A Summer Style Lookbook

Special thanks to Thursday Boots and Nothing New for supporting Primer’s mission and partnering with us on this post.

When it comes to summer style, the right shoes can make all the difference. And the good news is, you don’t need a closet full of options. With just two carefully chosen pairs of sneakers, you can elevate your summer outfits and stay comfortable in the heat.

The classic white minimalist sneaker is a decades-long enduring style and the perfect way to anchor any summer look in the smart casual territory. Smart casual is my home base – it bridges the gap between formal wear and casual streetwear, blending comfort with a more polished aesthetic. What does that mean? Think of it as the sweet spot between dressed up and dressed down – you’re putting in effort, but you’re not too dressed up in contrast to the people around you. A crisp white sneaker can take a simple shorts and t-shirt combo and make it look clean and put-together. The beauty of the white sneaker is its versatility – it can adapt to almost any outfit and occasion, instantly giving you that effortless style vibe.

But sometimes, you want a little more color and personality in your summer footwear. That’s where a great pair of retro running shoes comes in. And we’re not talking about the vibrant, overly sporty styles that make you look like you’re headed to run club. We’ve specifically chosen a pair with a classic silhouette, a sophisticated dark green, blue, and white colorway, and minimal branding. These details bring a different kind of versatility to your summer fits – they allow the shoes to add visual interest to your outfit without overwhelming it.

There’s an elephant in the room when it comes to men’s summer footwear. Comfort. Let’s face it, as much as I love the look of a sleek loafer or a leather sandal, they’re not always the kindest to our feet. And in the summer heat, the last thing you want is to be hobbling around in pain. The retro running shoes are an opportunity to maintain don’t-have-to-think-about-it comfort in your summer footwear, something flat-soled sandals and flip flops are not known for until they’re worn in.

But this specific pair, because of its colorway, retro design, and lack of ornate sporty logos, takes a timeless silhouette in a classy color palette, and combines them with the comfort of an athletic shoe, all while keeping your outfit looking sophisticated – not like a guy who wore his 5k runners to a summer baby shower.

The Sneakers