6 essential shoes for summer
The beer gardens are full. The ice cream vans are out. Men are marauding Britain’s high streets in short-vest combos. They can only mean one thing – the sun has arrived.
It’s the time of year when are hardy-soled, sturdy-uppered boots and brogues are given a spring clean and placed in a safe place for a rainy day, to be replaced by the breathable, slip-on friendly shoes of summer.
To help you make this transition without any slip ups, we’ve pulled together six of the Hip Store’s must-have footwear styles for the season.
The penny loafer
Getting a smart shoe that will also keep your feet cool as the temperature rises is notoriously difficult to get right. At least it was, until Bass Weejuns invented the Penny Loafer. Hand-stitched, available in wine, black or cognac and signature penny-keeper strap, the Bass Weejun Larson and Logan loafer is a shoe that won’t look out of place in the office or the pub, no matter how hot it gets.
The deck shoe
Just because you’re hitting up the beach doesn’t mean leather and suede are out of the question, as shown by the following two perfect exponents of the deck shoe. Smart yet casual and today a true menswear classic, the deck shoe should have a place in every man’s wardrobe. Whether you go classic leather with the original Sperry Topsider, or suede with the subtle charm of Sebago’s deck shoes, hit the deck and pick up a pair today.
The canvas pump
Like many of the above, the canvas pump was born as a practical solution for a functional issue, before transcending its original purpose to become a style staple in its own right. Sported by tennis players the world over from the 30s onwards, the canvas pump is now synonymous with easy wearing summer style. Go for the original with new to the Hip Store’s Spring Court, or take a contemporary step with our favourites Novesta.
The sandals
Sometimes, the heat gets to such a level that those toes need to be freed. Worn correctly, the sandal is the perfect choice to keep cool and comfortable this summer. Leather Birkenstocks have been the go-to sandal for men in the know for as long as we can remember, while Suicoke of Japan’s Depa range are ones not to be mixed.
The luxury option
Who says sneakers can’t be smart? Common Projects trainers are about as luxury as trainers come, with their incredible build quality, detailing and durability. Go with the 1895 for the finest slip-on choice. Filling Pieces have also long been treading the line between high fashion and streetwear when it comes premium summer sneakers.
The casual option
Last but not least, the casual option is also well worth considering when you come to choose one of your many summer sneaker options. The undisputed kings in this field are of course adidas Originals and New Balance. Whether you go for the vintage, sporty styling of the former’s Racing 1, or the unnerving quality of the latter’s M577BDB, you won’t go wrong.