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By Gerald Ortiz and Michella Ore
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If slipping into a pair of the best sandals for men is the last thing on your mind right now, you're missing out. Sandals aren't just summer footwear anymore; they're vacation footwear (if you're trapped in the north) or nice-day footwear (if you're living in Miami swelter or L.A. sunshine) or “fuck it, I'm wearing sandals today” footwear once you break out some socks and realize that if there's no snow, sandals are a go. (We've been championing the idea of winterizing your summer footwear for years, and we're not about to stop now.)
As an added bonus, chillier months mean sandal sales are heating up. We're seeing a few of our favorites pairs get some lovely discounts (though don't hold your breath for bargains on Birks—they remain fairly sale-proof). Whether you're shopping for a mid-winter vacation or just to re-up your free-air footwear, we're turned up the absolute best slides, clogs, and sandals for men—along with some superlative flip-flops (gasp!)—to keep your feet free and your fits impeccable.
Arizona Soft Footbed Leather Sandal
Material: Oiled Leather Sizes: 39-46
What, were you really expecting something else? Birkenstock has reigned supreme atop the sandal world for well over two centuries for a reason: namely, the brand's perfect blend of comfort, quality, and style. Their sandals are handcrafted in Germany using top-tier leathers and suedes atop and then set atop a cushion-y cork footbed that moulds to your feet over time. They fit it into every style camp, whether you're some version of normcore, outdoors enthusiast, high-fashion snob or hypebeast. The Arizona is Birks' most iconic model, and whether they're your first or your 45th, it's high time you slipped into a new pair.
Unless you live by the beach, sandals aren't really a year-round affair. So there's no real need to splurge on a pair that you might only wear on occasion, right? But that doesn't mean you have to sacrifice good design or quality in the name of saving a buck. Enter, the Alex Crane Primo sandal. Each pair is made in Oaxaca, Mexico in a generations-old factory by skilled leather craftspeople. Not only that, Alex Crane uses ethically-sourced raw leather which is vegetable-dyed and painted by hand in a spectrum of deep, rich colors so you know that you'll be walking in premium materials. They're the kind of sandals that look like you get to your tropical vacation in first class, but the good news is that they're just $85. Primo is right!
Material: Recycled PET Plastic Sizes: 7-14
Turns out webbed feet aren't such a bad thing. The world of men’s sandals hasn’t been quite the same since Keen debuted it’s freaky, water-friendly slides in 2014. With a webbed bungee cord upper forming a closed toe and a sturdy midsole flush with arch support, it’s no surprise trailblazers have been trading their hiking boots for aired-out toes thanks to the Uneek. Slip these on before you hit the woods—or when you’re looking to hit a quick errand in the city during wet season.
Sometimes, your spontaneous walk around the block turns into a spontaneous walk around the park. When that happens, Nike's Oneonta sandal—equipped with an extra-grippy tread to keep you grounded, and a drawstring closure at the heel for a secure fit—is the shoe to reach for. Slip ‘em on before your next impromptu hike and you’ll be well-prepared to scale a few rocks or quickly skip-walk past that cute lil' spring you come across. No one will even know you were dressing for function—they'll simply think your shoes look really dope.
Modern technology is great and all, but when it comes to footwear, the human touch reign supreme. Nisolo's huaraches are handmade in Peru, not far from the silhouette's origins, from a water-resistant leather that'll keep your toes well-protected from surprise poolside splashes. Not every pair of sandals on this list can stand up to a relaxed linen suit, but these stick the landing with aplomb—and the flexible soles mean you can ditch the suit jacket and tear up the dance floor long after the DJ's stopped spinning.
One One Ora Recovery Flip Flops
We're noted fans of Hoka One One's cloud-like recovery slides, but the ‘tween-the-toes version is every bit as impressive. If you just can’t ditch your flip-flops, take these smooth-driving convertibles out for a spin. The thong is made from a jersey textile that wicks away moisture—meaning no uncomfortable chafing between the toes–or accidental flinging of your shoe across the room. Coupled with the extra-cushy sole, they’ll have you bouncing back in no time.
Sandals, we'll grant you, skew pretty casual, but when occasion demands footwear a little more formal, the genre has plenty to offer. Hereu's riff are more like loafers with strategic cutouts, an elegant hybrid silhouette that pulls inspiration from the sun-dappled shores of the Spanish coast. The smooth leather uppers give way to gently curved lines, the block heels offer just enough height, and the whole shebang adds up to a sandal your grandkids will joyfully pilfer from your closet—provided, of course, your kids don't get to them first.
Paraboot’s take on the Mediterranean staple comes with buttery soft leather straps stitched to an extra grippy rubber sole that’ll hold on to the ground—even if that's millennia-old Roman cobblestones—for dear life. Hand-sewn in Italy by skilled artisans, you can expect the same high-quality as you get with the brand’s famed “Michael” derby. Durability aside, this sandal is serving up major versatility—slip it on barefoot for the ultimate laid-back summer vacation vibes, or grab your freshest socks for a funky more bohemian riff.
Suicoke’s no stranger to churning out velcro-bound hits that take streetwear by storm, and the KISEE-V is no different. With extra chunky straps to ensure a secure fit and a cushy EVA midsole, this sandal is the everyday, everywhere slide of your dreams. The all-around beefiness pairs well with your burliest denim or some gussied up joggers. Of course, you’re free to wear ‘em how you choose—but given the current menswear trends, we’d also strongly recommend throwing your funkiest socks into the mix (the more texture, the better).
Breezy, dressy, and ready to be paired with slick shades and any manner of frozen beverage, these huarache-style sandals from Deer Stags are surprisingly affordable given the intricately woven uppers, which happen to be crafted from genuine buffalo leather. Wear 'em the way you would a killer pair of loafers: with shorts, with jeans, hell, even with a relaxed linen suit.
Sturdy enough to toss in a duffle on your next trip, elegant enough to pair with relaxed trousers and a crisp tee tee like you're front a look book for The Row.
Teva's endearingly crunchy sandals are a go-to among the hippy-dippy crowd thanks to their slip-resistant soles and nifty strapping system, which ensures they'll stay wrapped around your feet and not floating in a river half a mile from where you last saw 'em.
Oofo's cushy slides are a favorite of athletes and wannabe athletes alike for a reason: their heavenly memory foam footbed will treat your dogs with the dignity they deserve. But they’ll work wonders when you're kicking back poolside with nary a gym in sight, too.
Simple, functional, stylish: the Brazilian brand's no-frills beach thong remains an exemplar of the form for a reason.
Loro Piana's certified rich-guy slides might look precious, but they're crafted from water-repellent suede so you don't have to worry about tip-toeing around the saltwater puddles when you're lounging on your megayacht.
Birkenstock 1774 x Fear of God
Not too fussy and plenty comfy, Fear of God's plush collaborative Birks are about as elegant as sandals get.
The Best Boots for Men, From A to Z
The Best Loafers for Men to Crush All Your Summer Fits
The Best Chelsea Boots for Men to Wear With Everything
The Best Sandals for Men Will Make Your Summer Even Hotter
The Best Dress Shoes for Men Are More Essential Than Ever
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By Avidan Grossman , Jake Woolf , and Gerald Ortiz
By Yang-Yi Goh, Avidan Grossman, and Gerald Ortiz
By The Editors of GQ
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