The 15 Best Men's Sandals for Style, Comfort, and Everything Else
Summer and tropical vacations are the time when dressed-down, casual looks become stylish. Chinos, short sleeves, and linen are back, and it's acceptable to finish off the look with a pair of the best men's sandals. A good pair of men's sandals or flip-flops can give your warm-weather outfits a laid-back feel, plus they're comfortable and stylish, too.
“A lot of guys are self-conscious about sandals, but if you like them, you should wear them—guys need to have a look that they like,” menswear icon Sid Mashburn tells Men's Journal. “Function is more important than fashion, and sandals are just good summer shoes. But it can be surprising how cool they are, how chic they are, and how elegant they are. They hit all the buttons.”
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The Best Men's Sandals at a Glance
Best Men's Sandals Overall: Olukai Mea Ola Sandals, $130
Best Men's Sandals for Walking: Chaco Z/1 Classic Sandals, From $100
Best Men's Sandals for the Beach: Reef Fanning Flip-Flops, $65
Best Men's Leather Sandals: Cole Haan Nantucket Cross Strap Sandals, $90 (was $130)
Most Comfortable Men's Sandals: Kuru Moment Sandal, $100
Types of Men’s Sandals to Know
Let’s start by distinguishing the three main styles for men: flip-flops, sandals, and slides.
Flip-flops, with their iconic Y-shaped strap, are arguably the most casual of the bunch. Sandals, however, can go either way: They can be engineered with secure straps, a supportive sole, and durable materials to withstand hikes, water-based sports, and other outdoor adventures. On the other end of the spectrum, a leather or suede sandal can bring a touch of sophistication to swankier summertime gatherings, thanks to the added structure and premium materials. Then there are slides, the ultimate easygoing champions for post-workout relaxation, lounging poolside, or casual walks in the park.
No matter which variety you choose, seek out pairs with high-quality upper materials like leather, suede, or breathable synthetic textiles that ensure a snug fit. You should also look for footbeds with proper arch support and cushioning that contour to the underside of your foot—these features will make walking in sandals much more comfortable.
How to Style Your Sandals
When it comes to choosing the right sandals, let the occasion and setting guide you. Flip-flops excel in relaxed, informal environments like beach trips or pool parties. In contrast, more structured sandals elevate your style for dressier brunches or even beach weddings, and slides nail the laid-back charm for leisurely strolls or errand running.
Here are some of the best men's sandals and flip-flops for summer, whether you're heading out for a day on the lake or a night on the town.
The Best Men's Sandals and Flip-Flops of 2024
Why You Should Trust Me
Anthony Mastracci has worked around all types of footwear for nearly 20 years as a salesperson, a social media content creator, and as a style editor. Though he admits he's quite critical of the category, he finds that it makes him better at filtering out the best men's sandals among an ocean of options. What he looks for in good sandals is enough support to stay comfortable after hours of walking, carefully curated details that show they bring meaningful purpose to a man's wardrobe, and the value received for the price paid.
Paul Jebara is a style writer and world traveler who has explored everywhere from the coasts of Greece to the hills of Colorado. Joining his strengths for style and travel, he's deduced a rolling list of the best sandals for men across a multitude of climates, landscapes, and cultures, honing in on today's trends while keeping a watchful eye on traditional styles of the past.
