Boots may not be on the top of your list when it comes to summer footwear, but breathable fabrics and creative styles still make them the standout shoe for the season. The materials are important when choosing a boot, so feet can breathe and feel comfortable in the heat. “If the weather is unpredictable, opt for leather uppers. When there is no rain forecast, go for suede or canvas to keep your feet cooler,” says Susannah Davda, director of The Shoe Consultant Ltd. “Avoid fabric and synthetic linings as these will not absorb your perspiration, leaving your feet feeling sweaty.”
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Chukkas, high top luxury sneakers, and leather ankle boots are some of the styles that are currently trending. Don DeSalvio, Timberland’s senior director of men’s casual footwear favors the chukka look for summer boot wear. “Lightweight and deconstructed chukkas are a true warm-weather shoe and really inspire barefoot wear, which is perfect for that laidback summer look,” he says. “The casual nature of a lightweight chukka pairs perfectly with jeans and a t-shirt for a relaxed, but fashionable look. Today, you’re also just as likely to see these worn with shorts.”
Some of the antiquated winter/summer trends in fabrics are being reversed, making them acceptable for year-round wear. “In North America we’re seeing larger acceptance of suede as a warm-weather material, where Europe is already on board, so get ready to see that trend continue,” DeSalvio explains. Here are 12 boots that work well for active summer adventures, business meetings, and travel within different climates.
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