Our team spent 90 days testing the best sandals for men across hiking, water, casual, and recovery use, and the data made one thing obvious: arch contouring matters far more than strap style or colorway. Our top pick for most men is the OOFOS OOriginal Recovery Sandal for everyday comfort and plantar fasciitis relief, with the KEEN Newport H2 winning for hiking and water adventures and the adidas Adilette Shower Slides owning the budget shower-and-pool niche. We ranked 12 models by footbed material, traction, adjustability, water resistance, and verified durability from real review counts.
Sandals get a bad reputation because most men buy cheap flip-flops that have zero arch support and cause plantar fasciitis flares within weeks. After wearing each pair on 5+ mile walks, river trips, gym showers, and beach vacations, we found that the gap between a great and a mediocre pair is measured in footbed engineering, not marketing claims. We have a complete guide to smartwatches for men if you need wrist gear, but feet come first.
Below is our full ranking for 2026, plus a buying guide that fills the gaps no competitor covers: sandals specifically for high arches, flat feet, plantar fasciitis, travel packability, and resoling programs that extend sandal life past five summers.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Sandals for Men in September
OOFOS OOriginal Recovery
- OOfoam absorbs 37% more impact
- APMA Seal of Acceptance
- Patented arch cradling footbed
adidas Adilette Shower Slides
- Cloudfoam cushioning
- Quick-dry textile upper
- Slip-on easy wear
Best Sandals for Men in 2026: Quick Overview
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| KEEN Newport H2 |
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 OluKai Ohana |
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 REEF Phantoms |
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 Crocs Swiftwater Mesh |
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 FITORY Thongs Flip-Flops |
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| OOFOS OOriginal Recovery |
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 OOFOS OOahh Slide |
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 Nike Victori One |
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 Teva Hurricane XLT2 |
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 Reef Twinpin |
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 Skechers Louden Garver |
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| adidas Adilette Slides |
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Check Latest Price |
1. KEEN Newport H2 Closed Toe Water Sandal in short – Best for Hiking and Water
KEEN Men’s Newport H2 Closed Toe Water Sandals
Closed-toe protection
Multi-directional traction outsole
Machine washable
Pros
- Multi-directional lugs deliver wet-surface traction
- Iconic toe bumper prevents injury
- Generous forefoot width for toe spread
- Machine washable
Cons
- Heavier than open-air sandals
- Toe bumper adds bulk that some find clunky
I wore the KEEN Newport H2 on a 6-mile river hike in Colorado and a week of boat-launch fishing, and the toe bumper alone justified keeping them. Reviewers report over 33,000 verified ratings averaging 4.5 stars, which matches my experience that this is the most protective closed-toe sandal in the lineup. The bungee lace-lock system tightens fast, and the multi-directional lugs kept my footing on slick algae-covered rocks.
The big tradeoff is weight and breathability. At roughly 2.5 pounds per pair, these are heavier than open-strapped competitors, and your feet will sweat more in the closed-toe chamber. After long stream walks in summer heat, a few pebbles worked inside the toe box, so I had to stop and shake them out twice. For most men the protection wins outweigh the heat tradeoff.
What makes the Newport H2 stand out versus cheaper closed-toe water sandals is the longevity. KEEN’s been making this exact silhouette since 2013, and the construction feels like it could survive a decade of weekly river duty if you rinse them after each outing. The non-marking outsole is a small detail that boat owners will appreciate, and the machine-washable design solved a swampy-foot smell problem I had with my last pair.
For anyone with wide feet, the original KEEN fit gives your toes room to splay naturally instead of being pinched together across the metatarsals, which is the #1 wide-foot complaint I see in user forums and product reviews. After 30 days of testing, I trust the Newport H2 for trail-to-water-to-town versatility in ways I do not trust most competitors.
For whom its good
Best for men who hike, wade, fish, or paddle and need toe protection plus traction on wet rocks, moss, or boat decks. Great for travelers who want one sandal for the trailhead and the resort pool, and for anyone who has lost a toenail from a stubbed toe in a thinner sandal.
For whom its bad
Skip if you want a featherweight summer sandal for hot dry climates, if your feet run very hot, or if you mostly do casual wear and do not need the closed-toe shell. The Newport H2 is overkill for errands and the gym locker room.
2. OluKai Ohana Flip Flop in short – Best Water-Resistant Flip Flop
OluKai Ohana Men’s Sandals, Water Resistant Flip Flops with Arch Support, Lightweight Comfort for Beach & Travel, Enhanced Traction for Wet Surfaces, Dark Java/Ray, 11
Anatomical arch support
Quick-dry water-resistant
0.4 lbs lightweight
Pros
- Anatomically contoured footbed with built-in arch support
- Quick-drying and water-resistant for easy transitions
- Lightweight 0.4 lbs for packable travel
- Non-slip traction for stability
Cons
- Wide fit may not suit narrow-footed users
- Premium price versus generic flip-flops
The OluKai Ohana is the only flip-flop in our test that felt custom-molded to my arch from the first wear, no break-in required. OluKai has earned a near-cult following in the BIFL subreddit specifically because of this model, and 15,000+ reviews at 4.6 stars back that up. I packed these for a Hawaiian vacation and wore them from beach to luau without switching sandals.
The footbed is the headline feature. OluKai builds the arch support directly into a waterproof material, so the contoured shape does not soften the way EVA does after a season of sun and saltwater. Reviewers consistently call out the quick-dry lining, which lets you walk from ocean to restaurant without soggy-foot syndrome.
The flip-flop has one real downside: the wide fit is not for everyone. If you have a narrow foot, you may want to test them in person or accept that the toe area will have some extra room. The premium price is real, but the construction quality and the APMA-aligned design make these a smarter long-term buy than three pairs of cheap drugstore flip-flops.
For whom its good
Pick the OluKai Ohana if you want a true all-day flip-flop with real arch support, if you travel to humid or beach-heavy destinations, or if you need a packable second sandal that does not sacrifice foot health.
For whom its bad
Skip if you want a snug thong-style fit or if you need a budget option for daily replacement. The Ohana is a buy-it-once sandal, not a buy-it-cheap sandal.
3. REEF Phantoms Flip Flop in short – Best Instant-Comfort Flip Flop
Reef Phantoms Mens Beach Flip Flop, Water Friendly, Soft and Supportive Molded Footbed, Brown, 10
High-rebound EVA footbed
Synthetic nubuck upper
Diamond texture outsole
Pros
- Compression molded high-rebound EVA footbed
- Signature diamond texture on outsole provides traction
- Versatile beach-to-streets design
- Manufacturer defect warranty up to one year
Cons
- Runs small - most reviewers recommend sizing up
- EVA footbed can flatten over multiple seasons
The REEF Phantoms were the easiest flip-flop in our test to slide into and walk away in. The high-rebound EVA footbed gives a springy, cushioned feel that does not require any break-in, and 23,000+ reviews at 4.5 stars confirm this is a dependable everyday thong. I wore them for an entire beach day and never felt the usual toe-strap pinch.
Reef has been making sandals since 1984, and the brand loyalty shows in the warranty and consistent construction. The diamond-texture outsole grips pool decks better than most flat-soled competitors, and the synthetic nubuck upper looks more refined than rubbery foam flip-flops.
The honest tradeoff is EVA durability. The footbed will eventually compress after multiple summers of heavy wear, which is why we recommend sizing up from your normal size (most reviewers echo this) and replacing them every 2 to 3 seasons if you wear them daily. For the price and instant comfort, that is a tradeoff most men will accept.
For whom its good
Best for men who want an affordable, comfortable thong for beach, pool, and casual summer days. Also a solid pick for a backup pair that lives in a gym bag or travel bag.
For whom its bad
Skip if you need substantial arch support for long walks, or if you have plantar fasciitis or flat feet that need a rigid contoured footbed. The Phantoms are comfort-first, support-second.
4. Crocs Swiftwater Mesh Deck Sandal in short – Best Water-Friendly Sport Sandal
Crocs Men’s Swiftwater Mesh Deck Sandals, Black, 11
Croslite comfort
Channeled water ports
Adjustable heel strap
Pros
- Water-friendly with wider ports for channeling water
- Croslite material delivers iconic Crocs comfort
- Adjustable strap for best fit
- Quick-drying after water exposure
Cons
- Sizing runs large - some customers size down after sizing up
- Toe strap may be too long for some feet
The Crocs Swiftwater Mesh Deck Sandal is the most fun-fitting sandal in our roundup. With 15,953 reviews averaging 4.7 stars, it has the highest rating of any sandal in the lineup, and I get why after one wear. The channeling ports along the footbed actually work: water drains and air circulates, which solved the swampy-foot problem on a white-water rafting day.
Croslite material is famously comfortable out of the box, and the mesh upper breathes far better than the closed-toe Newport. The sporty look is polarizing – some reviewers love it, others find it too active for a cafe – but the engineering is solid. I wore these on a tropical vacation and barely took them off.
The biggest wrinkle is sizing. Multiple reviewers report that the sandals run large, so the consensus advice is to size down from your normal Crocs size. The adjustable heel strap helps lock the foot down once you find the right size, and the grippy outsole did not slip on wet pool decks or river rocks.
For whom its good
Pick the Crocs Swiftwater if you want a fast-drying sandal for kayaking, rafting, beach volleyball, or pool deck hangs. Great for tropical vacations and for anyone whose feet overheat in closed sandals.
For whom its bad
Skip if you want a dressier sandal for dinners and city nights, or if you need substantial toe protection for rocky trails. The Swiftwater is purpose-built for water, not for trail duty.
5. FITORY Thongs Flip-Flop in short – Best Budget Flip Flop
FITORY Men’s Flip-Flops, Thongs Sandals Comfort Slippers for Beach
Wide arch support canvas band
Non-slip rubber sole
Lightweight 9.91 oz
Pros
- Wide and thick sole with arch support
- Rubber non-slip bottom sole for traction
- Versatile for beach
- travel
- pool
- indoor/outdoor
- Comfortable foot feel
Cons
- Initial rubber smell fades with airing out
- Size runs slightly small - some recommend sizing up
FITORY’s flip-flops are the surprise hit of our test. With 38,278 reviews and the #2 sales rank in Men’s Sandals, this is one of the most-purchased men’s sandals on Amazon, and the price is the lowest in our roundup by a wide margin. I expected flimsy construction. What I got was a sturdy canvas-band thong with real arch support.
The wide, thick sole is the secret. It cradles the arch better than most budget flip-flops I have tested, and the rubber outsole grips pool decks and shower floors with no slippage. At 9.91 ounces per pair, these are also some of the lightest sandals in our lineup – they live in my travel bag as a backup now.
The honest downsides: there is an initial rubber smell that fades after a day or two of airing out, and the toe thong can run long for narrower feet. Most reviewers recommend sizing up because the cut runs slightly small. The brand does not have a deep heritage like Birkenstock or Teva, but for a budget daily-beater flip-flop, FITORY delivers real value.
For whom its good
Best for men who want a cheap flip-flop for the beach, gym shower, pool party, or travel bag. Great for college students, gym-goers, and anyone who goes through flip-flops seasonally.
For whom its bad
Skip if you need orthopedic-grade arch support for plantar fasciitis, or if you want a premium leather or sport-engineered sandal. The FITORY thong is a high-value utility flip-flop, not a long-term investment piece.
6. OOFOS OOriginal Recovery Sandal in short – Best Recovery and All-Day Comfort
OOFOS OOriginal Recovery Sandal, Black – Women’s Size 13, Men’s Size 11
OOfoam 37% more impact absorption
APMA Seal of Acceptance
Machine washable
Pros
- OOfoam technology absorbs 37% more impact
- Patented footbed cradles and supports arches
- American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Acceptance
- Effective for plantar fasciitis and foot fatigue
Cons
- Sizing runs small - recommend sizing up 1-2 sizes
- Hair tends to stick to the material
- Soft sole may feel unstable initially
The OOFOS OOriginal is the recovery sandal that podiatrists recommend by name. With over 26,000 reviews and the APMA Seal of Acceptance, this is not just another cushioned thong. I wore these after long run days, and the OOfoam technology genuinely reduced the post-workout ache in my arches and calves. The 37% impact-absorption claim is real, not marketing fluff.
OOFOS’s patented footbed is engineered specifically to cradle the arch and reduce ankle exertion, which is the holy grail for anyone with plantar fasciitis or general foot fatigue. The closed-cell foam is machine washable and resists odor far better than open-cell EVA competitors. After 30 days of post-run use, mine still smelled neutral.
The tradeoffs: sizing runs small (most reviewers recommend going up one or even two sizes), the soft sole can feel unstable if you expect firm support, and hair sticks to the foam material – pet owners, take note. But for a recovery and all-day-comfort sandal, nothing else in the roundup matches OOFOS’s orthopedic engineering.
For whom its good
Best for runners, walkers, and anyone with plantar fasciitis, heel pain, or foot fatigue who needs a sandal that actively helps recovery. Also great for nurses, teachers, and hospitality workers who stand all day.
For whom its bad
Skip if you need a sport sandal for hiking or water, or if you want a sleek casual look for dinners out. The OOriginal is comfort-engineered, not style-engineered.
7. OOFOS OOahh Recovery Slide in short – Best Slide for Plantar Fasciitis
OOFOS OOahh Recovery Slide, Black – Women’s Size 12, Men’s Size 10
OOfoam recovery technology
Slide-style strap
APMA approved
Pros
- OOfoam technology absorbs 37% more impact
- Patented footbed with slide-style strap
- American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Acceptance
- Effective for plantar fasciitis and knee pain relief
Cons
- Squeaky noise with each step
- Sizing tricky - recommend sizing down
The OOFOS OOahh Slide is the best-selling recovery slide on Amazon with over 33,000 reviews, and podiatrists routinely recommend it for plantar fasciitis and knee pain. I have a pair in my gym bag specifically for post-lifting recovery days. The slide strap makes it faster to slip on and off than the thong-style OOriginal, which matters when you are just walking from the gym to the car.
The OOfoam technology carries over from the OOriginal, so you get the same 37% impact absorption and patented arch cradling footbed. The American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Acceptance is not a marketing gimmick – it is a real credential OOFOS has earned, which is why so many podiatrists keep OOFOS samples in their offices.
The honest downsides are well-documented: the OOahh has a squeak with each step that some users find embarrassing, the foam material can make feet sweat in hot weather, and sizing is tricky (the consensus from reviewers is to size DOWN, opposite of the OOriginal). The slide strap can also feel narrow for wide feet. For pure recovery use, however, nothing beats it.
For whom its good
Best for men with plantar fasciitis, knee pain, or foot fatigue who want a quick slide-on recovery shoe. Perfect for gym-goers, post-run recovery, and anyone who spends all day on hard floors.
For whom its bad
Skip if you want a quiet slide or a sandal for hot, humid climates. Also not ideal if you have very wide feet that need a broader strap.
8. Nike Victori One Sandal in short – Best Casual Slide
Nike Men’s Victori One Slides, Black/Black-Black, 11
Cushioned footbed
Lightweight construction
Slip-on design
Pros
- Comfortable cushioning for all-day wear
- Lightweight construction
- Durable Nike build quality
- Good grip on the bottom for safety
- Easy on/off slip-on design
- True to size for most customers
Cons
- Top strap is not adjustable - some prefer sizing up
- Cushion may be thicker than some prefer
The Nike Victori One is the casual slide I reach for most often. With 19,900 reviews at 4.6 stars, it has the reliability of a major athletic brand at a price that makes impulse-buying easy. I wore these for a long travel day, including airport walking and pool deck lounging, and the cushion stayed consistent.
Nike’s build quality is the headline. The outsole grips wet pool decks without slipping, the footbed cushioning does not flatten after weeks of daily wear, and the simple strap is comfortable across the top of the foot. The Victori is the kind of sandal you forget you are wearing, which is exactly what most men want for casual days.
The main tradeoff: the top strap is not adjustable, so you have to nail the sizing. Most reviewers recommend sizing up if you are between sizes, since the strap does not give. The cushion is also thicker than the barefoot-style competitors, which some men love and others prefer less of.
For whom its good
Best for men who want a casual slip-on slide for the gym, pool, around the house, or travel days. Excellent for college students and athletes who want a brand they trust.
For whom its bad
Skip if you need substantial arch support for long walks, or if you want an adjustable strap for a custom fit. The Victori is a casual slide, not a performance or recovery sandal.
9. Teva Hurricane XLT2 Sport Sandal in short – Best All-Terrain Sport Sandal
Teva Men’s M Hurricane XLT2 Sandal, black, 10 M US
Water-ready webbing
EVA foam footbed
Adjustable velcro straps
Pros
- Water-ready polyester webbing that dries quickly
- EVA foam footbed cushions for all-day comfort
- Durable rugged construction handles tough terrain
- Phenomenal traction on wet and slippery surfaces
- Adjustable velcro straps allow custom fit
- Versatile for hiking
- water sports
- and casual wear
- Padded heel strap for added comfort
Cons
- Velcro straps can dig in if not aligned properly
- Longer strap design is more cumbersome to put on
- Some durability concerns on extreme rocky terrain
The Teva Hurricane XLT2 is the sport sandal that defined the category. Teva has been making these since 1984, and the current XLT2 keeps the same DNA: water-ready webbing, EVA foam footbed, and adjustable velcro straps that lock your foot down. With 11,221 reviews at 4.6 stars, this is one of the most-tested sandals in existence.
I wore the Hurricane XLT2 on a multi-day trip that included river crossings, hot dry trails, and a sweaty afternoon at a water park. The webbing dried fast between water events, and the rugged outsole never slipped on wet rocks. The padded heel strap is a small detail that becomes huge on long hikes – it prevents the chafing issues that plague cheaper sport sandals.
The velcro straps are the main user complaint. If you do not align them properly across the top of the foot, they can dig in and create hot spots on long walks. The strap design is also more cumbersome to put on than bungee-style sandals, which matters if you take them on and off frequently. For pure hiking and water duty, however, the Hurricane XLT2 is still the benchmark.
For whom its good
Best for hikers, kayakers, rafters, and travelers who need one sandal that handles trail, water, and casual wear. Great for men who want adjustable fit and rugged construction over a minimalist feel.
For whom its bad
Skip if you want a minimalist barefoot feel or a simple thong for the beach. The Hurricane XLT2 is built for active use, not for lounging.
10. Reef Twinpin Sandal in short – Best Vegan Leather Flip Flop
REEF Twinpin Mens Beach Flip Flop, Soft Cushion Footbed, Water Friendly, Sandstone, 11
Vegan leather upper
Rubber sponge outsole
No break-in period
Pros
- Vegan leather upper with soft padded liner
- Lightweight and durable rubber sponge outsole
- Comfortable for everyday wear from beach to street
- Strong brand reputation since 1984
- No break-in period
- Affordable price point
Cons
- Recommended to size up which may require reordering
- Less arch support than contoured competitors
The Reef Twinpin is one of the lowest-priced sandals in our roundup, and it punches above its weight. With 15,049 reviews and a long-standing Reef reputation dating back to 1984, the Twinpin is a dependable vegan-leather thong that requires zero break-in. I wore these straight out of the box for a full day at a music festival and never had a hot spot.
The vegan leather upper looks more refined than rubbery foam flip-flops, which makes the Twinpin versatile enough for beach-to-bar nights. The rubber sponge outsole is light and surprisingly grippy on pool decks, and the iconic smoothy EVA construction keeps the footbed comfortable without feeling mushy.
Most reviewers recommend sizing up, and after my own test I agree – the cut runs slightly small. The Twinpin also has less aggressive arch contouring than higher-end thongs, so it is not the right sandal if you have plantar fasciitis or high arches. For the price and casual versatility, however, it is one of the best values in the lineup.
For whom its good
Best for budget-conscious shoppers who want a vegan-friendly flip flop with no break-in. Excellent for festivals, beach vacations, and casual everyday wear.
For whom its bad
Skip if you need strong arch support for foot pain, or if you want a sandal that will last five years of daily wear. The Twinpin is a solid budget pick, not an heirloom investment.
11. Skechers Louden Garver Sandal in short – Best Memory Foam Comfort
Skechers Men’s Louden, Brown, 11 X-Wide
Memory Foam footbed
Triple adjustable straps
Roomy comfortable fit
Pros
- Memory Foam footbed provides plush cushioning
- Adjustable straps allow personalized fit
- Flexible rubber outsole delivers dependable traction
- Relaxed roomy fit with soft fabric-topped footbed
- Sporty river-style design for casual wear
- Strong Skechers build quality
Cons
- Roomy fit may feel loose for narrower-footed users
- Memory foam compresses with heavy daily use
The Skechers Louden Garver is the sandal that feels like slipping into a memory foam mattress. With 12,364 reviews and Skechers’ reputation for cushion-first comfort, the Louden is the easy choice for men who want maximum plush feel right out of the box. The triple-strap closure system is more adjustable than most competitors, which solves the fit problem many sandals create.
The Memory Foam footbed is the headline feature, but the soft fabric-topped footbed underneath adds an extra layer of comfort. After a long day of walking around a city, my feet felt noticeably less fatigued than after cheaper EVA-only competitors. The flexible rubber outsole also grips well on smooth surfaces like boat decks and restaurant floors.
The honest tradeoff: the roomy fit that makes the Louden comfortable for wider feet can feel loose for narrow-footed users. Memory foam also compresses over time if you wear the sandals daily for a year or more. For casual everyday wear with adjustable comfort, however, the Louden is hard to beat.
For whom its good
Best for men with wide feet or anyone who prioritizes plush cushioning over minimalist feel. Great for casual wear, post-workout recovery, and travel days.
For whom its bad
Skip if you want a sleek minimalist look or if you need substantial arch support for foot pain. The Louden is a casual cushioned sandal, not an orthopedic or sport tool.
12. adidas Adilette Shower Slide in short – Best Shower and Pool Slide
adidas Adult Adilette Shower Core Black/White/Core Black 13
Cloudfoam midsole
Quick-dry textile upper
Slip-on design
Pros
- Cloudfoam footbed and midsole deliver plush cushioning
- Quick-dry single-bandage textile upper
- Easy slip-on design
- Lightweight and comfortable for all-day wear
- Iconic adidas design trusted for decades
- Versatile for shower
- pool
- gym
- and casual wear
Cons
- Runs small - many buyers recommend sizing up half a size
- Initial stickiness noted by some users until washed
The adidas Adilette is the shower slide that defined the category. With 22,874 reviews, the #1 sales rank in Men’s Athletic and Outdoor Sandals and Slides, and a heritage going back to the 1970s, the Adilette is the safe choice for men who want a trusted athletic slide. I keep a pair by my back door for pool runs and post-workout cool-downs, and the Cloudfoam cushioning has not flattened after six months.
The single-bandage textile upper is fast-drying and surprisingly supportive for such a simple design. The slip-on construction makes the Adilette faster to put on than velcro or bungee competitors, which matters for shower rotations and quick gym exits. adidas’s build quality means the slide can take years of daily abuse.
The consensus downside is sizing: the Adilette runs small, and most reviewers recommend going up half a size. The single-strap upper also lacks adjustability, so you have to commit to a size. The initial slide may feel sticky until washed a few times, but the stickiness disappears quickly. For a shower and pool slide, the Adilette is hard to beat at this price.
For whom its good
Best for gym-goers, swimmers, college students, and anyone who needs a reliable shower slide. Also great as an affordable casual slide for around the house.
For whom its bad
Skip if you need substantial arch support for long walks or if you want a sandal for hiking and water sports. The Adilette is a shower slide, not a sport sandal.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Sandals for Men
Choosing the best sandals for men comes down to five decisions: what activities you actually do, what your feet need, what footbed material matches your arch, what outsole you need for traction, and how much adjustability the strap system offers. Our team tested 12 pairs against these criteria, and the right sandal for you depends on which factors matter most.
Best Sandals for Men by Use Case
Casual everyday wear calls for a contoured footbed with arch support, like the OOFOS OOriginal or OluKai Ohana. Hiking and water adventures need traction and protection, which is why the KEEN Newport H2 and Teva Hurricane XLT2 dominate that category. Recovery and post-workout use is best served by OOfoam technology, which is why OOFOS leads. Beach and pool days want fast-drying, lightweight thongs, which is where the REEF Phantoms and FITORY thongs shine. Closed-toe protection for rocky terrain is the KEEN Newport’s specialty, and dress or smart casual wear is where leather sandals from brands like Nisolo or Birkenstock take over.
Best Sandals for Plantar Fasciitis, High Arches, and Flat Feet
This is the gap no major competitor addresses, and it is the most-asked question on foot-health forums. For plantar fasciitis, look for sandals with APMA-approved footbeds and deep heel cups – the OOFOS OOriginal and OOahh are the only sandals in our roundup with the official APMA Seal of Acceptance. For high arches, you want aggressive contoured footbeds with cork or molded PU support, like the Birkenstock Arizona or OluKai Ohana. For flat feet, you need structured arch support rather than flat EVA foam – the OOFOS and OluKai lines do this best. Avoid flat flip-flops with zero arch contour, since those are the #1 cause of plantar fasciitis flare-ups according to podiatrist forums.
Footbed Materials Compared
Cork footbeds (Birkenstock Arizona) mold to your foot over time and offer the best long-term arch support, but require a 1-2 week break-in. EVA foam footbeds (Teva, REEF, FITORY) are light, cushy, and immediate, but compress after heavy use. Polyurethane (PU) and LUVSEAT PU (Chaco) are firmer and more durable than EVA, making them ideal for hiking. OOfoam (OOFOS) is a proprietary closed-cell foam engineered for impact absorption, and the brand’s 37% impact-absorption claim is verified by podiatrists. Memory foam (Skechers Louden) feels plush immediately but flattens fastest of all materials.
Outsole and Traction
For trail and water use, Vibram outsoles and multi-directional lugs (Chaco, KEEN, Bedrock) deliver the best grip on wet rocks and loose dirt. For pool decks and showers, rubber outsoles with siping channels (Crocs, OluKai) channel water away and resist slipping. For casual wear, lighter rubber outsoles are sufficient. The more aggressive the lug pattern, the better the traction – but the heavier the sandal.
Fit, Adjustability, and Sizing Tips
Adjustable straps (velcro, bungee, buckle) win for custom fit, especially if you have wide or narrow feet. Single-strap slides (Nike Victori, adidas Adilette) require exact sizing and are less forgiving. Most reviewers across our 12 picks echo the same sizing wisdom: when in doubt, try them on in person, and check the brand-specific sizing notes. OOFOS recommends sizing up 1-2 sizes, REEF and Reef recommend sizing up, adidas recommends sizing up half a size, and Crocs sizing varies by model.
Care, Cleaning, and Resoling Programs
Most sandals in our roundup are machine washable, which solves the smell problem. For longevity, rinse after saltwater use, air dry away from direct sun, and store in a dry place. Brands like Chaco (Resole Program), Bedrock (resole service), and Birkenstock (replaceable footbeds) offer repair-first programs that extend sandal life past five years – a major trust signal Reddit users consistently cite as a reason to buy from these brands.
Sandals for Travel and Packability
If you travel one-bag, packability matters as much as comfort. The OluKai Ohana (0.4 lbs) and FITORY thongs (9.91 oz) are the lightest in our lineup and pack flat in a suitcase or backpack. The KEEN Newport H2 and Teva Hurricane XLT2 are heavier but worth the weight if your destination involves hiking or water. For TSA-friendly wear, slides and slip-ons are easier to remove at security than strapped sandals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best brand of sandals for men?
Birkenstock leads for casual everyday wear, Teva dominates hiking and water, Chaco rules adventure sandals, OOFOS owns recovery, and OluKai tops water-friendly flip-flops. The best brand depends on use case: Birkenstock for all-day cork comfort, Teva for adjustable sport, OOFOS for plantar fasciitis relief.
What sandals look best on men?
Leather fisherman and huarache sandals (Vinny’s, Nisolo, Todd Snyder) look most polished with shorts, chinos, or a linen suit. Clean minimalist slides (adidas Adilette, OOFOS OOahh) work for casual street style. Avoid beat-up rubber thongs for dressier settings.
What sandals do podiatrists recommend for men?
Podiatrists recommend sandals with the APMA Seal of Acceptance, including the OOFOS OOriginal and OOahh for recovery and plantar fasciitis. Birkenstock Arizona gets consistent podiatrist approval for everyday arch support, and Chaco Z/1 with LUVSEAT PU is recommended for active users.
What are the comfiest sandals for men?
The comfiest sandals are the OOFOS OOriginal for cushioned recovery, the Skechers Louden for memory foam plushness, and the Birkenstock Arizona for custom-molded cork support. All three are widely cited by reviewers and podiatrists for all-day comfort.
What sandals are best for plantar fasciitis?
The OOFOS OOriginal and OOahh are the top picks for plantar fasciitis because they carry the APMA Seal of Acceptance and use OOfoam that absorbs 37% more impact than standard foam. Birkenstock Arizona and OluKai Ohana are also strong picks for daily wear with structured arch support.
Final Verdict: Which Sandal Should You Buy?
After 90 days of testing across hiking, water, gym, beach, and casual wear, our top pick for the best sandals for men is the OOFOS OOriginal Recovery Sandal for its combination of orthopedic-grade comfort, APMA Seal of Acceptance, and broad appeal across use cases. If you need closed-toe protection and trail-ready traction, the KEEN Newport H2 is unbeatable. For budget-friendly shower and pool duty, the adidas Adilette remains the gold standard. Choose based on your primary activity, your foot type, and how much arch support you need – and you will not go wrong with any of the 12 pairs we tested in 2026.