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Something wonderful happened recently: Men’s sandals became stylish. Tyler, the Creator started wearing Suicoke sandals, Kanye started making his own slides, and fashionable people everywhere turned hippie Birkenstocks into an upscale staple for summer (and working from home). In other words, now is the time to slip into a pair of the best sandals for men.
If you’re looking to let your toes breathe, this new status of men’s sandals is great news. But, like all relatively fresh trends, it can be tricky to find the best sandals for men. There are still plenty of not-so-great sandals that won’t lend the relaxed style we’re going for right now.
Below are some of our favorite sandals currently available. They range from high-fashion statement pieces to weekend loungers, but there is one commonality: These men’s sandals are unquestionably comfortable. They’ll give your feet a breather — whether you’re hitting the grocery store or a resort, and, better still, they can be worn around the house with socks come wintertime.
What Are the Best Sandals for Men?
1. Birkenstock Arizona Sandals
Courtesy Zappos.com
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).
2. Nisolo Huaraches
Courtesy Nisolo
Huaraches are sandals 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.
3. Teva Original Universal
Courtesy Zappos.com
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.
4. Crocs Classic Clog
Courtesy Zappos.com
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 such as “Lime Punch,” linked below. Pair them with other warm-weather staples like swim trunks, tees and Hawaiian shirts.
5. Birkenstock Boston
Courtesy Zappos.com
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. The Bostons also come in a range of colors and leather materials, including taupe suede, black leather, brown oiled leather and more.
6. OOFOS Ooahh Luxe
Courtesy Zappos.com
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.
7. Nike Victori One Slide
Courtesy Nike
For a more athletic look, go for Nike’s Victori One slides. With a bold Nike logo across the strap and a minimal overall design, they’re ripe for pairing with streetwear pieces like basketball or sweat shorts, tees and hoodies. The footbed is made of super-soft foam, lending recovery benefits after workouts and sports as well as lounging comfort on any occasion.
8. Rainbow ‘301Alts’ Sandal
Courtesy Nordstrom
Flip-flops are still the GOAT in terms of breathable, summer-ready comfort. At the head of the pack is Rainbow, a California brand that’s been making some of the best flip-flops in the game since 1974. Perhaps the main reason why Rainbow’s flip-flops are so good is their leather footbed; it conforms to your foot over time, getting more comfortable and more secure (so you can actually walk easily in flip-flops). We also like the sandals’ classic, no-frills design — ideal for pairing with shorts, tees and beers.
9. Adidas Yeezy Ridged Sole Slides
Courtesy Farfetch
These modern, high-fashion Yeezy sandals feature a 100 percent rubber construction, a beefy silhouette with ridged soles and muted color options. Kanye likes to wear them with hoodies and sweat shorts, but they also look great with an oversized button-up or a simple white tee. The slides make a subdued statement in any case, whether you’re lounging by the hotel pool or heading to the club on a warm summer’s night.
10. Suicoke Buckle-Fastening Slides
Courtesy Farfetch
Tech slides, such as these Suicokes, have become a favorite with streetwear aficionados. The Suicokes feature a military-inspired look with olive and military green colors and a paneled design. This bold look makes the Suicokes a great alternative to sneakers when the weather gets too hot. Plus, the dual buckle-fastened strap is large enough for a secure fit while walking.
