Summer vacation is here, and if you’re anything like us, it’s another excuse for us to get a new pair of sneakers! No, one can’t have enough sneakers. And while comfy sandals are great for summer vacations, sneakers offer a classic look and provide tons of support no matter where you’re walking. Plus, they won’t give your feet tan lines. That said, there’s no better brand to rely on than Nike. Nike sneakers for summer are nothing short of amazing. As expected from the world’s top sneaker brand, they’re comfortable, supportive, and fashionable. But since there are countless Nike sneakers available, you may have trouble picking a pair. That’s exactly why we’re here. Below are some of our favorite summer sneakers from Nike, so take a look!
Also, if you’re planning to be active this summer, check out these best Nike windbreaker pants and the best Nike windbreakers with a hood!
Table of contents
- Nike Waffle One
- Nike Free Run 2
- Nike Air Max 97
- Nike Air Penny II
- Nike Air Jordan 1
- Nike Air More Uptempo
- Nike Cortez
- Nike Air Foamposite One
- Nike Air Force 1 ’07
- Nike Air Huarache
- Nike Dunk High
- Nike Tanjun
- Nike Air Max 95 Essential
- Our Verdict!
- How To Choose The Best Nike Sneakers for Summer Vacation
- Which Nike Air Max is best for summer?
- Are sneakers good for summer?
- Are white sneakers only for summer?
Nike Waffle One
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Kicking off this list is Nike Waffle One, which is among the best sneakers from Nike for vacations. How come? Well, this is because these sneakers are designed for walking. We love to walk, especially when we’re on vacation. Therefore, we had quite high expectations for them when we were first introduced to them despite them being newer. Lucky for us, they didn’t fail to blow our minds.
The upper is super breathable, allowing your feet to stay fresh throughout the day. Moreover, the midsole provides ample cushioning. Whether it’s traveling or running errands, these versatile sneakers are ready to accompany you. What’s more, these sneakers are true to size. They’re also available in half sizes, which is great for those who have wider feet.
Pros
- The durable sole provides plenty of traction and protection.
- There are so many colors to choose from.
- The low-profile design offers better ankle mobility.
Cons
- They’re new and not as popular as other Nike sneakers.
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Nike Free Run 2
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Up next is the Nike Free Run 2. It has been over a decade since these sneakers were released, and we think they’re still a nice option for sneakerheads. If you love the feeling of walking barefoot, these sneakers are for you. They’re a pair of minimalist shoes that make you feel like you’re not wearing anything. When we tested these shoes, we were truly impressed by their flexibility. The sole isn’t only durable but comes with deep grooves, which promotes better movement, traction, and flexibility.
As expected from Nike, these shoes are nothing short of beautiful. They’re available in a wide collection of colors, though the one shown below is our favorite. These unisex shoes are great for casual activities and go well with any outfit. Better yet, they’re extremely lightweight, which is great for vacations since you’re going to walk a lot.
Pros
- You’ll be impressed by how comfortable and lightweight these sneakers are.
- They allow your feet to move naturally.
- They have a simple but eye-catching design.
Cons
- Sadly, they’re not the most supportive pair.
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Nike Air Max 97
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As you can guess from the name, the Nike Air Max 97 was first released in 1997. Though it has been a while, these sneakers are still popular. I still remember when I first saw these sneakers. I was amazed by the sleek and futuristic design. The wavy lines remind you of ripples, which are easily the sneakers’ highlight. And considering their unique looks, their price tag is actually pretty reasonable.
In addition to that, our team loves the comfort of these sneakers. They can be worn for a long time without any discomfort, which is great for those long walks on the street. Plus, these sneakers are the perfect choice whether you want to dress up or down. Of course, they’re available in a wide variety of colors, too. However, we think darker colors help them look even sleeker.
Pros
- They’re among the most popular sneakers from Nike.
- Available in plenty of sizes, they’re true to size.
- They’re available for both men and women.
Cons
- Some people may find them a bit too narrow.
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Nike Air Penny II
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Another great pair of Nike sneakers for your next summer vacation is the Nike Air Penny II. These sneakers, like their predecessor, come with a durable build. Despite that, they’re still extremely comfortable to wear. The Phylon midsole allowed us to walk without any discomfort during testing, and the upper provided enough support.
We’re sure sneakerheads will go crazy for these sneakers. Why? Well, as we said earlier, they’re super comfortable. But aside from that, they also have a flashy design. There are so many eye-catching colors to choose from, making your summer even brighter. And since nothing has been changed since their initial release, you know these sneakers are a beast.
Pros
- They’re available in plenty of eye-catching colors.
- The rubber sole is cushiony and durable.
- Aside from basketball, they can be worn for everyday activities as well.
Cons
- They’re more expensive than many other Nike sneakers.
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Nike Air Jordan 1
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Most Iconic. Nike has produced countless iconic sneakers, but this one is truly legendary. We’re sure the Nike Air Jordan 1 needs no introduction. These are the sneakers that started it all. They were first released back in 1985, and until today, they’re still a staple and one of the most sought pairs on the market.
Originally made for none other than Michael Jordan, these sneakers check all the right boxes. They’re probably known for their black and red accents. However, these sneakers are now available in plenty of color combinations, including the one below, which are just as stunning. The vibrant blue accent is great for summer.
Pros
- These are all-around sneakers that can be worn for everyday wear.
- They’re durable enough for most activities.
- The traction offered by the sole is impressive.
Cons
- Not all colors may be available due to their popularity.
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Nike Air More Uptempo
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If you want to go big and bold this summer, look no further than the Nike Air More Uptempo. These sneakers boast a very visible “Air” unit in their body. For some people, these kicks may be overwhelming. But these sneakers are certainly a gem for those who want the spotlight, especially die-hard Nike fans.
Despite the large build, these sneakers are surprisingly comfortable. Also, as we initially expected, they provided us with plenty of cushioning during testing. Plus, with a breathable upper, there are no such things as discomforts. Since their initial release in 1996, plenty of colors have been added to the collection, and the multicolor one below is by far our favorite for this summer.
Pros
- Offering a bold design, these sneakers allow you to stand out.
- The sole is flexible, durable, and offers great traction.
- They’re among the most durable models by Nike.
Cons
- Compared to the rest, they’re heavier.
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Nike Cortez
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Best Budget. The Nike Cortez has been around for quite a long time, and we don’t think these sneakers are going anywhere. These sneakers boast a classic and timeless look that most people will love. Plus, their simple color schemes allow you to match them with your outfit easily. Honestly, there are so many colors to choose from that we can’t decide which is our favorite.
One of the things that we love most about these sneakers is their price tag. Affordable without sacrificing quality, these sneakers are also popular among the working class. After all, everyone deserves to wear a pair of high-quality sneakers! Also, we think they look exceptionally good when paired with a pair of jeans.
Pros
- Compared to other Nike sneakers, these are some of the cheapest ones.
- The leather sole is extremely durable.
- They’re available for both men and women.
Cons
- Choosing the right size is a bit tricky.
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Nike Air Foamposite One
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Most Unique. Although it has been over 25 years since the Nike Air Foamposite One was released, we still yet to find a pair like them. These sneakers were originally worn by Penny Hardaway, a former NBA player and now basketball coach. We think they’re the most unique shoes because of their one-piece molded upper, which is made of a material called “Foamposite.”
Besides their unique design, these shoes are exceptionally comfortable. During testing, we were honestly shocked by how lightweight and breathable they were, which is why we think they’re great for summer vacations. Additionally, they also offer enough support for everyday wear. And for ladies, the Floral variant is to die for! Take a closer look at these sneakers by watching this review video!
Pros
- Arguably the most unique sneakers made by Nike.
- They’re available in many colors and designs.
- They’re pretty limited, so wearing one will put you in the spotlight.
Cons
- They can be pretty pricey.
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Nike Air Force 1 ’07
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Most Popular. We can’t talk about the best Nike sneakers for summer without mentioning the Nike Air Force 1 ’07. Continuing the legacy of AF-1, which debuted in 1982, these sneakers add a fresh coat of paint to the classic. Loved for their durability and comfort, these sneakers are available in multiple colorways. They also go well with most pants, so you don’t have to spend hours digging through your closet. Also, we love the low-cut silhouette, which gave us a cleaner and more streamlined look.
Furthermore, these sneakers feature the much beloved Nike Air cushioning, which provided us with all-day comfort during testing. Apart from that, these shoes are available in a wide variety of sizes with different widths. They’re true to size to make things even better, meaning you don’t have to go up or down a size. Best of all, they’re reasonably priced!
Pros
- These sneakers have a nice balance of retro and modern design.
- They’re available in multiple color options.
- Thanks to their design, you can wear them with whatever you want.
Cons
- The white sole can get dirty easily.
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Nike Air Huarache
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How do you differentiate Nike sneakers from the rest? Yep, it’s the Swoosh logo. However, not all Nike sneakers have to scream the brand, and the Nike Air Huarache is one of them. These sneakers are cool even without the brand’s logo on their body, which is admirable. We’re huge fans of the sock-like upper, which is made of neoprene and mesh. Along with a soft midsole, they’re extremely comfortable.
Speaking of comfort, we also have to praise the padded tongue and collar. Whether you’re looking for a pair of new sneakers for your upcoming summer vacation or everyday wear, the Huarache doesn’t disappoint. Better yet, they’re available in plenty of color options! Though for summer, we recommend getting a brighter one.
Pros
- These sneakers are popular for their comfort and snug fit.
- They’re among the most popular sneakers from Nike.
- The sole is durable and offers great traction.
Cons
- Some people may prefer shoes that feature a Nike logo.
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Nike Dunk High
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Another pair of summer sneakers for Nike that will elevate your summer fit is none other than Nike Dunk High. Just like the best vintage Nike windbreakers, these sneakers offer a classic, vintage look inspired by the ’80s. We’re fans of the high, padded collar. The collar added comfort when we wore the shoes and gave us that old-school look.
Speaking of comfort, these sneakers also come with a foam midsole that provides responsive cushioning. Though we could only walk in these sneakers for a while, we knew they’d be a great option for those who love walking. In addition to that, they’re available in a wide variety of different shades. But if you’re into bright, feminine colors, we’re sure you’ll love the ones dominated by pink. Learn more about them by visiting the official product page!
Pros
- The rubber sole is durable and provides plenty of traction.
- Both men and women can wear these sneakers.
- The retro color options remind you of the old time.
Cons
- You have to be extra careful as they can get dirty easily.
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Nike Tanjun
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Best Value for Money. Unlike most sneakers on this list, Nike Tanjun doesn’t have that legendary backstory. However, these lifestyle sneakers are nothing short of iconic. They’re a simple, minimalist pair designed for everyday wear. One of our favorite things about them is the mesh upper, which makes the shoes highly breathable.
“Designed for comfort, these sneakers take simplicity to the next level. Though they don’t have the bells and whistles some people need, they’re comfortable enough for summer vacations. And for some people, that’s more than enough.”
WOW Travel
When we tested these sneakers, we couldn’t believe how comfortable they were. With an injected sole, they provide wearers an exceptionally lightweight cushioning. Also, the midsole is extremely durable. In fact, it’s durable enough to double as an outsole. No wonder they’re really popular!
Pros
- These are simple sneakers that can be worn for most activities.
- Both men and women can wear them.
- They’re available in many fun colorways.
Cons
- They may be too simple for some people.
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Nike Air Max 95 Essential
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Best Overall. Sitting on top of this list is the Nike Air Max 95 Essential, which, according to Nike itself, is inspired by none other than the human body. What does this mean? If you take a closer look, the midsole is designed to represent our spine. Meanwhile, our muscles are represented by the graduated panels, the lace loops are supposed to be the ribs, and the mesh upper is the skin.
We were lucky enough to have the opportunity to test and wear these amazing sneakers. For us, the highlight has to be its lacing system. It allowed us to create a custom fit that provided next-level comfort. In addition to that, the sole was also flexible enough that it bent according to our foot movements.
Pros
- Available in plenty of sizes, these sneakers are true to size.
- From bright to neutral colors, there are dozens of colors to choose from.
- Perfect for vacations, they allow you to walk for hours comfortably.
Cons
- Not a great option for those with wide feet.
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Our Verdict!
Considering the price, features, and comfort, we think Nike Air Max 95 Essential is the best choice for summer vacations. However, it doesn’t mean the rest aren’t good. We’ve categorized some of them according to their biggest selling points, so take a look!
- Best Value for Money: Nike Tanjun
- Most Popular: Nike Air Force 1 ’07
- Most Unique: Nike Air Foamposite One
- Best Budget: Nike Cortez
- Most Iconic: Nike Air Jordan 1
How To Choose The Best Nike Sneakers for Summer Vacation
When choosing a pair of sneakers for your summer vacation, there are a few things to keep in mind, which include:
Breathability
The summer weather can be pretty unforgiving. Thus, your sneakers should be breathable. You’ll want to choose a pair that’s made of breathable materials, like mesh and leather. Thankfully, all of our picks on this list are breathable!
Fit
Another important thing to consider is the fit. Your Nike sneakers should fit your feet comfortably but not too tightly. There should be enough room for your toes to wiggle, but the sneakers shouldn’t be too loose either.
Style
Last but not least, consider what kind of sneakers you want to get. There are tons of Nike sneakers on the market, and most of them look different. Some have a bolder design, making them a nice piece of fashion statement. But if you’re looking for something more low-key and versatile, look for sneakers that aren’t too vibrant and have a simpler design.
Which Nike Air Max is best for summer?
Everyone has different answers, but we think the Air Max 95 is the best option for summer. These sneakers are stylish, comfortable, and breathable.
Are sneakers good for summer?
Why not? Sneakers are extremely comfortable and can be worn all year round.
Are white sneakers only for summer?
No, they’re not! White sneakers are some of the most versatile options, and they can be worn in fall and winter as well. Just take a look at Nike sneakers! They have a wide collection of beautiful white sneakers.
