These Great-Looking Sandals Will Fire up Your Summer Fits

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If you’re like most guys, you give up on sandal shopping before it starts. Anything more than a run-of-the-mill flip flop veers into “mandal” territory, that dreaded mashup of “man” and “sandal” that means you’re trying too hard. (Or that you’ve unintentionally dressed like Julius Caesar.) You’re not sure about straps, or materials—is leather okay? You don’t want to wear “athletic” sandals that make you look like you’re being sent to your first day of sleepaway camp. But, dammit, you don’t want to wear shoes at the beach. Wearing shoes at the beach takes away 77% of the fun of summer. And it means you’ll have sand in your sneakers until November.

You deserve better, especially if you’ve gone to the trouble to get your feet looking nice. Whether you want a low-key design that no one can judge, or something cool and colorful that gets people talking, we found options that won’t get you mocked by your date, your coworkers, or your kids. You won’t look like a biblical shepherd, but you’ll have a little more flare than you did last summer.

NO FOOTWEAR style screams “Summer!” quite like men’s sandals. And, to break the myth once and for all, you can wear these summer shoes without feeling or looking ridiculous. The key is to find those that will turn heads left and right while leaving behind a trail of comfort. I.e., when looking for the best sandals for men, you shouldn’t mess around.

From lightweight designs to rugged outsoles, the best sandals for men will provide excellent grip and stability, allowing you to confidently tackle any outdoor escapade that comes your way. Comfort-wise, the best sandals for men should offer exceptional arch support and footbed cushioning to make you feel like walking on clouds. In short, from sandy shores to rocky trails, the best sandals for men will have you (or rather, your feet) covered through it all.

Read more: Learn How Men's Health Tests Products

So strap up as we have put over 50 soles to the test and interviewed a panel of style, gear, and travel experts to equip you with the ultimate winners. Below, the 20 best sandals for men are nothing like what your grandpa used to wear; these flip-flops, slides, or mules and clogs are the epitome of rugged charm meets everyday functionality.

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The Absolute Best Sandals for Men, Based on Testing and Expert Reviews

Arizona Sandal

Every man must own a pair of Arizona's in their lifetime. It's an unwritten footwear rule. The combination of comfort, versatility in styling, and incredibly long lifespan is why these bad boys take the crown. According to board-certified foot surgeon Brad Schaeffer, D.P.M. who has worn these Birks for years, their design plus support structure work together to offer everyday comfort. "They have a solid cork footbed and contouring for our arch and toe box. I love the overall feel and wearability of these sandals and have been wearer since my teen years," says Dr. Schaeffer.

What we love the most about Arizona is the comfort of the footbed. Made of cork and latex which is extra soft and supportive, not only does it mold to the feet but also offers cushioning that will make you feel like walking on sponges. We love that the straps feel easy to adjust—and don’t chafe on the skin. The EVA sole feels lightweight and flexible when we walk, but because of the overall city-friendly design and the fact that a suede upper isn’t quick-drying, we wouldn’t recommend you wearing these Birks to the beach or to places in the great outdoors.

What Do Other Experts Say? "I’m particularly partial to Birkenstock’s Arizona sandal—it’s the all-purpose shoe that works well in practically every situation. I love to pack them for vacation because I wear them everywhere—to the beach, to dinner, around the hotel. They pair as easily with a bathing suit as they do with a camp shirt and pleated cotton trousers," says Justin Berkowitz, men’s fashion director at Bloomingdale’s.

Read more: Best Flip-Flops With Arch Support

Ora Recovery Slide 3

This editor-favorite, APMA-Approved option allows those barking dogs to recover and breathe easily after your intense HIIT workouts. As recovery shoes, we love that these have a wide-open slip-on design that is so accessible. We have tried them on at the end of a hard race day, and they slid over the feet with zero effort while letting them breathe (this latest model even comes with more airflow channels) and keeping them cradled and supported with an oversized midsole design. Fit-wise, it's roomy enough even for wider feet.

The star of these sandals is the dual-layer construction that, basically, is heaven for your worn-out feet and also offers extra height for anyone who's vertically challenged. With cushioned, soft EVA built into both its outsole and midsole, we were impressed by how beastly these are at absorbing shock while remaining lightweight and flexible for walking. To us, that's the ultimate tension-relieving feature in sandals. So we say wear these everywhere to cop comfort—and a futuristic style flex.

What Do Experts Say? "They provide an excellent form-fitting arch that helps massage the sole of the feet allowing the intrinsic foot muscles to relax and release tension in the foot," says multi-board certified podiatrist, Mark J. Mendeszoon, D.P.M.

Yucatan Sandal

The robust construction and premium materials of ECCO’s Yucatan sandal really sets it apart from the rest, especially when it comes to comfort and support for walking. You will experience a one-of-the-kind foot-hugging sensation with its contoured microfiber footbed. The sandal also uses a Fluidform midsole featuring the Receptor tech to support and cushion every step while absorbing ground impact to relieve pressure and keeping the build flexible for walking. All in all, the stability these sandals offer is second to none.

We also love the adjustability of the nubuck leather straps which ensures a snug fit, and the tough rubber outsole that delivers outstanding grip and traction on various terrains. Lastly, because style points should always be considered, we especially approve of the rugged dad style that is everyday-friendly and easy to work into your wardrobe.

What Do Experts Say? "They provide more support for the ankle with their higher stabilizing strap, and have a well-made molded foot bed to support the feet in the right places but yet provide cushioning," says multi-board certified podiatrist, Mark J. Mendeszoon, D.P.M.

Read more: Best Walking Shoes for Men

Hurricane XLT 2 Sandal

When it comes to reliable everyday performance and enduring comfort, TEVA’s Hurricane Xlt2 rises above the rest and is my personal favorite. First, for walking about the city, the robust EVA footbed of these sandals delivers enhanced support that will last all day. In addition, the nylon shank plays a crucial role in stabilizing and supporting the feet—even on uneven terrain or when I'm walking fast—to grant you the ability to strut in sandals. The straps or webbing are also made to be quick-drying and offer a wide range of adjustability so that you can secure the sandals on your feet with a perfect fit that is customized to you.

What most impressed us about the Hurricane Xlt2 is its outsole which offers extraordinary traction for the price. You see, I've worn these on a rafting trip just a few weeks back, and the exceptional traction of the sole did not give off once even on the raft’s wet surface. During a hike in a state national park where the terrain was uneven and bumpy, the grooved outsole still managed to have a good grip on the ground to make the journey smoother. The webbings, however, will chafe on the skin if they're too tight, so be sure to test the fit before you actually walk in these.

Ulele Beach Quick-Dry Flip-Flop

Boasting a water-resistant build for all your long walks by the beach and a lightweight for easy carry and friendly mobility, these flip-flops are one of the best—and most comfortable—we’ve ever tested. As ergonomic sandals, they offer arch support with their EVA-made footbed—and extra stability when you walk with an extra layer of EVA midsole. (The footbed also contours to the shape of our feet to bolster the comfort level.)

We also love that the upper and lining are quick-drying, making these sandals perfect for the poolside and beachside. The rubber outsole crafted with “Wet Grip” rubber then ensures a great grip even on wet surfaces. We enjoy casually strolling and traveling for short distances in these, although, for men with wider feet, we don't think the fit will be optimal.

What Do Experts Say? "It's a favorite of mine that I always recommend to my patients. They are comfy, supportive, and not flimsy. A flimsy or hyper-flexible flip flop will cause your foot to bend in places it shouldn't or overstretch the places it does," says NYC-based podiatrist Daniel Geller, D.P.M.

Huarache Sandal

Bound for summer vacation, the huarache is a traditional Mexican sandal with an instantly recognizable woven leather upper that is breathable, flexible, and durable. Nisolo’s take stay trues to the classic slip-on design but makes the style versatile enough to be dressed up and down.

Additionally, its comfort is just as impressive: we found that the supple upper will mold to the feet like warm butter—although it does require breaking-in over time—while the foam midsole cradles them like a sleeping baby, and the leather material is water resistant for hitting the beach, pool, lake, beach, etc. As you walk, the insole already comes with cushioning, and the linings at the heel or the underside of the upper ensure unobstructed softness and comfort.

What Do Experts Say? "This style offers fashion and function with water-resistant leather that allows you to wear poolside, beachside, or on the city streets. A classic style, these sandals work great for men of any age. Plus they have a cushioned footbed, which makes these a perfect pick for long summer days, which is something to always look for when shopping for a sandal," says personal wardrobe stylist Grace Thomas.

Adventurous Summer Outdoor Sandals

These sandals are a versatile option for those seeking comfortable and durable footwear for outdoor activities. While I'm still in the “break-in” phase, I’m already won over by their sturdy construction and comfort right out of the box. The soft lining adds an extra layer of comfort to protect against any rubbing or irritation, which to me is a vital factor to consider for my delicate skin.

I’m even surprised that they offered a decent amount of support, all courtesy of the cushioned EVA footbed that absorbs shocks. With a pretty high arch, my feet feel well-supported in these when wearing them to hike or walk on even terrains.

The closed-toe design might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it really shines in the great outdoors to protect my pinkies from external impact or even injuries. The rubber outsole provides high traction, with a grooved non-slip texture to instill confidence in my steps and reduced the risk of slipping.

What Do Experts Say? "They are unbelievably comfy with soft cushioning that molds to your feet, just the right blend of practicality and comfort. The stitched vamp adds a timeless look that pairs well with almost anything in your suitcase. Plus, these sandals are lightweight and flexible, making them easy to pack and wear," says travel writer and expert Nick Kembel.

OOahh Slide Sandal

If these are good enough for Tiger Woods, they’re definitely good enough for you—especially for your post-sports or post-training recovery. With a name to themselves in that domain, Oofos' OOahh recovery sandals are made with a patented foam technology—which we've found to be able to absorb more impact and reduce more energy exertion in the ankle than the traditional foam—at the footbed to support joints in all the right places. No wonder Tiger Woods was seen wearing them—during his own injury recovery nonetheless; that’s convincing enough for just how foolproof they are for recovery.

Additionally, these slides turn the heat all the way up for arch support and natural foot motion to guarantee comfort on the go. In fact, during our testing of commuting or traveling in these, we found that the anatomically correct footbed has molded to the shape of our feet over time, making them feel almost like a second skin—and making walking with them feel cloud-like. The style is a tad basic, but it's the everyday-friendly look we rely on.

Read more: Best Recovery Shoes

Z1 Classic Sandal

The next time you head out for a ride in the wild, your feet will thank you for putting them in Chaco’s sandals. We have strapped these bad boys onto our feet and were impressed by how fit they are once the strap is tweaked and tightened, like a custom-made hug. We were also impressed by how tanky they are with a sturdy, extra grippy sole that has survived us kicking rocks, trudging through muddy rails, and dipping in shallow river water in them. Really, the outsole can survive an apocalypse.

But the real star of Chaco’s sandals is the comfort. We tested out the LUVSEAT™ footbed it has and were amazed by how it molds to our feet to provide support that's borderline out of this world. We’re talking about cloud-like cushioning that will keep your underfoot and arch happy all day long in the wild. All in all, with these sandals, you shall conquer the mountain.

What Do Experts Say? "What I find interesting about Chacos is their LUVSEAT footbed, which is designed for all-day comfort and support, so they are ideal for long treks or walks. The classic Z-strap system is fully adjustable to fit perfectly to your foot. They might feel a bit unusual at first, especially if you're new to Chacos, but I've found that after a brief breaking-in period, they fit like a dream," says seasoned world traveler Shelley Marmor.

Leather Single Layer Wide Strap with Arch

A surprising number of men have developed a personal relationship with their Rainbow flip-flops, and it’s easy to see why. The closed-cell SBR rubber of these sandals is perfect for traveling and vacationing in destinations with a warm, humid climate, but we love wearing them for those impromptu beach visits just as much and often.

Moreover, there's something to be said about flip-flops that don't lose their fit and support after a few wears. We have worn these for a few years on end, and they’re still in good condition. We also love that the single-layer arch of these sandals doesn’t look chunky and offers support that comes out easily on the beach and boardwalk. Better yet, the layer is made to counter slipping, which is an important factor to own since for flip-flops, there are only straps to keep your feet in place.

What Do Experts Say? "There's nothing like kicking off heavy hiking boots after a long day on the trails and slipping into these iconic leather flip-flops. They're the epitome of casual style, proving reliable when navigating Bali's balmy beaches or strolling through Barcelona'sboisterous streets," says seasoned traveler and travel expert Carl Broadbent.

More Best Sandals for Men We Love and Approve

Cushion Tradewind Slide Sandal

Reef's sandals have everything in spades: style, support, and affordability. With a textured bottom for traction and a cushioned footbed that provides rebounding support, they're made for comfort on the go. In addition, professional surfer Griffin Colapinto, who's been really into slide styles recently, says he loves the customizable comfort design of these sandals which he can slip on with shorts and flannel to meet friends for lunch, or even rock with socks.

Boston Soft Footbed Clogs

Making its second entrance is Birkenstock, but this time we recommend copping the brand's less ubiquitous but definitely more stylish model—the Clogs. "These are a more elegant spin on the classic Birks due to the closed-toe silhouette. They can be either dressed up or dressed down, and they truly get more comfortable with each wear," says lifestyle influencer Steven Fingar.

Basecamp Sandal

A buckle strap and a strong Vibram outsole give these supportive sandals a gorp-y for the urban dweller to stay cool and look cool, too. And we love that they’re built with thick EVA cushioning and a contoured footbed for a total package of comfort. In terms of style, well, let's just say these sandals are the epitome of versatile chic for outdoor or urban treks.

Brutus Slide Sandal

"Many men approach sandals with skepticism due to their perceived delicacy and discomfort," says NYC-based personal menswear stylist Turner Allen. However, Camper's Brutus sandals completely defy this notion by combining a remarkably comfortable and lightweight lug sole with a luxurious crisscross upper made of buttery nubuck leather. For your long haul on uneven terrains or elevating your summer fits in the outdoors, these sandals will take care of them.

Wave Toe Post Sandal

Tricked-out, on-trend sandals are great and all, but a pair of simple nylon-rubber flip-flops has the timeless appeal for every guy to sport for more than one season and the everyday practicality you seek. We even recommend these sandals to individuals with plantar fasciitis. These have excellent arch support and cushioning to relieve pressure on the heels and reduce pain associated with plantar fasciitis. The outstanding orthotic support here makes these a prime choice for style and function.

Nomad Suede Crossover Sandal

Menswear stylist Patrick Kenger says that not only does the relaxed and casual suede of these sandals keep you comfy, but the supportive foam footbed will also ensure your style flex is as comfortable as it looks. We also love how rugged and durable they are: the stitch is as unbreakable as you can imagine, and the outsole as well as the edges are seriously hard while still feeling smooth for your skin. For a fit, we love wearing them with a camp collar shirt and linen pants for smart casual.

Arroyo II Hiking Sandal

These all-terrain sandals are built for hiking—though we certainly have spotted quite a few dads and elderly men sporting them at the airport. In the outdoors, their back heel guard will protect your ankles from any unexpected twists, and the sole with an outer arch will minimize shock impact to keep your feet going sans pain. We also love that the linings inside keep the stains and smells at bay, thus making the sandals very low maintenance overall.

Wainscott Slide Sandal

We’ve dealt with lifestyle slides like the UGGs here before, but these ones really impressed us with their blend of form and function. Their foam-cushioned footbed cradles and contours to our feet which makes it extra comfortable to walk in, and the outsole has great traction and flexibility as well to take you from point A to point B. Wear them with your best summer fits, like a polo shirt with chino shorts, and they’ll really shine.

Yukon Vista II Clogs

These clogs are anything but cringey. “It's more rugged, with a design that's fit for adventure,” says travel influencer Mal Hellyer. For starters, the leather upper makes for a rugged, masculine look, and the outsole will keep your feet secure even on slippery, wet surfaces. They’re also easy to slip into, and the footbed offers arch support for going on the trail, excursions in the backcountry, or being your feet during your BBQ in the backyard.

Quincy

Donning the design of the older sandal models, these sandals by Grenson present a stylish interpretation of classic fisherman sandals, says menswear stylist Turner Allen. We love that the premium calf leather doesn't irritate or rub on the skin, and the lightweight rubber has a bit of added cushioning for comfort on the go. "With their smooth leather and low-profile design, they provide a chic option that can be effortlessly paired with anything from shorts to flowing linen pants," says Allen.

What to Look for in Sandals for Men

Arch support: "Look for sandals with contoured footbeds or built-in arch support. These features promote a natural arch shape and evenly distribute pressure across the foot, minimizing the likelihood of discomfort or foot conditions," says podiatrist Daniel Pledger. For men with high arches at the foot or those who spend prolonged periods on their feet, arch support is a must, not just a plus.

Stability: To actually be supported in our heel and arch, Dr. Brad Schaeffer, D.P.M. says it's important to look for a stable footbed. "After all, sandals are not the most supportive thing we can wear on our feet and cannot replace a great shoe and insole," he adds. So look for a footbed that's slightly firm but still feels cushioned enough to nail both stability and comfort.

Outsole: When you're walking on slippery grounds or trailing on uneven terrains, the traction of your sandals' outsole will make or break your steps. "Look for sandals with rubber or non-slip outsoles, as they offer excellent grip and minimize the risk of slips or falls," says Dr. Pledger. We also recommend a textured outsole—such as grooved or "teeth"-like since the design will really grip on any terrain condition. Flexible outsoles are also great for walking by allowing for natural foot movement, adds Dr. Pledger.

Upper material: The downside of wearing sandals is that the upper, especially if they have straps or webbings, can rub on your skin and irritate it, so it's important to choose comfortable materials. For instance, stylist Turner Allen recommends opting for leather or suede since they will gradually conform to the shape of your feet over time. On the other hand, synthetic fabrics like nylon or mesh offer excellent breathability, and quick-drying properties, and are often more budget-friendly, according to Dr. Pledger.

How to Choose the Best Types of Sandals for Men?

We've interviewed multi-board certified podiatrist Mark Mendeszoon, D.P.M. to help you figure out the different types of sandals for your intended activities.

Slides: In general, slides, not unlike the ones you wear to shower, are great for lounging or hanging at the poolside. Recovery slides are a breed of sandals to be worn after workouts or sports to help relax muscles since they generally support the arch with good cushioning, according to Dr. Mendeszoon. "These are generally recommended to be utilized for minimal walking activity," he adds.

Flip-flops: For flip-flops, definitely do not go cheap since the budget ones generally have horrible support and can cause more arch fatigue, pain, cramps, or spasms. "There are some flip-flops that have arches but once again they should not be utilized for long walking activities or standing on your feet for a long duration," warns Dr. Mendeszoon. Otherwise, they should be your go-to for the beach or the poolside.

Outdoors/Hiking Sandals: Dr. Mendeszoon says that these often have a closed-toe design—or at least have several durable strappings or webbings if they're open-toe, as seen in Teva's, ECCO's, and Chaco's sandals featured above—to protect the ankle, in addition to a durable outsole and a molded arch footbed.

Dress Sandals: While the dress sandals are often made of higher quality materials, and the ones we've tested here—such as Camper, Todd Snyder, and UGG—all fit and feel comfortable, Dr. Mendeszoon recommends them only for warm weather offer activities that don't require a lot of heavy walking.

How We Tested the Best Sandals for Men

The best sandals for men are versatile to excel in different settings, from casual wear in the city or around the neighborhood to navigating challenging terrains. At Men's Health, we tested sandals comprehensively as well as have spoken to a panel of experts in style, travel, and footwear (such as stylists, fashion designers, seasoned travelers, and podiatrists) to find the best sandals for men. Our testing team ventured through various environments in them—like sporting them to hike, raft, stroll by the beach, lounge by the pool, run errands, and attend casual events in summer—to see how each pair of sandals compared to each other.

Comfort Test: We meticulously evaluated the cushioning, arch support, and overall fit of each pair. We examined whether the straps or webbings cause friction against our skin, tried the fit right out of the box to see if they required breaking in or sizing up/down, and paid special attention to the footbed materials as well as the flexibility of the outsole to guarantee optimum comfort without compromising durability.

Traction Test: We rigorously examined the grip of the outsoles by wearing these sandals on a variety of terrains, anything from treacherous rocks and sandy beaches to wet, slippery pavements. We closely investigated how the sole’s lug patterns, materials, and depth worked together to offer grip on the ground before determining their traction level.

Durability Test: To see if the sandals provide solid grounding while being able to withstand extensive wear and tear, we evaluated the materials, stitching, and overall construction to feel how sturdy and balanced they are. The best sandals for men we’ve tested and selected have in fact survived exposure to abrasive surfaces as well as water immersion.

Versatility Test: More than just about style or whether this particular pair of sandals looks great with X, Y, or Z (though we certainly embraced options that are classic-looking), our versatility test is based upon performance and the activities each pair is suitable for. So we meticulously assessed whether the sandals can be worn for hiking, water sports, walking, casual everyday wear, etc. In addition, we scrutinized features—such as patented tech or specialized materials—to ensure they meet the demands of various outdoor pursuits.

Why Trust Us

At Men’s Health, our testing editors and writers always make sure to actually test and use the products ourselves before considering whether to include them. Therefore, rest assured that our product recommendations derive from first-hand experience, and you can read more about our testing process here.

For instance, we have a whole fashion closet in our NYC office dedicated to calling in, trying out, and selecting the best and newest menswear products. We put them on stylish, fit guys to hear their opinions and see how the items look on them before making our final decision. And as style editors, we constantly go into the fashion closet to feel a product’s materials—even put it on ourselves for a spin—to test it.

Lastly, you can trust our opinions on shopping recommendations, whether it’s the products, styling tips, or trends. Not only do we have Fashion Director Ted Stafford and Deputy Editor, Commerce Christian Gollyan, but we also have a panel of style experts—including stylists, fashion influencers, designers, etc.—whom we regularly seek shopping guides from. Therefore, our product recommendations and buying tips are all driven by professional, expert opinions.

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