The Best Sandals For Men
When it comes to men's sandals, there are plenty of quality options to choose from. From hiking sandals to breezy flip-flops, there's something out there for everyone. If you're in need of a new pair to wear, consider browsing our list of favorites. We've scoured the many types of sandals on the market so that we could highlight a few of the best ones out there.
What To Look For
When it comes to finding the right pair of men’s sandals, comfort is king. But while comfort is important, that’s not the only feature we looked for — durability and practicality are also important factors. After all, the average sandal-wearer is seeking comfort and dependability from their shoes. This means no slipping, breaking, or blister-causing discomfort. Take, for example, the Bronax Cloud Slides. Excellent for comfort, they’ll feel like you’re walking on a cloud yet won’t compress and deteriorate easily with wear. But they’re not exactly the best for longer walks or wearing around town. For that, Chaco’s Z1 Classic sandal is best. In fact, you can even wear them in the water or on a hike. For a closer look at the rest of our picks, have a look at our list below.
Bronax Cloud Slides
Cloud-like comfort
There’s a reason this company chose to brand these sandals with the word “cloud.” When you slip these on, your feet will feel lightweight, cushioned, and gently supported. And although these are designed with a rebound-style sole that’s meant to be as lightweight as possible, they’re compression-resistant, so you won’t wear out that comfort. Ideal for those with foot pain or sweat-prone feet, these sandals are excellent for slipping on when you need a shoe but don’t want to feel constricted.
Pros:
- Thanks to the waterproof material, these are great to wear in the shower when you go to the gym or use other public showers.
- It’s really easy to keep these smelling and looking clean, as you can pop them in the sink and wash them with soap and water.
Cons:
- The fit on these sandals is a bit wide, so they’re best for wider feet.
Crocs Classic Two-Strap Slide Sandals
Slip-on ease
These slide-on sandals are another comfortable contender from one of our favorite brands. Crocs made a name for themselves in the comfort department years ago, and they’ve consistently maintained that reputation since then. This pair is the perfect representation of that Crocs comfort everyone raves about. Made from a reliable waterproof material, these sandals are meant to easily slip on and off; meanwhile, they provide impressive support and traction when you need them. The open-toe design keeps things cool, too.
Pros:
- The straps are flexible, making these an excellent sandal for larger feet.
- There are holes in the top of the straps which allow for the addition of Jibbitz, a popular Croc decoration.
Cons:
- With repeated wear, the print does tend to wear off.
Rainbow Sandals Wide Strap Leather Sandals
Splurge-worthy support
One might think that support and sandals don’t really go well together, but these provide far more support than first meets the eye. Although these may seem somewhat pricey for a flip-flop-style shoe, the fact is that they’re absolutely worth the splurge. They’re made from 100% leather with a strong rubber sole, and the arch provides serious support for the footbed. Double stitching and precise sole construction mean that these won’t wear out after one season, either.
Pros:
- We love the simple design, which is ideal for wearing to the beach or with jeans for a more casual look.
- The design of the thong-style strap keeps blisters at bay, even for those not used to wearing flip-flops.
Cons:
- Although these do take some time to break in, if you soak them in warm water and wear them when wet, they’ll break in quicker.
Chaco Men’s Z1 Classic
Breathable and adjustable
We admit that these sandals don’t appear to be made for rugged wilderness excursions. But trust us: not only are they built for hiking, but they’re also designed to keep your feet cool as you trek. Designed to be fully adjustable, the sole of these sandals will conform to your arch, offering support where you need it. We wear them for everything from swimming in rocky rivers to hiking tough mountain peaks. Year after year, there’s nothing that comes close to the durability of these simple sandals.
Pros:
- The straps are made from durable canvas, which dries quickly, won’t break down, and resists chafing and blisters.
- The grip of the tread is tough enough for hikes, yet flexible enough for river walking.
Cons:
- If you prefer a close-toed hiking sandal, these may not be the best option for you.
Keen Men’s Newport H2 Closed Toe Water Sandal
Everyday excellence
If you like the idea of sandals but prefer the protection offered by closed-toe designs, then these sandals are an excellent option. Made with a wide toe bed that’s excellent for bigger feet, these sandals fit more like a shoe while offering the breathability and practicality of a sandal. And because they’re fully waterproof, these can be worn in and out of water. The toggle design of the strapping system means that you can fit these to your foot perfectly, making them an excellent hiking sandal as well.
Pros:
- The heel portion of the sandal is open except for a strap, making these wear more like a sandal than a shoe.
- We appreciate the durable pull strap at the back, which helps when putting these shoes on wet or sweaty feet.
Cons:
- The open-back design means that small pebbles or sand can sneak their way in and get trapped inside the sandal.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you keep sandals from stinking?
If you have a sweaty foot issue, you may feel like sandals aren’t the best idea. In fact, sandals provide airflow and circulation, which in turn will help with stinky, sweaty feet. To keep your sandals from smelling, be sure to wash them in an anti-bacterial soap on occasion, and allow them to fully dry out in the sun whenever possible.
How do you keep blisters from forming when wearing sandals?
It can take some time to break in your sandals, and blisters are often a common complaint. To avoid this, try breaking them in slowly. You can also use moleskin, which is a thin layer of adhesive padding that will protect sensitive skin.
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