Summer doesn’t officially begin until later this month, but there’s no better time than now to get ahead on a new footwear rotation.
We’ve shown you the best slides and mules to buy for 2026, but this time we’re specifically looking at sneakers. The focus for summer is on low-cuts, low-profiles, futuristic constructions, and general wearability. Our picks include classics like Air Jordans and Air Force 1s, as well as newer models like the New Balance 1890, and even collabs from Bad Bunny, Bape, and Kids of Immigrants. Most of the pairs featured in this list can be found at retail prices, although a few you’ll have to head to the resale market for. Here are The Best Sneakers to Buy for Summer 2026.
A Bathing Ape x Adidas Samba
Price: $160
Where to buy: Complex
Clean and subtle isn't always the aesthetic that comes to mind when thinking of Bape, but this elevated take on the Samba that’s connected to the 2026 World Cup nails the balance between wearability and still feeling special thanks to its mismatched medial and lateral branding and premium materials. That combination of attributes makes for the perfect summer sneaker.
Air Jordan 4 ‘Toro’
Price: $220
Where to buy: Nike
The “Toro Bravo” Air Jordan 4 isn’t an original colorway, but it honestly could’ve been. Nothing screams Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls more than an all-red Jordan 4 with black, white, and grey detailing. It also looks great with a pair of shorts during the summer.
New Balance 1890
Price: $180
Where to buy: New Balance
If you need an under-the-radar sneaker that’s also comfortable for the summer, the New Balance 1890 is worth consideration. It’s one of the newest models from the brand, featuring a sleek running aesthetic on the upper and is paired with the beloved Abzorb cushioning in the midsole.
Adidas Climacool
Price: $140
Where to buy: Complex
Keeping cool is one of the primary goals of summer, so a sneaker with “cool” right in the name gets things off to a good start. The Adidas Climacool features a futuristic, one-piece 3D-printed design that can be worn for post-workout recovery or just casual use, and looks, ahem, “cool.”
Bad Bunny x Adidas Ballerina
Price: $120
Where to buy: Complex
Bad Bunny’s Adidas line continues with this bright red take on the artist’s Ballerina silhouette. The Ballerina features an ultra low-profile design—perfect for summer—that’s inspired by Adidas’ Taekwondo model from the early 2000s.
Air Jordan 1 Low ‘Banned’
Price: $145
Where to buy: Nike
Jordan Brand really took the coveted “Banned” Air Jordan 1 High from 2011 that typically resells for over $1,000 and converted into a low-top, which is available at retail. Better yet, there’s pretty much a full-size run of the “Banned” Jordan 1 Low on Nike’s website.
Kids of Immigrants x Nike Total 90 Mule
Price: $139 (current resale average)
Where to buy: StockX
Mules are always a great option for the summer, and Kids of Immigrants knocked it out of the park when it reimagined the Nike Total 90 for their recent collabs. The silhouette pays tribute to Chancleta sandals while also serving as an evolution of the T90 soccer cleat coinciding with the 2026 World Cup.
Nike Mind 002
Price: $145
Where to buy: Nike
Nike Mind is all the rage right now thanks to its science-backed Mind technology in the soles. The 22 nodes featured in the outsole press against the foot, which is shown to activate areas of the brain to help wearers feel more calm and present. If nothing else, it’s a comfortable shoe.
Nike Air Force 1 ‘White on White’
Price: $115
Where to buy: Complex
Very few sneakers qualify as true classics, but the white-on-white Air Force 1 Low certainly fits the bill. It’s a versatile sneaker that works well with a wide range of fits thanks to its crisp all-white color scheme. It’s worth mentioning that the Air cushioning in the midsole even provides all-day comfort.
Nike Moon Shoe
Price: $131 (current resale average)
Where to buy: StockX
Nike brought back its mythical Moon Shoe in late 2025 for the first time since the ‘70s, and the retro is a wonderful addition to your summer rotation. The nylon upper helps with breathability during the summer heat, combined with a timeless design that you can wear for any occasion.
