The Best Men’s Sandals of 2023

The best men's sandals out there. Photo: Dylan Heyden

Flip flops, slippahs, thongs, sandals. Call them what you will, there's something absolutely liberating about footwear that lets your toes see the light of day. Not to mention having something comfortable to slide those tootsies into after a surf or beach hang without having to fumble with socks and laces.

Here in the northern hemisphere, the weather is quickly beginning to warm up and there's sunshine in abundance, which means less time for your feet in closed-toe sweat boxes and more foot freedom. So, for those looking to upgrade their sandal game or build out their quiver, we took it upon ourselves to test some of the best out there. Here are our favorites. For more details, check out our buyer's guide and comparison table, and for women, check out our article on the best beach sandals for women.

Best Overall: Olukai TuahineBest Leather Flip Flop: Rainbow Single Arch SandalBest Post-Workout Sandal: Hoka Ora LuxeMost Eco-Friendly Flip Flop: Teva ReflipMost Plush Flip Flop: Sanuk ZiggyBest All-Terrain: Teva UniversalBest Non-Sandal Sandal: Vans TRK Mule

Pros: Waterproof, premium materials, comfort that improves with time.Cons: Price.

Fit: 10Comfort: 9Durability: 9Style: 10Overall: 9.5/10

Olukai's Tuahine takes the timeless design and comfort of the ubiquitous leather flip flop and gives it the major upgrade it deserves. For years, I’ve been a hopeless devotee of the leather flip flop because they get more comfortable over time and are incredibly durable. Some major drawbacks of leather flip flops, though, is generally you want to avoid getting them wet. This isn't always possible when spending days at the beach or near the pool. The fact that Olukai's Tuahines are made with waterproof leather is a huge durability upgrade for those accustomed to leather sandals that only get better with time.

The second enhancement is in the Tuahine's sole that features a wet-grip rubber that is also non-marking for boaters and fishermen. In testing, I found that the Tuahines also offered the best arch support of any flip flop we tested, and featured a cupped heel for optimum fit with no break-in period needed. The only knock on the Olukais is they seemed to run a bit small, so we’d recommend sizing up. That, and they’re some of the priciest on the list.

Pros: Timeless style, durable.Cons: Not great around water, avoid leaving in the sun.

Fit: 9Comfort: 9Durability: 8Style: 10Overall: 9/10

In terms of comfort, durability, and no-frills style, Rainbow's Single Layer Premier Leather flip flop is the sandal by which all other sandals are measured for me. It's especially telling that after testing so many different styles, made from a variety of materials, the Rainbows still rose to the top. Molding to your feet with rich nubuck leather and varying densities of super-soft sponge rubber, the advantage is that the more you wear them, the better they feel—they also last a really, really long time. If you treat them right, that is. I’ve had friends learn the hard way what happens to a pair of Rainbows that get left directly in the sun at the beach for a day. Or, what happens to them if they get overly soaked. The bottom line being, if you treat them right, they’ll treat you right.

Pros: Super light, most comfortable on the list.Cons: Not ideal for sandy beach days, kind of bulky.

Fit: 8Comfort: 10Durability: 9Style: 7Overall: 8.5/10

Hoka's Ora Luxe sandal was the most comfortable sandal that we tested. And while definitely not conventionally cool in terms of appearance, the Ora Luxes quickly became the sandals we’d throw on at home to take our dogs out. Billed as a "recovery" slide by a shoe company known best for its premium and cushy running shoes, the Ora Luxes wouldn't be our first choice for a day at the beach. But, they’re ideal for throwing on at home after a marathon surf session, after hiking, running, or to and from the gym.

That said, these shoes are fully waterproof and feature two velcro straps to dial in fit. Compared to other sandals on the list, these seemed to run a little big. Being that they don't come in half sizes, we’d recommend sizing down rather than up if you are typically between sizes. All the cushy padding does give them a bit of a bulky feel, too.

Pros: Super sustainable.Cons: Break-in period.

Fit: 8Comfort: 7Durability: 9Style: 9Overall: 8.25/10

Teva calls their Reflip flip flop their most sustainably minded sandal to date, which is an impressive claim from a company with such a strong environmental ethos. Both the EVA top sole and EVA outsole are made of 30 percent recycled content and the quick-dry webbing is made from recycled plastic.

We loved these particular flip flops as a no frills friendlier-to-the-planet alternative to the leather flip flops on this list as these felt sturdy, could hold up to abuse, and were water friendly. A downside was these required some time to break in properly and during that time the webbing strap would rub on the instep of the foot, which wasn't ideal. Like most Tevas, at the end of the ReFlips lifecycle, they can also be recycled through Teva's TevaForever recycling program.

Pros: Squishy, plush feel for max comfort.Cons: Not a ton of structure.

Fit: 8Comfort: 9Durability: 8Style: 8Overall: 8.25/10

Sanuk's Ziggy Soft Top flip flops fit the bill for anyone looking for a spongier, plush feel with every step. Compared to other flip flops on the list, Sanuk's Ziggys were definitely the most padded, due to the bouncy high-rebound midsoles and EVA footbed, which felt like walking on clouds. The Ziggys are also fully water-ready, which gives them an edge on leather flip flops that may not handle water well.

Worth noting is that because the Ziggys don't mold to your foot like leather flip flops, they don't develop a heel cup that holds your foot in place while you walk. Not a huge issue, but in testing we found that this made the Ziggys feel a little less structured as the foot could slide around a bit during normal wear.

Pros: Go anywhere, adventure/offroad ready.Cons: Not a ton of structure.

Fit: 9Comfort: 7Durability: 10Style: 6Overall: 8/10

During a surf trip to Panama a few years ago, a few friends and I got caught hiking through the jungle to a surf spot we had been told about in the kind of mud that eats regular flip flops alive. The worst of the trail was literally a graveyard of abandoned poorly-made flip flops, and hidden razor-wire along the edges of the trail made things especially dicey. While Teva's Universal sandals aren't the most popular in California coastal towns that prioritize fashion over function, a hiking trail coated with six inches of Panamanian jungle mud with a 1-in-10 possibility of a foot laceration may be the perfect use case for a shoe originally designed to meet the demands of rafters on the Colorado River.

I’d argue that for the traveling surfer who enjoys exploring remote corners of coastline in equatorial climates, a fully off-road capable, waterproof sandal like Teva's Universal is a necessary part of the quiver and totally worth the weird tan lines. Unlike flip flops, Tevas can also be worn with socks which adds to their versatility. At the end of their lifecycle they can also be recycled through Teva's TevaForever recycling program so they never see a landfill.

Pros: Fully hose-downable, waterproof, and practical.Cons: Hard rubber feel isn't the most comfortable.

Fit: 8Comfort: 6Durability: 10Style: 8Overall: 8/10

When Vans introduced their Trek Slip On a few years ago, we swooned. Finally, a waterproof summer-ready alternative to a certain brand of foam clogs that is embedded with the DNA of the slip-ons we’re so fond of. Recently, Vans took their innovative rubber shoes and chopped the heel cup down for easy on and off. The result is a flexible, durable beach shoe that's easily hosed down and features an oversized reversed waffle sole for extra traction.

In testing, we found that the TRK Mules were super practical for the day-in-day-out of heading to the beach for a surf session. However, the dense rubber was definitely heavy and offered less padded comfort than other sandals on our list, which made them tough to wear all day.

Pros: Ultra comfortable, durable.Cons: Pricey.

Comfort: 8Style: 8Durability: 10Price: 8Overall: 8.5/10

Birkenstock is known for making comfortable, durable sandals and the Arizona Soft Footbed Sandals are no exception. The sandals sport leather uppers with adjustable straps for a custom fit. The soft footbeds feature a layer of foam between the cork bottom layer and the suede liner for maximum comfort. Finally, the EVA outsoles are flexible, lightweight, and provide solid traction. Although the price is steep, Birkenstocks are built to last.

Pros: Lightweight and comfortable. Cons: Not as durable as some other options.

Comfort: 10Style: 8Durability: 8Price: 8Overall: 8.5/10

When it comes to sneakers, Vans is one of the top options out there. Turns out their sandals are solid as well. The Vans La Costa Slide-On Sandal is made with a synthetic nubuck strap that features soft synthetic rubber and stretch textile lining for added comfort. The sandals sport waffle style outsoles, which offer the perfect blend of traction and flexibility. Durable, comfortable, and lightweight, these slides are a winner.

Pros: Like a mattress for your foot, free of animal products, percentage of proceeds go towards grassroots organizations.Cons: Traction isn't amazing.

Fit: 10Comfort: 10Durability: 8Style: 6Overall: 8.5/10

"As global citizens who love to travel, surf, and chase waterfalls, co-founders Martin and I have a longstanding and deep respect for the healing power of water. At Freewaters, we believe access to clean drinking water should be a fundamental right, not a privilege." – Freewaters Co-founder Eli Marmar.

You can feel good about this flip-flop in more ways than one. With super-soft Thermarest footbeds (yes, the same Thermarest that makes amazing sleeping pads), the Freewaters Treeline Sandal is like a mattress for your foot. The Inertia staff can personally attest. They. Are. Comfortable. That soft, perforated texture feels nice on the bottom of your feet. Adding durable webbing straps and a grippy rubber outsole, they’re entirely free of animal products, plus a percentage of Freewaters’ total sales goes towards grassroots organizations providing clean drinking water to Haiti, Kenya, and the Philippines.

Pros: Epitome of comfort.Cons: Bulkier than a traditional flip flop.

Fit: 8Comfort: 10Durability: 9Style: 6Overall: 8.25/10

The competition for most comfortable sandal on the list was a tight race between the Oofos Men's Original Sandal and Hoka's Ora Luxes, with Hoka gaining a slight edge in style and versatility being that they’re slides and work well with or without socks. That said, the Oofos were incredibly impressive for all the same use cases as the Hokas: post-surf comfort at home, the gym, etc. They’re ideal for virtually any pre or post physical activity where comfort is a premium. The Oofos were a bit lower profile than the Hokas, though still bulkier than a traditional flip flop.

Pros: Great traction, durable.Cons: Take time to break in.

Comfort: 8Style: 6Durability: 10Price: 8Overall: 8/10

You’d be hard pressed to find a more functional pair of sandals than the Chaco Z/Cloud Sandals. The Chaco Z/Cloud's features adjustable polyester webbing uppers, high tensile webbing heel risers, and durable ladderlock buckles for a comfortable custom fit. 5 mm of polyurethane cushioning atop the midsole ensure maximum comfort and the ChacoGrip rubber on the outsoles ensure traction on both wet and dry surfaces. To top it off, the sandals have an antimicrobial application to help regulate odors. Although the Z/Clouds take a little time to break in, they’re a comfortable sandal that is sure to withstand the test of time.

Pros: Squish, spongy, and comfortable; zen vibes.Cons: Minmal support.

Fit: 8Comfort: 9Durability: 6Style: 8Overall: 7.75/10

Are they sandals? Are they slippers? Sanuk's You Got My Backs take Sanuk's well-known Sidewalk Surfers and remove the heel for slide-in and get going comfort. Like Sanuk's Ziggys, the You Got My Backs featured the same Soft Top foam midsoles which were squishy, spongey, and super comfortable. We liked them for being able to seamlessly transition from the beach to the bar while maintaining maximum zen vibes.

Pros: Lightweight, eco-friendly.Cons: Can get sweaty without socks.

Comfort: 8Style: 6Durability: 8Price: 8Overall: 7.5/10

Combining shoes and sandals into one, Sanuk's Sidewalk Surfers are a best of both worlds "sandal." Sanuk describes them as "sandals in disguise" Featureing a cotton blend upper and cotton lining, these sandals are lightweight, comfortable, and flexible. In an effort to be eco-friendly, all of the cotton used in the Sidewalk Surfers is responsibly sourced and the rubber outsole is made with 53 percent recycled materials. A feature we appreciated was the contoured EVA footbed with an antimicrobial additive to help prevent the sandals from getting funky when wearing without socks.

Pros: Built-in bottle opener, molded EVA footbed.Cons: Airbag heel isn't the most stylish.

Comfort: 8Style: 4Durability: 8Price: 8Overall: 7/10

Fancy a beer at the beach? Forgot the bottle opener at home? The Reef Fanning sandals are here to help. The sandals feature a classic rubber outsole but include a built-in bottle opener for those times when you find yourself in a bind. Additional features include a synthetic nubuk upper, a padded jersey liner, a 360-degree heel airbag, and a compression molded EVA footbed. While springy and comfortable, the airbag heel isn't the most stylish option, but sometimes it's worthwhile to sacrifice fashion for function.

Pros: Affordable, lightweight.Cons: Little to no support.

Comfort: 2Style: 6Durability: 8Price: 10Overall: 6.5/10

At $26, the Havianas Brazil Flip-Flop are one of the most affordable options out there. These flip are a classic thong style flip flop, featuring a 100% PVC upper and a 100% rubber outsole. Made in Brazil, the Havianas sport a cushioned footbed with a textured rice pattern and rubber flip flop sole to help increase traction and prevent slipping. These sandals offer a lot less support than some other options, so they’re best suited for short walks to the beach or wearing around town.

Like all footwear, the ideal pair of sandals for you depends on where and how you’ll be using them. If you spend any amount of time on a boat, for example, you may want to prioritize a pair that can handle getting wet from time to time. On the other hand, if you’re looking to prioritize comfort and support, leather might be right for you. It may also be worthwhile to consider having a few pairs for specific uses—e.g. every day use, travel, or gym. So, let's dive into some key considerations.

The Olukai Tuahine takes the timeless design and comfort of the ubiquitous leather flip flop and gives it the major upgrade it deserves. Made from premium materials, they are waterproof, have a wet-grips rubber, generous arch support, they improve with time, and they’re stylish to boot.

Price: $100

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Flip flops are by and large the most ubiquitous sandal style in coastal towns during summer months, or year-round here in southern California. And while the majority of the styles we tested and that made it to the top of our list fit into that category, flip flops come with major limitations. For one, if you’ve ever tried to sport flip flops with socks, you understand the unique sensation of your footwear forcing cotton between your tootsies while they try to resist. This is a major benefit of a pair of slides or another sandal variety that is sock friendly—convenience, and when it's cold out your toes don't freeze. On the other hand, slides can feel less supportive than a good pair of flip flops, and other strapped sandals can be difficult to slip on and off, defeating the purpose of a sandal in the first place. The bottom line here is to consider what activity you’ll be doing in your sandals and what time of year you plan to wear them.

A second consideration is materials. Classic leather sandals offer the benefit of conforming to your foot over time, whereas a more plushy foam/synthetic material might offer immediate comfort with no break-in period. Leather also tends to be averse to water while synthetics don't mind it. And then you have waterproof leather that attempts to combine the best of both worlds, but at a premium.

As a general rule, the more a pair of sandals costs typically translates to better construction and materials. But it's of equal importance that you don't get caught shelling out for features that you don't need. A high quality rubber outsole, the likes of which you might find on the bottom of a hiking boot, is of little importance if your primary use for a pair of sandals is to quickly slide into something after a surf for the drive back home. That said, quality materials and construction often translate to a longer product lifespan, meaning that a higher front-end investment may even itself out after buying the two, three, or four pairs of a cheaper alternative.