THERE comes a point in summer when only sandals will do. Simply too hot and stifling to wear anything else, sandals become a daily option, whether lounging around the house or heading to the beach.
But with the sheer variety of styles available nowadays, it can be difficult to choose the right pair: do you stick with the classics or push the boat out for something smarter you can wear to the poolside bar or restaurant in the evening?
From how to decide on the right design to the best sandals for men, here’s all you need to know about investing in a pair for yourself.
Best men's sandals at a glance:
- Best value: ONCAI
- Value style: Amazon Essentials
- Best premium sandals: Grenson
- Best for up-styling: Eli
- Best classic design: Birkenstock
Oncai
- ONCAI sandals, £27.19 at Amazon - buy here
With sandals, keeping it simple is often the best way. While many brands opt for extravagant materials and intricate woven designs, we often find that it’s the minimal, easy-to-wear styles that are most effective.
Take these classic sandals by Oncai as an example. With premium faux leather uppers, solid metal buckles and a beautifully soft microfibre insole, these might just be the only pair you need.
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Take them on holiday and wear them with tailored shorts, knitted polos and sunglasses, or just use them as a comfortable house shoe for lazy weekends at home.
Amazon Essentials
- Amazon Essentials sandals, £28.10 - buy here
There’s been a steady rise in luxury sandals in recent years, with many brands turning to opulent leathers and traditional construction techniques usually reserved for proper, lace-up shoes.
These minimal, somewhat dressy sandals filled a previously gaping void for comfortable slip-ons that could be dressed up with trousers and shirts for warm-weather excursions to the park or beer garden.
Given the use of soft leathers though, these types of sandals can be prohibitively expensive, which is where these come in. Designed by Amazon Essentials, they have all the look and feel of luxury sandals without the huge price point.
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Jones
- Eli leather slider sandals, £59 at Jones - buy here
Simple and easy to wear, these luxurious dual strap sandals are a warm weather essential.
The minimal mule design combines with a soft leather upper to create a classic silhouette, and one that will only get better with age.
Birkenstock
- Arizona Soft Footbed, £95.00 at Birkenstock - buy here
Birkenstock has long been the market leader in twin strap sandals, with its iconic Arizona model the benchmark design.
This pair is made in Germany and comes with supple suede uppers, a cork footbed that moulds to your foot and a lightweight EVA sole for day long comfort and support.
Grenson
- Florin sandals, £195 at Grenson - buy here
Grenson has gone full suede for this pair of sandals, with their brown suede uppers and matching covered moulded footbed.
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Luxuriously finished and made to last, these are an excellent dressed up option for this summer and the next.
Scarosso
- Antonio Moro sandals, £180 at Scarosso - buy here
Classic design meets opulent craftsmanship with this pair by Scarosso.
Made from brown calfskin and with metal hardware and a grippy rubber sole, this pair would be just as at home with shorts as it would pleated trousers.
Ted Baker
- Oscarr sandals, £85 at Ted Baker - buy here
Made with responsibly-made leather sourced through the Leather Working Group, these Ted Baker sandals are as easy to wear as they are stylish.
The soft brown leather uppers combine with the rubber sole for a versatile, comfortable design that will look as good now as it will in years to come.
Russell & Bromley
- Fab Line sandals, £129 at Russell & Bromley - buy here
Russell & Bromley is well regarded for its leather Oxfords and Derbies, but the British high street stalwart does an exceptional job at casual shoes too, including sandals.
This pair shows just why, with their made-in-Italy construction and soft black calf leather and grosgrain fabric uppers.
Fracap
- Fracap Leather Sandals, £165 at Toast - buy here
Made in Italy from vegetable tanned calfskin leather, these sandals are made to last a lifetime with their intricate woven design.
With a classic fisherman sandal upper and a durable rubber Vibram sole, these are just as perfect for warm days in the city as they are for beachside escapes.
Studio Nicholson
- Buckle-strap split suede slides, £295 - buy here
Utilising Studio Nicholson’s trademark minimal aesthetic, these sandals come finished in a versatile stone colour and with a rugged rubber sole.
Wear them with tonal shorts and a tee, or dress them up with navy chinos and a linen shirt.
What to look for in the best men's sandals
Style
Like most styles of shoe, sandals come in all shapes and sizes. From minimal slip on pairs through to heritage inspired fisherman designs, it can be hard to know where to begin.
It largely comes down to personal preference of course, and whether you’re prepared to make a statement or not. For those dipping their toes into sandals for the first time, it might be worth sticking to paired back styles with simple uppers. You might want to look at a buckle or two for an adjustable fit.
If you’re up for pushing things further though, consider more intricate designs with multiple buckles and stacked, chunkier soles.
Whichever you go for, sandals often look their best when you keep the rest of the outfit simple. Think chino shorts, tees and polos and you can’t go too far wrong.
Materials
Whereas for sliders, rubber and plastic are popular choices, for sandals you can expect a more luxurious array of materials. Cork footbeds, leather, suede and brass hardware are all up for grabs, so you should consider just how opulent you’re willing to go.
Some brands use leather for its durability and comfort, while others make a point of tapping into its opulent potential, so it might be wise to decide on the style you want before thinking about the materials you go for.
If you’re stuck, suede is always a great choice for a good mix between luxury and comfort. Suede is lightweight and supple and will only get softer with time.
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