Summer’s sneaker roundup arrives with a clear throughline: collaborations and comfort-driven design are dominating the season. Editors across the desk highlighted a wide range of footwear — from chunky platform derbies to minimalist runners — with PUMA featuring strongest among the picks thanks to multiple high-profile partnerships. Below are the standout models that defined staff rotations this summer, why they mattered, and practical notes for readers considering them.
Top picks and why they stood out
– ROMBAUT x PUMA Levitation “Medic Green” — A runway-to-street favorite, the Levitation’s signature floating heel and sleek profile earned instant attention. The tactile interior and elevated heel give an immediate posture boost, making it both a visual and confidence-enhancing piece for outfits that lean fashion-forward.
– Rick Owens Beatle Bogun — Heavy, blacked-out and surprisingly versatile, these boots move between understated and aggressive depending on the silhouette they’re paired with. They’ve become a go-to for those favoring platformed, durable footwear that still reads wearable day-to-day.
– FENTY x PUMA Avanti “Team Royal/Creamy Vanilla” — Rihanna’s Avanti LS refresh is a slimmer, soccer-inspired silhouette that brings a cleat-like foldover tongue and lighter construction. The bold “Team Royal” contrasted with “Creamy Vanilla” gives a strong summer color statement while staying rooted in sports heritage.
– Salomon XT-Whisper “White/Lunar Rock” — A travel and everyday workhorse, this monochrome Salomon blends slip-on convenience with distinctive brand details. Ideal for frequent flyers and active city days where versatility and comfort are priorities.
– Nike Shox R4 “Metallic Silver/Picante Red” — The retro Shox columns deliver a bouncy, lightweight feel that translates well from casual walks to longer days on the move. This colorway balances visibility with restraint, making it an approachable reissue for many wardrobes.
– JJJJound x ASICS GEL-QUANTUM 360 I AMP — Released at Paris Fashion Week, this collaboration pairs crisp minimalism with full-length GEL cushioning and updated FF BLAST+ foam for all-day support — a refined, technical pick for those wanting performance with subdued style.
– adidas Evo SL “Cloud White/Royal Blue” — Slim, lightweight and travel-friendly, the Evo SL performs as a multipurpose shoe for short runs, errands and packing light. Its functionality makes it a sensible choice for the season.
– New Balance 1906R “Year of the Snake” — A dependable runner that evolved into a daily staple, this model proved durable and adaptable across commutes, spontaneous outings and travel-heavy schedules. It’s the classic example of a comfortable sneaker that quietly anchors a seasonal rotation.
– FENTY x PUMA Cat Cleat Jelly “Pumpkin Pie” — A playful sandal option from the FENTY line that mixes sporty cleat elements with a jelly construction and cushioned leather sole. It’s been a vacation-ready, elevated casual piece for summer styling.
– Willy Chavarria x Allen Edmonds Jalisco — A dressier entry amid the sport and street silhouettes, this split-toe derby with a Cuban heel and platform presence nods to runway theatrics while remaining robust enough for urban wear. Small embroidered initials give it a subtle signature detail.
Practical takeaways and shopping notes
– Consider purpose first: travel and all-day wear favor Salomon, adidas Evo SL and the ASICS collaboration; statement and elevated looks lean toward Rick Owens and the Willy Chavarria derby.
– Sizing varies a lot across collaborations and designers. Try to confirm return policies or try pairs in-store when possible, especially with platformed boots and leather derbies.
– Care matters: jelly sandals should be rinsed after beach use to avoid salt buildup; suede/leather derbies benefit from periodic conditioning if you want longevity.
– For a streamlined closet, pick one bold statement shoe and one versatile workhorse — the summer’s picks show you can have both function and flair.
Why these picks make sense now
The selections reflect two clear market trends: collaborative releases (designer and celebrity partnerships) elevating heritage silhouettes, and technical comfort technologies being integrated into everyday wear. That mix explains PUMA’s prominence this season and the broad appeal across sport, fashion and travel contexts.
Short summary
Editors across the site favored collaborative, comfort-minded footwear this summer — from PUMA-driven collaborations and architecturally scaled boots to minimalist, travel-ready runners. The shared throughline is versatility: shoes that perform technically while making a clear stylistic statement.
A hopeful note
This season’s lineup shows creativity and functionality can coexist. For consumers, that means more choices that don’t force you to sacrifice comfort for style. Whether you’re upgrading a travel shoe or investing in a statement boot, the current market favors pieces designed to do both.
Additional suggestion for the post
Include a size guide or retailer return-policy reminder alongside each product link to reduce friction for readers buying multiple collaborations with inconsistent fits. If possible, add photos showing the shoes paired with contrasting silhouettes (e.g., chunky boots with cropped pants, runners with tailored shorts) to help readers visualize styling options.