelman. These boots are able to perform almost as well as you.

Functional Kitten Heels

When it comes to the goods Marie Claire recommends, we take your trust in us significantly. Every item we feature is endorsed by an MC author, editor, or professional we’ve spoken with.

woman wearing blazer, skirt, and kitten heels

Searching for a easy work outfit solution? Use this glance as a source of inspiration.

( Image credit: Launchmetric )

They’re typically simple to move around because kitten heels are typically no more than two feet high. Whether commuting by feet, rushing around your business, or heading out to get lunch with a client, a pair of smaller heels is possibly keep up with your on-the-go schedule.

A feminine slingback construction and an angular finished toe are Zhang’s current favorites. “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 experience, you can always go for an open-toed picture. “My boots collection consists mainly of open-toed kitten heels—like and modern mules”, says Tsegay, who pair them with planned A-line clothes. This combination “really works so well for an office dress,” says the author.

Charming Flats

woman wearing blazer, white tank, jeans, and flats

You can’t beat the ease with which a pair of ballet flats can be styled. Test out a high-low appearance with a jacket and pants.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

“Cottages are classic summer job shoes”, says Zhang. You should have at least one set of simple cottages, whether you store them in your shoe box as a pair of backups or use them all day.

While conventional ballet condos and are both having a great time this time, Zhang has been gravitating toward pointy-toed flats.

To type them, we think basic is ideal. Put on a planned suit, a T-shirt, and a pair of shorts or a comfortable pair of jeans if your company is denim-friendly.

Polished Loafers

woman wearing tailored vest, pants, and loafers

Create a workwear look that you’ll wear on repeat by pairing your loafers with a custom vest and pants.

(Image credit: Launchmetrics)

Design features like sleek leather, top stitchings, and eye-catching hardware make loafers feel fashion-forward while corporate-appropriate. Although there are some timeless iterations available in neutral color combinations, Zhang says it’s okay to experiment with bold pops of color, like shiny silver, which will give your home a contemporary edge.

You can play with texture with summery fabrics like raffia and canvas while experimenting with color and color. For a warm-weather outfit that never disappoints, pair your loafers with a and floor-length trousers.

Versatile Work Sneakers

woman wearing shirtdress and sneakers

A crisp shirtdress that raises the sartorial bar elevates your sneakers.

( Image credit: Launchmetrics )

For slick summer workouts that look as good as they feel, it’s necessary to wear laid-back footwear. You won’t have to deal with any pains or aches you might experience while wearing sky-high heels because you can wear trainers that strike a balance between style and comfort. If you intend to walk on your toes all day, sturdy laces, supportive archways, and traction-packed insoles will be of particular benefit.

Tsegay suggests practicality-conscious work shoes that adhere to a neutral color scheme. I’ve found that sneakers designed in black, white, brown, and gray shades tend to fit perfectly with my office wardrobe. Choose a pair of sneakers that fall under this category, and Tsegay says you can style them alongside a lot of other clothing items, from maxi skirts to feminine.

Office-Friendly Sandals

woman wearing blazer, white tank, trousers, and sandals

Maybe this look will change your opinion if you tell people that sandals aren’t meant for the office.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

The debate over sandals’ suitability for the office is a little nuanced. Although we would suggest saving your beach-ready flip-flops for your, other sandal styles could potentially align with your company’s dress code. Consider wearing enough protection if your office leans toward the casual end of the spectrum, such as flat sandals with thicker straps or fisherman sandals with a caged exterior.

Dress up with tailored separates like a blazer and belted pants if you’re worried that your sandals might give off an office vibe.

Power Pumps

woman wearing dress and pumps

Take a spin with your pumps and a matching dress.

( Image credit: Getty Images )

“You can count on a pair of pumps to boost your self-esteem, whether it’s a demanding meeting with a coworker or a demanding presentation in front of your boss. An elongated pump has a leg-lengthening effect, and who doesn’t love a bit of lift,” says Zhang”. She continues, “I also adore the way pointy pumps look when they peek out beneath a flowy dress.”

Tsegay agrees, noting that wearing a pair of high heels can enhance any appearance, but she also warns against “putting your shoes on too high.” I would advise keeping your feet within the four-inch range because repeatedly wearing extremely high heels can actually cause long-term harm to your feet, she says.

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