April 16, 2026
Best Summer Shoes Not Made in China
Summer is the season for shoes. Your toenails are painted, it's warm, you might be traveling, and life is a slower pace. However, the wrong shoes can ruin your day or night. With the heat (if you live in a sweltering environment like I do), the walking, and wanting to look put together, you need the right shoe on your feet. Not all shoes are created equal, and I've paid more attention to where my shoes come from. While I'm not obsessive over it, I want to make sure my purchases last more than half a summer. I'm not depending on just one pair of shoes, either. I want variety for errands, traveling, and my solo and friend dates. Plus, I just like shoes. What lady doesn't?
If you’re looking for stylish summer shoes made outside of China, or at least brands that prioritize quality and thoughtful production, these are the ones I actually wear and keep reaching for.
Best Summer Shoes Not Made in China
Not all summer shoes are for everyone. In my younger years I was more inclined to suffer through walking with uncomfortable heels or wedges. Now, I buy shoes that are both fashionable and comfortable. Yes, they do exist. It's important to know your feet, your tolerance for longer walking, and more. This is not a one-size-fits-all situation. There are shoes for running around town, for work, nights out, and whatever else you get into in your days. As many of us women do, I have a rather large variety of shoes, and I wear each of them with pride. They are a collection, and one I get to display each time I leave my house. My footwear are generally good or great quality, and my summer shoes reflect that. I'm looking forward to sharing my favorites with you.
Boden Sandals
Are Summer Shoes Not Made in China Better?
I'm not trying to hate on China and say everything that comes out of it is bad, but we all know that an Italian leather shoe is leaps and bounds more interesting than the cheap plastic ones made in China. Most of us know that items made in other parts of the world, like Europe or South America, have a reputation for caring more in multiple ethical ways. In my experience, most brands I buy that manufacture outside of China tend to focus more on craftsmanship, materials, and how long the shoe actually lasts. Since summer shoes get worn hard, that matters to me.
TOMS Wedges
Why Does Where Shoes Are Made Matter?
Where shoes are made matters to me because I do not want to keep buying pairs that only last one season. My preference is to own nicer (and possibly fewer) summer shoes that are comfortable, hold up well, and feel worth the money. I've got shoes from all over the world, and the ones I continue to wear are typically ones not made in China. Whether it's coincidence or not, I think it's important to note that. Lasting products are important to me, and if they're important to you, read on.
Are Most Shoes Made in China?
Likely, most shoes made are made in China. I don't have an exact number on this, but it's common in mass-market footwear, and that's most shoes. It's good to note this, and good to be on the lookout for it if it matters to you.
Andre Assous Wedges
How Can You Tell Where Shoes Are Made?
Some brands are fully on board with not making their footwear in China, but some vary. A few of the brands I own and purchase do make their shoes in places other than China, but they also have styles that are made in China. The easiest way to know is the check the label if you're in person, or check for the description if you're purchasing online. Most of the time you'll be able to find this information available, and you can make your decision from there.
What Should Summer Shoes Be Like?
Summer shoes are not all flip flops in my book. There are many things I do in my days, and they all require different types of shoes for each activity. Luckily for us, footwear companies have gotten on board with comfort and style, and you don't have to sacrifice one for the other anymore. I like to have shoes I can walk in during the day, and if I need to roll into dinner, I can. If I'm running around the city, though, I want my walking shoes and nothing else. Otherwise my feet are torn up. For dinner? I'm usually in a cute pair of wedges or heels. Variety is the spice of the shoe life.
Even Merlin Likes the Birks
Summer Shoes I Personally Wear and Recommend
This list of shoes is one that put together after years of testing out and wearing them all. These are all tried and true, and many of the brands I own multiple pairs (or wish I did). I'm very proud of this list, and equally as excited to share it with you. This might reshape your whole summer wardrobe. There's nothing like a great pair of shoes.
Comfortable Sandals I Can Wear All Day
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Birkenstocks
- This is probably my favorite and most functional shoe brand for the summer, and I own several of them. They take some time to break in, so don't buy them and expect to wear them the next day all day. After they mold to your feet, you will never want to take them off. And you'll keep buying more, like I do. I apologize in advance.
- Shop my favorite pair here.
- This is probably my favorite and most functional shoe brand for the summer, and I own several of them. They take some time to break in, so don't buy them and expect to wear them the next day all day. After they mold to your feet, you will never want to take them off. And you'll keep buying more, like I do. I apologize in advance.
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Boden
- Boden is one of my most favorite brands in general. I own everything from coats to shirts to pants to shoes. Every single item I own is a screaming winner. They make a petite size, so that's what hooked me. But their very boutique feel makes me keep coming back. Comfort and style is what you're getting with Boden.
- Shop my favorite sandals here.
- Boden is one of my most favorite brands in general. I own everything from coats to shirts to pants to shoes. Every single item I own is a screaming winner. They make a petite size, so that's what hooked me. But their very boutique feel makes me keep coming back. Comfort and style is what you're getting with Boden.
Stylish But Practical Summer Sandals
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Swedish Hasbeens
- Obsessed! This retro looking shoe has been in my closet for ages, and I wear these things everywhere. I've got multiple pairs in multiple colors, and I can walk and dance in them all night long. They have a wood bottom, and I bet you can guess where they're made.
- Shop my favorite here.
- Obsessed! This retro looking shoe has been in my closet for ages, and I wear these things everywhere. I've got multiple pairs in multiple colors, and I can walk and dance in them all night long. They have a wood bottom, and I bet you can guess where they're made.
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André Assous
- These Spanish made shoes get me more compliments than most other shoes I own. Not only are they comfortable, they elevate my outfits a lot. I've got several pairs of this brand, and I don't see myself ever not having some. They are a fantastic summer shoe.
- Shop cute and practical here.
- These Spanish made shoes get me more compliments than most other shoes I own. Not only are they comfortable, they elevate my outfits a lot. I've got several pairs of this brand, and I don't see myself ever not having some. They are a fantastic summer shoe.
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Bos. & Co.
- When I saw the pair of Bos. & Co sandals online, I couldn't buy them fast enough. It was like the shoe fairies put the perfect shoe in front of me at the perfect time. This is a pair I am in constantly over the summer, and I am so glad I bought them.
- Shop some I really like.
- When I saw the pair of Bos. & Co sandals online, I couldn't buy them fast enough. It was like the shoe fairies put the perfect shoe in front of me at the perfect time. This is a pair I am in constantly over the summer, and I am so glad I bought them.
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Five Worlds
- Five Worlds is a really artisan brand, and one I didn't know of until I randomly found them online one day. These shoes have been so worn by me that I've had to have them resoled. They're still kickin', and I still love them. Every time I wear them, people envy them, and I kinda love it because they're older than time.
- I couldn't find any I love, but when I do, I'll link them!
- Five Worlds is a really artisan brand, and one I didn't know of until I randomly found them online one day. These shoes have been so worn by me that I've had to have them resoled. They're still kickin', and I still love them. Every time I wear them, people envy them, and I kinda love it because they're older than time.
Bos & Co Platform Sandals
Best Walking Shoes for Travel
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Veja
- One pair of Veja sneakers wasn't enough, so naturally I bought a second pair. Both of them have come to Paris with me multiple times, and they've seen more of the city than most other humans. I'm a huge fan of how they look. And I wear them as fashion sneakers and walking shoes.
- Shop the Veja Campos I own.
- One pair of Veja sneakers wasn't enough, so naturally I bought a second pair. Both of them have come to Paris with me multiple times, and they've seen more of the city than most other humans. I'm a huge fan of how they look. And I wear them as fashion sneakers and walking shoes.
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ECCO
- Years and years ago, I polled the internet about walking shoes, and the ECCO ones I bought came up. While they weren't cheap, they were the most comfortable cushiony things I've ever put on my feet. I still own them today, and love their cute look. Now that I think about it, I think I need another pair...
- Purchase the ECCOs here.
- Years and years ago, I polled the internet about walking shoes, and the ECCO ones I bought came up. While they weren't cheap, they were the most comfortable cushiony things I've ever put on my feet. I still own them today, and love their cute look. Now that I think about it, I think I need another pair...
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TOMS Sneakers
- My TOMS sneakers have risen to the top, for now, of most comfortable sneakers to travel in and walk in. On a trip to Paris, I was searching for affordable and cute walking shoes, stumbled upon these, and bought them. After parading them around Paris, I immediately bought a second pair, and people are obsessed with them. You must get a pair for yourself.
- My current obsession in every color.
- My TOMS sneakers have risen to the top, for now, of most comfortable sneakers to travel in and walk in. On a trip to Paris, I was searching for affordable and cute walking shoes, stumbled upon these, and bought them. After parading them around Paris, I immediately bought a second pair, and people are obsessed with them. You must get a pair for yourself.
Easy, Casual Summer Shoes
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Havaianas
- Havaianas have been part of my life for about 20 years. I used to go to Brazil quite a bit, and naturally I got a million pairs from there. They last forever (unless they happen to blow out like a pair did to me), and they are the comfiest flip flop on earth. Brazilians are right to be proud of those things. They are gold for summer shoes.
- Love the slim ones.
- Havaianas have been part of my life for about 20 years. I used to go to Brazil quite a bit, and naturally I got a million pairs from there. They last forever (unless they happen to blow out like a pair did to me), and they are the comfiest flip flop on earth. Brazilians are right to be proud of those things. They are gold for summer shoes.
Dressier Summer Sandals and Heels
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INEZ
- Boy, did I have a hankering for these INEZ block heels that I bought. I waited until their summer sale and pounced like a lion on its prey. Now, I couldn't be happier. These sexy things are my go-to for a dressy summer heel, and I can't wait to wear them again this summer. Pricey, but oh so worth it.
- The ones I own and love.
- Boy, did I have a hankering for these INEZ block heels that I bought. I waited until their summer sale and pounced like a lion on its prey. Now, I couldn't be happier. These sexy things are my go-to for a dressy summer heel, and I can't wait to wear them again this summer. Pricey, but oh so worth it.
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TOMS Wedges
- I support TOMS a lot because I like how they run their business. And their wedge heels are not only comfortable, but they look cute and match anything I wear. I'm always looking at what else I can buy from them, as I've been a fan of their brand for as long as I can remember.
- My next purchase here
- I support TOMS a lot because I like how they run their business. And their wedge heels are not only comfortable, but they look cute and match anything I wear. I'm always looking at what else I can buy from them, as I've been a fan of their brand for as long as I can remember.
ECCO Walking Shoes (the Absolute Best)
Final Thoughts: Sun's Out, Toes Out
At this point, we know we need more than one kind of summer shoe. A pair to walk in all day, a few that feel a little more elevated, and something easy for casual days. These are the brands I keep coming back to, and the ones I would recommend if you are trying to build a summer shoe lineup that is stylish, practical, and better made. You'll come back to these year after year like I have, and you won't regret your purchases. Happy shoe hunting!
If you liked this shoe guide, you might also like the one I wrote about my favorite boot brands, and what to wear this spring.
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