Men might not have had as many choices as women when it comes to footwear, but that’s a thing of the past. Today, there are specially designed footwear for men for every occasion possible. When it comes to lightweight travel shoes for the summer, men’s sandals are your answer. The best summer sandals for men are not only nearly flat but are also very lightweight. Besides being made from durable materials, they also have excellent amounts of arch support. Plus, they’re perfect for any and all warm-weather trips, go with almost every outfit imaginable, and are perfect for packing in your carry-on as well. If you’re thinking that sandals aren’t meant for walking holidays, you’re wrong. They rise to that occasion too, giving your feet a chance to breathe easy and yet not pain after a day of walking.
Today, “mandals” are no longer boring, but feature sleek, sporty details, comfy foot support, and are made from high-quality leather. What’s more, they’re on point with their style sense as well. We’ve also included a handy guide for buying men’s sandals in case you get daunted by the sheer number of choices in the market. To that end, here are the 13 best summer sandals for men.
How To Choose The Best Summer Sandals For Men?
Style and comfort
Choosing sandals that complement your summer outfits is the most crucial factor. You need to understand the occasion that you plan to wear your men’s sandals to choose sandals that would go with most outfits. For instance, you can wear slightly heeled sandals on a casual outfit for an outdoor event and go for walking sandals if you’re going on a summer exploration holiday. If you’re mostly going to be attending events with a formal twist, then it’s best to go for a pair of closed-toe sandals.
That said, no matter the kind of sandals you go for, ensure that they offer traction, are slip-resistant, and come with sturdy slip-on closures. Think premium upper materials and rubber or PU soles. Also, comfort is paramount when it comes to buying sandals. Go for breathable sandals that come with a moisture-wicking inner. Moreover, you need to ensure that the material doesn’t cut or blister your skin. Finally, consider a cushioned sole and footbed, as they offer the most support and comfort for long walking times.
Summer trends
Just because they’re summer sandals that’ll last you more than one season doesn’t mean that you don’t follow trends. Choosing stylish color-consistent sandals will certainly turn heads your way and help you stay ahead of the game. For instance, tan-colored sandals can be paired both with a splash of color as well as a monochrome outfit. While it’s true that black sandals will go about with just any outfit, you need to remember that contrast is also a thing. So, if you’re wearing a lemon-yellow linen shirt with white shorts, then why not pair that with navy sandals that complete the perfect summer look?
Material And Durability
Finally, we come to the material and the durability of the sandals. Basically, the choice of material for summer sandals boils down to synthetic or leather. While synthetic is less stylish, it’s waterproof; and while leather isn’t waterproof, it’s durable and looks. While more durable sandals could be expensive to buy at the time, they’ll be more worth it in the long run.
Which are the best waterproof summer sandals for men?
That would be Birkenstock’s Arizona Unisex Sandals which are made from extremely comfortable and durable nubuck leather. Featuring an aesthetic and gorgeous design, these sandals mold perfectly to your feet and ensure soft footing thanks to the cork-latex footbed. Moreover, the highly adjustable straps ensure all-day comfort. Finally, the sandals come in a whole lot of styles, textures, and colors.
Under Armour Fat Tire Sandals
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If you’re looking for a pair of quick-drying and rugged hiking and summer sandals for men, consider the versatile Under Armour Fat Tire Sandals. Available in two colors, gray-wolf and white and gray-wolf and black, this stylish footwear has a plush Fat Tire base. Moreover, these sandals even come with Michelin OC outsoles that provide superior levels of grip and traction. If that wasn’t enough, the quick-drying, textile-backed, and supportive nylon straps and cushioned midsole ensure comfort and support while walking on the beach as well as the pier. Additionally, the three cushioned straps offer maximum support and comfort and no chafing at all. Rounding up the straps is a highly shock-absorbent footbed and a very grippy tread that can be worn throughout the summer.
Pros
- Durable and rugged outsole.
- Cushioned, quick-drying straps.
- Very comfortable.
Cons
- Arch support might be slightly less.
Crocs Crocband Flip-flop
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One of the best summer “mandals” is also amongst the Best Men’s Sandals On Amazon – the Crocs Crocband Flip-Flops. The no-frills flip-flops are simple, elegant, comfy, and durable to boot and accommodate wider feet too. There’s a lot to like about this sandal, starting with the stiff yet supportive footbed, even those who have high arches. Secondly, the footbed has massage pods that feel good, while the plush sole prevents jabs while walking on uneven surfaces. Besides the tread pattern hat helps with traction, the flip-flop also comes in a gamut of color and style options. What’s more, even after months of heavy use, the Crocs flip-flop doesn’t get scruffy and is very pliable. Finally, it’s very easy to put on and off.
Pros
- Comfortable.
- Durable.
- Versatile.
- Comes in many color options.
Cons
- A bit bulky.
Reef Men’s Fanning Flip-Flops
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The Reef Men’s Fanning Flip-Flops is one of the best summer sandals for men. The durable and ergonomically designed flip-flop has a lot going for it, starting with the wide straps. They ensure that you don’t feel the pressure on just one part of the foot, thus ensuring a snug and comfy fit. What’s more, their vegan synthetic nubuck upper is as comfortable as it’s quick-drying, and doesn’t chafe your feet. It also has a brilliant tread design and an injection-molded footbed ensures excellent traction over all kinds of terrains. Plus, the sole provides a great wet grip too, while channeling water out of the sandal to dry it quickly. Thanks to the many lovely muted earth shades, these sandals can be paired with just about any and every summer outfit.
Pros
- Durable.
- Great traction.
- Comes in many neutral shades
Cons
- Unnecessary ‘Airbag’ heel feature.
Ecco Yucatan Sandal
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One of the best “mandals” the Ecco Yucatan Sandal is also amongst the Best Men’s Sandals With Straps. Often compared by users as “walking on air,” the sandals even have a stamp and seal of acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association! The sturdy Yucatan sandal has three adjustable straps at the ankles, toes, and heels for extra support, and comfort. Moreover, the robust, nubuck-leather upper and soft padded straps keep the feet comfortable as well as insulated. It’s not water-resistant, but it can withstand decent levels of water abuse too. Wrapping up the features are the specially-designed tread and the cushioned, feet-molding footbed that offers excellent grip and traction, no matter the terrain. What’s more, the sandals are available The best part? It comes in a host of colors.
Pros
- Comfortable.
- Durable.
- Great for light hiking in the summer.
- Reasonably stylish.
Cons
- Slightly unsuitable for wide feet.
Birkenstock Arizona Unisex Sandals
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There’s no way of listing the best summer sandals for men and not mentioning Birkenstock’s Arizona Unisex Sandals. One of the most famed and popular mandals with men, they’re made from extremely durable and comfortable nubuck leather and feature a gorgeous and aesthetic design. As soon as you slip into these sandals, they mold perfectly to your feet within 1-2 weeks. Moreover, they have a cork-latex footbed and highly adjustable straps that are kind to the soles. Add to that the synthetic suede tear-resistant straps, a deep heel cup, and a contoured footbed, and you get one fabulous piece of footwear. The Birkenstock Arizona comes in a whole lot of colors, textures, and styles ranging from iron-oiled leather to bright metallic ones. All in all, they’re one pair of luxurious and exotic sandals for the feet.
Pros
- Waterproof.
- Good quality leather.
- Highly durable.
- Excellent support for the feet.
Cons
- The sizing could be slightly off.
Teva Katavi 2 Outdoor Sandals
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The Teva Katavi 2 Outdoor Sandals are not only great for the sun-kissed weather but also happen to be amongst the Best Teva Sandals for Hiking. These sandals are made from premium materials in an excellent build, topped off with additional comfort. One of its standout features is the three adjustable Velcro straps for closure. It lends additional support, while the EVA topsole is equipped with anti-microbial protection. If that wasn’t enough, the inner soles are well-cushioned and offer arch support, while the nylon shank offers excellent stability. The winning feature is the sandals’ breathability, rendering them odor-free. Wrapping up the features is the rugged durabrasion rubber outsole that offers extra traction.
Pros:
- Excellent traction.
- Versatile.
- Durable.
Cons:
- The arches are slightly narrow.
Teva Hurricane XLT2
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There are more reasons than one why the Teva Hurricane XLT2 is amongst the best summer sandals for men. Firstly, the sandal works across a plethora of terrains, all while rendering great comfort. Secondly, the sandal is actually made from quick-drying webbing that’s a blend of recycled PET, polyester, and nylon. The cherry on top, especially for those who suffer from foot conditions is the presence of the cushioned heel pad. It eliminates hot spots, which makes it perfect for a light hike in the summer without your feet getting all red. What also seals the deal for many men is the fact that these sandals come in more colors than any other mandals, including the pleasing honey-mustard color below.
Pros:
- Good traction.
- Excellent for water activities.
- Very comfortable.
Cons:
- Not very durable.
Olu’kai Men’s Ohana Flip-Flops
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You can’t go wrong with the Olu’kai Ohana Flip-Flops, which boasts off-the-chart comfort. Basically, they’re first-class mandals that are a must-buy for your feet. The Ohana sandals tick all boxes and are durable, grippy, and versatile. It’s the most comfortable amongst flip-flops, thanks to the compression-molded EVA sole. On top of that, it sits on a plush ICEVA drop-in footbed that takes the shape of your feet after months of use. Moreover, the snug and soft straps keep chafing at bay, while the ‘coral reef lugs’ work both indoors and outdoors. If that wasn’t enough, they provide excellent traction on wet and smooth surfaces as well. The Olukai Ohana might be slightly on the heavier side, but it boasts incredible durability and comes in a whole ton of colors.
Pros
- Comfortable.
- Versatile with lots of color options.
- Stylish.
- Excellent arch support.
Cons
- A bit on the heavier side
Teva Men’s Hudson Sandals
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Teva makes an unending list of the best summer sandals for men, one of which is Teva’s Men’s Hudson Sandals. Designed to keep comfort in mind, the sandals come with double-strap closure that keeps your feet firmly in place. What’s more, both are completely adjustable Velcro, so they won’t come undone no matter where or how you walk. The durabrasion rubber sole offers both durability and stability, while the contoured EVA footbed lends excellent arch support. Furthermore, the nylon shank ensures that your feet don’t hurt due to walking on rough or uneven terrain all day. Finally, the sandal is treated with antimicrobial technology, thus rendering it odor-resistant no matter whether you walk in water or how humid the weather is.
Pros
- Easy closure.
- Rugged rubber outsole.
- Odor-resistant technology.
- A three-point adjustment system for a snug fit.
Cons
- Not water-resistant.
Sanuk Men’s Beer Cozy 2 Flip-Flops
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The Sanuk Men’s Beer Cozy 2 Flip-Flops are very inexpensive and work best as all-day footwear. The best part about these flip-flops is that they don’t have a break-in period and feel comfy right out of the box. The flip-flops boast a yoga mat-like footbed that’s soft, comfy, and squishy to boot, and your feet sink in a good way like you’re walking on air. What’s more, the toe and the thong post are both extremely comfortable and make for a great no-slip grip. The cherry on top is the sponge rubber outsole with just the right amount of tread to walk on sidewalks and sandy beaches. Undoubtedly, these flip-flops work perfectly as middle-of-the-road footwear that’s perfect as summer sandals.
Pros
- Comfortable.
- Value for money.
- Plush footbed.
Cons
- Not a water sandal.
Xero Shoes Z-Trail Sandals
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The Xero Shoes Z-Trail Sandals is one of the best summer sandals for men that’s very lightweight. These secure pair of trail sandals feature a TrailFoam midsole and a FeelTrue rubber outsole that provide plenty of comfort and traction. Moreover, the adjustable, multi-colored, and fun-looking straps hug the feet and keep them securely and in place. The heel buckle and strap combination further add to the sandals’ comfort and the customized fit. Additionally, if you’re out running, jogging, or hiking on dry trails, this sandal promises good traction as well. Moreover, the sandal has a lighter-than-air feel, suits a variety of foot shapes, and has almost no break-in period.
Pros
- Very lightweight.
- Extremely packable.
- Minimalist design.
- Ergonomic.
Cons
- Support could be better.
Teva Terra Fi Lite
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Whether you’re a beachgoer or a summer hiker, you need the Teva Terra Fi Lite in your life. One of the lighter models from Teva, this versatile sandal boasts a durable and quick-drying upper polyester webbing. So, they’re perfect for wet hiking or walking. What’s more, the three Velcro straps hold the feet down nicely in place, allowing for great levels of adjustability. They also come with Teva’s signature EVA/polyurethane Shoc Pad unit that offers total shock absorption and comfort. Moreover, the consulted diamond-and-kite-patterned tread helps with grip and traction well. Finally, the sole boasts tons of arch support, flexes easily, and is well-cushioned too.
Pros
- Good cushioning and grip.
- Comfy straps.
- Packable and lightweight.
Cons
- Support could be better.
Chaco Men’s Z1 Classic Sport Sandal
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Sitting at the top of the list of the best summer sandals for men is the Chaco Men’s Z1 Classic Sport Sandal. The sandals are nothing less than an all-around rugged workhorse and are supportive, stylish, and comfy. There’s a lot to like about these sandals, such as the stiff and heavy yet flexible soles. No matter the kind of terrain you’re heading out to, the sandal will not have your feet paining at the end of the day. What’s more, the strap is well-designed to keep the feet secure sans any chafing and also ensures a secure grip. Furthermore, the webbing hugs the feet even more comfortably while the durable footbed is trail-ready. Finally, the beefy soles of the sandals and the rugged tread ensure a comfortable grip all day long.
Pros:
- Available in more than 20 colors.
- Works in all weather.
- Very supportive.
- Extremely durable.
Cons:
- None!
