No footwear style screams ‘Summer!’ more than sandals. And despite some opinions, it is possible to wear these shoes without looking unfashionable or ridiculous. The key is finding the right pair for your needs that are stylish, comfortable and appropriate.

Thankfully the options are endless. From the classic Birkenstock NZ, a must-have wardrobe staple, to stylish leather slides and sturdy closed-toe designs, you will rue the days you spent fighting this footwear trend.

When choosing the perfect pair of sandals, let the setting and the occasion guide your choice. In relaxed and informal settings, like pool parties and days at the beach, you can never go wrong with a pair of simple and casual flip-flops.

Constructed sandals can dress up your look for brunches, garden parties, and even a beach wedding when styled correctly. For casual strolls around the neighbour or a day of running errands, throw on a pair of slides on your way out.

It is important to remember that sandals will rarely, if ever, be appropriate for business casual or formal events. They have their place in fashion and are a worthwhile footwear option, but wearing them when appropriate is key.

Key Elements

Before purchasing your next pair of sandals, there are four key elements worth considering to ensure you buy a pair that is comfortable, stylish, good quality and will provide the necessary support to your feet when wearing them.

Arch Support

If possible, choose sandals that have contoured footbeds or built-in arch support. They will help to promote and support your natural arch shape while distributing pressure across the bottom of your foot, reducing the chances of discomfort or unwanted foot conditions.

If you naturally have high arches or spend prolonged periods on your feed, this extra foot support is a must.

Upper Material

The one massive disadvantage of wearing sandals is that the upper, particularly with shoes with straps or webbing, can rub against your skin and cause irritation or a raw spot. This can be avoided by choosing footwear made with more comfortable materials.

The ideal materials to choose are leather and suede, as they will gradually conform to the natural shape of your feet over time, and the material only gets better with age. But if you feel uncomfortable wearing leather or want an alternative look, synthetic fibres like nylon or mesh are incredibly breathable and possess quick-drying properties. Additionally, they will be far more budget-friendly than their leather alternatives.

Outsole

When walking on uneven or slippery grounds, the traction on the outsole of your sandal will be the difference between walking safely or potentially falling and hurting yourself. Choose shoes that have rubber or non-slip outsoles, as they offer excellent grip and will minimise your chances of slipping.

Furthermore, outsoles with a textured design, with grooves or ‘teeth-like’ patterns, will grip well in all terrains. Flexible outsoles are ideal for those who love to walk, as they allow your feet to bend and move naturally.

Stability

Any type of foot or arch support is only possible with footwear that has a stable footbed. By design, sandals are not made to offer the same support as sneakers or boots and cannot be worn as a replacement for them in situations that demand the stability they offer.

A slightly firm, cushioned footbed will offer reasonable stability and comfort.

Most Popular

Any man who wants a tried and tested pair of reliable, comfortable and supportive sandals should own a pair of Birkenstock Arizona’s at least once in their lifetime. Their ‘ugly shoe’ reputation is long gone, replaced by the knowledge that they will never disappoint you.

Additionally, their clever design and solid footbed offer tons of support to your arch and toe box. Made from soft, sturdy leather and cushioning cork, they are light as air and perfectly mould to your feet for hours of comfortable wear.

Pair them with casual shorts and a graphic tee for a fun-filled day at the beach, a stroll around town or as the ideal vacation shoes to take you around your holiday destination.

Fashion Forward

Many men stay away from wearing sandals due to their belief that they are uncomfortable and unstylish. But the truth is, plenty of sandal options are available that perfectly balance these two key elements.

If Birkenstock is not for you, choose a slide sandal made from buttery leather or suede with a stylish crisscross upper and lug or cork soles. Alternatively, clog sandals have quickly grown in popularity in recent years. They are a fantastic option for those wanting the ease of slide-ons without exposing their toes to the elements.

The added benefit of the clog design is they style equally as well with shorts as they do with long pants for winter.

Cool & Casual

If your primary objective when purchasing slides is to find something super casual, very comfortable, and a breeze to put on, Rainbow flip-flops will be your go-to summer footwear every time.

The closed-cell SBR rubber used to make these bad boys is ideal for warm and humid climates, with a non-slip build that prevents your feet from sliding around. These iconic leather flip-flops will improve with age and wear, proving a reliable option for years.

Closed-Toed

While sandals may have gained a reputation for being the epitome of casual, effortless and relaxed, many varieties available on the market are incredibly sturdy in their closed-shoe design.

All-terrain sandals are built for hiking, traversing airports and active days outside. Their back heel guard will protect your ankle from painful twists, and the outer arch minimises shock impact when walking or jumping. Inner linings minimise stains and smell, making them low maintenance and easy to clean.