Are Leather Shoes Good For Summer? (All You Need To Know!)

are leather shoes good for summer

Leather shoes are a staple of any wardrobe. Whether you’re dressing up for a wedding or going to work, they’re always appropriate and stylish. But with the arrival of summer, do leather shoes still have a place?

The answer is Yes! Some leather shoes are good for summer because they’re designed specifically to breathe, offer you comfort, and keep your feet cool. Leather shoe styles like leather loafers, leather Oxfords, and suede shoes are perfect for summer.

On the other hand, there are some leather shoes that will not be comfortable to wear in the summer. These shoes are often made of thick leather, closed-toe styles with no ventilation, or lace-up boots that will just trap in heat and sweat.

If you’re considering a leather shoe for your summer wardrobe, consider the style and how it will feel on your feet. Remember that leather shoes can keep you cool and comfortable as long as they’re designed with summer in mind.

You also want to go for the right size or fit. Leather shoes that are too tight will cause discomfort and blisters, while leather shoes that are too loose might be prone to slipping off. Make sure your leather shoes feel good when you try them on and don’t be afraid to size down if the shoe runs big.

Here we’ll discuss how leather can be good for your summer wardrobe and what styles work best during the warmer months.

Details On Why Leather Shoes Are Good For Summer

There are a number of reasons why leather shoes are really good for summer;

1. Leather Is A Breathable Material

One of the biggest benefits of leather is that it’s a breathable material. This is because leather is a porous material and allows air and moisture to pass through it especially if the leather shoe has not been given plastic or synthetic coating.

This means your feet will stay cooler in summer weather than if you were wearing shoes made from other materials like rubber.

This is especially important for people who live in warm climates or who do a lot of walking outside during the summer. Leather shoes allow your feet to breathe and stay cool, which is a big advantage during hot weather.

2. Leather Shoes Are Durable

Most people are very active during the summer and need a pair of shoes that can handle all the activities and still look stylish.

Leather is an excellent material for this since it’s durable, flexible, water-resistant, easy to polish and maintain.

Leather also allows your feet to breathe which means they won’t overheat as quickly or cause discomfort during long days outside during summer weather.  

Leather has a massive tensile strength than rubber and other synthetic materials can’t match. So, if you’re looking for a shoe that will last all summer long without showing any wear and tear, leather is the way to go!

3. Leather Shoes Are Versatile

Leather shoes are versatile and can be dressed up or down to match any outfit.

In the summer, when it’s hot outside, you may want to dress more casually and avoid wearing heavy fabrics like wool.

A pair of leather shoes will still look stylish and appropriate in this type of setting and can be matched with a variety of outfits.

You can easily dress up leather shoes by pairing them with a nice pair of jeans or slacks, and it’s easy to wear them casually as well.

If you’re not sure if an outfit is appropriate for the occasion, wearing leather will always be safe.

4. Leather Looks Good In All Colors

The summer season is also the most colorful time of the year. People love wearing bright colors and bold prints to express themselves during this time.

This can be a problem for people who don’t want their shoes to clash with an outfit or pick up dirt easily since lighter-colored leathers tend to show stains more than darker shades do.

For maximum versatility in your summer wardrobe, always choose a pair of shoes that will match all your outfits.

One great choice is tan-colored leather, which goes with everything and looks good in just about any color you can imagine.

For maximum versatility when it comes to dressing up or down for summer weather, always choose a pair of stylish yet versatile leather shoes.

5. Leather Shoes Have A Sleek Appearance

One thing that makes leather shoes stand out from other types of shoes is how sleek and modern they look.

Since fashion tends to be more casual during the summer, you’ll want a pair of stylish but comfortable shoes that will go with just about any outfit.

Leather always looks good in every type of setting whether it’s formal or casual, and it gives your outfit an elegant appearance.

If you’re looking for a shoe that will make you look polished and put together, leather is always the best choice.

6. Leather Shoes Are Easy To Clean

As mentioned before, we all tend to be very active during the summer seasons. With all of such activities, it’s inevitable that your shoes will get dirty.

Leather is actually easy to clean and doesn’t stain as easily as other materials do. So you’ll be able to keep them looking new longer than if they were made from a different material.

One of the best things about leather is how easy it is to clean. You can use water and soap for general cleaning or choose a special cleaner depending on what type of dirt your shoes pick up. It’s as simple as that.

Keeping them looking new won’t be much work at all, even if you’re very active during the summer.

Reasons Why Leather Shoes May Not Be Good For Summer

Although there are a lot of reasons to support why leather shoes are great for summer, there are also some reasons that don’t support it.

One of the biggest problems with leather shoes is how expensive they can be in comparison to other materials like rubber and synthetic fabrics.

Another common complaint about wearing leather during the summer season is that your feet will overheat more easily than when you wear fabric or rubber soles instead. Some people find leather to be uncomfortable or stiff when it’s very hot outside.

Although there are many great reasons for wearing leather during the summer, there are also some drawbacks that should be considered beforehand. Let’s take a closer look at some of these reasons in detail.

1. Leather Shoes Made From Faux Leather Are Not Good For Summer

One of the main reasons why leather shoes may not be good for summer is when they are made from faux leather which is a synthetic material.

Faux leather is a fancy word for plastic or synthetic leather. This means it doesn’t breathe as natural leather does.

So your feet will feel warm more easily in faux leather shoes than if you were to wear a pair of shoes made from natural leather material.

2. If The Leather Shoes Is Not The Right Style

Another instance where a pair of leather shoes may not be good for summer will be if the style of your leather shoes is not suitable for warm weather.

Although there are a lot of styles that look great in leather, it’s best to avoid wearing boots or other heavy-duty shoes during the summer season.

What makes this worse is when people wear thick winter socks with these types of shoes as they will also make your feet feel very hot and sweaty, which will defeat the purpose of wearing leather shoes in the first place.

If you want to wear boots or other heavy-duty styles during summer, it’s best to avoid thick socks and materials like faux leather which won’t breathe very well at all.

3. If It’s Too Hot Outside

Material like canvas or other natural fabrics is often better to wear during summer instead of leather shoes especially if the weather is very hot.

Leather is a very thick and stiff material that can make your feet feel uncomfortable when it’s really hot outside.

So if you’re experiencing extremely high temperatures, it might be wiser to avoid wearing leather shoes altogether.

Leather Shoe Styles That Are Good For Summer

There are a number of different styles of leather shoes that work well during the summer.

Leather Loafers

One of the most popular styles that look great for summer is leather loafers. Leather loafers are very lightweight and comfortable to wear.

Leather loafers can be worn with a number of different outfits whether it be for a formal or casual occasion.

Since they are made from light materials, leather loafers are perfect for summer weather when it’s not too hot outside.

Leather Sneakers

Leather sneakers also work well during summer as they are often combined with breathable materials like mesh which will keep your feet feeling fresh all day long.

Leather shoes with rubber soles, such as boat shoes or espadrilles, are also great styles for wearing in the heat of summer because rubber is a very breathable material.

Leather Oxfords

Leather Oxfords are a very versatile style of shoe that can be dressed up or down for any occasion.

They are perfect for summer as they are made from lightweight materials and often have perforated designs which allow your feet to breathe.

Traditional cap-toe oxfords especially are a great choice for summer as they have a very open design which will help to keep your feet cool.

Just make sure to avoid wearing heavy socks with them if it’s hot outside.

Calfskin Leather Sandals

Another great style of leather shoe that is perfect for summer is calfskin leather sandals.

Calfskin leather is a very lightweight and soft material which makes it ideal for sandals.

The open design of most sandals also allows your feet to breathe, making them perfect for hot weather.

Boho Style Wedges Leather Shoes

If you’re looking for a stylish and comfortable pair of leather shoes to wear during summer, then Boho-style wedges are a great option.

Wedges are one of the most popular shoe styles during summer as they provide height and comfort at the same time.

Boho-style wedges are made from natural materials like suede and leather, which makes them perfect for warm weather.

Just make sure to avoid wearing socks with them if it’s hot outside.

So overall, there are a number of different styles of leather shoes that can be worn during summer without feeling too hot or sweaty.

So if you’re looking for a comfortable and stylish pair of leather shoes to wear during summer, there are plenty of different styles to choose from.

Just be sure to avoid wearing heavy styles like boots and opt for light materials instead.

How To Make Your Leather Shoes Good For Summer Wear?

So there are a couple of things you can do to make your leather shoes good for summer wear.

1. Don’t Wear Them Tight

The first is to make sure that they are not too tight around your feet. If you’re wearing leather shoes that are very constricting, then it will be harder for your feet to breathe and therefore cause discomfort when it’s hot outside.

You want to make sure that you have enough room to wiggle your toes and that the shoes are not too tight.

If they are, then it’s a good idea to go up a size so that your feet can breathe better.

2. Give Them A Good Cleaning

The second thing you can do is give them a good cleaning before wearing them in the summer.

Leather shoes often trap in sweat and bacteria, which can cause your feet to smell bad or even get infected.

So it’s a good idea to give them a good clean before wearing them in the hot weather.

You can do this by using a shoe cleaner or some natural ingredients like vinegar or baking soda to remove the dirt and bacteria.

3. Don’t Wear Heavy Socks With Them

I don’t mean to sound captain obvious but if it’s hot outside, don’t wear heavy socks with your leather shoes.

Socks will only make your feet feel even more constricted and sweaty, which is the last thing you want when the weather is hot.

Opt for a light cotton pair of socks instead if you need to cover up your toes.

4. Choose A Lightweight Leather

If you’re now making a buying decision about leather shoes for summer, then it’s a good idea to choose lightweight leather ones.

This is because there are so many different styles and options nowadays that it will be easy to find something which you like the look of and will also keep your feet cool in hot weather.

So overall, if you’re making a buying decision about new leather shoes for summer, then make sure to choose a lightweight style that will help your feet breathe.

5. Fill Them Up With Newspaper To Keep Their Shape

When you’re not wearing your leather shoes, it’s a good idea to fill them up with newspaper or a shoe tree.

This will help keep their shape and stop the leather from creasing or becoming warped, which can happen when you’re not wearing your shoes for long periods of time.

It also helps rid any smells that may be trapped inside your shoes, so this is definitely something worth doing.

6. Always Air Dry Between Wears

During the summer seasons, you would want to air out your leather shoes after every wear.

Leather is a material that can absorb moisture and sweat, so it’s important to air them out in order for them to last longer.

You can do this by leaving them in an area where there is plenty of ventilation, like near a window or door.

Do not leave your leather shoes in direct sunlight, as this can cause them to fade and crack.

7. Store Them Properly In A Shoe Box Or Shoe Bin

If you’re not going to be wearing your leather shoes for a while during the summer, then make sure that you store them properly.

Leather needs to breathe and will become damaged when it is covered up in airtight plastic containers like bins – especially with the summer heat.

It’s a good idea to store them in a shoebox or bin that has some ventilation and make sure that they are not stored on top of each other.

This will help keep your leather shoes in good condition for when you want to wear them again the following summer season.

8. Invest In A Leather Protector Spray

Last but not least, if you’re looking to buy leather shoes for summer, then it’s a good idea to invest in something like a leather protector spray.

Leather needs protection from the elements and this will help keep your feet dry when it is hot outside.

This also helps prevent sweat marks on the leather which can cause damage later down the line if they are not treated.

So if you really do want to buy leather shoes for summer, then it’s a good idea to invest in something like this first which will help keep them protected and looking new.

So there you have it! A few tips on how to make your leather shoes good for summer wear. Just remember to follow these simple tips and you’ll be able to enjoy wearing your favorite leather shoes during the hot weather!

Best Leather Shoe Brands For Summer Wear?

There are a lot of brands to choose from if you’re looking to buy leather shoes for summer wear.

Here are a few of the most popular options:

  • Cole Haan is an American brand that’s known for making stylish leather shoes. 
  • Tod’s is a european company who makes fashions and quality products. 
  • Birkenstock is a german company that has been making footwear since 1774. 
  • Hush Puppies are an american brand that makes casual shoes, loafers, and boots. 
  • Jimmy choo is an english company that specialises in making luxury shoes. 
  • Grenson are British shoe makers who have been around for over 150 years. 
  • Church’s is a well-known brand from england whose collection includes leather and suede shoes. 
  • Ralph Lauren make lovely leather footwear that is both smart and casual. 
  • Dune London is a brand that specialises in footwear and accessories. 
  • Steve Madden is an american brand that makes shoes, bags, and accessories.
  • Uggs are a brand that are known for their sheepskin footwear. 
  • Clarks are a well-known british shoe manufacturer that makes many types of shoes, including leather.
  • Casadei Shoes are high quality and comfortable italian shoes.

Each brand offers a range of different styles and designs, so it’s important to do your research before you buy.

Make sure to read reviews online and find out what other people who have used them have said about the shoes before making your purchase.

If you’re looking for a good quality, stylish and long-lasting leather shoe then one of the brands above is definitely worth checking out. Just make sure that you get the right size and fit as these shoes can be quite expensive.

Final Thoughts

Leather shoes are not only stylish but they’re also functional and provide many benefits for summer weather.

Breathability, durability, versatility, and a sleek appearance are all great reasons to choose leather shoes as your go-to footwear for the summer season.

So, if you’re looking for a shoe that will keep your feet cool, last all summer long, and go with everything you own, choose leather.

You’ll love the way these shoes look – but they’re also extremely comfortable.

Leather is an excellent choice for people who need to be on their feet a lot during the summer because it’s breathable, durable, and easy to clean.

Kwabena

Hi! I’m Kwabena, the owner and founder of Favored Leather. I’m a huge Leathercraft enthusiast and I’ve been that for almost 13 years now. I'm excited to share my experiences and all the new stuff I learn each day about leather craft, leather cleaning & care, and everything in-between!

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