The right sandal can take you from river crossings to dinner downtown. We picked the best men’s sandals for hiking, water, travel and recovery.
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Our picks at a glance
| Product | Best for | Price | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birkenstock Arizona Soft Footbed | Best casual sandal | $155 | Open toe |
| Teva Original Universal | Best value | $65 | Open toe |
| Chaco Z/2 Classic | Best adventure sandal | $95 | Open toe |
| Bedrock Cairn Evo | Best barefoot feel | $115 | Open toe |
| Keen Newport H2 | Best toe protection | $130 | Closed toe |
| Hoka Ora Recovery Slide 3 | Best recovery sandal | $60 | Slide |
1. Birkenstock Arizona Soft Footbed — Best casual sandal
The two-strap classic, with an extra layer of foam for comfort. It’s an all-day sandal for travel and town.
Specs: Type: Open toe · List price: $155
Pros:
- Cushioned, supportive cork footbed
- Classic look
Cons:
- Break-in period
2. Teva Original Universal — Best value
The sandal that started it all. It’s light and simple, and perfect for beaches and festivals.
Specs: Type: Open toe · List price: $65
Pros:
- Easy to adjust
- Slip on and go
Cons:
- Little arch support
3. Chaco Z/2 Classic — Best adventure sandal
A burly sandal built for rivers and trails. The adjustable strap system gives a locked-in fit.
Specs: Type: Open toe · List price: $95
Pros:
- Thick, supportive sole
- Grippy outsole
- Toe loop locks your foot in place
Cons:
- Heavy
4. Bedrock Cairn Evo — Best barefoot feel
A thin, flexible sandal with serious grip. It suits minimalist runners and canyoneers.
Specs: Type: Open toe · List price: $115
Pros:
- Comfortable straps
- Aggressive tread
Cons:
- Firm sole
5. Keen Newport H2 — Best toe protection
A hybrid sandal-shoe with a protective toe cap. It’s ideal for kayaking, creek walks and rocky trails.
Specs: Type: Closed toe · List price: $130
Pros:
- Great support and traction
- Water-ready
Cons:
- Limited adjustment
6. Hoka Ora Recovery Slide 3 — Best recovery sandal
A pillowy slide for after a long run or hike. Your feet will thank you.
Specs: Type: Slide · List price: $60
Pros:
- Thick, soft cushioning
- Very light
Cons:
- Not adjustable
How to choose men’s sandals
Open or closed toe
Open-toe sandals drain and breathe best. Closed-toe models protect your toes on rocky trails, but can collect sand.
Footbed and arch
Flat feet usually prefer flatter footbeds. High arches benefit from contoured footbeds with arch support.
Traction
For wet rocks and riverbeds, look for sticky rubber outsoles with deep lugs.
Adjustability
Multiple adjustable straps help narrow or wide feet get a secure fit.
FAQ
Can you hike in sandals?
Yes, on moderate trails. Choose a sandal with a firm sole, good traction and secure straps.
Do Birkenstocks need breaking in?
Cork footbeds mold to your feet over a week or two of wear.
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