Navigating the concrete jungle of Manhattan during summer requires serious footwear strategy. Between the sweltering subway platforms, unexpected rain showers, and miles of walking, your shoe choice can make or break your day. As someone who’s suffered through blisters, sweaty feet, and fashion regrets, I’ve developed strong opinions about which flat shoes deserve a spot in my summer rotation.
1. Refuse: Plastic Jelly Shoes
Whoever claimed these nostalgic nightmares were summer-appropriate clearly never experienced foot sweat trapped in plastic. The inevitable blisters form within minutes of hitting the pavement.
Plus, that squeaky sound with each step announces my arrival before I do – not the power move I’m aiming for on these streets!
2. Refuse: Heavy Platform Sneakers
While height-boosting platforms might look edgy in photos, lugging what feels like cement blocks through SoHo is pure torture. My ankles revolt after just one avenue.
Watching tourists struggle to climb subway stairs in these monstrosities confirms my decision to leave them collecting dust in my closet.
3. Refuse: Backless Loafers
Ah yes, the shoe that promises sophistication but delivers nothing but frustration. Every third step, they slide halfway off my foot, creating that awkward shuffle-walk no one asked for.
If I wanted to practice my foot-clenching skills while dodging sidewalk grates, I’d just go barefoot!
4. Refuse: Canvas Shoes Without Socks
Nothing screams “tourist” like canvas sneakers worn sockless in August. The inevitable stench that develops by midday makes fellow subway riders inch away in horror.
I’ve learned this lesson the hard way – no amount of foot powder can combat what happens when feet marinate in canvas under the midtown sun.
5. Refuse: Thin-Soled Ballet Flats
Though they look dainty and feminine, these flimsy foot covers provide zero protection from Manhattan’s unforgiving terrain. Each pebble, sidewalk crack, and mysterious sticky spot becomes a full-body experience.
After one day in these, my feet feel like they’ve gone ten rounds with a heavyweight champion.
6. Refuse: Complicated Strappy Sandals
If getting dressed requires contortionist skills and five minutes per foot, I’m out. These intricate ankle puzzles look fantastic for Instagram, but become torture devices once summer humidity hits.
Nothing ruins brunch faster than spending it adjusting complicated straps while your friends dive into their avocado toast.
7. Refuse: White Canvas Anything
Wearing pristine white shoes in Manhattan is essentially issuing an open invitation to every puddle, spilled coffee, and hot dog vendor. They won’t survive a single commute.
I’ve watched too many fashion-forward friends mourn their once-white sneakers after encountering our city’s mysterious sidewalk liquids.
8. Refuse: Flip Flops Beyond the Block
Though tempting for their ease, flip flops offer zero protection from the urban safari that is Manhattan sidewalks. The mysterious splashes that hit your exposed toes? Better not to know their origin.
Plus, that distinctive flapping sound announces “tourist” faster than a selfie stick in Times Square.
9. Refuse: Overly Bejeweled Sandals
While those rhinestone-encrusted beauties might sparkle in the store, they quickly transform into weapons of foot destruction. Every missing gem creates a new blister opportunity.
I’ve watched too many crystals disappear into subway grates, leaving behind both broken dreams and asymmetrical footwear.
10. Refuse: Suede Anything
Summer in Manhattan comes with pop-up thunderstorms that appear without warning. Suede shoes are essentially expensive sponges waiting to be ruined.
I still remember watching in horror as my beloved suede loafers transformed into soggy, misshapen disasters after one unexpected cloudburst in Central Park.
11. Love: Leather Fisherman Sandals
These structured beauties offer the perfect balance of breathability and protection. The woven leather keeps my feet cool while shielding them from sidewalk mysteries.
Unlike their flimsy counterparts, fisherman sandals can handle unexpected downpours and still look sophisticated enough for rooftop cocktails afterward.
12. Love: Cork-Soled Slide Sandals
The unsung heroes of my summer wardrobe, cork-soled slides mold to my feet while absorbing shock from concrete pounding. That natural cushioning makes all-day adventures possible.
Unlike plastic versions, these breathable wonders don’t create that embarrassing suction-cup sound when your foot sweats.
13. Love: Sporty Walking Sandals
Fashion editors might scoff, but these adjustable, rubber-soled lifesavers have carried me through countless museum days and impromptu walking tours. The padded straps prevent blisters even in sauna-like conditions.
I’ve even converted several high-heel devotees after they borrowed mine during particularly brutal heatwaves.
14. Love: Leather Huaraches
These woven leather classics provide surprising ventilation while maintaining a put-together appearance. The leather softens with wear, creating custom-fit comfort for navigating farmers’ markets and flea hunts.
Unlike flimsy sandals, huaraches offer enough structure to protect from urban debris while letting my feet breathe.
15. Love: Classic Canvas Sneakers (WITH Socks)
With the right invisible sock technology, canvas sneakers transform from sweat factories to perfect city companions. The flexible soles conform to endless walking while maintaining that effortless cool factor.
I keep multiple colors in rotation, switching pairs daily to prevent the dreaded summer sneaker funk.
16. Love: Cushioned Espadrilles
Unlike their flimsy cousins, properly constructed espadrilles with cushioned footbeds make summer in the city bearable. The breathable canvas upper keeps things cool while the substantial sole provides necessary barrier protection.
That slight platform helps avoid puddles without sacrificing comfort or style.
17. Love: Leather Footbed Sandals
Though initially requiring a break-in period, quality leather footbed sandals eventually mold to your feet, creating custom support for marathon shopping days. The raised edges keep your feet contained even during subway dashes.
I’ve logged literal miles in mine without a single blister!
18. Love: Water-Resistant Mesh Sneakers
Summer downpours have met their match with these quick-drying wonders. Unlike canvas sneakers that stay soggy for days, mesh versions dry within hours while maintaining their shape.
The lightweight construction prevents that heavy-footed feeling that comes with traditional sneakers in August heat.
19. Love: Minimalist Leather Slides
Simple leather slides with quality soles have become my go-to for everything from grocery runs to casual dinners. The lack of straps means no rubbing or adjusting, even when feet inevitably swell in the heat.
Their streamlined profile works with everything from sundresses to cropped jeans.
20. Love: Washable Knit Slip-Ons
The unsung heroes of my summer shoe collection, these machine-washable marvels bounce back from every subway adventure and questionable puddle encounter. Their flexible soles navigate uneven sidewalks while cushioning every step.
After particularly grimy days, they emerge from the washing machine good as new!