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With heat indexes nudging 40°C (about 104°F), the way people shop for summer footwear is changing fast. Rain boots that used to be a monsoon staple are being sidelined in favor of styles that marry practicality with style—think sneaker-sandals and jelly shoes that breathe, dry quickly and feel comfortable for long, hot days.
According to fashion platform Musinsa, transactions in the sports and casual sandals category jumped more than 50% in June compared with the same month last year. Sneaker-sandals—which pair the cushioning of a sneaker with the open-air feel of a sandal—led the surge in demand and climbed the sales ranks.
Rising temperatures and frequent sudden downpours have pushed shoppers toward breathable, quick-draining hybrid-style shoes. Their sporty silhouettes also match an active, on-the-go summer lifestyle, which adds to their appeal.
Running-shoe specialist Hoka proved the point with its sneaker-sandal model 'Hopara,' which landed at No. 3 in Musinsa’s men's sandal rankings. Its cutout design lets water escape easily, so you don’t have to worry on rainy days, and a grippy outsole keeps you steady on different surfaces.
Outdoor brand Keen has also become synonymous with sneaker-sandals. Following last year’s success, sales stayed strong this year. The Newport H2—built like a water shoe with the toughness of a trekking shoe—has consistently ranked near the top of Musinsa’s monthly lists.
Musinsa said, \"They’ve become a summer must-have because people can wear them comfortably in both rain and heat. They’re popular with men and women alike, so they truly are this summer’s trend shoe.\"
Jelly shoes and flip-flops—icons of 2000s summer style—are back in the spotlight, too. Usually made from lightweight, breathable materials like PVC or rubber, these shoes are practical: they don’t trap sweat and they drain quickly, which is perfect for both frequent monsoon showers and blistering summer days when the feels-like temperature hits 40°C (104°F).
Fashion platform 29CM reported that sales of items tagged with \"jelly shoes\" rose 66% in June versus the same month last year. Flip-flops saw growth of more than 53%, signaling a clear uptick in interest.
A 29CM spokesperson said, \"High-end brands like The Row and Miu Miu putting flip-flops into their official collections, plus influencers and celebrities wearing them, have completely shifted public perception. They’ve cemented their place as practical yet stylish summer essentials.\"
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