7 Best Summer Sneakers in 2024

Summer is always the perfect time for strolls, and boy did we have fun strolling around while wearing the New Balance 327. This sneaker brought breathability to the next level. It also delivered a good deal of plushness and confidence-inducing stability. It was easily the best summer sneaker in our book.

The smoke that we pumped into the New Balance 327 escaped without much glitch and drama through the upper material. Given this result, plus the cool feel that we enjoyed while wearing this shoe, we deemed it appropriate to give it a rating of 4 out of 5.

Aside from being a little thicker than usual, the midsole was also on the softer side. Using our HA durometer, we measured the softness of the cushioning system to be 26.6, which is lower (therefore softer) than the 30.9 average.

The platform was amazingly wide. At the heel, it opened as much as 90.6 mm (vs 83.4 average). It was 119.5 mm wide at the forefoot while the average was only 108.9 mm. There was no way for our feet to slide off the footbed given this much surface area! 

It was just unfortunate that the NB 327 was a little bit tighter than expected. It needed 26.7N of force to bend at 90 degrees. The typical sneaker needed only 23.2N.

Nike Zoom Vomero 5, born from a lineage of running shoes, redefines the sneaker experience in our wear tests with its well-cushioned interior and Zoom Air units delivering unparalleled comfort and a good amount of responsiveness. Its ultra-breathable design ensures freshness even on the warmest days, maintaining a light and airy feel during extended wear. In the lab, this shoe cements its position as the most comfortable summer sneaker.

Our walks feel effortless and breezy, thanks to its light and loose build. Weighing just 11.1 oz (316g) on our scales, it’s 21.2% below average. Additionally, its flexibility is at par with the average lifestyle sneaker, ensuring comfort since it barely resists our strides. 

Its featherweight feel is further enhanced by the ultra-thin mesh upper, preventing heat buildup and sweat accumulation inside the shoe. Lab tests confirm its exceptional breathability with a perfect 5/5 score. 

Despite its lightweight build, Vomero 5 doesn't compromise on cushioning, boasting a plush sensation. Our durometer reveals the CushIon foam is 28.0 HA, 9.7% softer than average, complemented by Zoom Air units under the heel and ball of the foot for added cushioning and bounce.

However, the Vomero 5’s $160 emerged as $40 more expensive than the average low-top sneaker. Those on a budget should explore alternatives.

One look at the ASICS Gel Lyte III and we could really tell that it was a blast from the past. Its impressively plush cushioning and noteworthy breathability make it such a great summer pick. Taken all together, these benefits make this ASICS sneaker the best retro pick in our roster of summer sneakers.

From the color scheme down to the textures of the materials used, the ASICS Gel Lyte III inspired a good deal of nostalgia. We loved wearing it when we wanted to give a nod to our colored past in our look.

The plushness of the midsole was immediately felt the moment we put this shoe on. It became even softer and more comfortable the more that we used it. Our HA durometer only confirmed what we experienced, and it gave out a rating of 22.1 when the average is as high (or firm) as 30.9. 

When it came to ventilation, the ASICS Gel Lyte III surely did not leave a lot to be desired. We felt so comfortable and air in it, and it got a 4 out of 5 in our breathability tests. We’re confident that even those with sweaty feet would have a nice time wearing this ASICS summer sneaker.

We just wish the platform were a bit wider. It was only 100.0 mm wide at the forefoot (ave 108.9 mm) and 76.8 mm wide at the heel (ave 83.4 mm).

No sneaker can go against the New Balance 990 v6 in terms of being a premium summer pair. Our lab agrees with what our feet sensed: this sneaker is highly breathable, cushioned, and supportive. It’s infused with modern technology and high-quality materials, making every cent worth it.

990 v6 sports a classic look with real suede layers, as our torch test proves its genuineness. While the shoe doesn’t look breathable, it delivers the exact opposite. The mesh panels allow seamless airflow for all-day freshness. Our smoke test confirms its ventilation with a 5/5 breathability rating.

The midsole doesn’t skimp on quality and delivers supreme comfort and responsiveness with the FuelCell cushioning, typically found in high-performance running shoes. Our feet reveled in its cloud-like feel, as evidenced by our plush 28.3 HA durometer measurement. To our amazement, the ride feels extra stable thanks to the firm ENCAP rim around the heel and the wide midsole, ensuring our balance.

Underfoot, the robust Ndurance rubber barely shows wear after extensive testing. True enough, our durometer registers 89.0 HC, one of the highest we’ve seen in lifestyle shoes, proving its commitment to last long.

Honestly, it’s tough to find a flaw in this sneaker other than its high $200 price point that may not be accessible to many. Though we believe its quality is worth the investment.

The Puma RS-X presents a unique personality with every colorway. Because of how creative each colorway is, sometimes we’d think that a new color release was a different sneaker altogether! It was fairly easy for us to hail this Puma sneaker as the one that offers the best colorways among all the sneakers this summer. Its being breathable and uber cushiony are bonuses that only made us even more in love with it.

We subjected the Puma RS-X to the usual light and smoke breathability assessments, and it fared so well in both. No wonder we never felt toasty in this sneaker even if we were strolling under the sweltering heat of the sun. We gave this shoe a well-deserved 4 out of 5. 

The softness of the cushioning underfoot was as intense as the summer heat.  We loved how our feet slowly and comfortably sank into it. Our HA durometer in the lab gave the RS-X a 15.6 softness score, making it roughly 50% softer than average. 

This Puma sneaker was so soft and airy that it was quite surprising that it was 2 ounces heavier than average. It weighed 16.05 ounces or 455 grams when the average is only 14.04 ounces or 398 grams.

Not only was the midsole of the Adidas Alphaboost V1 thicker, but it was also a lot softer than average. In fact, it offered the plushest experience among all the summer sneakers that we tried. It also delivered a good deal of outsole durability and impressive breathability.

According to our caliper readings, the midsole of this Adidas summer sneaker was 41.8 mm thick at the heel and 28.3 mm thick at the forefoot. Both these numbers significantly dwarf our recorded averages, which are 31.3 mm and 20.0 mm, respectively. Aside from giving us that chunky look, the thick midsole also delivered amazing softness. Our HA durometer gave it a rating of 22.4, making it 28% softer than average. 

When it comes to durability, the outsole was not to be overshadowed by anything. Our Dremel drilling only left 0.4 mm of damage, which was way lower than the 1.0 mm that the average sneaker would have incurred. Using this on rough surfaces, therefore, was never a problem. 

The Adidas Alphaboost V1 was also not to be discounted when it came to comfort because of its high level of breathability. We were so impressed with it during our wear tests and lab assessments that we gave it a score of 4 out of 5.

It was a bummer that the sneaker’s structure was largely inflexible. Based on our flex test, this Alphaboost V1 needed 41.9N to bend at 90 degrees. A typical sneaker would only need 23.2N.

The New Balance 580 is easily among the most breathable kicks this season. It was perfect for strolls under the heat of the sun even for those who need a lot of arch support because of its thick and soft midsole. It was the best summer sneakers for arch support; a very durable one at that!

The smoke that we pumped into the NB 580 escaped quite smoothly through its upper material. During our wear-tests, we never felt any uncomfortable overheating of our feet. On the contrary, we felt that they were nicely and comfortably aerated all throughout. A perfect 5 for ventilation here.

The heel stack of this sneaker stood at 34.8 mm while the forefoot was at 24.5 mm. The average measurements were 31.3 mm and 20.0 mm, respectively. Aside from being thicker, the midsole was also significantly softer. Our HA durometer gave it a 20.3 rating when the average was at 30.9. The thick and soft cushion was able to follow the contours of our arches, giving us the support that some of us never even thought we needed!

Besides breathability and arch support, this New Balance sneaker also delivered in terms of durability. The outsole, in particular, was a standout in this arena. A typical outsole incurred 1.0 mm of damage after a round of Dremel drilling; yet, we only saw a practically negligible 0.3 mm of damage in the New Balance 580!

Too bad this sneaker couldn’t really serve those with wide feet. At its widest, the toebox was just as wide as the average (99.1 mm) at 97.7 mm.