The 9 Best Sandals for Men, According to Our Shoe Experts
It's time to let the dogs out.
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Whether you’re shopping for a new summer sandal or need to replace an old pair of flip-flops before you jet off to a warmer destination, a comfortable and durable sandal is paramount for casual and active wear. That’s why we rounded up the best sandals for men for all occasions so you can find closed-toe styles for hiking as well as open-toe options if you’re heading to the pool.
Our style experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab consistently test sandals and walking shoes for men in the Lab and among consumer testers who try out the shoes in their daily lives. To find the best men’s sandals, we considered previous top-performing shoes from some of our favorite brands as well as staff favorites that are just as popular among shoppers.
Pros
- Made of durable materials
- Adjustable and secure fit
- Comfortable during longer walks
Cons
- Adjustable strap may require a learning curve
Sizes: 8–13 | Materials: Polyurethane, rubber, polyester | Colors: 2 | Water-resistant: Yes
Who they're best for: Shoppers who want a supportive sandal that can handle everyday wear and rougher terrains during hikes
Our best overall sandals and a go-to recommendation for comfortable shoes for warmer months, the Chaco Z/1 Classic sandals are just that: a classic. Made from durable materials like polyester and rubber, these sandals feature a molded footbed for arch support as well as an adjustable strap to help ensure a secure fit. There is a learning curve when it comes to securing the continuous strap, but Chaco has a helpful tutorial online.
Testers, who walked on concrete and rocky trails wearing these sandals, gave top scores for comfort, support and overall appearance. "I wore them while walking around an amusement park for 12 hours, and they were so supportive and comfortable," shared one tester. Another added that they felt safe wearing these during hikes or on slippery surfaces.
RELATED: Best Walking Shoes for Women
Teva Original Universal Urban Sandal
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Easy to take on and off
- Adjustable front and back straps
Cons
- Not as much arch support as other sandals
Sizes: 7–14 | Materials: EVA foam, recycled plastic, polyester | Colors: 2 | Water-resistant: Not listed
Who they're best for: Anyone shopping on a budget will appreciate these less expensive sandals that are adjustable and comfortable.
It is often debated whether Chaco or Teva sandals are better — so much so that we wrote an entire article on the topic. While the decision between the two ultimately comes down to the individual, our experts recommend Teva if you want a more affordable sandal that is still supportive and durable. Almost half the price of the Chaco Z/1 Classic, the Original Universal Urban Sandal is a versatile shoe you can quickly slip on for beach days.
"They’re affordable while holding up great to extended use," says one GH analyst, who adds, "The Velcro closures make them easy to take on and off. Plus, the cushioning in the footbed helps keep my feet supported too."
We appreciate that the straps are adjustable both in the front and back of the shoe to help your foot stay in place. These sandals may be better suited for individuals with flatter feet because they don't have as much arch support as other styles.
RELATED: Tevas vs. Chacos: Which Outdoor Sandals Are Best for Walking and Hiking?
Birkenstock Arizona Soft Footbed Sandal
Pros
- Soft suede lining
- Cushioned midsole
- Last many seasons of use
Cons
- Pricey
Sizes: 40–46 EU Regular/Wide | Materials: Suede, leather, cork, latex, EVA foam | Colors: 7 | Water-resistant: Not listed
Who they're best for: Those who want a timeless sandal that will hold up to wear summer after summer — while getting more comfortable with each season
Considered one of the most popular sandals to hit the market, the Arizona Soft Footbed Sandal combines enduring style with the most important factor when choosing shoes: comfort. It features the brand's classic cork midsole and a contoured footbed that together provide the ultimate cushioning that will mold to your foot over time. The soft suede lining adds a cozy feeling that I appreciate on cooler summer nights by the campfire.
Although the sandals are on the pricier side, one GH writer shared, "I started wearing the Arizona from Birkenstock about 10 years ago, and I've been addicted ever since." Another tester added, "I've had multiple foot surgeries and really love the support these sandals give me." Choose from neutral shades that range from browns and beige to grays and black.
Pros
- Special foam absorbs impact
- Comfortable
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Not meant for long periods of physical activity
Sizes: 3–16 | Materials: Synthetic foam | Colors: 8 | Water-resistant: Yes
Who they're best for: Active individuals who want a comfortable recovery shoe that is easy to clean as well as anyone who wants a cushioned sandal to slide on after being on their feet all day
OOFOS sandals are our top pick when it comes to recovery shoes. The OOriginal is made from the brand's special OOfoam, which is designed to absorb 37% more impact than comparable styles, according to the brand. "These sandals are so comfortable, and I throw them right into the washer if they get dirty," shared a GH editor. Note that these sandals are designed for recovery, so our analysts don't recommend wearing the OOriginal during longer periods of physical activity.
RELATED: The Best Recovery Shoes
Pros
- Designed to be water-resistant
- Supportive leather footbed
- Rubber soles feature good traction
Cons
- Must be spot-cleaned and air-dried
Sizes: 8–13 | Materials: Full-grain leather, memory foam | Colors: 2 | Water-resistant: Yes
Who they're best for: Individuals who frequent the pool, beach, lake or harbor will enjoy these comfortable leather flip-flops that are designed with water in mind.
Another stylish option for elevated fits at the beach, these leather flip-flops are designed to be water-resistant so you can wear them during your favorite water activities. Choose from two colors and five sizes. Our pros appreciate the soft leather footbed that has built-in arch support and the thick straps which are lined with memory foam.
The rubber soles offer good traction on slippery surfaces you may encounter poolside or on a boat. Note that these shoes are not machine washable and should be spot-cleaned and air-dried.
Pros
- Popular among GH staffers and online shoppers
- Great arch support
- Last a long time
Cons
- May require a break-in period
Sizes: 7–18 | Materials: Jersey knit, nylon, rubber | Colors: 14 | Water-resistant: Yes
Who they're best for: If you prioritize comfort above all else when it comes to sandals, these supportive sandals from Olukai will provide the extra cushion you need in addition to its water-friendly design.
Available in over a dozen colors, the Ohana (which translates to a safe space among friends and family) sandals are a best-seller online with over 5,500 customer reviews and an overall 4.8-star rating. The sandals feature a comfortable and supportive footbed that was inspired by how it feels to walk barefoot on wet sand. They also have water-resistant straps as well as a quick-drying lining so you can sport these by the shore. We like the rubber outsole that has a coral reef pattern on the bottom for added traction.
Contributing writer Timothy Dahl says these are his go-to beach shoes. "I could also wear them all day without my feet aching. They have a nice solid arch and the toe strap isn't too tight," he said. Dahl found the sandals dried quickly and didn't slip on slick pavement. Another user has owned his Ohana sandals for years and always wears them before and after surfing. Some online reviews noted, however, that there can be a break-in period.
Adidas Adilette Comfort Slides
Pros
- Versatile and sleek design
- Comfortable memory-foam insole
- Not as chunky as other recovery shoes
Cons
- Not as much arch support in comparison to OOFOS
Sizes: 4–18 | Materials: Synthetic rubber, EVA foam | Colors: 20 | Water-resistant: Not listed
Who they're best for: These iconic slides are a great gym shoe for post-workout relief but are sleek and lightweight enough to wear day-to-day.
A classic shoe from Adidas, the Adilette Comfort slides are a popular style you have probably seen at the gym or courtside. They feature a memory foam-like insole that can provide relief after your workout. When testers tried out the slides, they reported that they offered great traction and ample cushioning without weighing you down.
The sleek design is great if you haven't tried recovery shoes before, as it feels less chunky and is versatile enough to wear while running errands. However, the arch is on the flatter side so you may want to go with our pick from OOFOS after more intense workouts.
Pros
- A top-performing brand among testers
- Rubber outsole offers solid traction
- Available in 40+ colors
- Machine washable
Cons
- More of a rugged design
Sizes: 7–17 regular/wide | Materials: Polyester, rubber | Colors: 45 | Water-resistant: Yes
Who they're best for: Anyone who hikes during the summer and wants a lightweight shoe for sweaty days or those who need a water shoe for outdoor activities
When it comes to the best hiking shoes, Keen is known for its comfortable sandals that score well among our consumer testers for comfort and fit. The Newport H2 Water Sandal has an open sandal design but a closed-toe for protection on rockier terrains — whether you're on land or in the water.
The generous toe box allows for a roomier fit while the rubber outsole has great traction so you can feel secure on slippery rocks. Choose from over 40 different colors (the most color options for any shoe on our list!) and put them in the wash for easy cleaning. These sandals are a bit more rugged looking, but we have observed a trend of people sporting hiking sandals and sneakers on day-to-day activities like walking the dog in the park.
RELATED: The Best Water Shoes
Pros
- Under $15
- Durable rubber outside
- Translucent straps is available in a variety of bright colors
Cons
- No built-in arch support
Sizes: 6–13 | Materials: Rubber | Colors: 7 | Water-resistant: Yes
Who they're best for: A versatile flip-flop for everyday wear, these under-$15 sandals are ideal for those shopping on a budget or often frequent the beach.
Comfortable and water resistant, this "Slippah" is a popular option for casual activities, including going to the beach. It features a durable rubber outsole and a translucent strap that is available in seven colors. "I use them for everything: beach, home, taking a walk," says Test Engineer Alec Scherma. " Everyone in Hawai'i wears them and everyone in my family uses them," he reports.
The Slippah doesn't feature any arch support so you may want to opt for a more supportive sandal during longer walks.
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How we choose the best sandals for men
Each year, Good Housekeeping Institute experts in the Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab test the best walking sandals for men and women. We pair styles with consumer testers who provide feedback on comfort, fit and appearance while our pros evaluate the sandals' construction in the Lab. We even saw shoes in half so podiatrists can analyze the foodbed.
For this story, we began with market research of the most popular men's sandal brands and narrowed down our selections by consulting consumer feedback from previous categorical tests. We also tapped GH staffers for their favorite styles.
What to consider when shopping for the best sandals for men
✔️ Size: Although it seems simple, podiatrist Ira Deming, D.P.M. points out that many shoppers end up wearing the wrong shoe size. A proper-fitting shoe should allow for enough movement to wiggle your toes, but your foot shouldn't shift in the toe box of a closed-toe sandal. Many retailers sell wide and regular sizing for a better fit. Ideally, your heel should be at the back of the sandal while there should be less than half an inch of space between the front of the shoe and your big toe, explains Dr. Deming.
✔️ Footbed: Perhaps the most important component in a comfortable sandal, the footbed can lend extra support while walking or hiking. A contoured footbed with built-in arch support is our preference, but you can also consider a footbed made of materials like EVA or memory foam for extra comfort, explains Home & Apparel Reviews Analyst Amanda Constantine.
✔️ Material: We have included sandals made from a variety of materials, but leather stands out because they are long-lasting and can even mold to your feet over time. However, it's a premium option and tends to be the most expensive. That's why we also recommend sandals designed with performance in mind that feature durable nylon and polyester.
✔️ Straps: While flip-flop styles are not adjustable and may require some break-in time, our style experts recommend sandals with adjustable straps for a better fit. They "are especially helpful if your feet tend to swell during the day because you can loosen them," adds Constantine. Some sandals may feature adjustable straps in the front and back for a perfect fit.
✔️ Use: Sandals tend to function as versatile shoes that you can just as easily style for date night as you can slip on after surfing. If you plan to wear sandals on rougher terrains during hikes, we recommend opting for a closed-toe sandal to better protect your toes. Meanwhile, sandals made with water-resistant materials will be ideal if you plan to sport them waterside at the pool, lake or beach.
What are the best sandals for walking?
"The best sandals for walking offer both comfort and stability but won’t weigh you down while you’re on the move," explains Constantine. A molded footbed made from durable materials will not only provide good arch support but also offer traction on rougher terrains. Chacos, our best overall pick, checks all of these boxes and even has an adjustable strap design for a secure fit.
"While sandals can be comfy on walks, they shouldn’t be worn for very long walks because a sneaker will provide better support if you plan to walk very long distances," notes Textiles Lab Associate Director Emma Seymour.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Elizabeth Berry is the updates editor at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she collaborates with Lab experts to ensure our shopping guides reflect the most recent testing and pricing information. She has researched and reported on a variety of shoe categories including the best slip-on shoes, running shoes for flat feet and the best tennis shoes for men.
Elizabeth Berry (she/her) is the Updates Editor at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she optimizes lifestyle content across verticals. Prior to this role, she was an Editorial Assistant for Woman’s Day where she covered everything from gift guides to recipes. She also has experience fact checking commerce articles and holds a B.A. in English and Italian Studies from Connecticut College.
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