When the mercury rises, there’s no greater feeling than kicking off those sneakers and giving your feet some relief. However, if you believe that sandals are merely a fancy name for flip-flops that you slip on for a quick jog to the beach, then you’re in for a surprise. The right pair of sandals can take you from a backyard barbecue to a weekend vacation, all while helping you stay cool and put together.
Styles That Will Keep You Cool
The men’s sandal market has evolved significantly from the days of simple rubber thongs. Today, you can shop for men’s casual sandals that not only look good but also prevent your feet from becoming sweatboxes.
Slide sandals are having a huge moment in the fashion world right now. These slip-on stunners are all about effortless wear; just slide your foot in, and you’re good to go. They’re great for post-gym showers, running errands, or just lounging by the pool. Slides have evolved to the point where they now range from simple leather designs to sporty versions with contoured footbeds. The secret is finding a pair with a moulded footbed that actually supports your arch, as opposed to feeling like you’re walking on cardboard.
Sport sandals are taking the game a bit further. With adjustable straps, tough soles, and secure fits, they’re designed for hiking trails, river crossings, and basically any adventure where flip-flops would be a complete disaster. The catch? They’re definitely more “outdoor enthusiast” than “minimalist chic,” but if you’re an active guy, that’s exactly what you want.
Fisherman sandals are a great compromise between being casual and somewhat more put-together. These closed-toe shoes with a woven leather upper provide better coverage for your feet while still allowing for airflow. They work quite well for casual summer looks and might even work in a business casual setting if you’re feeling adventurous.
Flip flops are still worth mentioning, because, well, sometimes you just need something to protect your feet from the hot pavement. Comfortable, light, orthotic thongs can provide pain relief for sore feet. Invest in quality flip flops with proper arch support and sturdy straps that will last you a lot longer than those $5 gas station pairs.
Finding the Right Fit
This is where many men go wrong: they treat sandals like shoes and grab their usual size without trying them on. Sandals are different, and if you don’t get the fit right, you’ll end up with blisters, sore feet, and that weird shuffle-walk thing where your sandal doesn’t quite stay on your foot.
Choose the Right Size
Your foot should fit comfortably on the footbed without spilling over the edges or feeling too loose in the toe area. When you’re standing up straight, there should be a quarter-inch gap between your toes and the front of the sandal, and your heel shouldn’t go past the back.
Check the Straps
The straps should be tight enough so that the sandal stays on your foot when you walk, but not so tight that it cuts into your skin or leaves marks. If your sandal has adjustable straps, take a few minutes to adjust them correctly – it will make a world of difference in comfort. You should be able to lift your foot and have the sandal come with it without having to curl your toes.
Walk Around
Take a walk around the store. Is your foot slipping around? Are the straps rubbing anywhere? Is there actual arch support, or does it feel like you’re walking on a piece of plywood? Good men’s casual sandals should feel comfortable right away; there’s no “breaking in” period like with leather shoes.
Notice the Footbed
This is what makes the difference between pairs that you can wear all day and pairs that will leave your feet screaming after an hour. You want contoured footbeds that will match the shape of your foot. Memory foam or cork footbeds will mould to your feet, while EVA foam is lightweight and perfect for active sandals.
Styling Tips
Okay, so you’ve got the right pair. Now what? The great thing about casual sandals for men is that they’re much more versatile than you think, as long as you follow a few simple rules.
Keep things proportional. If you’re wearing chunky sport sandals, pair them with more relaxed, casual clothing, like cargo shorts, tees, or athletic wear. Minimalist leather slides go well with tapered shorts or even slim-fit linen pants. If you’re wearing bulky sports sandals, you need loose-fitting clothing. If you’re wearing sleek leather slides, you can pull off more fitted clothing.
Shorts are your best bet. This is a no-brainer, but it’s worth repeating: sandals work best with shorts, swim trunks, or rolled-up pants. Unless you’re going for a very specific look, avoid wearing sandals with full-length pants. It just doesn’t look right.
Think about the occasion. Slides are perfect for casual outings and running errands. Sport sandals are excellent for outdoor activities and weekend excursions. Leather fisherman sandals can handle slightly dressier occasions like casual dinners or brewery outings. But here’s the catch: sandals are never, ever acceptable at weddings, job interviews, or nice restaurants.
The truth is, the best casual male sandals are the ones you feel comfortable wearing. Pick a design that fits your lifestyle, make sure they fit, throw on your shades and don’t worry too much about the fashion guidelines. Summer is too short to spend it in uncomfortable shoes, or uncomfortable sandals, for that matter.
