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Flip flops are having a moment this summer as Oughts fashion continues to dominate. Classic brands like Rainbow and Havaianas are popping up everywhere — both near the beach and deep inland — while luxury brands like The Row are putting out flip-flops of their own.
At a Glance: The Best Sandals for Men
Best Fisherman Sandal: Mephisto Sam
Most Versatile: Birkenstock Arizona Sandals
Best Huaraches: Nisolo Huaraches
Best Hiking Sandals: Keen Uneek
The Classics: Teva Original Universal
Best Waterproof: Crocs Classic Clog
Most Comfortable: OOFOS Ooahh
Best Closed-Toe: Birkenstock Boston
We love flip flops for their surf-inspired look and foot-freedom, but they’re not always the move. If you’re going anywhere even slightly more upscale, those foot thongs won’t cut it.
Luckily, there are plenty of other (more grown-up) options out there. The best men’s sandals include everything from stylish fisherman sandals to huaraches to Birkenstocks, offering plenty of ways to let your feet breathe.
The Best Sandals for Men
Below are some of the best sandals for men to check out this summer. They range from high-fashion statement pieces to weekend loungers, but they all have one thing in common: breezy comfort. They’ll help your feet stay cool — whether you’re hitting the grocery store or a resort — and, better still, they can be worn around the house with socks come wintertime.
Mephisto Sam Fisherman Sandal
$319
Buy Now on nordstrom
More dressy than most options but still breathable and comfy, fisherman sandals are one of the best sandals for men to wear this year. They’re so big right now that we had trouble finding good options in stock, but these premium Sam fisherman sandals from Mephisto are still in stock at Nordstrom. They feature a plush latex foam footbed and a soft pebbled leather upper that you can pair with shorts and tees or chinos and button-ups.
Birkenstock Arizona
$154.95
Buy Now on zappos
The Arizona, Birkenstock’s classic model, has moved on from its hippie phase. Now spotted on the likes of Seth Rogen, Chris Pine, and Kendal Jenner, Birkenstock Arizonas are a stylish means of getting comfy. And we mean comfy: they boast a contoured, suede footbed with internal layers of memory foam and cork. Over time, the sandals form to your feet and provide impressive support for vacation strolls or running errands. The premium leather straps on top come in a range of colors and textures (oiled leather options are linked below, and you can see suede choices here).
Nisolo Huaraches
$119
$150
21% off
Buy Now on nisolo
Huaraches are another great option for the well-dressed gent. Originating in Mexico, the sandals usually feature a closely woven leather build with a heel for security. We like this pair from Nisolo because they embrace a sophisticated style, resembling loafers more than sandals. They’re still very breathable and comfortable thanks to the woven build and a shock-absorbing foam midsole. Wear them with jeans and a crisp button-up when you need to get dressy in the heat.
Keen Uneek
$140
Buy Now on huckberry
High-performance sandals are a thing; just look at these Keen Uneeks. The upper is made of flexible cords, and the sole features rugged traction. Together, this provides responsiveness and grip for quick walks or scrambling over rocks and roots. They’re a little quirky, but we also like the unique look as a fashion statement when you’re not on the trail.
Teva Original Universal
$60
Buy Now on rei
Dad fashion has carved out a significant spot in the fashion world, and Tevas are part of that movement. With just a few narrow polyester straps, the original Tevas are as breathable as they come (second only to flip-flops, perhaps). The polyester straps, along with the EVA footbed, are water-resistant and quick-drying for walking on the beach or wading through a creek. We recommend pairing them with slim chinos or jeans and a tee (socks optional) for the skater-meets-dad look that the most stylish celebs are rocking right now.
Crocs Classic Clog
$40.89
$49.99
18% off
Buy Now On Amazon
Crocs used to be a punchline with stylish people. Now, those same stylish people can’t stop wearing the thermoplastic clogs. Since making a comeback, Crocs have even collaborated with Post Malone, Justin Bieber, and Bad Bunny. They’re perfectly ridiculous — especially in bold colors. Pair them with other warm-weather staples like swim trunks, tees, and Hawaiian shirts.
OFOS Ooahh
$49.90
$59.95
17% off
Buy Now On Amazon
Both casual and high-performance athletes are investing in recovery slides. The best examples, such as these aptly-named OOFOS Ooahhs, cradle the foot for a soothing, rejuvenating effect after tough runs and workouts. They can help reduce pain in key areas (i.e., the knees, lower back, and ankles), but, more importantly, they just feel great. We like wearing them around the house at any time, even on rest days.
Birkenstock Boston
$169.99
Buy Now on zappos
The Bostons are another Birkenstock model that has become wildly popular recently — especially for lounging at home during quarantine. With a covered-toe design, the Bostons are easier to wear like sneakers than sandals (say, in a restaurant), yet still extremely comfortable and airy. They also boast a suede, foam, and cork footbed that molds to your foot with use and offers arch support for longer walks.
