Shoes you'll want to wear again next summer. Choosing your travel companion by occasion

A sky as if blue paint had been spilled across it, billowing white clouds that somehow look delicious. Before we knew it, another hot summer has arrived.

That feeling of excitement when thinking about where summer will take us never seems to fade, no matter how many years pass. What clothes should I wear, what accessories should I bring… Somehow, even the preparation itself becomes part of the fun.

For those outings you want to enjoy to the fullest, why not choose a pair of shoes that can become a long-loved companion on your travels?

■For the beach, where you'll be taking your shoes on and off often

When it comes to the beach, this is the classic shape—thong sandals that are quick and easy to slip on and off.

The ocean, a symbol of summer fun, has always been at the heart of RAINBOW SANDALS, a brand born in California that was founded on its creator's love of the sea. Though the brand is now over 40 years old, its founder, Jay Longley, was a surfer who loved the ocean. The idea for the brand came to him when he found a discarded sandal on the beach. Determined to solve the problem of beaches being littered with broken, discarded beach sandals, he set his mind to creating a "long-lasting sandal" that wouldn't fall apart so easily.

The strap of this sandal vividly expresses the founder's original vision.

The strap is made using the same thread used to make parachutes, giving it an astonishing durability that can withstand up to 900 kg of weight. It's an incredibly tough sandal that lets you forget any worry about the strap breaking.

The material is leather, which isn't what you'd typically expect from a pair of beach sandals. And when it comes to leather, its most defining feature is how it changes and matures over time.

The more you wear them, the more they gradually mold to fit your feet. Please try experiencing for yourself the reassurance of a sandal you can wear with confidence, whether on sand or in water.

For those who prioritize functionality on sandy beaches that can be a bit tricky to walk on, the sandals introduced next come highly recommended.

SUICOKE sport sandals offer excellent stability even on difficult sandy terrain, thanks to their velcro fastening.

For a summer beach day full of movement, velcro sandals prove incredibly convenient. And there's another notable feature: these sandals were born from a collaboration between SUICOKE, a Japanese brand, and Vibram, a long-established Italian manufacturer, resulting in the world's first Vibram footbed (footbed referring to what's commonly known as the insole).

As proof, the word "Vibram" appears on the sole of the sandal.

Vibram is the Italian shoe manufacturer that developed the "Vibram sole." Originally created for mountaineering boots, Vibram soles are now used in many kinds of footwear, well beyond just hiking shoes.

This vividly reflects SUICOKE's brand identity—boldly imagining what they themselves seek, and then developing it.

The raised arch support reflects a design that takes into account the force and pressure points involved when a person walks. Thanks to the suede-leather-textured heel pad, blisters are also less likely to occur. Though it may look simple at first glance, there's something to be proud of in the careful attention paid to every detail. The bright, refreshing gray color feels cool and pairs beautifully with simple summer outfits.

The navy colorway offers a different impression, with a calm, subdued tone that's just as enjoyable.

■For walking through nature, carefully made sneakers

For those planning a trip somewhere surrounded by nature—hiking or camping—or for anyone who wants to stay active, how about a pair of sneakers that gently and lightly wrap your entire foot?

WALSH is a brand devoted above all to lightweight design. While some sneakers weigh over 400g per shoe, the "Ensign" series introduced here weighs only about 217g per shoe. Simply knowing the weight tells you how much care went into its creation.

This series was originally produced in 1981 for the British team competing in the New York Marathon. It features a serious, well-crafted build with a Vibram outsole and a shock-absorbing EVA midsole. Beyond everyday wear, it's a sneaker we can confidently recommend even to athletes. The breathable nylon fabric means you can wear them worry-free even during the humid summer months.

What's more, this colorway happens to hide outdoor dirt and grime nicely as well. Its vivid, summery yellow also makes a great accent to any outfit.

Sporty yet with a hint of elegance—that's the appeal of these leather sneakers from VEJA, a brand born in France.

Interestingly, although VEJA is a French brand, these sneakers are manufactured in Brazil. VEJA's story began when the brand's founders, François-Ghislain Morillion and others, encountered a sports shoe manufacturer beloved by people of all ages in Brazil.

"VEJA" means "to see" in Portuguese. From this word emerges the brand's own perspective: "What lies on the 'other side' of a shoe?" It's a name imbued with the hope that it might become a chance to look toward the "other side" of manufacturing. This perspective can be felt in the way materials are harvested and in the manufacturing process. First, for the sole material, VEJA uses natural rubber from the heart of the Amazon, the only place in the world where rubber trees grow wild.

There's a gentleness in the way "liquid latex," the raw material for the rubber, is harvested from the trees without harming them, allowing for sustainable collection. Because the rubber is refined the same day it's tapped, this swift process prevents oxidation, resulting in a supple, comfortable fit.

For the upper, VEJA uses plant-based acacia tannin leather, and for the cotton, fair-trade organic cotton sourced from northern Brazil. Using such gentle materials, VEJA shoes are assembled with care by Brazilian artisans.

Once you learn the gentle background behind the making of these shoes, their elegant presence seems to shine even brighter. Their simplicity stands out whether worn outdoors or around town.

A pair whose gentle materials and comfortable fit bring to mind the warmth behind its making.

■Slip them into your overnight bag

Even when you're not at home, wouldn't you like to relax as if you were? For those who feel this way, how about a pair of Le dd slippers?

Their mysterious texture and comfortable fit have earned them the nickname "second skin," and they're loved all over the world. The lively summer yellow is also charming, don't you think? What makes them perfect for travel is that, thanks to their softness, they can be folded up.

Unlike ordinary slippers, Le dd slippers contain no core material, which is what allows them to become so compact. Thanks to this compactness, you can easily pull them out on a plane or at a hotel.

The secret to their lasting comfort lies in the material itself. Gaps throughout the structure allow for good breathability, while the foam material also provides moderate insulation—the best of both worlds, in a way. They're also resistant to deterioration from UV rays and heat, and can even be machine washed.

Once you slip them on, their comfort becomes addictive. Enjoy moments that feel like your own, whether at home or on a trip.

When you want to change your shoes to match your mood while traveling, we recommend Espadrij l'originale.

A pair featuring a vivid sky color and summery materials. Espadrilles were originally work shoes for sailors and dockworkers. As for just how compact this shoe can become,

it folds down this slim. It's easy to bring along on a trip. The inner sole, which touches the foot, is carefully woven jute. The gentle embrace of the canvas fabric is also welcome for skin that's easily damaged in summer.

The outsole is made of water-repellent natural rubber, making it perfect for the seaside or the pool. Even if you're wearing everyday shoes on your way to your destination, unveiling the vivid ocean color you've tucked away in your bag once you reach the beach can be a fun and different kind of experience.

■Bonus: A folding umbrella for both sun and rain, for summer outings

Summer weather can be unpredictable. That's when a clever folding umbrella that works for both sun and rain becomes a reliable companion.

This umbrella is truly a collaboration between historic Nordic design and historic Japanese craftsmanship.

The design by Stig Lindberg, a master of Nordic design, has taken shape through the techniques cultivated over 150 years by Makita Shoten. The color palette carries the calm typical of Nordic design, along with a touch of pop even within its understated tones. Such patterns are carefully and evenly dyed using pure spring water from Mt. Fuji.

The color variations are as follows:

A red and blue combination that gives a somewhat playful impression,

and a cool, refreshing blue.

Even though it's the same pattern, the impression changes so much depending on the color. It's a clever companion that protects you from both the strong summer sun and sudden rain.

Every single item carries its own story within it. Once you learn the background behind each one, they become shoes you'll cherish all the more. With your favorite shoes by your side, we hope you enjoy this summer to the fullest.

▼You might also enjoy: ZUTTO's reading corner

"White shoes that add lightness to your summer coordination"