Best Men’s Sandals for Summer
Beat the Heat With This Selection of Cool Summer Sandals
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With temperatures soaring across the country, you’ll do anything and everything you can to beat the heat. But that shouldn’t stop you from going out to dinner, lounging in the park or going hiking. You might want to continue as normal, but your wardrobe might be telling you to stay inside if you don’t have the proper shoes to help get you there. That’s where your favorite hot-weather friend, the sandal, comes in.
Since feet are the extremities of your body, they help you feel cooler faster. So wearing sandals instead of sneakers provides much more air flow, helping your body circulate heat and feel cooler in hot weather. It’s the same concept as sticking out your foot from under the covers at night when you’re feeling warm.
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So we know sandals help cool you, but what sandals should you be wearing? It depends on your activity and occasion:
- If you’re going to be on your feet either going for a walk or for a hike, pick a sportier sandal that’s more durable and has a chunkier sole. If it’s a more rigorous activity, go with one that has a back strap so it won’t slip off and soles with extra grip so you don’t lose traction.
- For a comfortable at-home sandal or one to chill at the beach, pool or park, go with a more casual slide or strap sandal. If you’re worried about sand, pick one that’s easy to wash off so something that’s made from plastic or a similarly resistant material.
- Headed to a nicer event, dinner or the office? Choose a high-quality sandal, preferably one made from leather, faux leather or suede. A two-strap sandal is a great choice, as is a closed sandal like the fisherman or huarache style. Stay away from flip flops and slides unless it’s for a relaxed situation.
Alex Crane Primo Sandals
Alex Crane
These stunning Alex Crane sandals are made with raw leather from León (Mexico) by a third generation family business. The leather actually tans and turns dark brown when exposed to the sun, so they age beautifully over time, and the soles are made from recycled bus tires, repurposing a product that would otherwise end up in a landfill. The criss-cross upper design is more unique than other sandals while also being extremely simple and chic. Expect to be asked where you bought these every time you wear them.
$85 at AlexCrane.com
All-Weather Outpost Sandal
All-Weather Outpost
This sandal from All-Weather is a perfect city/outdoor hybrid for someone looking to go from the street to rockier terrain. The Tough CORDURA® ballistic upper provides superior strength and tear resistance, the flexible Vibram XS Trek outsole gives you traction on wet and rugged surfaces and the cushioned EVA midsole offers sneaker-like comfort. It doesn’t have a back strap, so it may not be ideal for really hard hiking, but the velcro straps are adjustable for anytime you need a more secure fit.
$125 at Huckberry.com
Vagabond Seth Sandals
Vagabond
Call this a sophisticated slide: the Vagabond sandal has this gorgeous black or brown cow leather upper that feels and looks luxurious. The clean sole leans into the chunky shoe trend but also provides comfortable support. With a slip-on design and hook and loop straps, you won’t find an easier way to make a summer outfit a little more elegant.
$120 at Vagabond.com
Dandy Del Mar Sayulita Slides
Dandy Del Mar
If you’re not a fan of having your toes out on display or need a little more coverage for protection from sand, the Sayulita Slides from Dandy Del Mar are for you. They’re mules, combining the closed-toe shoe front with the open sandal back. These provide more coverage while also letting your feet breathe. These slides are simple with a braided design around the upper for some more flair. And being made from top-grain natural leather, they’ll only get better with age. They’re perfect for a sea-side dinner, backyard bbq or anywhere you want to just look good.
$99 at DandyDelMar.com
Naot Maldive Slide
Naot
The Maldive slide from Naot combines a sporty and dressier design for a sandal that can be worn with athleisure or more formal clothes. The sandal contains double hook and loop straps to allow adjustability. Suede lining provides extra comfort while the insole is constructed of cork, rubber and latex covered in leather for ultimate, smooth comfort. This slide is perfect if you’re looking for a truly versatile sandal that can transition from running around town to a nice dinner while providing comfort the entire time.
$175 at Naot.com
Merrell Breakwater Hiking Sandals
Merrell
Looking for a sandal that’s truly ready for the outdoors? Look no further than these Merrell hiking sandals. They’ll provide the support and comfort you need with a molded EVA footbed, an EVA foam midsole and a Vibram rubber sole with grips for traction for hiking rocky terrain. Designed with quick-drying and water-friendly recycled nylon webbing, this quarter strap sandal ensures your feet stay dry and healthy at all times. Try the cobalt color for a really striking visual that adds a stylish touch to your next adventure. And while these are quite stylish looking, they are made for the outdoors, so we’d skip wearing them to a nice dinner out.
$95 at DSW.com
Abercrombie Faux Leather Slides
Abercrombie
A simple and refined slide, this faux leather sandal from Abercrombie takes up little space in your closet while having a large impact on style. Made of faux leather for a classier look, these slides are fairly durable and feature a double strap design that’s simple and stylish. It’s an easy slip away to add that last, elevated touch to your look before you’re out the door.
$50 at Abercrombie.com
Nisolo Huarache Sandals
Nisolo
If you want sandals that are more shoe-like, consider these Nisolo huarache sandals. Huaraches originated in Mexico many years ago and have since gained popularity around the world for sturdy and breathable properties thanks to a lower profile upper that’s made of multiple leather straps. These sandals are hand-woven with a beautifully intricate design that can be dressed down or up depending on the occasion. And you can feel good about these under your feet since they’re made with zero net carbon and 100% living wages.
$120 at Nisolo.com
BRONAX Cloud Slides
BRONAX
Maybe social media’s favorite sandal, the cloud slides have been gaining popularity for how comfortable they are. Reviews rave about the cushy sole made from EVA, some saying they feel like marshmallows on your feet. The large sole may not be everyone’s favorite look, but there’s no doubting their functionality. They’re perfect for wearing around the house, standing while cooking, cleaning and doing other house chores, and of course they’re wonderful for the pool or beach since they’re easy to rinse off. A chore/pool/beach/lounge sandal is something to keep in your closet, and you’ll probably use them more than you think.
$24 at Amazon.com
Island Slipper Suede Sanders
Island Slipper
These authentic Hawaiian slippers from Island Slippers are basically the official shoes of the state, one of the most laid-back and relaxing places on Earth. Thanks to their airy, open design and top-quality suede leather and EVA foam footbed, your feet will thank you for the cool comfort. Some people may not love the “thong” design, but it provides maximum breathability on those intense, sunny days. Wear these for your next beach getaway or any time you want to feel like you’re in paradise.
$63 at Huckberry.com
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