This summer’s footwear stays true to the season: The look is casual, the vibe is relaxed, but styles now go a step further with subtle yet effective material and design solutions that level up performance and comfort, without jeopardizing a laid-back summertime aesthetic.

The latest low-profile, feel-good footwear is engineered to be highly supportive and more durable than previous iterations. Sleek silhouettes now achieve extra comfort at a lighter weight; arch support is enhanced; serious attention is paid to softness and versatility. Trade-offs are no longer an issue when it comes to style or substance.

The ballet sneaker, aka “sneakerina,” a blazing hot trend earlier this year, characterized by shoes with a soft, curved toebox and slipper-like profile, is cooling off, but its impact remains. According to a quote from Linda Cui Zhang, associate fashion director at Nordstrom, ballet-inspired sneakers derive from two intersecting trends: the spotlight on women in sports and continued focus on active footwear in fashion. “The ballet sneaker is a natural evolution of the low-profile styles that continue to resonate.”

Another trend at play in Summer 2025 is minimalist design with a decidedly modern point of view. “The barefoot movement has really grown from a niche, performance-driven concept to a more holistic lifestyle approach,” explains Michael Hanus, the head of product in Germany for the Groundies brand. “Today, it’s about long-term foot health, sustainability, and making mindful choices. At the same time, the aesthetic has evolved—people no longer want to compromise between health and style.”

Founded in Freiburg, Germany in 2019, Groundies has expanded its distribution to the U.S. “We truly believe that simplicity in footwear design doesn’t mean sacrificing function—in fact, quite the opposite. Our shoes are built around an anatomical toe box that gives toes the space to move and spread naturally, and a zero-drop sole that encourages healthy posture and alignment,” Hanus states. “At the heart of it all is our TrueSense promise: total freedom of movement, a strong connection to the ground, and just the right amount of protection for everyday life. We aim to create shoes that feel almost invisible on the foot—yet support you every step of the way.”

Hanus explains that materials are a key part of that experience. “We use high-quality, responsibly sourced leather, vegan alternatives, and breathable knits to ensure our shoes feel soft, flexible, and durable. Comfort is essential, but we also want our footwear to look great—stylish enough to wear to work, out in the city, or while traveling.”

At Taos Footwear, selecting materials that age beautifully and perform reliably over time is key. “We see fashion and function not as trade-offs but as partners,” states Glen Barad, Taos Footwear CEO and founder. “By choosing premium materials and thoughtful design, we create shoes that offer timeless style without ever sacrificing comfort or support.” Durable outsoles, and custom footbeds designed to provide Taos’ signature support exemplify how Taos balances simplicity, style, and performance.

Aussie brand Merry People is making big strides with products that stand out with bold colors, a joyful spirit and cross-over versatility. Inspired by the classic gumboot, Merry People advances the simplicity of design with functionality and fit. “We designed our gumboots to keep up with real life—rain, mud, city streets, weekend hikes, you name it. They’re 100% waterproof and super comfy with arch support and a cozy neoprene lining, plus they’re super stylish,” explains Marina Murray, USA national manager. “Made with quality natural rubber, they’re gumboots you can rely on and feel good wearing every day.”