The 25 Best Men’s Sandals to Expand Your Footwear Game
With sneaker culture being what it is, it’s perfectly natural to see a pair of Jordan 1s or YEEZYs around no matter what the situations is. But sometimes you need your feet to breathe a little. For those times, it’s often best to throw on some sandals. If that sounds foreign to you, perhaps you’re a little behind on what sandals are these days. Those Nike slides you rock at home? Sandals. Those limited-edition Crocs you wear to the grocery store? Sandals. But finding the best men's sandals can be difficult with all the options circulating.
To help bring you up to speed, we’ve compiled a list of 25 of the best men's sandals out there right now. They’re broken down into six categories based on different styles for your ease. Check it out below.
Slides
A lot of people don’t necessarily think of slides as sandals per se, but they technically are and they’ve been a popular trend for years now. They’re comfortable enough to wear around the house but not necessarily so casual that you can’t go outside and go somewhere in them too. Below is a collection of some of the best slides you can get right now.
Pros: Slides are far and way the most convenient and easiest to put on of any genre of sandal.
Cons: A lot of slides are made of rubber or other materials that wear down easily. They also are incredibly informal, making them more of an around the house option than something you'd incorporate into an outfit.
1. YEEZY Slides
Image credit: StockX
Rating: 7/10
We start off with maybe the most popular kind of slide or sandal out there overall right now. YEEZY had great success with their Boosts and that has been somewhat replicated with their collection of Slides. They’re sold out officially but if you’re willing to dish out the cash, they’re available on sites like StockX and GOAT. You get these for the hype and the aesthetic, not any particular element of practicality, hence the 7.
2. Adidas Adilette Slides
Image credit: Zappos
Rating: 10/10
The Adilette was initially revealed as a shower item for the German soccer team but since then, it’s become a fashionable item all round. They have a synthetic upper and a faux leather outsole for durability and traction. With the three stripes on them, people will know you’re rocking Adidas too. These are the blueprint and a no-brainer choice for someone who just needs a pair of slides.
3. Nike Benassi JDI
Image credit: Nike
Rating: 8/10
These Benassi JDIs by Nike are one of the most popular slide designs around, especially the black pair with the white strap. The lining of the strap is incredibly comfortable due to the soft fabric its lined with and the slides are generally pretty durable, as long as you don’t try hooping or hiking in them.
4. Gucci Pursuit Trek Web Rubber Slide
Image credit: End Clothing
Rating: 8/10
If you’re in the mood for something even flashier than Nike, Adidas or YEEZYs, these slides by Gucci take the classic style and add a little to them. The sole has more of an outdoor look with its chunky tread. The classic green and red stripes means no-one could ever confuse them for anything but Gucci too, but the white base means you can style them with a lot of things.
Shop now at End Clothing, $280
5. Crocs Classic Slide
Image credit: Amazon
Rating: 6/10
You’ve heard of the standard Crocs that are mules (which we’ll get to a little later), but how about these slides in the same style? They’re 100% thermoplastic and have the same comfort and flexibility of regular Crocs. Not only that, but they’re designed to channel water away too. We gave these a slightly lower rating just because of the supremacy of the original Croc clog.
Sports Sandals
A lot of people would instinctually go with shoes for something like a hike or water sports, but there are a lot of sports sandals out there that can do the job just as well, while letting your feet breathe a little more at the same time. These sandals are built specifically with durability and hard work in mind.
Pros: Sports sandals are the perfect hybrid shoe. You get some of the ease and accessibility of slides coupled with a more comprehensive construction, meaning you can wear them for more activities.
Cons: Similar to slides, even the nicest iteration of a sports sandal probably wouldn't be too well-suited for a dinner out on the town.
6. KEEN Newport H2 Sandals
Image credit: REI
Rating: 7/10
These sandals from KEEN have protection for your toes and webbing that dries quickly. The EVA insoles provide arch support for your feet and there’s even an anti-odor aspect to the material which will keep these fresh. You’ll be able to hike through land and water in these and won’t need to worry. Their practicality would be a 10/10, but there's no denying their questionable value from an aesthetic perspective.
7. ECCO Multisport Outdoor Sandals
Image credit: Amazon
Rating: 7/10
These outdoor sandals from ECCO are made from a mixture of leather and textile with a rubber sole that’s perfect for grip. The footbed is soft and light in weight for comfort and covered in a microfibre layer. What’s great about this pair of sandals is that they’re available in a very wide variety of colors, including but not limited to black, blue and green.
8. Chaco Z/1 Classic Sandals
Image credit: REI
Rating: 9/10
For long walks and water sports, the Chaco Z/1 Classic Sandals are great. They’re a simple pair made up of only 8 components and adjustable straps that can fit to the shape and size of your feet. The polyurethane footbeds provide long-lasting comfort and the material features odor control. These are available in blue, black and gray too.
9. Teva Terra Fi 5 Universal Sandals
Image credit: REI
Rating: 9/10
The webbing upper on the Teva Terra Fi 5 Universal Sandals dry very quickly. They’re also surprisingly durable and made out of recycled polyester. The moulded polyurethane midsoles provide cushioning and support over long periods of walking and the bulky rubber outsole means that you won’t feel the bumpy ground underneath you and you’ll have good grip.
10. Chaco Odyssey Sport Sandal
Image credit: Amazon
Rating: 6/10
Last up for the sports sandals are the Chaco Odyssey sandals. You’ll notice when you look at them that they have a sneaker look to them, which might be something that you’re looking for if you don’t like the general look of sandals. They’re 100% synthetic and have a breathable mesh upper and a strong midsole. We gave them a slightly lower rating because they're just not as iconic as the classic model.
Leather Sandals
Leather sandals are often high quality and protective for you, but they’re also light in weight and of course they can often last for longer. They should be resistant to cracking, splitting and abrasions too.
Pros: Unlike some of the other genres on this list, there are certainly iterations of leather sandals that can be incorporated into slightly more formal settings. Additionally, leather lasts for a long time and ages beautifully.
Cons: Leather sandals are more expensive than a lot of other options.
11. Birkenstock Arizona
Image credit: Zappos
Rating: 10/10
The Birkenstock Arizonas have an oiled leather upper (that can sometimes be waxy) and adjustable buckles on both straps. The footbed of the sandal is made from cork that is completely renewable and sustained. The flexible EVA outsole provides support and helps absorb shock. The shape is also great for your foot, with a deep heel cup and a raised toe bar.
12. Dr. Martens Gryphon Sandals
Image credit: Amazon
Rating: 7/10
You’ll know Doc Martens from their classic boots, but they do all kinds of footwear. Their Gryphon sandals are made entirely from leather and feature three straps, two of which are adjustable. There’s also a textile lining that’s soft and breathable and a rubber sole that helps grip the ground.
13. Dr. Scholl’s Gaston Sandal
Image credit: Dr. Scholl's
Rating: 7/10
These Gaston Sandals from Dr. Scholl’s are in a fisherman style with a round toe. There’s an adjustable instep strap with a Velcro closure. The cushioning memory foam insole is comfortable, but be wary about wearing them for long periods of time because you won’t get as much support on your foot. You can get these in black or briar brown.
14. Yuketen Alejandro Huarache Sandal
Image credit: Todd Snyder
Rating: 9/10
These sandals from Japanese-American brand Yuketen have a really unique look that would stand out just about anywhere. Each of the leather strips have shaved off edges so that you don’t get the tough feel of it against your foot. The high price point is because of the quality of the leather and the fact that they’re hand-cut and hand-woven.
15. Pikolinos Tarifa
Image credit: Zappos
Rating: 7/10
This entry from Pikolinos is a great option for those who want something simple to wear, but with a more elevated aesthetic than a rubber slide. They are relatively expensive, but the leather is built to last and they'll morph to fit the wearer's foot over time.
Flip Flops
It’s a common belief that flip flops can be bad for your feet. While that can be true, as long as they’re firm and have arch support, you should be good. They’re perfect for the hot weather and vacations specifically and this selection below should feature something that’s great for you.
Pros: Similar to slides, flip flops are exceptionally convenient.
Cons: Flip flops are probably the least formal genre on this list. Their construction is often less than artisanal, meaning you could wear through them pretty quickly.
16. Rainbow Classic Rubber
Image credit: Rainbow Sandals
Rating: 6/10
This is a classic-style flip flop from Rainbow Sandals, a trusted brand in the space. It’s made with recycled materials, like the rubber strap and the nylon thread. The bottom is non-slip and the company’s logo appears on the strap where the strap and the toe post meet. These are more durable than your average pair and shouldn’t feel useless when they’re wet.
Shop now at Rainbow Sandals, $41.99
17. OluKai Hokua Beach Sandals
Image credit: OluKai
Rating: 9/10
Just from the form of these beach sandals from OluKai, you can tell they’re made with strength and durability in mind. The company’s own website says that this pair of flip flops is inspired by the strength of the sea. It has water-resistant synthetic straps and a rubber outsole for traction.
18. Oakley Super Coil Sandal 2.0
Image credit: Amazon
Rating: 8/10
Oakley are mostly known for their sunglasses, but that same level of high quality goes into their other products too. These Super Coils are a particularly good pair of flip flops to wear in the heat because they’re constructed from quick-drying materials and shouldn’t stay wet for too long. They’re also built with a variety of surfaces in mind, so they’re a good vacation pick.
19. Under Armour Fat Tire T Flip Flops
Image credit: Amazon
Rating: 7/10
Like Oakley, Under Armour is another brand that is known for specific types of products, but also do flip flops. These Fat Tires have an outsole that is made from the same rubber as Michelin tires are made from, so you know they’re tough. Despite that toughness though, you’ll still feel an immense amount of comfort while wearing them.
20. Gucci Chevron Thong Sandal
Image credit: Gucci
Rating: 6/10
Flip flops can often be a long term buy so if you feel like splashing out the cash, here we are once again with a pick from Gucci. Their Chevron Thong Sandal is a very luxury option, with its subtler black on black design with the brand’s iconic logo at the top of the toe post. If these become wet, you’ll want to dry them for preservation, so it’s best to wear these in dry conditions. We gave these a slightly lower score just because spending $320 on a pair of flip flops can definitely dissuade some people.
Mules
Mules are a specific type of sandal that, just like slides, are incredibly popular now, largely because of how popular crocs have become. They’re somewhat sandals, but somewhat clogs and live in that in between space a little, but generally the front is covered and there’s not much of a back to them. Below are five mules that you can check out with another longer list here.
Pros: Mules are amazing because they're super convenient and easy to put on, while some of them are still relatively formal and able to be incorporated into more aesthetic outfits.
Cons: Some of the leather models toe the line between loafer and slipper/sandal, so it may not fit everyone's wardrobe to include an option that doesn't fully fit either category.
21. Merrel Hydro Moc
Image credit: Merrell
Rating: 9/10
The Merrel Hydro Mocs are designed with ease in mind, so they’re perfect to slip into and out of. The foam upper is water friendly and durable. The rear heel sling is made of translucent rubber which is 10% recycled. Being environmentally friendly is a big part of this sandal’s construction. 93 litres of water is cleaned and restored to the environment with each pair.
22. Classic Clog Croc
Image credit: Crocs
Rating: 8/10
Crocs has been one of the biggest names in footwear in recent years, somewhat surprisingly. They’ve been like marmite to a lot of people – you either hate them or love them. These are their Classic Clogs, which are loved because they’re comfortable, easy to put on, come in a lot of colours and easy to clean.
23. Birkenstock Super-Birki
Image credit: Birkenstock
Rating: 7/10
Birkenstock are a great brand when it comes to sandals – their Arizons appeared earlier on this list – and these are the Super-Birkis. It’s an extremely minimalistic design regardless of the colourway you get. The Super-Birki is made from faux leather and footbed is removable and is made from cork-latex. They’re water-resistant and dirt-repellent too, so no worries about taking them outside. These are great kicks, just might not fit everyone's aesthetic.
Shop now at Birkenstock, $79.95
24. Reebok Beatnik
Image credit: Reebok
Rating: 7/10
These Beatnik Sandals from Reebok are an increasingly popular choice. They’re great for both indoor and outdoor use, with their comfortably and earthy design. There’s a textile upper and a heel strap that makes these very easy to throw on. These are available in a nice range of colours and because of the natural dye process, each one looks a little bit unique from the next. Similar to the above Birks, these are an exceptional option for a select few, but might not be everyone's cup of tea.
25. Birkenstock Boston
Image credit: Todd Snyder
Rating: 10/10
Last but not least is our third and final selection from Birkenstock – the Boston. It’s a pricier option than most other mules, but for those extra bucks, you get what looks like a luxury design. The upper is made from a very smooth Amalfi leather, making it nice to wear in different weather conditions. The footbed lining is suede and the footbed itself is cork-latex.
