These Great-Looking Sandals Will Fire Up Your Summer Fits (2024)

The combination of comfort, versatility in styling, and incredibly long lifespan is why Birkenstock's popular silhouette takes the crown in our list of the best sandals for men. According to board-certified foot surgeon Brad Schaeffer, D.P.M. who has worn these Birks for years, their design plus support structure work together to offer everyday comfort. "They have a solid cork footbed and contouring for our arch and toe box. I love the overall feel and wearability of these sandals and have been wearing them since my teen years," says Dr. Schaeffer.

What we love the most about Arizona is the comfort of the footbed. Made of cork and latex which is extra soft and supportive, not only does it mold to the feet but also offers cushioning that will make you feel like walking on sponges. We love that the straps feel easy to adjust—and don’t chafe on the skin. The EVA sole feels lightweight and flexible when we walk, but because of the overall city-friendly design and the fact that a suede upper isn’t quick-drying, we wouldn’t recommend you wearing these Birks to places in the great outdoors.

On the other hand, they’re a solid option to pack for vacation as you can wear them to the beach, dinner and around the resort. In terms of styling, Birks can go with a camp collar shirt and pleated trousers as well as a bathing suit.

Read more: Best Flip-Flops With Arch Support

The Restfeel Slide prioritizes post-workout recovery. With dual-density cushioning that blends a softer foam for comfort with a firmer foam for support, this design provides your feet relief whether it’s after a run or on rest days. Plus, the upper strap is made to cushion the top of your foot and keep your toes in place.

If you want a sandal that offers soothing comfort as you recoup from finishing a marathon or a vigorous treadmill session, this is your best bet. They’re comfy as can be with plenty of rebounding support with a clean, minimal style. Apart from wearing them around the house, we’ve slipped into these sandals on morning coffee runs and long pool days.

Read More: Best Recovery Shoes

The next time you head out for a ride in the wild, your feet will thank you for putting them in Danner’s leather sandals. We have strapped these bad boys onto our feet and were impressed by how fit they are once the strap is tweaked and tightened, like a custom-made hug. We were also impressed by how tanky they are with a sturdy, extra grippy sole that has survived us kicking rocks, trudging through muddy rails, and dipping in shallow river water in them. Really, the outsole can survive an apocalypse.

But the real star of Danner’s sandals is the comfort. We tested out the PU (polyurethane) footbed it has and were amazed by how it molds to our feet to provide support that's borderline out of this world. We’re talking about cloud-like cushioning that will keep your underfoot and arch happy all day long in the wild. All in all, with these sandals, you shall conquer the mountain. Lastly, because style points should always be considered, we especially approve of the rugged dad style that is everyday-friendly and easy to work into your wardrobe.

Suede sandals tend to give your outfit a little extra flair with some texture, making you stand out from the crowd. There’s no exception for Vince’s thong-style design. You can get away with wearing it for both casual and dressier occasions.

Compared to other sandals on this list, this option doesn’t have the best traction to handle rough terrain or slippery slopes. On a brighter note, it does have a slight platform for a bit of comfort, but we suggest wearing it for shorter periods rather than extended outings. Either way, you can slide this sandal on with your finest linen pants or shorts and channel your inner Theo James in White Lotus.

A closed-toe sandal is a great alternative that will safeguard your feet against rocks, roots and debris on the trail. Enter Merrell’s waterproof version. It’s designed with an athletic fit, breathable mesh and Lyrcra lining, which conforms to the shape of the foot and reduces friction that could lead to discomfort or blisters. The lace system has a single-pull tightening mechanism that allows you to adjust your feet with hardly any effort and get the perfect fit.

This particular silhouette may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it really shines in the great outdoors to protect our pinkies from external impact or even injuries. We found that we can rely heavily on the rubber outsole to provide ample traction and prevent potential slip and falls in the midst of wet conditions. It’s also worth noting that this sandal won’t make you look out of place if you need to make a last-minute trip to the post office or grocery store.

Looking to mix things up while keeping the same level of effortless comfort? Clogs are never a bad idea. Take Ralph Lauren’s silhouette made in long-lasting, durable leather. It’s a more elegant spin on the classic Birk model with a closed-toe profile, perfect for backyard BBQs and park picnics.

What’s even more impressive is the jute-and-crepe sole, which is a unique combination of natural materials—providing flexibility, durability, excellent traction and shock absorption. In other words, it’s a great choice to wear on various surfaces for an extended period of time.

While some clogs can be an eyesore, these are anything but cringey. In fact, we like to style them with a button-down shirt and straight-leg jeans. Perhaps if you’re catching an early morning flight, they will also go with a casual travel outfit like a hoodie and sweats. You can easily slip them on and off at security checkpoints.

​​When it comes to reliable performance and enduring comfort, TEVA’s Hurricane Xlt2 rises above the rest. Thanks to the robust EVA footbed, these sandals can deliver enhanced support that will last long for city walkers and day hikers. In addition, the nylon shank plays a crucial role in stabilizing and supporting the feet—even on uneven terrain or if you’re power walking—to grant you the ability to strut in sandals. The straps or webbing are engineered for rapid drying and provide extensive adjustability, ensuring your feet remain both comfortable and secure at the same time.

What most impressed us about the Hurricane Xlt2 is its outsole which offers extraordinary traction for the price. In the past, we've worn these on rafting trips and made out nicely since the exceptional traction of the sole did not give off once—even on the raft’s wet surface. During a hike in a state national park where the terrain was uneven and bumpy, the grooved outsole still managed to have a solid grip on the ground to make the journey smoother. The webbings, however, will chafe on the skin if they're too tight, so be sure to test the fit before you actually walk in these.

Whether you’re enjoying an all-inclusive resort or discovering a new tourist attraction, a vacation sandal is essential to complete your getaway wardrobe. The good news is Cole Haan has a cross-strap leather style that goes with everything including your best shorts and polo shirts. Not to mention, the more you wear this model, the better it molds to your foot.

Perfect for daytime explorations and evening outings, this sandal is well-suited for your entire itinerary. We felt confident checking out the rocky shores and rugged terrain since its footbed is comfortably padded and supported by a high-traction sole. And hey, those cross straps are not just for show—they’re positioned to make sure your feet feel supported and steady as you stroll or stand around.

How to Choose the Best Types of Sandals for Men?

We've interviewed multi-board certified podiatrist Mark Mendeszoon, D.P.M. to help you figure out the different types of sandals for your intended activities.

Slides

In general, slides, not unlike the ones you wear to shower, are great for lounging or hanging at the poolside. Recovery slides are a breed of sandals to be worn after workouts or sports to help relax muscles since they generally support the arch with good cushioning, according to Dr. Mendeszoon. "These are generally recommended to be utilized for minimal walking activity," he adds.

Outdoors/Hiking Sandals

Dr. Mendeszoon says that these often have a closed-toe design—or at least have several durable strappings or webbings if they're open-toe, as seen in the Teva and Danner sandals featured above—to protect the ankle, in addition to a durable outsole and a molded arch footbed.

Dress Sandals

While the dress sandals are often made of higher quality materials, and the ones we've tested here—such as Todd Snyder and Cole Haan—all fit and feel comfortable, Dr. Mendeszoon recommends them only for warm weather offer activities that don't require a lot of heavy walking.

How We Tested the Best Sandals for Men

The best sandals for men are versatile to excel in different settings, from casual wear in the city or around the neighborhood to navigating challenging terrains. At Men's Health, we tested sandals comprehensively as well as have spoken to a panel of experts in style, travel, and footwear (such as stylists, fashion designers, seasoned travelers, and podiatrists) to find the best sandals for men. Our testing team ventured through various environments in them—like sporting them to hike, raft, stroll by the beach, lounge by the pool, run errands, and attend casual events in summer—to see how each pair of sandals compared to each other.

Comfort Test

We meticulously evaluated the cushioning, arch support, and overall fit of each pair. We examined whether the straps or webbings cause friction against our skin, tried the fit right out of the box to see if they required breaking in or sizing up/down, and paid special attention to the footbed materials as well as the flexibility of the outsole to guarantee optimum comfort without compromising durability.

Traction Test

We rigorously examined the grip of the outsoles by wearing these sandals on a variety of terrains, anything from treacherous rocks and sandy beaches to wet, slippery pavements. We closely investigated how the sole’s lug patterns, materials, and depth worked together to offer grip on the ground before determining their traction level.

Durability Test

To see if the sandals provide solid grounding while being able to withstand extensive wear and tear, we evaluated the materials, stitching, and overall construction to feel how sturdy and balanced they are. The best sandals for men we’ve tested and selected have in fact survived exposure to abrasive surfaces as well as water immersion.

Versatility Test

More than just about style or whether this particular pair of sandals looks great with X, Y, or Z (though we certainly embraced options that are classic-looking), our versatility test is based upon performance and the activities each pair is suitable for. So we meticulously assessed whether the sandals can be worn for hiking, water sports, walking, casual everyday wear, etc. In addition, we scrutinized features—such as patented tech or specialized materials—to ensure they meet the demands of various outdoor pursuits.

Meet the Experts

• Dr. Bradley Schaeffer is a foot & ankle surgeon and owner of Central Park SOLE
• Mark J. Mendeszoon, D.P.M. is a multi-board certified podiatrist / foot and ankle surgeon

Why Trust Us

At Men’s Health, our testing editors and writers always make sure to actually test and use the products ourselves before considering whether to include them. Therefore, rest assured that our product recommendations derive from first-hand experience, and you can read more about our testing process here.

For instance, we have a whole fashion closet in our NYC office dedicated to calling in, trying out, and selecting the best and newest menswear products. We put them on stylish, fit guys to hear their opinions and see how the items look on them before making our final decision. And as style editors, we constantly go into the fashion closet to feel a product’s materials—even put it on ourselves for a spin—to test it.

Lastly, you can trust our opinions on shopping recommendations, whether it’s the products, styling tips, or trends. Not only do we have Fashion Director Ted Stafford and Deputy Editor, Commerce Christian Gollyan, but we also have a panel of style experts—including stylists, fashion influencers, designers, etc.—whom we regularly seek shopping guides from. Therefore, our product recommendations and buying tips are all driven by professional, expert opinions.

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