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You are here: Home / Style / The Best Sandals for Men in 2023

The Best Sandals for Men in 2023

Updated: January 1, 2023 by David Em
Next Level Gents may earn a commission on purchases made from affiliate links on this page.

When the temperature increases, stay comfortable with sandals. They’re functional and better than flip-flops and sneakers in the heat.

Close-up of a person wearing sandals.
Photo by David Em/Next Level Gents.

Sandals are perfect shoes for summer. While dress sneakers and loafers may be fashionable, sandals come out ahead with functionality.

They’re breathable, comfortable, and pair well with casual outfits.

Invest in a high-quality pair of sandals because they’ll provide all-day support.

Many sandals also get better and more comfortable with time.

Some have straps to secure your feet, while others slip on for ease.

The following are the best sandals available.

Contents show
Birkenstock Arizona Soft Slide Sandal
Mephisto Shark Sandal
Chaco Z/Cloud Sandals
Teva Hurricane XLT2 Sandal
Hoka One One Hopara All-Terrain Shoe
Ecco Yucatan Sandal
Prada Fusbett Sport Sandal
Nike Victori One
Keen Newport H2
Sandals versus flip-flops
Sandals buying guide
What to wear with sandals
Conclusion

Birkenstock Arizona Soft Slide Sandal

Birkenstock sandal with grey strap.
Photo courtesy of Amazon.

Key details:

  • Cork footbed
  • EVA outsole
  • Weighs 9 oz

Benefits:

  • Slip on and off
  • Adjustable buckle
  • Cork molds to your feet

Drawbacks:

  • No ankle strap
  • Takes time to break in

The following table covers Birkenstock Arizona Soft Slide Sandal prices from different stores for you to compare.

StorePriceLink to buy
Birkenstock$135Buy from Birkenstock
Nordstrom$135Buy from Nordstrom
Amazon$134.99Buy from Amazon
Zappos$110Buy from Zappos
Bloomingdale’s$135Buy from Bloomingdale’s

The Birkenstock Arizona Soft Slide Sandal becomes more comfortable with every wear.

Since 1973, the Arizona style has been a top seller and stood the test of time.

Avoid Birkenstock sandals for hikes or long walks. Instead, wear them for casual wear and activities.

Pair them with shorts, jeans, and any casual warm-weather style essential.

Mephisto Shark Sandal

Mephisto black and dark green sandal.
Photo courtesy of Nordstrom.

Key details:

  • Soft-air midsole
  • Shock-absorber
  • Weighs 18 oz

Benefits:

  • Ankle strap
  • Comfortable
  • Well-constructed and durable

Drawbacks:

  • Not very stylish
  • Limited adjustability

The following table covers Mephisto Shark Sandal prices from different stores for you to compare.

StorePriceLink to buy
Mephisto$299Buy from Mephisto
Nordstrom$299Buy from Nordstrom
Amazon$294.90Buy from Amazon
Zappos$298.90Buy from Zappos

Mephisto is an excellent brand for sandals. The Shark Sandal is on the pricey end, but it’s worth it.

Mephisto uses soft-air technology, which ensures ultimate comfort and support. It absorbs shock, allowing you to walk or hike.

The materials are top-notch, including the full-grain leather upper. It also has a quick-release ankle strap.

The thicker straps make it look chunkier. So, it’s less of a style pick and more of a functional choice.

Adjustments, putting the sandals on, or taking them off is also a breeze.

Chaco Z/Cloud Sandals

Chaco black strap sandal.
Photo courtesy of Chaco.

Key details:

  • Luvseat PU midsole
  • Rubber sole
  • Anti-odor footbed
  • Weighs 17 oz

Benefits:

  • Excellent grip
  • Comfortable
  • Sturdy and durable

Drawbacks:

  • Relatively heavy
  • Not ideal for flat feet

The following table covers Chaco Z/Cloud Sandals prices from different stores for you to compare.

StorePriceLink to buy
Chaco$100Buy from Chaco
Backcountry$99.95Buy from Backcountry
Amazon$99.95Buy from Amazon
Zappos$99.95Buy from Zappos
Moosejaw$99.95Buy from Moosejaw

Chaco Z/Cloud sandals live up to their name.

The footbed is soft, comfortable, and offers excellent arch support. It also ensures your feet don’t slide when it’s wet.

The rugged outsole provides excellent traction and stability.

If you want sandals that you can wear on walks, hikes, and water activities, get the Chaco Z/Cloud sandals.

Teva Hurricane XLT2 Sandal

Grey and black Teva sandal.
Photo courtesy of Teva.

Key details:

  • EVA midsole
  • Rubber sole
  • Nylon upper
  • Weighs 11 oz

Benefits:

  • Good grip
  • Slim and minimal
  • Easy to adjust

Drawbacks:

  • Lacks sturdiness
  • Front straps can be uncomfortable

The following table covers Teva Hurricane XLT2 Sandal prices from different stores for you to compare.

StorePriceLink to buy
Teva$75Buy from Teva
Nordstrom$75Buy from Nordstrom
Amazon$74.95Buy from Amazon
Backcountry$74.95Buy from Backcountry
Dick’s Sporting Goods$74.99Buy from Dick’s Sporting Goods

Teva’s Hurricane XLT2 Sandal is the second version of its iconic sandal.

It’s an excellent choice for day-hikes that aren’t too difficult.

It has a hook-and-loop closure, making it easy to put on and take off.

Another great feature is that it’s recyclable. Once you can no longer wear your sandals, you can send them back.

Teva has a program to create new sandals using the old ones.

The Hurricane XLT2 sandal is a must-have for outdoor activities.

You’ll be able to stay cool, comfortable, and have traction on uneven ground.

Hoka One One Hopara All-Terrain Shoe

Closed-toe sandal.
Photo courtesy of Hoka One One.

Key details:

  • EVA midsole
  • Rubber outsole
  • Quick-lace system
  • Weighs 12 oz

Benefits:

  • Water-resistant
  • Arch support
  • Excellent traction
  • Closed-toe design

Drawbacks:

  • Lacks adjustability
  • Difficult to put on

The following table covers Hoka One One Hopara All-Terrain Shoe prices from different stores for you to compare.

StorePriceLink to buy
Hoka One One$130Buy from Hoka One One
Zappos$129.95Buy from Zappos
Backcountry$129.95Buy from Backcountry
REI$129.95Buy from REI

The Hoka One One Hopara All-Terrain Shoe is also called the multisport sandal. It’s durable, grippy, and supportive.

Whether you’re in wet or dry conditions, you’ll have traction with the Hopara sandals.

The only drawbacks are the adjustability and slight difficulty when you put them on.

Otherwise, the Hopara sandals are exceptional.

Ecco Yucatan Sandal

Ecco black strap sandal.
Photo courtesy of Ecco.

Key details:

  • Rubber outsole
  • EVA footbed
  • FLUIDFORMâ„¢ DIP P.U midsole
  • Weighs 13 oz

Benefits:

  • Comfortable
  • Excellent support
  • Great traction

Drawbacks:

  • Not very stylish

The following table covers Ecco Yucatan Sandal prices from different stores for you to compare.

StorePriceLink to buy
Ecco$135Buy from Ecco
Zappos$135Buy from Zappos
Nordstrom$134.95Buy from Nordstrom

The Ecco Yucatan sandals aren’t the most stylish, but their performance is impressive.

You can wear the Yucatan sandals in various conditions and terrain.

The foam footbed is plush, but it means you can’t wear the sandals for water activities. They’re ideal for walks and hikes.

When it comes to comfort, you won’t find a better pair of sandals.

Prada Fusbett Sport Sandal

Prada sandal with straps.
Photo courtesy of Nordstrom.

Key details:

  • Leather insole
  • Rubber sole
  • Metal side-release buckle closure

Benefits:

  • Stylish sandals
  • Excellent traction
  • Ankle support

Drawbacks:

  • Pricey
  • Front strap may be a bit tight

The following table covers Prada Fusbett Sport Sandal prices from different stores for you to compare.

StorePriceLink to buy
Prada$850Buy from Prada
Nordstrom$775Buy from Nordstrom
Neiman Marcus$850Buy from Neiman Marcus

If you want a designer pair of sandals, Prada has the ideal one for you.

The Fusbett Sport Sandal is stylish and has the Prada appeal.

The sandals are best for casual and hot days in the city. So, don’t wear them for hikes or water activities.

The metal buckle makes it easy to put on and take off the sandals.

It also adds a nice touch of contrast to the otherwise all-black design.

Nike Victori One

Pair of Nike sandals.
Photo courtesy of Nike.

Key details:

  • Rubber soles
  • Foam footbed

Benefits:

  • Lightweight
  • Slide on and off with ease
  • Inexpensive

Drawbacks:

  • Not for walking or activities

The following table covers Nike Victori One prices from different stores for you to compare.

StorePriceLink to buy
Nike$30Buy from Nike
Nordstrom$30Buy from Nordstrom
Finish Line$30Buy from Finish Line
Kohl’s$30Buy from Kohl’s
Dick’s Sporting Goods$29.95Buy from Dick’s Sporting Goods

Nike’s Victori One slides are ideal for the beach or any occasion that doesn’t need much walking.

They’re also excellent for travel, such as sitting on an airplane or in a car.

The slides are soft and comfortable. The footbed has a pattern that keeps your foot in place with or without socks.

They have a casual and laid-back style. You can wear the Victori One slides with activewear or beachwear.

Keen Newport H2

Keen beige and black sandal.
Photo courtesy of Keen.

Key details:

  • Rubber outsole
  • Washable polyester upper
  • EVA midsole and insole
  • Weighs 17 oz

Benefits:

  • Machine washable
  • Comfortable
  • Excellent support and stability
  • Dries quickly

Drawbacks:

  • Lacks adjustability
  • Unable to slip on

The following table covers Keen Newport H2 prices from different stores for you to compare.

StorePriceLink to buy
Keen$130Buy from Keen
Amazon$129.95Buy from Amazon
Zappos$129.95Buy from Zappos
Nordstrom$130Buy from Nordstrom

Keen’s Newport H2 is an excellent pair of sandals for adventures and water sports.

They have a closed-toe design, waterproof upper, and grippy sole.

While the Newport H2 offers more protection than most sandals, they’re still breathable.

As a bonus, you can toss them in the washing machine when they get dirty.

Make sure you use a small amount of detergent and set the washer to a gentle setting.

Sandals versus flip-flops

If you want shoes with breathability, sandals and flip-flops are two popular choices.

While flip-flops are lightweight, sandals are the better option. Sandals offer more support and comfort.

There’s a strap over your foot or around your ankle to secure the shoe. You’ll be able to walk further in sandals than flip-flops.

Also, sandals are available in more styles and materials.

Whether you need arch support or specific materials, you can find the perfect one to fit your needs.

Sandals buying guide

As the temperature rises, make sandals a part of your summer style.

When you shop for sandals, you’ll find a lot of choices.

So, consider the following key features and details to pick the perfect pair:

  • Fit. Your foot shouldn’t extend past the sole in length or width.
  • Arch support. Arch support is essential for support and comfort.
  • Adjustable. Buckles and straps ensure you find the perfect fit.
  • Thicker soles. A high-quality and thick sole protects your feet. It also makes the sandals last longer.

The best pair will protect and comfort your feet.

Versatility is a bonus feature. If you have to choose one, make sure you can wear the sandals to the beach or on a hike.

What to wear with sandals

Sandals look best when you wear them with shorts, cuffed or cropped jeans, or chinos.

You can wear casual button-up shirts, t-shirts, and lightweight jackets.

Since you’ll wear sandals in the summer, remember to grab your favorite pair of polarized sunglasses.

They’re casual footwear. So, don’t dress them up in a suit.

Also, sandals don’t look stylish with socks or baggy pants.

Remember the few rules for wearing sandals, and you’ll look great.

Conclusion

Sandals are a must-have for hot weather.

While loafers, sneakers, and boat shoes are more stylish, sandals offer breathability.

You’ll get airflow and support, which keeps you cool and comfortable.

When you wear sandals, trim your toenails for a clean look.

Featured photo by David Em/Next Level Gents.

Portrait of David Em.

About David Em

Founder

David Em is the founder of Next Level Gents, the ultimate destination for tips and advice about style, grooming, fitness, and success.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Peter says

      January 10, 2020 at 6:13 pm

      What is the official colourway/style of these birkenstocks?

      • David Em says

        January 10, 2020 at 6:32 pm

        Hi Peter, they’re the Arizona Soft Slide Sandal and the color is Iron.

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