Detail is everything when it comes to men’s wedding attire. Everything should be perfect for the special day, from the shirt on your back to the shoes on your feet.

Summer weddings are usually held in warm weather — think beach locations, rural barns and luxury waterfront venues. This means that you might want to break away from traditional wedding attire and put on something better suited to the summer, including your footwear.

If you’re stuck for ideas, our 2025 style guide to men’s summer wedding shoes will help you find the ideal pair.

How to Select the Best Men’s Summer Wedding Shoes

In 2025, you’ll find a fresh twist on men’s summer wedding shoes where tradition merges with modern trends. But striking a balance between style and comfort doesn’t come easily. Whether you’re the groom, groomsman or guest, selecting the right footwear will elevate your outfit, keep you cool and see you through the day.

When you’re stepping out in a lightweight summer wedding suit or something more traditional, summer weddings call for special shoe choices. If the dress code is relaxed, a pair of classic formal shoes might look out of place.

More than anything, summer weddings allow you to experiment with lighter, breathable options, bold colours and modern designs. Here are some key considerations when choosing men’s summer wedding shoes.

1. The Wedding Venue

The setting for your summer wedding plays a significant role in your footwear choice. From romantic beach ceremonies to outdoor celebrations, the location will determine how formal your wedding shoes should be:

·         Beach weddings: If you’re attending a romantic beach wedding, the code is likely to be on the relaxed side. Men’s loafers or espadrilles are the perfect choice for such occasions, especially if you’re wearing a linen suit or chinos with a loose cotton shirt. Both lightweight and stylish, you’ll benefit from suede or canvas options that allow your feet to breathe in the warmth.

·         Garden weddings: Classic brogues are ideal for summer garden weddings and are available in a range of colours to complement your outfit. Just pay attention to the type of garden – you’ll require a different style and aesthetic for a low-key family outdoor wedding than a wedding in the luxurious surroundings of a country club or stately home.

·         Formal weddings: Traditional footwear reigns supreme in formal wedding settings. Whether you’re looking for the perfect match for your navy wedding suit, or some black patent lace-ups to go with your wedding tux, men’s formal shoes come in a variety of styles and materials to suit the most formal celebrations.

2. The Type of Material

In hot weather, breathability is key when selecting men’s summer wedding shoes. This is not the time for Chelsea boots or materials that restrict air circulation.

·         Leather shoes: A sleek option, but leather can get warm when temperatures rise. For summer weddings, opt for soft, unlined leather wherever possible.

·         Suede shoes: Suede wedding shoes are more breathable than leather and give off a more relaxed vibe, perfect for when the dress code is less formal.

·         Canvas or linen shoes: Lightweight fabrics provide optimal comfort for casual summer weddings.

3. The Colour Theme

Summer weddings are the perfect time to experiment with bold, vibrant colours and move away from basic blacks, greys and navies. That means selecting the right men’s summer wedding shoes to match the rest of your outfit and align with the wedding theme.

·         Softer shades and pastels: Wedding shoes in tan, beige, grey and even soft pastels go well with lighter suits and summer celebrations.

·         Matching accessories: Pair your shoe tone to the shade of tie, belt or even watch strap to achieve a cohesive look. Just make sure your summer wedding accessories don’t overpower your overall look.  

4. The Style of Sole

Summer wedding celebrations can last all day, and comfort should be a key focus of your footwear.

·         Cushioned comfort: Cushioned insoles and flexible soles will ease the pressure on your feet from noon until deep into the night.

·         Rubber soles: Offering extra grip for outdoor weddings compared to traditional leather soles.

5. The Dress Code

Always respect the level of formality when selecting men’s summer wedding shoes. After all, it’s perfectly fine to wear a tuxedo to a black-tie summer wedding. But while sliders and flip-flops may be great for the beach, they’re unlikely to match the wishes of the bride and groom.

·         Formal dress code: Stick to wedding shoes in classic styles like leather Oxfords. If the dress is black-tie, opt for traditional black patent lace-ups to go with a timeless black tuxedo.

·         Smart-casual dress code: Tan suede loafers and woven loafers are perfect choices when the dress code is more relaxed.

·         Casual dress code: Lose the formality and relax in pair of espadrilles that allow your feet to breathe. If it’s a beach wedding, it helps to wear light slip-ons you can quickly take off when walking in the sand.

What Colour Shoes Should I Wear to a Summer Wedding?

When it comes to shoes and suits, summer weddings contain basic colour-matching rules. They’re designed to make you look effortlessly stylish – even when adding a splash of personality and a burst of colour.

Here’s everything you need to know about matching your summer wedding shoes to the rest of your outfit:

·         Black wedding suits: The only real option with a black wedding suit is black wedding shoes. The same rule applies to dark grey suits.

·         Light grey wedding suits: You can experiment more with light grey wedding suits and choose from brown, cherry or even maroon wedding shoes.

·         Blue wedding suits: Both light blue wedding suits and navy wedding suits go well with black or brown wedding shoes. Lighter shades of brown or reddish hues like deep burgundy also complement blue suits.

·         Green wedding suits: Always avoid black shoes when wearing a green suit. A safer option is to opt for brown or tan shoes that align with the natural, organic theme.

·         Cream/ off-white wedding suits: These look best with brown, tan or two-tone wedding shoes.

The general rule is that your wedding shoes should be darker than your suit. However, for more relaxed summer weddings, lighter options perform better in warm weather but still offer a stylish edge to your look.

What Suits Go with Men’s Summer Wedding Shoes?

Your shoes are more than a fashion statement – they showcase your style and personality. But finding the right wedding suit and shoe combination can be tricky, especially for outdoor summer ceremonies.

A safe option is a summer suit made of lighter, breathable fabrics like linen or cotton that perform well in warm conditions. If the dress code is more informal, it’s your opportunity to experiment with colours. Soft pink suits and sky-blue suits ooze charisma and summertime sleek. Similarly, a plain ecru suit acts as a blank canvas, allowing you to accessorise with pops of colour like a vibrant necktie or with floral designs.

Sometimes, a suit may feel too stuffy for the wedding dress code. Instead, create your own look with a mix and match wedding outfit featuring striking combinations of blazers, trousers, chinos and waistcoats – all paired with a complementary wedding shirt and finished off with the perfect pair of men’s summer wedding shoes.

Looking for the Perfect Men’s Summer Wedding Shoes to Match Your Suit

At House of Cavani, we boast a vast collection of men’s summer wedding shoes to match any dress code or location. From formal summer weddings to beach celebrations, we’ve got you covered. Contact us today for more advice.