From locker room slides to sandals made for the beach, the best sandals for men are there to give your feet a breather. After all, cooling your feet also helps regulate body temperature, so sandals are a win-win.
“Sandals have to be comfortable with encouraging airflow, support and cushioning to walk around in all day, and, at the same time, [be] versatile [enough] to be able to be worn on a summer holiday,” says global creative director and celebrity stylist Engie Hassan.
We tapped men’s style experts, as well as a podiatrist, for their favorite pairs to take you through summer and beyond.
Best men’s sandals with straps
“The Chaco Chillos not only feature an adjustable strap up top but the footbed is ergonomically designed to promote a healthy body alignment,” says Nordstrom men’s fashion director Jian DeLeon. “And, of course, they’re comfortable from the first wear.”
Propet's Eli style are perfect for those seeking lightweight sandals, according to New York City-based podiatrist Dr. Nelya Lobkova, who swears by the shoes’ rubberized soles and adjustable straps.
“Suicoke makes some of the coolest premium sandals out now,” says DeLeon. He's a fan of a now sold out checkerboard version, but there are other cool colors to choose from too. You can't go wrong with straightforward black pair.
“A classic sandal that has a cult following among Grateful Dead fans and outdoors-obsessed?menswear?enthusiasts, the Keen Uneek’s bungee-cord upper ensures a custom fit to your foot,” DeLeon says. Sam Knoll, editorial stylist and Highsnobiety fashion market editor, adds that the shoes “are a great example of elevated design and good function."
Best men’s leather sandals
Hassan calls these synthetic leather sandals “fashionable, functional and handsome,” explaining that they “provide exceptional comfort with their generous fit and cushioned insoles.”
These sleek leather Anthony Veer leather slides provide the comfort of traditional slip-ons with a trendy touch, making them ideal for home wear or warm weather outings.
Outlasting trends, the trusted German brand has been outfitting American feet for decades. “Birkenstocks are a classic sandal in my male clients’ closets,” says Hassan, who swears by their comfortable, orthopedic design.
Hand-stitching and exceptional comfort make Olukai’s leather flip-flops a customer favorite. Unlike your standard foam flip-flops, they're outfitted with grippy rubber soles for added traction and stability.
Lobkova recommends Birkenstock’s Milano Sandals for both aesthetic and practical purposes. “They have a firm cork footbed that delivers medial and lateral arch support as well as a deep heel cup to add ankle stability into a sandal,” she says, noting that a strap at the back offers “added stability.”
Best water-resistant men’s sandals
Tried and true, Nike’s Victori One slides are perennial favorites for their ease and affordability. They're always ready to slip on and go, whether you're switching out your sneakers post-workout or sliding them on to run errands.
Comfortable, versatile and indestructible, these?waterproof sandals?from Birkenstock are a beach and?poolside must-have.
Adidas’ tri-stripe slides have been a perennial go-to for men. Their contoured footbeds and lightweight cushioning make these an ideal choice for those seeking multiuse shoes. “These sandals are perfect for the shower, pool or locker room,” Hassan says.
Best active men’s sandals
The Hoka One Ora Recovery Slide 3 sandals "look like a time machine that came from the future just to make your feet even more comfortable,” DeLeon says of this pair, meant to help runners recover post-run. “[Their] forward-thinking design has even served as the inspiration for luxurious runway reinterpretations.”
Chaco’s Z1 sandals consistently get high marks from hikers who put them to the test out on the trail.
Another brand that has held the line on form and function in the face of trends, Teva makes breathable, go-to footwear for all variety of outdoor adventures.
Teva’s Hydratek Sandals are tailor-made for wet environments. They are designed from fast-dry webbing that’s composed of 100% recycled plastics. “This [pair] has more cushioning than their minimalist style [suggests],” Lobkova says. She does, however, note that the sandals’ strap placement “may irritate those with bunions or arthritic big-toe joints (hallux rigidus).”
Whether you’re hitting the trail, wading through a stream or brunching with friends, these rugged, machine-washable sandals can be your go-to pair. They’re also odor resistant, thanks to Keen’s probiotic insoles.
Best closed-toe men’s sandals
With memory foam insoles and a relaxed fit, these Dockers are a customer favorite for extraordinary comfort and affordability.
“Merrell’s Hydro Mocs are what I would call a more grown-up?Croc,” DeLeon says. “The sleeker design and fun colors toe the line between dad-inspired style and things dads actually wear.”
“I can’t recommend the Birkenstock Boston enough; I have a ton of pairs myself and wear them everywhere,” DeLeon says. “The closed toe gives them a bit of an elegant touch, but like any Birkenstock, they truly get more comfortable after each wear.”
Best men’s designer sandals
“These are an elevated take on a more pedestrian style,” Knoll says of Dries Van Noten’s sleek, padded flip-flops. The all-black pair features a treaded leather sole and a cushioned, thong-style toe strap.
If it’s brand recognition you’re after, Gucci’s signature hues are unmistakable.
Prada's minimalist two-strap sandals have a timeless look that'll never go out of style. Featuring lug soles for a sporty look, they're easy to style up or down.
