26 Sandals to Wear Everywhere This Summer (Even If It's Not the Beach)

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."

Sandals and shorts, man: two summertime staples that spark a lot of emotion in the men's style world. On the one hand, you've got the folks who say a grown-up guy shouldn't be caught in either. On the other hand, you've got the folks who are correct. Because the folks in the latter camp recognize that it is too damn hot out there to punish yourself by keeping your legs and feet entirely under wraps. Are you still maintaining a Tumblr full of shots of dudes with overly coiffed hair parading around in too-tight suits? Give it a rest. It's gonna be summer! The sun is gonna be shining, the birds are gonna be singing, and your feet deserve to feel the breeze. Sandals are fine, and you're fine, too, so it's time to invest in some of the best sandals in advance.

The only question, then, is what kind. Are you a flip-flop person? Bold, but it takes all kinds. Even the sandal-positive might implore you to keep your beloved thongs confined to the beach and poolside pursuits, but no one's going to stop you if you want to wear 'em around town with jeans and a T-shirt (though you might get a few looks). How about slides? Now that is an easy one. Even sandal-agnostics tend to be convinced by slides, which in their simplicity look great with everything from shorts and crew socks to cropped chinos and a (cooler-than-average) polo shirt. Not sold? You could opt for Birkenstocks (they only get comfier the more you wear them in), sport sandals of the gorp-y variety (hooray for hiking!), or something entirely different (keep scrolling and you'll see what I mean).

Whatever you choose, don't listen to that little voice in the back of your head telling you grown-ass guys don't wear sandals. It's a brave new world out there, and our feet deserve to experience the best in full. Just make sure you clip your toenails before taking them out for a tour.

Want essential shopping tips on the regular? Sign up for Esquire Select.

Arizona EVA Sandals

We're in the midst of the Birkenstock revival. For a few years now, the German label's designs, particularly the Arizona, have been favored by celebrities and fashion insiders alike. It is a style that, regardless of what you're wearing, just works. Perhaps this because it comes in so many variations: ones made of brown leather with bronze buckles, options in a camo print, and others in rich suede. It lends itself to personal expression. But the one best for summer is this guy right here, which is made of EVA, a material that's incredibly comfortable, lightweight, and waterproof.

Original Universal Urban Sandal

The OG sport sandal design you know from way back, now done up in sleek, goes-with-anything black. It's the kind of style that's made for trails, but, as its its name suggests, works even better for urban environments.

Crocband Flip-Flops Sandals

Many have an aversion toward Crocs's clogs. Totally understandable. But the brand's Crocband sandals, rest assured, are some of the sleekest and most durable you will own. Not only are they less flimsy and more comfortable than standard flip-flops (they're made of the label's signature Croslite foam, which many podiatrists swear by), the design is slick and slim, and features a spiffy racing stripe along the midsole.

Banya Slide Sandals

Surfer style isn't as trippy as it once was in the past. Thanks in large part to Saturdays NYC (née Saturdays Surf NYC), the cowabunga aesthetic has become sleeker, more refined. Case in point: the brand's Banya slide, an incredibly elegant design that features a comfy molded footbed and ballistic nylon strap with light padding and a suede trim. It's laidback, but so damn classy and elevated that you'll want to it wear strutting down a city street, on your way to weekend brunch.

Arizona Soft Footbed Sandals

Even if you've already got the EVA pair, there's no beating the most classic of Birkenstock sandals with the brand's deservedly iconic cork midsole.

Brutus Sandals

If you want a cool, high-quality sandal that doesn't skimp on cushioning, Camper is the way to go. With an adjustable ankle strap and contrasting edges, these are equal parts fashionable and functional, for wherever the season takes you.

Handwoven Leather Sandals

RRL's leather sandals are elegant—or as elegant as a sandal can be. With a protective, handwoven design, these put a unique flair on your best summer look—and add some sophistication to your worst one.

Walkford Fish Flat Sandals

You know and love Clarks for its super-comfy shoes, so clearly, this is a sandal equipped to handle all of your summertime adventures. With adjustable straps and a cushiony footbed, feel free to take these just about anywhere.

Alfie Slippers

Leave it to Bottega to make cool, chic sandals with its iconic Interacccio leather design. This slingback style is all about ease of wear and understated elegance; whether you're wearing khaki shorts or linen pants, these'll tale your fit up a notch.

250 V1 Adjustable Sandal

Even the most devoted 574 fan needs to let those toes breathe once in a while.

Victori One Sport Slide Sandal

Slides are easily the most acceptable form of sandal you can wear, and a clean black pair is always a safe bet.

Tuahine Waterproof Flip-Flops

It's hard for a flip-flop to elevate itself, but this one does. Plus, it's waterproof, so you can wear it to the beach or pool without fear.

Louden Fisherman Sandal

Comfortable, durable, and cushiony, this is the ultimate sandal for foot support on long—and I mean long—summer days.

Manjak Leather Sandal

The sandal that makes a sandal stylish instead of basic, with its leather upper and buckle detail. If you bring one pair of sandals on vacation, make sure it's these.

Newpage Sporty Outdoor Sandal

Feel free to transition from grilling to beach volleyball to hanging in the park with these—with a thick rubber sole and all-day comfort, they can take on all summer's adventures.

Nomad Suede Crossover Sandal

This is your vacation sandal. Your "I'll have an Aperol spritz with an order of calamari, please" sandal, your "I'm wearing suede while the rest of you are wearing rubber" sandal.

Nastro Web Logo Slide Sandals

A simple black sandal that goes with everything, but better than your average pick, 'cause Prada outfitted this one with a leather trim, contoured footbed, and Italian craftsmanship.

Ansa Fixed Strap Sandal

At the end of the day, it's summer! Don't use your (already fading) brainpower to overthink your choice of shoe, guys.

Moto Mountain Slides

You know a sandal from Moncler Genius and Suicoke is going to be the ultimate force of fashion and function. With a thick footbed and secure straps, this is truly a power couple's lovechild.

Myles Brando Leather Buckle Slide Sandals

With a chunky sole, metal buckles, and Doc Martens' signature durability, this is a sandal you can wear this summer, and the next one, and the next one, and the next one.

Hut Ultra Flip-Flop

That big, bold sole is enough to set Merrell's flip-flops apart from the pack. It's also incredibly comfortable and offers unmatched traction. But what takes this style to even greater heights is its sustainable construction, which uses recycled webbing and algae biomass.

Ora Recovery Slide 3

Hoka is a staple name in the world of running shoes, and that comfort and durability translates to these slides, too. Made to last, these are perfect for summer, with soft cushioning and extra breathability.

+ Fear of God Suede Sandals

I know, I know; we've already got Birkenstocks on this list, but hear me out. Their collab with Fear of God deserves its own pedestal of recognition, for turning what's known as some of the comfiest sandals in the game into some of the most stylish and modern, too. Finally, a pair of slides you can wear that are, without a doubt, fashionable.

Men's Sandal

These are cool and timeless, with a style that's easy to dress up or down. Made from lambskin leather, these unique slides are comfortable as hell, with lots of ventilation for your foot, so you won't have to worry about overheating in the hot summer sun.

Adilette Comfort Slide Sandals

Look down at any gym locker room, dormitory bathroom, or public pool, and you'll probably see a bunch of Adilette sandals. The style has been around since 1972, and it's hard to miss; you can see those graphic three stripes from a distance. It has lasted so long because of its ability to withstand wet environments: the slide is made of sturdy rubber that's impervious to water, making it the best shoe to wear in the shower.

Thong Sandal

Thongs worth saving up for, courtesy of (who else?) Gucci.

Why You Can Trust Esquire

We’re not going to say something is great unless it’s actually great. Every product in Esquire’s round-ups is carefully curated by our fashion and e-commerce teams.

When it comes to sandals, you can rest assured that we’re hand-selecting styles that we’ve personally tested, tried, and loved, along with styles that the rest of our stylish colleagues here at Esquire endorse for their own summertime wear. We’ve had to go through a lot of trial and error, and these sandals are the ones that are simply the best.

Every pick on this list (and our other lists!) comes from years of wearing different things, seeing what we love and what we don’t, and going from there. No two tastes are the same, and no two men are the same. Your proverbial mileage may vary. But if you’re looking for the right place to start, with advice from folks who and care (possibly too much!) about this sort of stuff, this is the place to be.

You Might Also Like

• Kid Cudi Is All Right

• 16 Best Shoe Organizers For Storing and Displaying Your Kicks