Have you ever walked up to your closet and realized you were missing an important piece of footwear? Believe me when I say I’ve been there, and in my experience, it’s hard to successfully go to the beach or pool without a pair of stylish men’s sandals. Sure, they’re easy to get into, but they also deliver essential functionality (like holding a slippery pool deck), and simple style.
These days, sandals can be as stylish and comfortable as sneakers, a far cry from the bargain-bin flip-flops found in beach shops.
We here at WERD think you should do the “hard” work early and make it easier on yourself and your feet by picking up the best men’s sandals. Personally, I prefer a pair that has both built-in technology (again, the grippy sole comes to mind) and a touch of style that even allows for a good look away from the water, back on the boardwalk.
The options are many, some featuring subtle style, some combining technology with athletic sneaker rivals, and others doing a little (and more) of both.
There are sandals made for hiking and made for lounging, for example, but they are all made for comfort, style and utility in their own way. These are my favorite pairs of sandals to rock this season.
Why did I choose it?
OluKai sandals have rich Hawaiian heritage, to be sure, but the use of a water-resistant strap and incredibly lightweight design take these sturdy sandals to the next level. Also, they are built on an EVA footbed for a flexible, grippy and durable design.
OluKai Ohana Beach Sandals
Of all the places one might think of wearing sandals, stepping on a sandy beach is certainly one of them–and OluKai, whose image combines the words “comfort” and “sea” knows this well, in the best possible way. This pair includes touches like waterproof straps with an EVA footbed for maximum comfort all day long.
REEF Drift Classic Leather Sandals
I don’t know about you, but I personally am drawn to sandals made of rich leather with an added dash of heritage style. If you feel the same way, REEF sandals are for you.
The surf-inspired brand makes sandals that check all the right boxes you’d hope for in one of the best pairs on the market, starting with a leather upper that’s made using a premium leather upper.
Their careful design approach extends to the center made from recycled cane. Make sure this pair is in your weekend bag, without a doubt, the next time you embark on a beach vacation.
Nike Benassi Athletic Sandals
As well as Nike’s classic and highly functional athletic sneakers, the brand also makes a range of non-functional gear to help athletes and enthusiasts alike recover. In my experience, Nike doesn’t skimp on quality or sleek style, even outside of the company’s standard training gear. In fact, Nike sandals were one of the first pairs I bought on my own as a young player in my coaching days.
These sandals, with a subtle black design, are the perfect choice after you’ve spent hours at the gym wearing Nike sneakers. Plus, they’re priced at less than $50, so you can save a few hard-earned dollars in the process.
KEEN Targhee III Open Toe Sandals
Of all the ways you can wear sandals, getting out on the trail might not be the first thing you dream of–however, that’s where KEEN comes in with the beautifully designed KEEN Targhee III.
I hope the brand’s sturdy boots will get me from A to B to places beyond the trail. That same approach to durability, rugged appeal and comfortable shoe technology holds true with (perhaps) the ultimate pair of hiking sandals.
It features reliable lug traction on the outsole for a comfortable ride underfoot, and waterproof leather for all-day wear.
Reef Phantom sandals
Reef sandals are stylish enough on the surface, but it’s the use of design details such as water-resistant synthetic nubuck that really make them perfect for all things summer.
They also have a three-layer traction system, so you can easily go from the beach to the city and back again.
Sanuk Beer Cozy Sandals
Sanuk sandals are a treat for your feet, both in terms of their slim, versatile style and their durable-yet-comfortable design.
The padded footbed is a big selling point, as is the non-slip grip for longevity. Wear these all summer long without missing a beat.
Rainbow Sandals Classic
Sometimes, keeping things simple is the right move – especially if you want to slip into some of the best sandals for men, literally, and keep things rolling. Rainbow sandals make it easy to do just that, combining a simple but hot rubber footbed with a durable nylon strap in a range of neutral color options. Throw in a reasonable price (just a shade over $40), and you’re back in business.
Adidas Alphabounce Slides
When you’ve spent all day in the waves (or all morning at the gym), sometimes, it pays to keep the comfort on top of your head—that’s the case with these simple slides, the kind with a bold rubber construction, for starters. The design is simple and subtle, the perfect change of pace from wearing Adidas sneakers to work out.
TEVA Reflip Sandals
Sometimes, you need a set of the best sandals that are built for more than just sleeping on the floor.
TEVA’s quick-dry Reflip sandals boast recycled materials and a practical web design that sticks to your foot and doesn’t slip when crossing small streams and traversing coastal trails.
Quiksilver Carver Suede Sandals
In my experience, it’s the little details that lift the best men’s sandals from the pack, like the use of rich, soft suede in these stylish Quiksilver sandals.
All day at the beach and on the boardwalk wearing Quiksilver swim trunks, you’ve just found your new favorite sandals.