I’ve Tested Dozens of Summer Work Shoes—These Are the 16 Worth Buying

Recently, I have become obsessed with what is and isn’t an acceptable work shoe. Open-toed shoes are allowed at the office. Will HR be mad at me if I have my dogs in the office? It’s not a disciplined offence to wear the top summer 2025 trending shoes like a subtle peep toe and strappy Fisherman sandal with a new pedicure.

Since there is no uniform dress code for all professional settings, I do not have any answers. My years of experience as a fashion journalist, who commuted to various Manhattan offices between June and September, have given me a hard-earned sense of discernment. I spent the past month and a quarter curating Marie Claire’s comprehensive guide of all summer’s 2025 trends. I combed over 99 designer collections (yes, I did count) and dedicated countless hours to tracking street style in New York, London, Milan and Paris.

I have developed my criteria for summer work shoes, which are both stylish and professional. Some boots are classic and will always look professional, such as the best slingbacks for a woman who is never tardy for her afternoon meetings. Some shoes are marginal, but they provide an office-proof shine through their construction. I would rather wear a solid toe ring made from Napa leather than a flimsy mesh slipper, which is just a step above what I wear to the nail salon.

Sam Edelman Bianka Slingback Pump

Cherry red is still a favourite colour for spring. To make this ubiquitous shade less trendy, I chose red slingback shoes like these affordable Sam Edelman shoes.

Tory Burch Pierced Slide

Tory Burch deserves credit for my newfound acceptance of toes at work. The pierced slide, a trademark of the brand, is made from calfskin, lined with Napa leather, and features a shiny metal band that elevates it above any flip-flop.

Madewell The Remy Mary Jane Flat

Butter yellow—I’m a convert. The colour may be trendy, but I think these Madewell Mary Jane Flats will remain in my wardrobe for many years because they are closer to beige than bright canary.

PUMA Speedcat Ballet Glossy Women’s Shoes

I have already decided that these ballet sneakers, with their sleek design, will be my Friday shoes for summer. They’ll look great styled with a tailored shirt and trousers featuring front pleats. The Mary Jane straps give them a more girly feel.

Mansur Gavriel Fisherman Sandal

I can trust the quality of these semi-open sandals. Mansur Gavriel’s and Katie Holmes’s quality is also reliable. The ivory leather on these fisherman-style sandals gives them a summery vibe.

J.Crew Andi Ballet Flats Mesh

Another sneaker I’ve considered is mesh flats. J.Crew has a pair of black flats with bow details that are a safe, neutral option. They also come in cute cheetah prints if you want to be more adventurous.

Adidas Tokyo Shoes

I will be switching to these white and red Adidas Tokyo sneakers when I want a change from my Puma Ballet Sneakers on casual workdays (I told y’all I still love the colour red). These are the perfect sneakers for work: they’re comfortable, stylish, and polished.

ZARA Wedge Slingbacks

The wedge sandals I wear are a difficult fit for me (too many bad memories from middle school). But I have no issue with a wedge-cum-slingback heel like this pointed-toe, three-and-three-quarter-inch pair.

Winnie Peep Toe Heeled Mule

Reformation’s Winnie peep-toe heels are in line with today’s fashion (ICYMI, front-sliced shoes were on the summer runways, and they’re a constant for celebrity street style). But it’s not too edgy to wear at work.

Prada Shuffle Fringed Leather Mules

The Pre-Fall 2020 collections were dominated by fringes that allow for easy movement. I’m going to experiment with this trend in a leather-trimmed Prada Mule. These easy-to-style slides are a bit pricey (as with any designer shoe), but I’m confident that they will be worth it.

Sperry X Aritzia Slim Boat Shoe

Since last fall’s boat shoe trend washed up on shore, I’ve been eying it. But I waited to buy until I was sure that I was the right person for the water-ready slipper. Aritzia and Sperry’s collaboration was the perfect thing to make me ready for a voyage.

Cap-Toe Leather Ballet flat

It’s hard to go wrong with classic cap-toed flats. This pair of black and ivory flats are my favourite because of their neutral colour scheme, which guarantees they will never look out of place or go out of fashion.

Michael Kors Merriam Studded Kitty Heel Sandal

These Michael Kors mules are embellished with silver studs that shine brightly across the vamp. They make a statement, but they’re not too flashy to wear at work. I imagine them with a short-sleeved maxi dress in black and a silver necklace, such as Juju Vera’s shell pendant, that I cannot get out of my mind.

Stuart Weitzman Maeve Slingback 35

The open back of this Stuart Weitzman slingback makes it very breathable, which is important on days like today when the temperature is 82 degrees and humid. The shoe is still professional, thanks to its round-toed design and block heel.

J.Crew Sandals with Block Heel and Jelly.

Jelly sandals are also on my list of surprises. Emma, you argue, your toes are visible through the polyurethane. J.Crew has a pair with a block heel that makes the childlike shape look more adult. If Rihanna can wear them, I’m sure that they will be just as good.

Mason Ballet Espadrille Flats

These leopard-spotted espadrilles are a great way to finish off any outfit. These graphic flats with rope sets can be paired with structured linen trousers and a matching jacket or a sandy-beige cotton-poplin dress to bring a basic outfit into the wild.