The Best Sandals for Men, Tested by Style Experts

Over the last couple years, Havaianas’ flip flops have become cool again, thanks to luxury brands sending elevated thong sandals down the runway. In summer 2025, I first sported mine in St. Kitts, where I spent most of my time in the sand and on the resort. Thanks to the rice patterns on the footbed, I didn’t slip at any moment. The slim profile and minimalist strap design make them look far sleeker than the average bulky beach flip-flop, especially with baggy shorts or wide-led trousers paired with a loose tank top.

While the rubber sole feels soft and comfortable, I probably wouldn’t wear them for an entire day of heavy walking since minimal footbed and thong strap can start chafe after serious mileage. Still, the Brazilian-inspired details—like the country’s national flag along the straps and colors in the sole—make it feel cooler than your average gas station flip flops.

After a hard workout or long day on my feet, Alo’s slide-sandal is the pair I slip into. I find its cloud-like EVA insole feels like a burst of relief. Plus the rubber sole gives a solid grip on slick floors after stepping out of a gym shower. I also like the padded strap that keeps the top of your foot comfortable without rubbing. It’s comfy as can be with plenty of rebounding support with a clean, minimal style. Aside from recovery, I’ve mostly been wearing mine on morning coffee runs and long pool days with my shorts or trunks, but it’s one of my go-to house sandals whenever my feet need a break.

Like flip flops’ meteoric rise, the fisherman sandal is having a moment, thanks to the ugly-cool trend pushed by luxury brands like Prada and The Row. Vinny’s take leans especially refined, with a woven suede upper and closed-toe design that make it far easier to dress up than most sandals. It gives you breathability while still looking polished enough to wear with loose trousers, tailored shorts, or even a relaxed summer suit.

I’ve been wearing mine with wide-leg pants lately, but they also look surprisingly good with white socks. The tradeoff is that the suede construction requires a little babysitting—you definitely don’t want to wear them in the rain or beat them up at the beach. Despite the luxe look, there’s barely any break-in period, so they feel comfortable right out of the box. Plus, the adjustable buckle closure keeps the fit secure. Sure, this pair has the highest price tag, but it delivers the richest, most fashion-forward look of the bunch.

This is easily one of the most versatile sandals you can own because it works for way more situations than you’d expect: poolside barbecues, beach trips, walking around town, or even light hikes thanks to the grippy outsole. Instead of stiff straps, the braided cord design flexes and moves with your foot, giving the sandal an airy, almost barefoot feel while still feeling secure.

You can tighten the cords for a more customized fit too, which makes them especially great if your feet swell in the heat or after long days outside. The footbed offers excellent arch support and cradles the natural contours of the feet. And because they’re washable, you never really have to baby them. Just rinse them off and keep going. The outdoorsy gorpcore look may not work with tailored fits, but that’s part of what makes them such an easy everyday summer beater.

Banana Republic’s leather sandal feels like it was designed specifically for vacation outfits. The crossover strap design looks sleek and elevated, especially paired with a camp-collar shirt, linen pants, or matching resort set. It’s also surprisingly accommodating for wider feet, thanks to the open shape and generous fit through the forefoot.

What I like most is that the faux leather and polyurethane construction doesn’t come off plasticky or cheap-looking. Underfoot, the footbed has a smooth, slightly responsive feel that molds nicely as you walk, giving them a more supportive feel than your average flat sandal. It’s easy to pack and feel comfortable to wear for hours during tourist activities, which is not something I say about every sandal I’ve tested.

Merrell’s closed-toe sandal is a great alternative that will safeguard your feet against rocks, roots and debris on the trail. The breathable design also has openings on the sides and at the heel to let water escape as you’re treading through rivers and creeks. I wore it during a wet hike, but its feet didn’t feel soggy after clocking serious mileage. The upper is made with breathable mesh and stretchy suede lining that conforms to the foot’s shape, reducing friction and the risk of blisters.

When I put on the sandal, there's a bungee lace system that allows you to tighten the fit without squeezing your foot to death. Inside, the EVA midsole feels cushy and comfortable enough to wear for hours, while the grooves in the rubber outsole provides lots of traction, preventing falls as I navigated slippery creek beds. The grippy rubber outsole keeps my feet firmly grounded.The gorpcore style won’t work with dressier fits, but it’s a true workhorse when it comes to taking on the great outdoors.

Most thong sandals look good for about an hour before your feet start begging for mercy, but not the case with Todd Snyder’s version. It’s one of the rare pairs that actually stays comfortable along the boardwalk, cobblestone streets, and sightseeing tours. The leather-lined foam footbed gives it a softer, more supportive feel underfoot, while the stacked heel with a rubber core adds a little stability and shock absorption when you’re walking. Even the leather toe post feels smoother and less irritating than most flip-flop-style sandals.

Style-wise, this goes with everything: relaxed jeans, various shorts, and swim trunks. The stitch-and-turn construction is part of why they feel so flexible right out of the box: the leather is stitched inside out and then turned outward during production, which hides the seams and creates a cleaner finish with less stiffness against your foot. I didn’t have to break them in, I could wear them immediately. They barely take up any real space in my suitcase when I’m packing for a vacation either. The only downside is the refined leather construction makes them feel a little too polished for rough beach or pool use.

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.