The Best Sandals for Your Dank Feet
For more great leather sandals, check out the best leather sandals for men.
Best Flip-Flops: Hari Mari Fields Flip-Flops
Flip-flop discourse is at an all-time high with Copenhagen fashion girlies, menswear influencers, and runway designers all getting in on the infectious trend. While the humble thong sandal has expanded stylistically (and cost-wise), a pair of Hari Maris is perhaps the best rendition of the genre. It’s more robust than the cheap and cheerful Havaianas, but more down-to-earth than the Auralee’s and The Row’s of the world. The soft nubuck leather, plush memory foam, and grippy rubber soles coalesce to make something that’s greater than the sum of its parts and could convince many staunch flip-flop haters to change their position.
For more options, check out the best men’s flip-flops.
Best Slides: Adidas Adilette Aqua Slides
This was a harder category to decide than you’d imagine—the power of the slide means there are a lot of players in the space, but it’s just a big ol’ problem for the competition that the Adilette is still undefeated. Comfortable, affordable and as classic as any piece of modern footwear, regardless of genre, the original remains the best. Do these dress up? Not even remotely, but that’s not their job.
“You can try to find more comfortable, more interesting, whatever, but please know you really don’t have to,” says Nelson, who thinks the beauty of the Adilette lies in its simplicity: “because you can’t adjust it, your foot always can slide in. There’s no added weight on the strap, no hardware to fasten, just pure, uncut comfort a single shuffle away. And pasta on DoorDash will run you more than a pair, so that helps.”
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Your Sandals FAQs, Answered
Is it OK to wear socks with sandals?
Yes, wearing socks with sandals is perfectly acceptable! In fact, under the right circumstances, we actually encourage it. But like many a swerve, socks-and-sandals require a little extra consideration when it comes to both outfit and proportions. Thicker sandals should always be paired with hefty socks, for instance. A pair of hiking socks with Arizonas, pleated shorts, and a rumpled Oxford shirt? LFG.
Are sandals appropriate for a wedding?
That depends on the sandal and on the dress code. If it’s a garden wedding or something on a beach, absolutely—you can mess around with some huaraches, something strappy, or even a two-strap design, assuming they’re still looking presentable. On the other side, however, there aren’t many sandals that we’d advise wearing to a black tie function.
What to Look for in a Great Pair of Sandals
Having been with us for centuries, there are now types of sandals to be worn for every activity under the sun. Whether you’re on the hunt for a comfortable sandal for long walks or a low-profile leather design to complete your next date-night look, you’ll of course want to buy something to meet your specific needs. With that in mind, here are a few important things to look out for:
- Fit and function: Sandals are, of course, shoes, but there are notable differences from dress shoes and sneakers when it comes to finding your size. This is a good thing: While you don’t want to be spilling over the edges, there are usually fewer confines with sandals, meaning you can allow yourself a little less room than you would with a closed-toe shoe—too much room and you’ll be left with a lot of visible footbed. Straps should fit snugly without being tight, and do remember that leather straps will stretch over time.
- Looks and comfort: When it comes to comfort, always note the footbed and sole. The most forgiving tend to be made of rubber, but a soft cork bed will compete with anything else. Those made of leather tend to require a bit of break-in, but they’ll mold to your foot over time. And along those lines, leather sandals tend to work better in the city, while something that can handle the elements is preferable on the trail.
- Quality construction: If you want a sandal to last the long haul, keep materials in mind. For the purposes of this guide, we chose to prioritize sandals that were made with real leather and nylon webbing, as well as time-tested methods and hardware—forgoing any made with synthetic leather or rubbers that wear down quickly and can’t be resoled.
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