A new season means new clothes and, more importantly, new shoes. While summer shoes usually consist of flip-flops, sandals and espadrilles, those aren't exactly suitable for a day full of running errands or even a rainy day. For that, a good lightweight sneaker is needed.
Since it's getting warmer out, you don't want sneakers that are too heavy or clunky because they'll make your feet sweat. The key is to find a pair that are comfortable, cushioned and allow your feet to breathe. We rounded up some of the best lightweight sneakers for all of your summer adventures from beach days to amusement park trips.
Best lightweight sneakers for women, according to shoppers
Vans Classic Slip-On
A plain white slip-on shoe is a must-have for summer. Pair them with a sundress, shorts or jeans on a breezy day. "These are the shoes I have been searching for my entire life. Little did I know they were right under my nose,” one shopper wrote. “These are comfy. I have slightly wide feet and these really fit the bill in terms of not being too squished for my poor little feet.”
Converse Chuck Taylor All Star
You can't go wrong with the iconic low-top Chuck Taylor All Stars. These classic canvas sneakers go with everything from shorts to a sundress. They come in three staple colorways and will easily become your go-to shoe.
One shopper who said they’ve worn the same Classic Chucks from the brand for the past 15 years branched out to this style and is a fan of the extra cushion it provides while still maintaining that classic style.
Sperry Crest Vibe Sneaker
These Sperry sneakers give a casual twist to the iconic boat shoe style. They are available in almost 70 different style and color combinations so you can find the perfect pair for your wardrobe. One person said they were so comfortable, they didn’t even have to break them in.
Nike Tanjun Sneakers
The Tanjun sneakers are another great choice for an active lifestyle. They have an injected unit sole which gives you a bit of light cushioning that will provide comfort throughout all of your adventures. "This is my second pair of these particular shoes. The last pair lasted me about four years wearing them for work almost daily,” shared one five-star reviews. “I love them because they are low profile, comfortable, breathable and lightweight. And obviously durable.”
Vans Old Skool
Add a pop of color to your summer sneaker collection with these yellow Old Skool-style Vans. You can choose from almost 70 colors in canvas and suede or leather material. Shoppers love the classic style and comfort they can count on. One person said you “can’t go wrong” with a pair.
Puma Suede Classic
If you prefer investing in shoes that will still be in style years after you purchase, consider this classic suede shoe from Puma that first debuted in 1968 and continues to be a classic shoe in closets to this day. "I bought the Suedes for a recent trip I was going on, and absolutely love them! From comfort to the overall style, they are perfect. I can style them from day to night and I can walk all day in them!" one shopper wrote.
Adidas Stan Smith
This iconic tennis shoe is not only timeless, but a staple from Adidas. The trainer pairs well with almost any outfit and makes the perfect casual everyday shoe. "I wear these shoes everywhere,” one reviewer admitted. “I am on my fourth pair of them and wear them all the time.”
Nike Daybreak SE
The foam midsole inside of this retro-inspired track shoe offers lightweight, comfortable cushioning, making it the ideal addition to your spring shoe collection. Reviewers call them “extremely comfortable,” “very lightweight“ and “easy to style.”
Luluemon Chargefeel Low Workout Shoe
Looking for a workout shoes? Since Lululemon's expansion into footwork last year with their first shoe, the Blissfeel, the brand designed shoes dedicated to running, training and post-workout comfort. The Chargefeel low shoe has dual-density cushioning to deliver the bounce you need for running and the agile support you need for training, according to the brand.
Allbirds SuperLight Tree Runners
A new addition to the Allbirds family, the brand says these sneakers are one of their lightest shoes and have the lowest carbon footprint to date compared to the rest of their shoes. They describe it as being designed to provide a "barely-there feel," light-as-air fit" and are best for walking and everyday wear.
Shop TODAY picks
Keds Renaissance Sneaker
"I'm super into the retro sneaker trend for spring, especially paired with denim maxi skirts or cottagecore-esque floaty dresses," says market assistant Audrey Ekman. "I recently scored a pair of these in brown and have been loving how lightweight and versatile they are."
Keds Court Leather Sneaker
Editor Vivien Moon says she was recently gifted a pair of these Keds and they quickly became a staple in her wardrobe. "They are comfortable even after walking 30+ blocks on a daily basis," she raves. "I typically have issues with blistering around my ankles and these have been a perfect fit from day one. I even played a game of pickleball in them and was able to move around with ease!"
Reebok Club C 85 Vintage Sneakers
"I recently got a pair and can attest they have provided one of the most lightweight, easiest strides in recent memory," shares senior SEO editor Jess Bender. "They've been on all kinds of terrain — flat concrete in Midtown, hills upon hills in my neck of the woods, softer grass in the suburbs. I've also paired them with my work 'fits, joggers, leggings...they look good with just about everything."
P.S. You'll probably need No-Show Socks
Lightweight sneakers tend to be low-cut, so you'll need socks that won't peek above the walls of the shoe. With over 49,000 five-star reviews raving about the quality, reviewers love the fact that these socks don't slip off inside your shoe (which is arguably a top five frustrating shoe-wearing experience).
