The Most Comfortable Men's Sandals
Nothing can ruin a day of sightseeing faster than wearing the wrong shoes, which is why packing a comfortable pair of travel shoes is so important. You may already have a comfy pair of sneakers in your closet, but if you're heading to a warm-weather locale, you may want to invest in a comfortable pair of sandals. Along with providing all-day support, something that can easily transition between early-morning hikes and after-dinner drinks is a must.
The best men's sandals to buy are the Dockers Fisherman Sandals. We love the soft memory foam footbed for comfort and the fact that they're designed for easy mobility over virtually any surface, whether that be rocky trails or pavement.
From rugged sport sandals to sturdy pool slides and fashion-forward flip flops, keep reading to see the best comfortable sandals for men.
- Best Overall: Dockers Fisherman Sandal at Amazon
- Best Leather Flip-flops: Olukai Mea Ola Flip-Flop at Nordstrom
- Best Sport: Teva Katavi Outdoor Sandal at Amazon
- Best Slip-on: Birkenstock Arizona Birko-Flor Sandal at Zappos
- Best for Ankle Support: Ecco Off-Road Sport Sandal at Amazon
- Best for Arch Support: Reef Fanning Sandal at Amazon
- Best Leather: Dr. Scholl's Gaston Sandal at Dr. Scholl's
- Best Rubber Slides: Nike Benassi JDI Slide at Zappos
- Best Rubber Flip-flops: Crocs Crocband Flip-Flop at Crocs
- Best Waterproof: Oofos OOahh Slide Sandal at Zappos
- Best Eco-friendly: Mephisto Shark Sandal at Nordstrom
- Best for Traction: Columbia Two-Strap All Terrain Sandal at Amazon
T+L Top Picks
Best Overall: Dockers Fisherman Sandal
Why We Love It: They're comfy, supportive, sturdy, and stylish — all the things you'll want from a sandal. Plus, they're easy to personalize for your preferred fit.
What to Consider: They're only available in whole sizes.
These timeless sandals by Dockers feature a plush memory foam footbed, a roomy relaxed silhouette, and adjustable Velcro straps that allow a custom fit. They're also available in both regular and wide sizes, so you can choose the one that works best for your unique foot shape. These sandals feature a rubber insole and durable rubber outsole, which make outdoor activities of all types a breeze — wear them on a casual hike, along the beach, or simply around your resort.
Sizes: 7 to 15, wide options available | Material: Rubber, synthetic materials
Best Leather Flip-flops: Olukai Mea Ola Flip-Flop
Why We Love It: They're as functional as they are sleek and stylish.
What to Consider: They only come in whole sizes. If in between, size up.
These leather flip-flops by Olukai give off a more refined and polished feel than their rubber counterparts, meaning you can wear them outside the pool area. The sleek sandals feature stylish hand-stitched details and a sturdy rubber sole that provides excellent traction. There are a few colors to choose from, and thanks to a compression-molded midsole, they are comfortable enough to wear all day long.
Sizes: 7 to 15 | Material: Leather, rubber
Best Sport: Teva Katavi Outdoor Sandal
Why We Love It: They'll tackle even the toughest terrains with ease.
What to Consider: They run a bit narrow.
If you plan on hitting the hiking trails this season, be sure to invest in a high-quality pair of sport sandals like this option from Teva. They have three adjustable straps for a customized fit that fasten with an easy hook-and-loop closure, and a rugged rubber outsole for extra traction — perfect for a warm-weather hike. Its nylon shank (the material between the insole and outsole) provides additional stability and support on uneven terrain.
Sizes: 7 to 16 | Material: Leather, textile
Best Slip-on: Birkenstock Arizona Birko-Flor Sandal
Why We Love It: They're cushioned, moisture-wicking, and ideal for those who need extra arch support.
What to Consider: They have a slightly longer break-in period than other shoes on our list.
Birkenstock has been a go-to source for comfortable sandals for decades and understandably so. Along with a comfortable cork footbed, this pair by the iconic brand boasts moisture-wicking and shock-absorbing capabilities. They also come in both regular and narrow sizes and provide excellent arch support. Thanks to their ease and casual-yet-stylish appearance, they're perfect for everything from vacations to running errands, to lounging around the house.
Sizes: 6-6.5 to 17-17.5 | Material: Suede, acrylic
Best for Ankle Support: Ecco Off-Road Sport Sandal
Why We Love It: They're some of the comfiest sandals on the market for long walks and hikes.
What to Consider: They're not suitable for wearing in water, so skip these for wading through waves at the beach or creeks on a hike.
These sandals from Ecco are so comfortable and supportive, they're more than worth the investment. They feature adjustable straps at the ankle, toes, and heels for ideal support and a customizable fit. The shoes have a dual-density footbed, which is made with two different materials layered over top of each other, to keep your feet comfortable. Even better, there are plenty of colors to choose from.
Sizes: 6-6.5 to 17.5 | Material: Leather, rubber, textile
Best for Arch Support: Reef Fanning Sandal
Why We Love It: They're made with unique features like airbags in the heels and bottle openers on the outsoles.
What to Consider: If you're wearing them at the beach, sand can get stuck in the bottle opener.
Besides boasting shock-absorption and water resistance, these laid-back sandals from Reef also provide the arch support you need for a full day on your feet. They're constructed with a compression-molded foam footbed that contours to the shape of your feet, and they feature a heel airbag for extra comfort. Plus, each pair has a handy bottle opener built into the sole, making it a great option to wear to backyard BBQs, picnics, or beach days.
Sizes: 4 to 17 | Material: Leather, rubber
Best Leather: Dr. Scholl's Gaston Sandal
Why We Love It: This leather pair will elevate your look more so than a standard sandal..
What to Consider: They're not available in half or wide sizes.
This Dr. Scholl's option is a great choice for men who want a slightly dressier sandal that's also comfortable. The leather design will keep you looking polished, while the cushioned memory foam footbed will keep your feet (and you) happy all day. These also have an adjustable velcro instep strap for easy on-off and custom comfort.
Sizes: 7 to 13 | Material: Leather, rubber
Best Rubber Slides: Nike Benassi JDI Slide
Why We Love It: They're lightweight and waterproof.
What to Consider: They're best for feet that are on the flat and narrow side.
Planning on spending the majority of your trip at the beach or pool? Be sure to pack a comfortable pair of rubber slides like this option from Nike. These sandals are lightweight and boast an ultra-comfortable padded insole. Soft midsole foam and comfy jersey lining keep moisture at bay and provide a flexible fit.
Sizes: 4 to 15 | Material: Leather, rubber
Best Rubber Flip-flops: Crocs Crocband Flip-flop
Why We Love It: They're water-resistant and buoyant, making them great for pools or beaches.
What to Consider: They run a little small; consider ordering a half-size up.
Besides being incredibly comfortable, these water-ready sandals from Crocs are quick-drying and easy to clean. They're so lightweight, in fact, they'll actually float, meaning you'll never lose track of them in the pool or sea. Plus, they come in tons of stylish colors, so you're sure to find a style (or two) that you love. There are also women's sizes available.
Sizes: 4 to 13 | Material: Vinyl
Best Waterproof: Oofos OOahh Slide Sandal
Why We Love It: They're lightweight and packable; the pair weighs about half a pound.
What to Consider: They run a bit narrow.
These Oofos sandals were specially designed as a super comfortable shoe to wear after grueling workouts. The slides are completely waterproof and odor-resistant, so you can wear them from the beach to the pool to the shower while maintaining them in perfect condition. Comfort-wise, they have thick cushioning, and the brand was awarded the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) for promoting good foot health. Their ultra-lightweight construction makes them the perfect packable shoe, whether you're taking them on vacation or to the gym.
Sizes: 3 to 14 | Material: Foam
Best Splurge: Mephisto Shark Sandal
Why We Love It: They're made from ultra-soft, comfortable, and breathable materials.
What to Consider: They're the most expensive option on our list.
Besides boasting a comfortable leather upper, these handcrafted sandals from Mephisto feature a latex footbed that hugs your foot, and a shock-absorbing outsole. Plus, these sandals are breathable and lightweight, so they're ideal for wearing all day. They may be a bit pricey, but they're worth every penny.
Sizes: 7 to 14 | Material: Leather, rubber, textile
Best for Traction: Columbia Two-Strap All Terrain Sandal
Why We Love It: Thanks to their sturdy build, they can take on anything — even bodies of water.
What to Consider: They run small.
If you plan to hit the trails on your trip, consider packing these Columbia sandals. Their rugged, wet traction outsoles provide excellent grip on all types of surfaces, and they have a waterproof upper — in other words, you can traverse rocky terrain or wade through creeks along the trail with ease. The adjustable ankle and toe straps also help provide stability, and these sandals have plenty of cushioning for added comfort.
Sizes: 7 to 15 | Material: Rubber, synthetic materials
Tips for Buying Comfortable Sandals
Arch Support Is a Must
If you ask Dr. Jacqueline Sutera of City Podiatry in New York City, shoes with an arch can work wonders. "For most people, arch support is a must-have," she says. "In general, it is best to skip over the shoes with thin, flat insoles and outer soles. Wearing shoes with more structure and support is not only more comfortable, but also healthier overall." Wearing shoes in your true, correct size also makes a world of difference, she says.
Choose the Right Material for Your Use
While there are always exceptions, shoes made of good quality leather and rubber tend to be easier on the feet than materials like canvas or hard plastic. Pairs with memory foam in the sole also typically reduce pressure on the feet. Also consider when you'll be wearing your shoes. If you're planning to buy a pair for the beach or pool, look for waterproof materials, such as rubber or neoprene.
Find Your Style
Style depends on personal preference and needs. If you require some extra ankle support, choose a pair with a back or ankle strap. Looking for something to stand up to rugged terrain? Steer clear of flip flops and instead go for a durable style with a thick heel, like the Ecco Off-Road or Columbia Two-Strap. Still, if a fashionable shoe is your main objective, you can't go wrong with Dr. Scholl's Gaston Sandal.
Why Trust Travel + Leisure
Travel + Leisure writers are shopping, fashion, and product experts who use personal experience and customer recommendations to choose the best items for shoppers. For this article, editors Rebecca Carhart and Hillary Maglin researched dozens of men's sandals, interviewed a podiatrist, and used their expertise as fashion and lifestyle writers to round up the most comfortable sandals for men.
Up Next: The Best Hiking Sandals for Men
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