The Best Sandals for Men That Are Stylish Enough to Actually Wear

Men and sandals have a complicated history, but 2026 is the year that history gets rewritten. The sandals that are actually getting worn and getting noticed aren't novelty pieces or beach-only buys. They're designed for real life, they pair with actual outfits, and they look like someone made a choice rather than grabbed whatever was by the door.

Birkenstock Arizona — Leather 

The Birkenstock Arizona in leather is what a men's sandal looks like when it stops being a compromise and starts being a choice. The contoured cork footbed is the reason people who own a pair never quite stop wearing them it molds to the foot over time and becomes more comfortable the longer you wear it. The leather version specifically takes this into elevated territory: it ages beautifully, develops a patina, and pairs with significantly more than the classic suede version.

Wear it with wide-leg linen trousers, tailored shorts, or relaxed denim. The tan and cognac colorways are the most versatile. This is the sandal that earns its spot in a permanent rotation.

Pairs With: Linen trousers · Wide-leg pants · Tailored shorts

Material: Natural leather — ages with wear

Colors: Tan, cognac, black, tobacco

Price: $$$

Ted Baker London Saltburn Slide Sandal

A dress sandal a leather-strapped sandal clean enough to wear to dinner or a summer event is the wardrobe gap most men don't know they have until they need it. Ted Baker salt burn sandals construction-quality and price point better than almost anything in this category. The Grand.OS technology makes the sole flexible and cushioned in a way that traditional leather-soled dress sandals aren't.

The look works with linen trousers, tailored shorts, or light summer suit separates. It's the sandal that handles the occasions where flip-flops would be wrong but full shoes would be overkill which is most of summer.

Pairs With: Linen trousers · Tailored shorts · Summer event dressing

Construction: Leather upper · Grand.OS cushioning

Colors: Tan, black, brown

Price: $$$

Nike Benassi JDI Slides 

The slide sandal has earned its place in men's style because it's become clear that the right slide clean, minimal branding, quality foam is a legitimate wardrobe piece rather than an afterthought. The Nike Benassi JDI is the best version of the accessible athletic slide: it's comfortable, available in a range of colorways, and the Nike Swoosh branding is clean at this size.

Wear it with matching-set loungewear, shorts and a tee, or poolside with swim trunks. Keep the color simple all-black, all-white, or tonal colorways work best. Avoid slides with text-heavy branding or novelty patterns if you want them to pair broadly.

Pairs With: Shorts · Matching sets · Swim trunks

Sole: Foam — lightweight and cushioned

Colors: Black, white, navy, and seasonal colorways

Price: $

Hari Mari Dunes Waterproof Flip Flop

Most flip-flops are treated as disposable—something you buy for a single beach trip and toss when the strap snaps. The Dunes from hari mari is the opposite. It’s a waterproof sandal built with actual intent. The standout feature is the memory foam toe post and siped footbed, which provides grip and comfort even when soaking wet. Unlike cheap rubber alternatives, these actually float in water and won't mark up a boat deck.

This is the pick for the man who spends his summer on the water but wants a sandal that doesn't look like a neon gym shower shoe. The muted colorways and clean silhouette mean you can walk off the boat and straight into a casual lunch without needing a wardrobe change.

• Best For: Boat days · Beach-to-bar transitions · Water activities

• Construction: Memory foam cushioning · Boat-safe outsole

• Special Feature: Floats in water · Waterproof textile upper

• Price: $$

Gucci Web Slide Sandal

If the Birkenstock is the practical choice, the Gucci Web Slide is the statement. This is arguably the most recognizable luxury slide in the world, defined by the iconic green and red stripe. While many designer slides prioritize branding over wearability, Gucci uses a molded rubber footbed that actually provides a surprising amount of arch support and grip.

This isn't a sandal you "rough up." It’s designed for high-visibility summer style—think poolside at a resort, a luxury beach club, or elevated streetwear looks. Because the branding is so distinct, keep the rest of your outfit grounded in high-quality basics to let the sandals be the focal point.

• Best For: Luxury travel · Resort wear · Statement styling

• Construction: Molded rubber footbed · Made in Italy

• Design: Iconic green and red Web stripe

• Price: $$$$

Bombas Friday Slide Sandal

Bombas built their reputation on making the most comfortable socks on the planet, so it’s no surprise that their entry into footwear the Friday Slide prioritizes that same "heavenly" feel. This is a one-piece EVA design, meaning it’s incredibly lightweight, waterproof, and durable enough to handle everything from a quick coffee run to a full day of lounging.

• Best For: Weekend errands · Loungewear · Socially-conscious shopping

• Construction: One-piece EVA · Cushioned footbed

• Impact: One pair of socks donated for every pair sold

• Price: $

Teva Hurricane XLT2  [BEST FOR TRAVEL]

The Teva Hurricane is built for the man who needs one pair of sandals to handle everything airports, light hiking, beach days, walking tours. The two-strap adjustable system holds the foot securely enough for actual activity, the Durabrasion rubber outsole grips both wet and dry surfaces, and the open construction means they dry quickly.

The aesthetic has come a long way from the mid-90s original the current colorways are significantly more considered, and the stripped-down silhouette works with shorts and a tee in a way that doesn't feel dated. This is the travel sandal that doesn't make you choose between comfort and looking like you know what you're doing.

Best For: Travel · Outdoor use · All-day wear

Construction: Adjustable webbing · Durabrasion rubber

Water: Quick-dry — suitable for water activities

Price: $$

OluKai Nui Leather Sandal 

OluKai makes some of the most considered sandals in the premium market the Hawaiian heritage brand brings genuine craft to construction, and the Nui is the clearest expression of that. Full-grain leather, drop-in heel for easy wear, and an anatomical footbed that provides real arch support without the orthopedic look.

This is the sandal for the man who's invested in quality pieces across his wardrobe and wants that same standard at his feet in the summer. It ages well, gets more comfortable over time, and pairs with everything from linen sets to casual tailoring.

Pairs With: Linen trousers · Tailored shorts · Elevated casual dressing

Material: Full-grain leather

Construction: Drop-in heel · Anatomical footbed

Price: $$$$