Travel Products Style Shoes Sandals The 16 Best Sandals for Men of 2023 Birkenstock Arizona Soft Footbeds are our top pick. By Joel Balsam Updated on February 21, 2023 Share Tweet Pin Email In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews Tips for Buying FAQ Why Trust T+L We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Travel + Leisure / Marcus Millan One of the most important items to have when traveling, if not the most important, is a comfortable pair of shoes. Some of the best travel moments are when you discover something special on a long walk, and you don’t want to be in a ton of pain when the day is done. But can a pair of sandals, which keep your feet exposed in warm destinations, also be comfortable? According to Bruce Pinker, a foot and ankle surgeon who is board certified by the American Board of Podiatric Medicine, they can. However, it’s ideal to get a pair with a high-quality sole. “Some of the most comfortable sandals for men have a cushioned footbed and an outsole composed of rubber,” he said. “These components provide for cushioning and shock absorption to add comfort during ambulation.” Pinker leans toward sandals with ankle straps, hiking style, as they prevent ankle sprains. He also recommends sandals with good rubber traction. For him, brands like Teva, Keen, and Birkenstock are the best, and we tend to agree. Our best overall pick is the Birkenstock Arizona Soft Footbed thanks to its stellar combination of comfort and sustainability. If Birks aren’t your style, no worries! We’ll include 15 other pairs of sandals for every kind of traveler. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Birkenstock Arizona Leather Sandal at Zappos Jump to Review Best Flip-flops: OluKai Ohana Men's Beach Sandals at Amazon Jump to Review Best Budget: Havaianas Men's Top Flip Flops at Amazon Jump to Review Best Splurge: Yuketen Alejandro Huarache at Todayclothing.com Jump to Review Best Sustainable: Munjoi All-Dai at Amazon Jump to Review Best Sport: Teva Hurricane XLT2 Sandals at Amazon Jump to Review Best Leather: Rainbow Leather Sandals at Amazon Jump to Review Best Cushioned: Chaco Sandal at Amazon Jump to Review Best Classic: Adidas Adissage Slides at Amazon Jump to Review Best Stylish: Nisolo Huarache at Amazon Jump to Review Best Overall Birkenstock Arizona Soft Footbed Leather Sandal Birkenstock View On Zappos View On Nordstrom View On REI Why We Love It They’re extremely comfortable, timeless, and sustainable. What to Consider They’re pricey and the style isn’t for everyone. For more than two decades, the Birkenstock Arizona Soft Footbed has been one of the best-selling sandals because they’re just so comfy. Once you work them in a bit, the soft cork footbed molds to your foot while maintaining arch support, making them a pair of sandals you’ll be tempted to wear all the time. Yes, they’re a bit pricey for sandals, but they’re built to last. The rubber on the bottom is high-quality and won’t wear out after years of use. Plus, Birkenstocks are one of the most eco-friendly sandals out there because the footbed is made from renewable resources, including natural cork and latex from rubber tree resin. We also love that they come in different colorways, including one made by Dior. And if you plan to spend time near the water, Birkenstock also sells a lighter, cheaper version of the Arizona sandal made with water-resistant EVA foam. Price at time of publish: $145 The Details: Natural cork, latex and leather | 6 to 13.5, options for wide and narrow | 4+ color options Best Flip-flops OluKai Ohana Men's Beach Sandals 4.8 Zappos View On Amazon View On Zappos View On Nordstrom Why We Love It It’s a versatile flip-flop that’s comfortable right out of the box. What to Consider The synthetic leather strap means they’re not waterproof, but they are water resistant. In Hawai’i ‘Ohana means family – a place where you feel right at home. That’s the idea behind these beloved flip-flops. The EVA foam sole has great traction, which is crucial for flip-flops since we tend to wear them around water. The rubber sole also provides good arch support beneath the footbed, and the synthetic leather straps give the shoes a unique look. An underrated aspect of these flip flops that makes them really great is the soft toe post, which is less likely to cause blisters than rubber alternatives. Note that these flip-flops tend to fit wide. Price at time of publish: $75 The Details: EVA foam, rubber, and synthetic leather | 7 to 18 | 14 color options Best Budget Havaianas Men's Top Flip Flops Amazon View On Amazon View On Zappos View On Havaianas.com Why We Love It These have been the quintessential beach flip-flops since 1962. What to Consider Havaianas aren’t built to last and offer no foot support. For more than 60 years, Havaianas have been one of the most popular flip flops around the world – they’re actually sold in 106 countries. There really is nothing else quite like them thanks to the company’s signature way of making rubber which is both durable and soft. They’re also super light, affordable, and perfect for protecting your feet when using hotel or hostel showers. Price at time of publish: $20 The Details: Rubber | 8 to 13 | Dozens of color options The 11 Most Comfortable Women's Sandals of 2023, Tested and Reviewed Best Splurge Yuketen Alejandro Huarache Today Clothing View On Todayclothing.com View On Toddsnyder.com View On Yuketen.com Why We Love It These sandals are simply gorgeous. What to Consider They come at a high price point and aren’t styled like typical sandals. Hand-crafted in Mexico, these sandals certainly are stunners. Vegetable-tanned leather is artfully hand-weaved to create the iconic Huarache style, and Vibram makes the leather outsole, so you know it’s built to last. They’re slip-on and will look good everywhere from the beach club to your resort, but yes, they’re a splurge. Price at time of publish: $245 The Details: Leather and rubber | 8 to 12 | 3 color options Best Sustainable Munjoi All-Dai Amazon View On Amazon View On Munjoi.com Why We Love It They’re versatile and can be worn from the beach out to lunch. What to Consider These are not the best option for more rugged terrain. While so many brands advertise sustainability these days, the best product you can buy for the environment is not buying anything at all. Munjoi understands that and made their All-Dai Shoes the only pair you need to bring on your travels. Simply slip out the insole and they’ll change from a sneaker into a sandal, mule, or open-toe shoe. They’re also carbon neutral and use biodegradable cotton and hemp as well as sustainable EVA foam made from algae waste and sugarcane. The only thing is, you’ll need different shoes if you plan to hike, run or go into the water. Price at time of publish: $98 The Details: Cotton, hemp, algae, and sugarcane | 5 to 14 | 3 color options Best Sport Teva Hurricane XLT2 Sandals 4.4 Amazon View On Amazon View On Zappos View On REI Why We Love It These sandals are tried, tested, and true – and they look cool, too. What to Consider They don’t have toe or heel protection. Tevas are well known across the board as popular men’s sandals. And for good reason. Teva’s Hurricane XLT2 are both extremely lightweight (each sandal weighs just 11 ounces) and comfortable. They also have great traction and hold your feet in super well thanks to the perfectly-placed straps, which are also water-resistant. These Tevas come in a variety of cool colorways and are reasonably priced for a long-lasting shoe. Price at time of publish: $75 The Details: Polyester yarn, EVA foam, nylon | 7 to 14 | 19 color options Best Leather Rainbow Leather Sandals Amazon View On Amazon View On Dick's View On Rainbowsandals.com Why We Love It Rainbows are durable flip flops that should last you years. What to Consider These flip flops are water-resistant, but not waterproof. If you’re looking for leather sandals, Rainbows are the clear winner. Those who’ve tried them absolutely love them thanks to their longevity and comfort (granted, you do need to work them in before they get comfy). That’s because they’re made with premium quality leather, and unlike other flip-flops, they have built-in arch support. They also have a bonded nylon toe piece to prevent rubbing. Price at time of publish: $73 The Details: Leather, nylon toe piece, rubber sole | 7.5 to 15 | 16 color options Best Cushioned Chaco Men's Zcloud Sandal Amazon View On Amazon View On Zappos View On Walmart Why We Love It These are soft and comfy sandals excellent for hiking. What to Consider I wouldn’t make these your main pair of sandals if you’re on a business trip. As the name suggests, these sandals are built to make you feel like you’re walking on a cloud – and they really are that comfortable. Similar to Chaco’s beloved Z1, the Z/Cloud has a lighter and softer PU footbed, giving you a nice cushion as you take on any terrain. The straps are soft and silky, which prevents blisters and helps keep your feet from sliding. These sandals also offer excellent traction – it's the perfect pair for adventurous travelers. Price at time of publish: $100 The Details: Polyester jacquard webbing, polyurethane, and rubber | 8 to 13 | 6 color options Best Classic Adidas Adissage Slides Amazon View On Amazon View On Zappos View On Academy.com Why We Love It These sandals massage your feet while you walk. What to Consider They don’t have built-in support and aren’t made for long-distance use. The quintessential flip flop for walking to a bodega or showering at the gym, the Adidas Adissage is a classic for a reason. They’re light and uber comfy thanks to the tiny EVA nubs that massage your feet as you walk. The strap over top allows you to tighten them to your preference and they come in a variety of sizes. Everyone should probably have a pair of these in their closet. Price at time of publish: $30 The Details: EVA foam | 4 to 18 | 5 color options Best Stylish Nisolo Huarache Amazon View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Nisolo.com Why We Love It It’s hip to be eco-friendly, and these look great, too! What to Consider These run large, so order a half-size smaller. These soft-leather Huaraches fit like a glove, offering toe protection while keeping things breezy. And they’re beautiful, too, making them perfect for a business trip or upscale beach event. But the best part about these sandals is Nisolo’s commitment to sustainability. The company is one of the world’s top-rated Certified B Corporations and is committed to giving all of its workers a living wage. It even has a score card showcasing its commitment to being good for the planet and its employees. A+ for transparency! Price at time of publish: $150 The Details: Leather and rubber | 8 to 13 | 5 color options Best for Wide Feet Dockers Fisherman Sandal Amazon View On Amazon View On Zappos View On Belk.com Why We Love It This is a very comfortable sandal at an affordable price point. What to Consider Lots of material on top can make your feet sweaty. These Dockers prove you don’t need to pay an arm and a leg for great sandals. Named best overall on our most comfortable sandals list, these adventure and travel-friendly shoes are comfortable, supportive and cost under $50. Synthetic leather tightened by a single strap keeps your foot snug without having to fiddle too much, and they’re sturdy, so you can go from the boardwalk to a hilltop hike without having to change footwear. Available in multiple colors and wide sizes, these Dockers should also fit most feet. Price at time of publish: $70 The Details: Synthetic leather and rubber | 7 to 15 and wide sizes | 4 color options Best Waterproof Merrell Hydro Mocs Amazon View On Amazon View On Macy's View On Merrell.com Why We Love It These are a light, durable and eco-friendly alternative to Crocs. What to Consider They aren’t the best for hiking or doing lots of walking. Crocs lovers and Crocs-curious travelers should give these Merrells a look. Light (just 13 ounces) and durable, these sandals offer a comfortable way to walk around the pool, beach, or campsite, (especially if it’s wet and muddy). A heel cup keeps your foot snug, but they’re probably not the best for longer hikes or anything too adventurous. They’re also vegan and eco-friendly, thanks to Bloom’s innovative EVA foam made from algae. These come in a variety of colors and a fun and funky shape, but note that they’re only available in full sizes. If you’re in between sizes, consider buying a half-size smaller than what you usually wear. Price at time of publish: $60 The Details: Algae EVA foam, rubber, nylon | 7 to 15 | 6 color options Best Traction KEEN Men's Newport H2 Sandal REI View On Zappos View On Walmart View On REI Why We Love It These are terrific for hiking in warm-weather destinations. What to Consider They may make your feet sweatier than other hiking-focused sandals like Tevas. For two decades, these have been some of the best hiking sandals on the market. A crossover between a hiking sandal and shoe, Keens have incredible traction in their rubber sole that stretches up into the toe box, allowing you to hike even the most treacherous paths with ease. They keep your feet in tight thanks to webbing and bungee laces – a rarity for sandals – and they’ll keep your feet light and breezy. If you’re an adventurous traveler who cares about foot support, these could be your best option. Price at time of publish: $130 The Details: Polyester, EVA, rubber | 7 to 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17 | 12 color options Best Arch Support Reef Fanning Sandals REI View On Amazon View On REI View On Dick's Why We Love It These fun flip flops have arch support and a surprise on the bottom. What to Consider They’re a bit pricey for sandals. If you’re going to a bachelor party in a sunny destination or frequent a lot of pool parties or picnics, these Reefs come with a little party trick – just flip ‘em over to enjoy the bottle opener on the bottom. They also have a 360-degree air pocket in the heel for added cushioning and have more arch support than other flip flops such as Havaianas. They also look stylish and come in over a dozen different colorways. Price at time of publish: $65 The Details: Synthetic nubuck, jersey, rubber | 4 to 17 | 20 color options Best Ankle Support ECCO Men's Yucatan Sandal Amazon View On Amazon View On Zappos View On Nordstrom Why We Love It They run higher up on the ankle for more support than other sandals. What to Consider These sandals will take up a good chunk of room in your bag. Sandals are a bit tricky if you have ankle issues – you’re probably best off with a high- or mid-top hiking boot. But if you want the breeziness of a sandal and don’t need too much ankle support, these Eccos are your best bet. That’s because they run higher up on your ankle than most other sandals and have three straps to make sure your foot is in tight. They also have a sturdy footbed with solid arch support and are overall very comfortable. Price at time of publish: $140 The Details: Nubuck leather, EVA, rubber | 6 to 16.5 | 8 color options The 8 Best Men’s Travel Shoes of 2023, Tested and Reviewed Best Designer Dior Birkenstock Milano Sandal Dior View On Dior.com Why We Love It They’re extremely stylish. What to Consider The price is prohibitive for most. Seeing as Birkenstocks are our best overall choice, we couldn’t resist mentioning this unique variation on the classic. Made in the Milano style, these sandals have good traction and a heel cup to keep you strapped in tight – but let’s face it, you’re not buying these for functionality. The main draw is the gorgeous gray-felt look, which is meant to honor Christian Dior himself. You can also get it in the Tokio style, which has embroidered flowers and a covered toe. Both are available only on Dior’s site or in its stores. Price at time of publish: $1,100 The Details: Felted wool, nubuck calfskin leather, aluminum buckles, cork and EVA foam | 8 to 13 | 1 color option Tips for Buying the Best Sandals for Men Focus on arch support Whether you have flat feet or not, buying sandals with arch support will help your feet stay healthy and comfortable when you’re putting in long hours exploring a new city or hitting the hiking trails. Your feet are certain to feel less fatigued in sandals with arch support than in those without. Think about how you’ll be using them Consider what your primary goals are for your trip. For instance, flip-flops are good for hostel showers and beach time, but not for hiking. Hikers, meanwhile, take up much more room in your bag, and aren’t always waterproof. Be mindful of terrain If you need your sandals to walk through streams or puddles, make sure you buy something that’s waterproof, not just water-resistant. “It is important to wear sandals composed of synthetics instead of mostly leather, as the synthetics may not absorb water as much as leather,” according to Pinker. Frequently Asked Questions What are the most comfortable sandals for walking? The most comfortable sandals for walking have a thick, cushioned footbed and sturdy outsole with good traction. Are sandals bad for flat feet? Pinker says sandals aren’t necessarily a bad idea for those with flat feet, but a big drawback is that you can’t add an orthotic device like an insole. For those with flat feet, be sure to look for a sandal that has added arch support in the footbed. Why Trust Travel + Leisure For this story, journalist Joel Balsam researched dozens of men's sandals and interviewed podiatrist Bruce Pinker, a foot and ankle surgeon board-certified by the American Board of Podiatric Medicine. He also used his expertise as a world traveler to round up the most comfortable sandals for men. The Best Hiking Sandals for Men in 2022 Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit