Nothing screams summer footwear like a pair of sandals. While these chunky and strappy slip-ons used to be associated more often with ladies' fashion, the evolving trends have also allowed the gents to experiment more on their style and incorporate sandals into their outfits, especially for summer. They are comfortable and breathable, making them perfect for casual occasions and warm weather.
Aside from that, there are also types of sandals for men that are made to provide some protection for walking long distances. However, it can be tricky to find the best pair that will suit your style and needs with the myriad choices available. To help you narrow down your options, allow us to walk you through some recommendations and guides below. We also have some tips for you on how to style your mandals!
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Similar to when you're picking out new running shoes, there are also a few things you need to consider when buying sandals for men. Learn more about these considerations below.
One important thing you should look at when choosing a pair of sandals is their upper material. There are generally two common options for sandals' upper material: leather and synthetic. Know more about them and their characteristics below.
Leather is known for its time-tested durability. Thus, if you're looking for heavy-duty sandals that will surely last for a long time, look for ones with leather upper material. However, do note that leather sandals might feel uncomfortable initially, as most require a break-in period before they become entirely comfortable.
Another thing about leather is that it can be heavy, so it is better suited for casual strolls rather than extreme outdoor activities. And although it can get wet on occasions, it is still best to avoid prolonged exposure to water or moisture, as doing so might compromise its quality.
A good number of sandals for men you'll come across are made of synthetic upper materials like nylon and polyester. It is because this type of material is favored for being lightweight and breathable. Plus, it can repel water better, making it more suitable for adverse weather conditions.
And unlike leather, which usually gets heavy when wet, synthetic material stays light, as it does not absorb much water. The only drawback is that sandals with synthetic upper material might not last as long as those made of leather.
While some sandals have one-piece molded soles, others use different materials for the insole, midsole, and outsole. The insole, also known as the footbed, is the part of the sandal where your foot rests. Cork, ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), and rubber are common materials used for insoles due to their firmness and ability to provide torsional stability.
On the other hand, the midsole provides shock absorption and cushioning to protect your foot from sharp objects underneath. The firmness or softness of the midsole allows different sandals to perform differently. The materials typically used for the midsole are thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), EVA foam, and rubber.
Meanwhile, the outsole, commonly known as the sole, is the part of the sandals that touches the ground. Most sandals use rubber for their outsole because it is durable, sturdy, and slip-resistant. It is also light and waterproof. However, you can also find ones made of EVA or plastic.
When choosing a pair of mandals, you might also want to determine your purpose or the occasion for buying them. Sandals for men can come in different styles, and most of the time, certain events call for a particular type. Below, we’re delving into the most popular styles of men’s sandals and their characteristics, so continue reading.
This style can be characterized by the stylish leather straps that give it a laid-back yet sophisticated vibe. If you're looking for one to rock on casual days out, you can find styles that are relaxed enough to be paired with a shirt and shorts.
At the same time, you can also spot dressy ones that can go well with a pair of trousers and a polo. Mules sandals can also come in single-strapped or double-strapped styles. If you want more support, you can go for ones with heel straps.
Thong sandals are perhaps the style that we're all most familiar with. They have a Y-shaped strap that is perfect to rock during the summer! You can pair them with your summer outfits and wear them by the pool or the beach.
However, since they don't offer much support for your feet, they are best used for light activities and lounging. You can also wear them if you're going on quick errands that do not require excessive walking.
On the other hand, walking sandals are perfect for active men who enjoy extreme outdoor activities. They typically come with several straps that give them a rugged look. Unlike other types of sandals, this style focuses on providing support and protection for your feet.
They are also heavy-duty and built to last, making them the perfect pick for hikes, treks, and other outdoor activities that require mobility. While they are not as fashionable as other sandal styles, you can comfortably wear them with chinos or shorts.
If you're still a little reserved about wearing sandals because of how open they are, you can also find closed-toe styles. Since your feet aren't as exposed in this style, they would be more protected and supported. Closed-toe designs have always been associated with looking rugged, but it is also possible to find dressy sandals with a closed-toe style.
Now that we rely more on online shopping, buying sandals have become a trickier task, as we cannot take advantage of fitting them before purchasing. The best way to deal with this is to refer to the shop's size chart to get your exact size equivalent. It is essential to do this since sizing may vary from brand to brand. If size charts are not available, you can also inquire with the seller.
It is best to size up by one or half than your regular shoes when it comes to sandals. Unlike closed shoes that have a restricting effect on your feet, sandals are open, so they allow them to extend freely. Hence, it is better to allocate extra space to ensure your toes and heel do not hang off the footbed.
Some sandals for men go the extra mile by offering additional features that make them stand out from the rest in terms of comfort. You can find a pair of sandals with an anatomically shaped insole or footbed. This design typically comes with elevated sides that support the arch and prevent your feet from slipping.
Adjustable straps are another feature to look out for. These help secure your feet within the insole and create a better fit. Lastly, look for non-slip features on the soles, which are usually made of soft rubber material that offers better grip even on wet or oily surfaces.
Gracing this list is a pair of Birkenstocks that will never go out of style. It has the brand's signature thick buckled straps complemented with a rustic sole. Whether you're going for a laid-back, dapper, casual, or summer look, this pair of slip-ons can be your best companion.
If there's one thing that this brand is ultimately known for, that's their footwear's unmatched comfort! This sandal's footbed is made from a contoured cork-latex blend that provides maximum comfort and conforms to your foot's shape to provide arch support and prevent slipping.
Additionally, it comes with two thick straps with adjustable buckles, so you can alter its fit. Its sole is also made of lightweight EVA that provides cushioning and shock absorption. Another great thing about it is that it has a reputation of becoming more comfortable the more you wear them.
Coming from a household name when it comes to footwear, this pair of sandals comes with a guarantee of high quality that will give you your money's worth. If you're a fan of athleisure fashion, step into this pair of sandals with a sporty silhouette that can never go wrong with casual and activewear.
These sandals feature a contoured footbed and extra cushioning to keep you comfortable even when you're walking long distances. Apart from the adjustable straps, they also come with a heel strap to hold your heel in place without slipping. Their midsoles are made of EVA foam known for its ability to disperse weight and provide stability.
This pair of sandals is suited for men who have a heart for adventure. It is designed for outdoor activities, so you can count on it to deliver protection and comfort. It is made with M-Select GRIP technology that allows it to be highly slip-resistant when you're roaming on wet and dry terrain.
Its midsole uses an EVA that provides stability and cushioned steps, which are crucial on hikes and treks. Aside from that, it comes with an air cushion technology that shields your heel from sharp objects that you may encounter on the ground.
These sandals are also equipped with a Select M FRESH insole that controls moisture buildup and prevents foul odor that can inevitably occur when doing extreme activities. They also have a full-grain leather upper that is highly resistant to abrasions and adjustable velcro straps for a more secure fit.
Constructed with a contoured cork footbed that follows the shape of your foot, you can be assured that these sandals are comfortable to wear, although they possess a thong style that sits between your toes. Their insoles also have a suede lining that helps absorb moisture to ensure a pleasant foot climate.
Apart from that, their soles are made of EVA material that cushions your steps. Comfort features aside, this pair of sandals also boasts a refined and minimalist style that can work incredibly well with semi-formal ensembles. You can pair them with chinos, slacks, or even a summer suit.
Built for adventure, this pair of sandals is loaded with features that will keep you steady and comfortable as you go on your outdoor adventures. It boasts durable and breathable upper material paired with a dual-density foam underfoot that will leave you feeling comfy all day.
Although its bulky silhouette might seem intimidating, this pair of sandals centers on your comfort. It has a plush foam midsole that cushions your feet, and it is also equipped with a triple-strap closure that you can adjust to personalize your fit.
Its toe and heel are constructed with rubber for better grip and traction, so you can maximize your movements and minimize the chances of slipping. Its outsole also features deep flex grooves and large lugs to enhance flexibility and stability.
If you're new to this whole mandals craze, you might still be feeling a little reserved about exposing your toes completely. But worry not, as there are sandals for men that come in style like this pair. These sandals possess a closed-toe design adorned with a split suede finish and decorative buckle.
With this pair, you can upgrade various looks. It is perfect if you're on the hunt for slightly formal-looking footwear that remains casual and breezy. You would also be assured of a comfortable experience with this pair because it comes with an EVA sole that is known for its cushioning abilities.
Possessing excellent leather craftsmanship, this pair of sandals is the perfect footwear if you want to score an upscale look without spending a hefty amount of money. It has a two-strap design made of top-grain leather upper that delivers a subtle and sleek feel.
This pair also has high-density foams for their midsoles to cushion your steps and keep you comfortable. Additionally, their outsoles are made of rubber air soles to provide a non-skid feature. With this pair, you can effortlessly look luxurious. The design is quite versatile, too, so you can pair it with a wide range of styles, from casual to semi-formal.
When we speak of Crocs, we immediately think of comfort-focused footwear. But this pair brings something more to the table! It possesses the same comfort as regular Crocs but looks a bit snappier, as it has a genuine leather upper that gives it a rugged and masculine look.
Like the traditional Crocs footwear, this pair of sandals is loaded with features to ensure your comfort while sporting them. They have Croslite foam soles that you can rock both for lounging indoors and doing extreme activities outdoors. They also come with adjustable straps to let you secure a perfect fit.
This pair from Zara will make you look well-dressed even when paired with the simplest ensemble, like a shirt and trousers. It has a strappy silhouette that slightly resembles the gladiator style. And with its PU leather upper, it can add a luxurious and dapper feel to any outfit.
With this pair, you can easily pull off that laid-back but well-dressed style. Besides fashion, this slip-on sandal also values your comfort. It is equipped with a contoured footbed to support your arch and prevent your feet from slipping. Whether you wear this with shorts, loose lounge pants, or jeans, this pair will fit right in!
This pair of sandals is the perfect pick for occasions where flip-flops don't feel fancy enough, and loafers seem too formal. It has a slingback design that makes it less bare than usual slip-on sandals. You can use it to rock smart-casual getups.
If you wish to flaunt a relaxed and effortlessly elegant look, this pair can be the perfect footwear to help you achieve that. Although it has an open design, the synthetic leather upper can match the upscale feel of your outfit.
To ensure you're comfortable while you wear these sandals, they come with a contoured footbed that molds to your foot's shape. They also have a rubber outsole that will guarantee you don't slip or trip easily while wearing them.
Ready to rock that casual dapper look? Check out these articles below featuring various must-haves for men that will complete your casual style. Incorporate these into your OOTDs, and you'll surely look stylish!
While men in sandals used to be an uncommon sight to see, the changing trends have allowed many gents to discover the flair of this comfortable and stylish footwear. Now, it has become a fashion piece you shouldn't miss, especially if you're going for that laid-back look!
Author: R. Victoriano
Editor: R. Umlas
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The descriptions of each product is referenced from the content available from the manufacturer, e-commerce sites etc.
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