With the summer heat in full swing, you may be facing the annual dilemma of finding the best sandals. Do you go for flip flops that don’t provide much support but are perfect for the beach? What about dress sandals to wear when meeting friends for happy hour?
If you’re like most men, you want sandals that are more supportive than a flip flop but are still water-friendly, durable, and easy to wear. Enter the Teva Original Universal Urban Sandals. These are our best sandals overall, sporting comfortable velcro straps and rubber outsoles that stand up to the heat.
Here is a curated collection of the best “mandals” that will have you looking sleek without sacrificing comfort.
Best Overall Sandals for Men
The neutral, all-purpose Teva Original Universal Sandals are perfect for active men. The durable rubber outsole is tough enough to last you through several seasons, and there are adjustable straps across the ankle and above the toes, so the shoes feel sturdy.
These lightweight Teva sandals are great travel companions, ideal for beach days, exploring new cities, and walking around trails (even with a heavy backpack).
Price: 0.00$
Pros
- Durable
- Adjustable straps
- Lightweight
Cons
- Feet may get sweaty
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Best Men's Sandals for Walking
Chacos are one of those sandals that seem to last forever, and the Chaco Z/Cloud Sandals are where comfort meets durability. Though you can use these shoes for any activity, they’ll really shine on the trail.
The ChacoGrip rubber outsoles provide stability on rocky and uneven terrain, and the LUVSEAT PU footbeds help you go longer distances. Summer adventures, here you come!
Price: 0.00$
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Great grip
- Comfy footbed
Cons
- Straps may rub against skin
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Best Men's Sandals for Hiking
If you plan on doing a lot of hiking this summer, you’ll want footwear that helps you go the distance. The Keen Clearwater CNX Sandals provide great stability and support and perform great as water shoes.
With TPU stability shanks and PU midsoles, your feet won’t get as tired after hours of walking. The hydrophobic mesh lining helps the shoes stay on your feet as you wade through rivers and creeks.
Price: 0.00$
Pros
- Great stability
- Supportive
- Water-friendly
Cons
- Not great for wearing in the city
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Best Flip Flops for Men
Flip flops are simply a summer essential, and it’s best to have durable ones that won’t break after a few wears. The Havaiana Brazil Sandals are both stylish and dependable.
These classic flip flops are comfortable, well-made, non-slip, and water-resistant. They’re also heat resistant for holding up over hot pavement and sand.
Price: 0.00$
Pros
- Non-slip
- Heat resistant
- Water-resistant
Cons
- No arch support
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Best Men's Dress Sandals
Level up your summer outfits with the classic Birkenstock Boston Oiled Leather Mules. These shoes have a cult-like following for a good reason: the cork footbed makes them supremely comfortable, and the thick leather uppers look classy and are built to last.
While these shoes aren’t the best for being by the water, the ergonomic fit and roomy toe box make them ideal for everyday use.
Price: 0.00$
Pros
- Orthopedic footbed
- Comfortable
- Classy design
Cons
- Shouldn’t get wet
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Best Sandals with Arch Support
If you’re looking for a super comfortable shoe with a cushioned sole, the Ecco Exowrap Sandals are a great choice. The secret lies in the carefully crafted footbed, which is layered with soft microfiber and injected with Ecco Fluidform, helping the shoe contour to your feet.
The sandals stay gripped to your feet thanks to the three wide Velcro straps, and unlike with other hiking-style sandals, there’s no break-in period.
Price: 0.00$
Pros
- Supportive footbed
- Secure fit
- Sleek look
Cons
- Bulkier than other sandals
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Best Quality Leather Sandals
As versatile as they are comfortable, the Birkenstocks Arizona Birko Flor Sandals are great for any occasion. The simple double strap design and neutral colours compliment any outfit.
Thanks to the bouncy cork footbed, these slides feel comfortable on the feet. Plus, the adjustable straps let you dial in the fit to be as snug or relaxed as you like.
Price: 0.00$
Pros
- High-quality
- Good arch support
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Sizing runs big
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Most Comfortable Sandals for Men
Casual and comfortable, the adidas Adilette Comfort Slides are perfect for chilling by the beach or pool.
The contoured footbed supports your feet, and the lightweight design makes them easy to throw into your bag. The sleek Adidas logo pattern gives any poolside outfit a sporty touch.
Price: 0.00$
Pros
- Contoured sole
- Lightweight
- Sporty design
Cons
- Not the most versatile
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Best Velcro Sandals for Men
Merrell is known for making high-performance hiking footwear, and the Kahuna Web Sandals are no exception. The Vibram outsole offers reliable grip on rocky surfaces, while the velcro uppers are easy to adjust.
There’s also a shock-absorbing Merrell Air Cushion in the heel to help prevent injury and alleviate foot pain.
Price: 0.00$
Pros
- Shock absorbing heel
- Vibram outsole
- Weather-resistant
Cons
- Long break-in period
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Best Beach Sandals for Men
If you’re looking for a slip-on sandal to wear while doing yard work or going to the beach, the Merrell Hydro Moc Shoes are an interesting choice.
They have a croc-like design and comfort-enhancing technology, such as an EVA midsole and a secure heel strap. There are also 2mm lugs to power through mud and sand, plus large drain holes to ensure water doesn’t stay inside.
Price: 0.00$
Pros
- EVA sole
- Heel strap
- 2mm lugs
Cons
- Limited to casual wear
Brand Name | Product Type
How to choose the right sandals
Having the right sandals makes summertime activities like going to the beach and walking along trails much more enjoyable. Based on your priorities this season, here’s a handy guide for choosing the right sandals or slides.
Styles
Walking or Hiking Sandals
If you’re an active person, hiking sandals that offer stability and support are a must-have. These shoes typically have support in the footbed, such as EVA foam, a rubberized outsole that prevents slips and falls, and adjustable straps for a secure fit.
Walking sandals are great if you plan to spend your vacations and weekends exploring state parks and hiking trails.
Flip Flops
Flip flops shouldn’t be your only summer shoes because of their lack of support, but they’re a great addition to have in your closet. Instead of buying five-dollar flip-flops from the supermarket, it’s a good idea to invest in more durable ones.
Look for flip flops with heat and water-resistant technology, comfy footbeds, and high-quality materials if you want them to last many seasons.
Slides
Like flip flops, slides are an affordable but cool addition to your summer sandal collection. The best ones have eye-catching patterns that will add spark to a neutral wardrobe.
Foam footbeds are an added comfort bonus – handy if you want to wear your slides beyond just the beach and the pool.
Dress Sandals
Sleek dress sandals are a must-have for summer dinners and dates. Elevate your outfits by choosing ones with leather uppers, such as the classic Birkenstock Bostons or Arizona’s.
Huarache Sandals
The on-trend Huarache sandals are closed-toe Mexican sandals made from woven leather. These classy sandals look stylish with jeans, chinos, and shorts, plus the design keeps your feet cool in the summer heat.
The Sole
It’s best to find sandals with a solid rubber outsole to ensure great traction. Thick soles go a way to prevent injuries from slips and falls and are suitable for walking long distances.
A thick rubber sole also helps with shock absorption and provides energy return.
Support
A shoe’s support system can mean the difference between foot cramps and getting through a heavy walking day with ease.
EVA foam midsoles are a solid choice for providing lightweight comfort and support. PU foam is another midsole material which doesn’t compress over time and can hold up better than EVA. Most sandals have a combination of the two.
The sandal should also have generous arch support to help prevent heel pain. In other words, a supportive sandal should be contoured and thick.
Strapping system
Look for shoes with straps that don’t rub against the skin or dig into it. Hiking or walking sandals such as Chacos or Keens have nylon straps that help keep feet secure without being too tight.
Birkenstocks, on the other hand, have sturdy leather straps that don’t fit as tightly, so the feet will move around a bit more.
Materials
As with finding sandals with ample support, choosing the right materials is essential.
Sandals made with rubber can give good protection and support and are easy to clean. Leather is durable enough to withstand the summer heat, but will require more care and is harder to clean. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance sandal, rubber is likely the better choice.
The Bottom Line
Though there are many styles of summer sandals, finding ones that strike a balance between comfort and style doesn’t have to be complicated. Simply consider the activities you’ll use your sandals for, and choose accordingly.
If you’re looking for an all-around, multi-use sandal, our top recommendation is the Teva Original Universal Sandals. They have durable rubber soles and sturdy velcro straps to take you everywhere you need to go this season.
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