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The Best Sandals for Summer Vibes

We’ve picked out the 14 best sandals for men to wear this summer that are suitable for both the city and the beach.

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By Evan Malachosky

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Sandals are the unofficial shoes of summer. They’re easy to pack and quick to slip on, and they protect against hot sand — just don’t get caught wearing them to the office. From flip-flops to slip-ons, sport sandals to strap-ins, there are probably more options for your feet this summer than you thought.

But no matter whether you’re going to the beach, having a relaxed weekend in town or vacationing on the other side of the world, sandals are an essential element of any good summer wardrobe. Sure, they aren’t totally appropriate as part of a business outfit but that’s just the point. They provide a well-ventilated, comfortable experience for your feet during the hottest months of the year.

Types of Sandals

Flip-Flops

By definition, flip-flops are flat soles that the feet grasp via a Y-shaped strap, also known as a toe thong, between the first (big) and second (index) toes.

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Slides

Slides, by comparison, have a strap that goes over the instep to hold the feet in place. Said strap is typically thick to give you proper support, and there can sometimes be a rear support strap too.

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Sandals

Tevas… Chacos… these are sandals. Most are feature several straps and wear like shoes, meaning they won’t slip off when wet or while you’re in motion.

Slip-Ons

Anything open toe or open weave that slips on is a sandal. That means huaraches and other native designs count.

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Huaraches

A huarache is a sandal of Pre-Columbian Mexican origin traditionally made from leather and wood, but nowadays rubber. It’s assumed that farmers in rural communities wore them because of the region’s abundance of natural materials.

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Hiking Sandals

The best hiking sandals available today are robust: In fact, they’re about as substantial as they can be without losing the light and airy qualities that make them formidable summer footwear to begin with. Think: sticky rubber soles with heavy lugs, platforms molded for arch support and anti-blister soles.

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Best Overall Flip-Flop

Rainbow Classic Finished Leather Flip-Flop

“My favorite summer sandal is the classic single-layer leather Rainbow flip-flop. I’ve been wearing them since I worked in a surf shop at the age of 13. I love that they’ve been a surfer’s flip-flop for almost 45 years and the company is still owned and operated by the founder, Jay Longley. They’re timeless, easy, inexpensive, made well and they wear in beautifully. I think they’re best at around two years old.” — Chris Gentile, Founder of Pilgrim Surf Supply

“I’m generally not a big sandal guy but I wear the Birkenstock Arizonas to ride my mini skateboard to yoga. When you get out of hot yoga, you don’t want anything on your feet, and these are the closest things to that. The straps secure the feet enough for the board or the need to break into a light jog for any reason. They also serve as great house slippers for the summer months.” — Michael Maher, Cofounder and CEO Taylor Stitch

Learn more about Birkenstock here.

This water-friendly sandal is made entirely from injection-molded EVA: the base, the straps and the outsole. That makes them super lightweight, cheap and adjustable for any activity.

Read up on the Chacos vs Tevas debate.

“When my family and I moved to LA, I started spending a lot of time in flip-flops — at the beach, in our garden, taking the kids around the block. But it was hard on my back, and sometimes I feel like I look a little too California in them. I really like this pair of Malibu Sandals because they feel relaxed, but look great with anything and are comfortable. They were inspired by the Baja-style Mexican huarache sandals and have a 1960s vibe but with a very nice, contemporary-feeling spin. I also like that they’re not leather because it makes them easy to wash. You can just give them a scrub and put them to dry in the sun.” — Shinya Hasegawa, Cofounder of Battenwear

“I love the Yuketen Huaraches. The hand-woven vegetable-tanned leather upper feels very comfortable on skin and it ventilates very well so I can keep my feet fresh even in a very hot weather condition like when I go to Havana. The USA-made, lightweight Vibram Morflex sole also helps me walk around comfortably all day. These are handcrafted by a real Huaracheria in a mountain region in Mexico, and it is very special for me to wear something made by real artisans.” — Yuki Matsuda, Founder of Monitaly, Yuketen and Chamula

These easy-on Chaco sandals have a supportive midsole and non-marking outsole. They are more laid-back than traditional styles from the brand, appropriate for post-activity lounging.

Read up on the Chacos vs Tevas debate.

Rider’s R Next sandals are the convertible of the bunch. They feature a detachable heel strap that converts them to slip-ons, but with it, you’re wearing a sneaker-sandal hybrid capable of staying on through even the most strenuous of activities. There is, however, a footbed that’s quite the upgrade on your usual slides. (But, please, be safe if you choose to do something truly foolish in a pair of shoes akin to flip flops.)

Unlike Keen’s other sandals, these are decidedly off-duty sandals. The two-cord upper adapts to the foot’s shape and provides a lightweight PU midsole that gives support for hours of wear.

Designed for tired, achy feet, the HOKA ONE ONE Ora Slides are what the brand calls “recovery sandals.” They’re perfectly symmetrical to treat stiff, stressed arches and cushioned for maximum comfort. This colorway was done in collaboration with streetwear retailer Bodega.

Bodega is no newcomer to collaborations.

The resurgence in technical sandals has no doubt been headed by Japanese brand Suicoke and its KAW sandal is a key part of the movement. It features suede uppers with velcro nylon straps atop a comfy Vibram footbed and thick Vibram Morflex sole.

These classic black flip-flops are appropriate for the gym shower, the beach or weekend lounging. One of the most affordable options on the market, this style is available in a range of colors.

Since debuting in 1972, the Adidas Adilette has become a staple homebound or beachside. The molded footbed and cleat-inspired soles make for a sandal that’s as comfortable as it is durable.

Built for athletic recovery, OOFOS’ range of footwear has caught the eyes of the stylish set, earning designer collabs along the way. The unique aesthetics of its OOah Sandal are best compliments with a pair of baggies and a trippy t-shirt.

These are the best blue suede shoes sandals. Fit for formal occasions or casual walks, they’re made from leather footbeds and soles, contrasting German-made webbing and suede straps.

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