Sandals are the chameleons of the footwear world. Some look like flip-flops, others like sneakers. Either way, on warm days, they let your feet breathe. And when your activities turn wet and/or wild, these adaptable kicks are ever ready to oblige.

　　To the untrained eye, some sandals might appear to be little more than flip-flops with heel straps. While others sport beefy straps and 1-inch soles that look like they mean business. But our experts don’t judge sandals based on mere chunkiness. We walk the walk to assess various use case(s).

　　Main tester Scott Tharler has written about tech and gear—including innovative footwear and apparel—for nearly 30 years. In that time, he’s logged hundreds of miles testing dozens of flip-flops, sandals, sneakers, and shoes. Especially having made the annual pilgrimage to walk the grueling week-long Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas over 25 times, Tharler has learned the true value of a supportive insole

　　Specifically for this buyer’s guide, we tested nine pairs of men’s sandals, ranging in price from $50 to $140. We left out one pair from this final guide due to a snafu with the strap and buckle that couldn’t be fixed in time. The remaining eight stalwarts were evaluated based on their performance in a mix of hiking, road, beach, trail conditions, and general everyday use.

　　Below, you’ll see how the entrants fared based on our rigorous testing. We’ve included a buyers guide, an FAQ, and a comparison chart to help you more easily determine the best mens sandals for your unique needs,

　　The Best Sandals of 2024 Best Overall Sandals: Ecco Mens Yucatan Best Budget Sandals: Birkenstock Arizona Essentials EVA Most Stylish Sandals: Malibu Sandals Canyon Most Versatile Sandals: Keen Uneek Sneaker Best Overall Sandals Ecco Mens Yucatan Sandal Specs Weight (per pair) 1.62 lbs. Adjustment Zones 3 Closure Hook-and-loop straps Outsole Full-length hard EVA shank Best For Hiking, biking, most land activities

　　Pros Secure and easily adjustable closures Sturdy construction Outsole excels on all terrains Comfortable neoprene-lined upper Firm yet cushy molded EVA footbed with soft microfiber cover Cons Expensive On the chunky side Open toe style not for everyone Scott Tharler Like a velvet glove on an iron fist, the Ecco Mens Yucatan ($140) strikes the perfect balance of comfortable fit and sturdy structure. A neoprene-lined upper provides just enough padding under the straps to make them feel pleasant. And a microfiber covering adds a little cushion to an otherwise firm footbed.

　　Three hook-and-loop straps ensure a proper fit. Combined with its thick, firm outsole, we felt confident taking these sandals anywhere. They’re a terrific blend of comfort, security, and reliability, which is why we like them so much.

　　The Yucatan offers great support, and we felt sure-footed on every surface we ventured on, including wet and dry gravel, rocks, and sand. In terms of land-based terrain, we’d take these anywhere we’d go in sandals—and some places we’d go in boots.

　　The flip side of offering a chunky outsole with a knobby tread and plenty of foot coverage is that these sandals are just a few ounces shy of being the heaviest we tested. They do breathe pretty well, but they wouldn’t be the first we’d reach for on a super hot day. And not for nothing, they’re the most expensive from our test group.

　　So while they certainly aren’t perfect, we’re huge fans of the Ecco Mens Yucatan. They’re versatile, comfortable, well-made sandals that can pretty much do it all.

　　$111 at Amazoncheck price at ecco Best Budget Sandals Birkenstock Arizona Essentials EVA Specs Weight (per pair) 0.53 lbs. Adjustment Zones 2 Closure Buckled straps Outsole One piece molded EVA Best For Paddling, workout recovery, around the house

　　Pros Relatively inexpensive Super lightweight Flexible body Adjustable, unlike regular slides Waterproof and washable Cons Polarizing style A little noisy when wet Not good for trail hiking Scott Tharler Why mess with a classic? In the case of the Birkenstock Arizona Essentials EVA ($50), the answer is to make it lighter, more affordable, more versatile, and machine washable.

　　That being said, we were prepared to dislike them because we have been fans of the original Birkenstock Arizona for years and didnt feel like there was a need for improvement. And, yet we were pleasantly surprised. A couple of minor adjustments on the buckles helped ensure that we had a good initial fit. From then on, they acted like slides that just happened to have Birkenstock-looking buckles.

　　We found ourselves reaching for these often based on their comfort and ease of use. As with the originals from this iconic brand, these Birken-crocs (if you will) follow the natural contours of your feet. They’re wide where our feet are widest and taper as they go back toward the heel. They feature plenty of arch support and a nice scooped-out heel cup. So unlike other slides that just feel like flimsy flip-flops without the thong, these sandals actually feel like very light sandals. In fact, at around half a pound, these nearly weightless kicks are less than a third of the weight of the chunkier Chacos we tested.

　　Having said all that, this foamy footwear does have its quirks. They get squeaky when wet, a common occurrence with this material. But they’re also prone to—there’s not a flattering way to say it—foot farts, when air gets trapped underfoot and burps out during the natural course of walking. Hey, it happens. So if you’re self-conscious about making silly sounds, these might not be for you.

　　Other than that, we’re actually quite impressed with the Birkenstock Arizona Essentials EVA. If you want colorful, comfortable, extremely light sandals that perform well, these are a nice, affordable way to go.

　　$145 at REI$145 at Amazon Most Stylish Sandals Malibu Sandals Canyon Specs Weight (per pair) 1.55 lbs. Adjustment Zones Closure None Outsole Rubber Best For Leisure walking, making a fashion statement

　　Pros Snazzy, classic looking Very comfortable Water-friendly Cons Not adjustable On the pricey side Scott Tharler From the second we saw the Malibu Sandals Canyon ($120), we were in love. Don’t get us wrong, we love a good hiking sandal. But these lifestyle sandals sport a classic look that just doesn’t go out of style—especially the Bison colorway.

　　Even better, they’re just as comfortable as they look, starting with a super-thick rubber outsole. The EVA midsole has a soft cover with a striated pattern that mimics the look of its interwoven vegan leather upper. Furthermore, all the materials are synthetic—which is not only nice sustainability-wise but also means you don’t need to avert or recoil from a splash of water. Though you can see from its sipe-less tread that it’s by no means a grippy water shoe.

　　Sizing is especially important with these sandals since they don’t offer any adjustability. You either nail the size or you don’t. There’s no fixing these since they arent adjustable. In fact, it took us a couple of tries to get it right. Based on Malibu’s suggestion to size up, we initially got a 10. But we returned them and settled on a 9, our main tester’s regular size. It’s not that the 10 was completely unwearable, but the 9 just felt right.

　　To put them on, simply slip your foot forward into them with your heel raised, then use your finger to shoe-horn the heel on. When wearing them, they almost felt like slides. We could tell that the heel was back there, but it didn’t hug our heel—or rub up and down on it, for that matter. Summing up, it fits a bit loosely, but in a good way.

　　The Malibu Sandals Canyon looks stylish and feels comfortable to stand and walk in. No, it’s not for hardcore adventures—or price-conscious shoppers. But it adds just the right pizazz to dress up shorts and a polo shirt.

　　check price at malibu sandals Most Versatile Sandals Keen Uneek Sneaker Specs Weight (per pair) 1.39 lbs. Adjustment Zones 1 Closure Bungee cinch Outsole Non-marking rubber Best For Rocky shoreline walks, boating, amphibious activities

　　Pros Cinches closed securely yet comfortably Contours the feet Foam footbed features arch support Ready for any adventure in and around water Many style and color variations Cons Not great for long hikes Relatively expensive Scott Tharler When we hear “summer,” we immediately think of two things: sandals and water. Keen’s Uneek Sneaker ($130) uniquely combines both into an amazing, eye-catching piece of foot candy.

　　Though it’s not a water shoe per se, it basically acts like one. Its body consists of a heel, sole, and tongue connected by two deftly interwoven cords. The cords, constructed from recycled plastic, conform precisely to the shape of your feet. So if you’re walking along the shore and a wave rolls in, submerging your feet, they quickly drain, and you just keep walking. In that same situation with flip-flops, you’d either lose a flip-flop or your balance in the process. And regular sandals might hack it, but would just feel five pounds heavier.

　　Part of its magic lies in its elastic bungee. Cinched tight, the Uneek Sneaker stays securely on your foot no matter what. Conversely, if you get a little pebble caught under your foot that you can’t shake out, it’s a bit of a pain. You have to take off the sandal to free the rock, then put it back on. But for the most part, water, sand, and silt flow right through without a problem.

　　Knowing that we have plenty of other options in our mudroom, we probably wouldn’t grab these first for a long, land-only hike. Although they do feature a foam insole with some arch support, they just don’t offer the same overall rigid structure as, say, the Ecco Yucatan or the Teva Terra Fi 5 Universal. But that flexibility makes them great for such wide-ranging activities as exploring jetties, combo rafting, and hiking trips, walking around amusement parks that feature flume and roaring rapids rides, and any amphibious outing.

　　Though we’ve only tried the Keen Uneek Sneaker version, we see that Keen offers a plethora of colors and a variety of styles that apply its Uneek technology. That includes an open-toed variation, closed-toe slides with a cinching bungee that runs behind the heels, and ones without. Needless to say, for any adventure with agua in the mix, we’d gladly don any of them.

　　check price at amazoncheck price at keen footwear Best of the Rest Teva Terra Fi 5 Universal Specs Weight (per pair) 1.7 lbs. Adjustment Zones 3 Closure Hook-and-loop straps Outsole Spider Rubber Best For All-day hikes, everyday use

　　Pros Strong all-around sandal Great traction More open than our top pick Not as expensive as other top performers Cons Not as comfortable or secure as our top pick Buckles creak a little Scott Tharler Without a doubt, the Teva Terra Fi 5 Universal ($110) was one of our top picks from this cohort. In fact, if it weren’t for the Ecco Yucatan, this would have been a strong candidate for Best Overall. After all, both sandal alternatives feature chunky outsoles with deep treads, a firm yet cushy footbed, and a three-hook-and-loop strap closure system. They’re very similar, but the little things make the difference.

　　For example, this sandal is a hair heavier than the Ecco. Where this one has plastic tabs at the ends of two of its straps, the Ecco provides rubber tips on all three, creating a more grippy, tactile feel when making adjustments. The Ecco’s footbed is a little more comfy. And where the Ecco is virtually silent while walking, this one creaks a bit, mainly from the triangular buckle that connects its bridge and heel straps.

　　On the other hand, the Teva Terra Fi 5 Universal is a full thirty bucks cheaper. It offers less foot coverage, which could be a good (or a bad) thing, depending on how hot and dirty you plan to be. And it has a much more bendy outsole, which could also be a plus or minus, depending on what your feet like and where you plan to stroll with them.

　　Other than that, this Teva shares many of the same accolades we gave to the Ecco, regarding its comfort, stability, and versatility. Like we said, it’s a strong contender.

　　Essentially, if all the minor quibbles we noted above don’t rattle your cage, the Teva Terra Fi 5 Universal is definitely a worthy sandal—even more so since it costs roughly 20 percent less than the Ecco.

　　$110 at REI$89 at Amazon Chaco Z/1 Adjustable Strap Classic Sandal Specs Weight (per pair) 1.84 lbs. Adjustment Zones 4 Closure Buckled strap Outsole ChacoGrip™ rubber compound Best For Hiking, everyday use

　　Pros Secure Highly adjustable Solid performance Fun colorways Cons Heavy Stiff, chunky outsole Learning curve adjusting straps Scott Tharler The way the straps of Chaco’s Z/1 Adjustable Strap Classic ($105) sit perched above its soles almost seems like—if you’ll pardon the exaggeration—mounting a Kia Soul body onto a monster truck frame. Or to paraphrase Meghan Trainor, this strappy sandal is all about the bass, no treble. But despite its quirks, this sandal is definitely worth checking out.

　　For one thing, it certainly lives up to its name, reigning as the most adjustable sandal on this list. (Be sure to see the Fit section below in the buyer’s guide for precise details about how to adjust these Chacos.) In short, not only can you adjust the straps via the buckle on the bridge of your foot, but you can also make adjustments by pulling the straps on the sides of the footbed, where they go through the middle of the sole.

　　While we’re focused on the sole, its thick and easily the most rigid of this group. Barely bendable, this outsole is noticeably stiffer than the Ecco Yucatan and way more than its svelter cousin, the Chaco Lowdown Slide. The upshot is that they’re quite insulative from the ground. That could be a good thing, since it’s a matter of personal preference, as we mention below in the Comfort and Support section of the buyer’s guide.

　　Predictably, these sandals are also the heaviest of the bunch. But because they are beefy on the bottom and secure and adjustable on top, they might be worth checking out for longer hikes where your feet would otherwise take a pounding.

　　In the end, Chaco’s Z/1 Adjustable Strap Classic won’t win any awards for being light or flexible. But if you prefer a steady sandal with a thicker, stiffer sole and minimal cushion, they’re just the ticket.

　　$105 at REICheck price at Amazon OOfos OOahh Slide Sandals Specs Weight (per pair) 0.73 lbs. Adjustment Zones Closure None Outsole Closed-cell OOfoam™ Best For Bare floors and thin rugs indoors, workout recovery

　　Pros Soft and cushy, reduces stress on feet and joints Lightweight Affordable Water-friendly and machine-washable Cons Regular shoe size feels tight Limited outdoor use, not for rocks or trails Scott Tharler Leaving behind the stiffest sandal on the list (the Chaco Z/1), we move to the softest: the OOfos OOahh Slide Sandals ($60) which are great for recovery. They’re also insulative to the ground but in an opposite, super cushy way.

　　That cushiness is all thanks to OOfos’s proprietary foam, which is used throughout the shoe. In other words, rather than just putting foam in the footbed, they’ve made the whole thing out of that soft material. Thus, theyre a great choice if you’ve gone on a long run, just worked out, or tend to notice the stress on your feet and joints as or after your walk.

　　Conversely, these sandals are not meant for mixed terrain. Mind you, they’re not fluffy and they won’t fall apart. But they’re not intended to walk over, say, loose gravel. The OOfos OOahh Slide Sandals are much more at home indoors and on flat outdoor surfaces, though they performed fine when we walked along the shores of Hawaiis big island with them. This reminds us that they’re water-friendly and machine-washable (like the Birkenstock Arizona Essentials EVA, as mentioned above).

　　Its worth noting about the fit: they don’t exactly slide on. It’s more walking your toes from the middle of them to the front through a series of little scrunches. Once in place, they feel good, since they’re so flexible. If OOfos offered half sizes, we’d probably upsize to a 9 1/2. But since they don’t, we’re fine with our standard size 9.

　　If you prefer a super cushy sandal, the OOfos OOahh Slide Sandals are perfect for you. Theyre not as light, cheap, or supportive as the Birkenstock Arizona Essentials EVA, but theyre softer.

　　$60 at REI$60 at Amazon Chaco Lowdown Slide Specs Weight (per pair) 1.15 lbs. Adjustment Zones 1 Closure Buckled strap Outsole ChacoGrip™ non-marking rubber compound Best For Everyday use, beach, water activities, light hikes

　　Pros Surprisingly secure for no heel strap Feels free and easygoing Medium heel height Affordable Cons Less agile than sandal version Takes a little extra effort to slide on Scott Tharler Chaco’s Lowdown Slide ($65) is like the duck-billed platypus of the sandal world. It both looks and doesn’t look like flip-flops, slides and sandals. But we like it and we’ll tell you why.

　　First, the Lowdown Slide is the lightest sandal on this list not entirely made of foam. Second, it sports a relatively thin outsole that manages to walk the line between firm, soft, stiff, and flexible. Third, it’s one of the most affordable sandals in the group.

　　We weren’t sure what to make of it at first. But after putting some miles on it, we’re fans. It offers the freedom of a flip-flop and the security of a buckle-strapped sandal. The lack of a heel strap—the only thing that distinguishes it from the Chaco Lowdown Sandal—makes it a little less secure. So we wouldn’t go bouldering or venture too far off the beaten path with it, but we’d take this to the beach or on light hikes all the long day.

　　In a sense, the “slide” part of its name is a bit of a misnomer. With some effort, they can be slid into. But it’s not always a hands-free affair, as it is with the Birkenstock Arizona Essentials EVA. So we recommend not leaving the straps super tight when taking them off. It’s quicker and easier to slide into slightly looser straps and quickly tighten them than to leave them at the perfect slide-in tension.

　　For full disclosure, we also tested the Chaco Lowdown Sandal, essentially the same shoe, but with a heel strap. However, we had some with the strap fraying and the buckle breaking so we werent able to give this a fair test. We assume it was just an anomaly and are working on getting another pair to test more fairly. We imagine we will love it just as much as the Lowdown Slide.

　　Honestly, we were a bit surprised by how much we liked the Chaco Lowdown Slide. Though a bit of an odd duck, its carefree and easygoing yet steady, secure, and affordable.

　　$65 at REI$49 at Amazon Sandals Comparison Chart

　　We tested eight pairs of sandals in a variety of situations and terrain; (photo/Scott Tharler) How We Tested Sandals From hardcore hiking boots to whimsical water shoes and everything in between, GearJunkie knows footwear. Main tester Scott Tharler has been writing about tech and gear—including innovative footwear and apparel—for nearly 30 years.

　　In that time, he’s logged hundreds of miles testing dozens of flip-flops, sandals, sneakers, and shoes in a variety of conditions. Whether traversing a cavernous convention center, a 5.8 route on a rock wall, or a relaxing river on an innertube, Tharler knows the value of quality footwear.

　　Although those living in cold-weather climates may see sandals as seasonal footwear that goes in and out of fashion, they’re year-round daily drivers here in Hawaii (where we conducted our research). In fact, from vast lava fields to sprawling jungles to dual 13000-foot mountain peaks—and let’s not forget its many beaches—the Big Island is an optimal testing ground for sandals.

　　During our time with these sandals, we logged dozens of miles. We hiked dusty trails, sandy shorelines, lava beds, and loose gravel, plus more pedestrian adventures over pavement and indoors. Though these sandals aren’t necessarily meant to go toe-to-toe with more hardcore versions or with hiking shoes, we certainly found that they can hold their own.

　　Ultimately, the best sandals combine comfort, flexibility, and technical prowess. Those are the ones we favor even when we aren’t seriously testing. As we continue to wear these sandals and consider additional ones, we’ll update this guide to bring you the latest and greatest options in mens sandals. If youre looking for something suited for more hardcore water adventures, check out our guide to The Best Water Shoes.

　　Consider how youll use them. A sandal’s tread reveals whether it’s meant for mixed terrain, trails, water, or simply walking around town; (photo/Scott Tharler) Buyers Guide: How to Choose the Best Sandals With the same fun fervor as a sporty little convertible, sandals offer your feet a sense of freedom and excitement. They’re a chance to enjoy the outdoors and sip in fresh air on sunny days. And though they can be workhorses, sandals are sure to put a smile on your face.

　　Having said that, we understand how tricky it can be to choose the best sandals. After all, the most popular brands are popular for a reason, but their particular style and performance might not equate to what’s best for you. So whether the thought of sandals conjures up pictures of canvas strappy casuals or a more OG brown leather look, consider this an opportunity to explore beyond the first sandal models that jump to mind.

　　In this handy how-to-choose guide, you’ll find all the info you need to select solid sandals. You’ll discover which features matter most and why you should—or shouldn’t—consider purchasing particular sandals. And, if youre looking for women-specific models, hop over to our guide to The Best Sandals for Women.

　　Use Types Of course, the most important factor to consider is how you intend to use them. Sandals are highly adaptable by nature to different situations, but they tend to fall into one of these three subcategories.

　　Lifestyle Think of these as everyday, walking-around sandals. They usually have a softer footbed and a more flexible outsole. And they’re often marked by a sense of style, with an appealing appearance and multiple colorways. The Malibu Sandals Canyon is a prime example. It’s eye-catching, super comfortable, and sure to dress up any outfit. But the more minimalist Chaco Lowdown Slide also fits the bill, as highly capable but easygoing and casual.

　　The Malibu Sandals Canyon isn’t just a pretty face; (photo/Scott Tharler) Adventure If you plan to cover varied terrain and clock some vertical, this is the sandal type for you. They include models like the Ecco Yucatan, Teva Terra Fi 5 Universal, and Chaco Z/1 Adjustable Strap Classic. They can handle pretty much anything you throw at them, on or off the dusty trail. These do-anything sandals usually have chunkier, stiffer outsoles. And their footbeds might not be as cushiony as lifestyle sandals, but they’re reliable, secure, and will get you wherever you need to go.

　　Watersports As the name implies, these specialized adventure sandals are the ones you’ll bring to such aquatic activities as boating, paddling, and kitesurfing. The Keen Uneek excels in this regard. The corded upper conforms to your foot, yet remains open enough to let water and silt pass through. They’re ideal for amphibious activities, with water-piping outsoles that offer grip but aren’t as deeply lugged as more land-based adventure sandals. And while they generally offer less comfort and support than lifestyle sandals, they’re infinitely better structured than formless water socks.

　　Keen’s Uneek Sneaker goes with the flow, making it great for in the surf and on the shore; (photo/Scott Tharler) Adjustability This factor works on a sliding scale, relative to the sandals’ use case. For instance, bopping around town in lifestyle sandals, you might just need them to have some adjustability across the bridge of your foot—as with the Birkenstock Arizona Essentials EVA and Chaco Lowdown Slide—such that they stay on during a brisk walk. But your expectations will climb higher with adventure sandals, which should snugly hug your feet whether you’re sashaying down the street or rappelling down a ravine. As a rule, those types of sandals will have three or more adjustment zones, to make sure your feet are completely secure at all times.

　　Nearly identical, only a heel strap differentiates Chaco’s Lowdown Sandal (left)and Lowdown Slide (right); (photo/Scott Tharler) Foot Coverage and Protection How much of your feet that sandals cover is subjective. It has less to do with technical proficiency and more to do with personal preference. In other words, you might be perfectly confident and adept at hiking with most of your feet exposed. Or you might have a fear of stubbing your toes and want to keep them mostly covered. Just remember that more coverage usually equates to heavier sandals, which can be more physically draining over the long haul.

　　Closure Configuration In terms of the number of adjustment zones, you’ll usually set and forget all but one of them. Most likely the one youll fiddle with most will be the strap around your heel or over the bridge of your foot. With that in mind, the closure type will affect you every time you don your sandals.

　　Hook-and-Loop Straps Exemplified by the Ecco Yucatan and Teva Terra Fi 5 Universal, these types of straps—used interchangeably with the eponymous “Velcro” brand—are often found on adventure sandals. They’re easy to use, pull tight, and stay secure.

　　Floating/Buckle Straps Practically synonymous with Chacos, you pull the canvas strap to tighten and push up on the buckle to loosen it. They’re easy, quieter than Velcro (if that’s important to you), and fairly reliable.

　　Bungee Cinches This is what’s on the Keen Uneek. It’s a single point of adjustment. Once you wriggle your foot into the sandal, you pull up on the elastic bungee and pull down the plastic cinch until it meets the top of your foot. The closure itself is plenty secure, but it tends to be used on sandals with less rigid structures.

　　T-Style Straps Though we didn’t review any in this guide, minimalist hiking sandals such as Xero and Bedrock commonly use this configuration, complemented by a buckled heel strap. They essentially look like a streamlined sandal/flip-flop hybrid. But they’re secure as heck, which is why they’re so well-loved.

　　No Closure Flip-flops and slides—such as the OOfos OOahh—technically don’t offer any closures. You just slip them on and hope for the best. The Birkenstock Arizona Essentials EVA are the outlier here, in that they do feature a couple of adjustable buckles. But after you initially find your happy settings on them, you pretty much ignore those buckles and just slide them on.

　　Although the Birkenstock Arizona Essentials EVA have buckles, after first adjusting them, they’re essentially a slide; (photo/Scott Tharler) Sizing Sandals can be forgiving when it comes to sizing, but it’s still important to find the best-fitting ones. They usually follow the same sizing as regular shoes and sneakers, with a few caveats. First, half sizes aren’t always available. For instance, Keen and Teva offer them, but Chaco only offers full sizes. So, especially with highly adjustable sandals, you may want to size up. (If you’re a 9 1/2, a 10 will probably work fine.)

　　If you have wide feet, you might want to focus on brands like Chaco and Birkenstock that offer variations based on different foot widths. Birkenstock even offers a fit calculation tool that tells you the best size/width for you based on the actual measurements (in millimeters) of each of your feet.

　　Some companies—such as Ecco—base their sizing on the European system. That’s why you might see a sandal listed as a 9/9.5. That’s in place of a European 43. So if you see a guide that lists sizes in various countries, be sure to confirm you’re buying a sandal size that translates into something equivalent. Again, when in doubt, size up a bit.

　　Lastly, sometimes manufacturers post recommendations, saying that a particular sandal tends to run big or small. These recommendations may be worth following. In the case of Malibu Sandals, we initially heeded the companys suggestion to size up to a 10, but it turned out that a 9 fit best. So it’s worth your time to delve into posted user reviews to see how consistently the manufacturer’s recommendations have worked for folks in the real world.

　　The Teva Terra Fi 5 Universal is a great all-around sandal, great for walking on a sidewalk or through a stream; (photo/Scott Tharler) Fit Once you’ve selected the right size, getting the right fit can be easier done on some sandals than others. As a rule, the more adjustment points, the longer but more satisfying it will be to find that happy point. The first step is to make sure that the arch of your foot aligns with the sandal’s arch support. That’s a good time to tighten the heel strap accordingly. If there’s a separate strap over the toes—as with the Ecco Yucatan and the Teva Terra Fi 5 Universal—tighten that one appropriately. (It should feel snug, but not so tight that it hurts your toes or changes your skin’s color.) And lastly, use the strap over your footbridge to lock in. (Moving forward, it’ll probably be the only one you need to loosen to get out and tighten to get in.)

　　Some of Chaco’s sandals—such as the Z/1 Adjustable Strap Classic—offer extra adjustability that you might not realize just from looking at them. That’s because they’ve sneakily routed the straps right through the middle of the sole.

　　To avoid playing a frustrating game of Tug-of-War back and forth with the straps, just focus on the straps on the inner side of your foot. (The same side as your arch.) With your foot in the sandal, start with the strap near your big toe. Right where it meets the sandal, pull up and it’ll tighten across the way near your pinky toe. Next do the same thing with the strap that hits the sandal by your arch, pulling up to tighten across the bridge of your foot. Once you’ve done that well, you’ll just need to adjust the standard buckle strap on top to get in and out of them.

　　Ultimately, you want the straps to hit and secure the widest part of your foot. You don’t want them tightened in a way that pinches either of your outer toes. Your little piggies should still be able to wiggle around to avoid immediate or long-term pain.

　　The depth of a sandal heel’s scoop affects both comfort and stability. Here we see a comparison between the Birkenstock, Tevaa, and Chaco we tested; (photo/Scott Tharler) Comfort and Support Just like with mattresses, everyone has their own idea of how much cushiness or firmness is the perfect amount. Maybe that’s why the place you put your foot on a sandal is called a footbed. The key is that as you’re choosing a sandal that dials in the comfy factor just right, make sure that it fits your typical use case.

　　In other words, a softer footbed may work well for a lifestyle sandal or something you’re using for recovery after a workout, such as the OOfos OOahh Slide. But you may not want all that bounciness in each step if youre through hiking. Think about the kind of suspension you’d want on a 4-wheel drive vehicle versus a minivan.

　　That’s not to say that hiking sandals are supposed to feel uncomfortable. Just that comfort in them might look and feel different than more water-borne or lifestyle sandals. Supporting your foot throughout is what matters most.

　　Also, pay attention to the materials used in the midsole. A microfiber cover may feel nice, but EVA—with its varying degrees of softness/firmness—may be enough on its own. At the end of the day, you can’t possibly tell how comfortably sandals will cradle your feet over thousands of future steps. But when initially trying them on, do a detailed mental scan of the different parts of your foot to assess how they feel.

　　The foam construction of OOfos OOahh Slides makes them lightweight, cushy, and, water-friendly; (photo/Scott Tharler) Weight and Packability Weights naturally vary by sandal size. Not all manufacturers list the weights of sandals. Some list the weights of single sandals, while others specify the weights for the whole pair. With all this in mind, we scientifically measured each set of sandals with our own scale. The results listed in the above comparison chart are based on a pair of (mostly) size 9 sandals.

　　Just like with backpacking tents, every ounce matters with sandals. The difference between the lightest (half-pound Birkenstock Arizona Essentials EVA) and heaviest (nearly 2-pound Chaco Z/1 Adjustable Strap Classic) of this group is quite stark. Relatively speaking, the former feels feather light and the latter like bricks.

　　The weight matters because you’ll likely be either wearing or carrying them. In each case, anything under or around a pound is preferable. Over a pound and a half is a formidable weight over the long haul. In addition to making you expend more energy on their behalf, the heavier sandals are likely to take up more precious space in your pack. So you’ll be less likely to take them along for sweet relief after extended jaunts. Or to put it another way, it’s better to have the decent sandals you actually take with you than the “better” ones you leave home.

　　Chaco’s Z/1 Adjustable Strap Classic is a sturdy all-around sandal; (photo/Scott Tharler) Sustainability and Durability These two naturally go hand in hand. It’s nice to see manufacturers such as Teva and Keen use recycled polyesters and plastics in their sandals. And either vegan or responsibly sourced leather is becoming common. But ultimately, durable sandals that are better made and need to be replaced less often are the most sustainable. So a chunky outsole is lovely, but useless if your buckle breaks and you have to chuck the whole pair. Speaking to this problem, Chaco’s ReChaco program is a step in the right direction.

　　Though we’ve only been testing these sandals for a month or two, we’ll continue to wear them and report back any new findings regarding durability in the months to come. But sandals of this quality should easily last for years without any issues, so it’ll more likely just entail notes about how they wear rather than if they break.

　　Price Having considered every other sandal buying factor, let’s share a quick word about price. The average for this group was $98. That means that you could drop upward of $150 for great sandals, but you’re likely to find something perfectly serviceable for under $100. As with other footwear, you expect to wear the heck out of for years, buying something a little more expensive now may save you from buying multiple less expensive versions in the future. In other words, if you spot some sandals for under $50 from a brand you don’t recognize, avoid them like a set of Class VI rapids.

　　These sandals from OOfos, Chaco (x2), and Birkenstock are water- and boating-friendly; (photo/Scott Tharler) FAQ Are sandals still in style for men? Of course! Is there a time in the last 10,000 years when they weren’t? If anything, sandals have become more popular in recent times. Now, instead of just for casual use, men (and women) use sandals for hiking, biking, watersports, and other adventures.

　　What brand of sandals are the most comfortable? If we’d handed out an award for Most Comfortable, it probably would’ve gone to the Malibu Sandals Canyon. The hand-woven vegan leather upper and soft yet firm footbed feel nice and are a pleasure to walk in. On the more active side, the Keen Uneek Sneaker is surprisingly comfortable for a land and water shoe, as its cords conform to your feet. That’s just two brands, but almost all the brands featured in this guide are comfortable for their use case.

　　Whats the best sandal for walking? Naturally, it depends on where and how much you’ll be walking. The Ecco Yucatan generally gets top honors for walking, hiking, or bouldering anywhere. For shorter, less challenging trail hikes, we’d reach for the Chaco Lowdown Slide. And just about town, again, the Malibu Sandals Canyon is heavenly.

　　What sandals do podiatrists recommend? According to the searchable list posted on the American Podiatric Medical Association’s website, they approve men’s sandals such as the Chaco Lowdown Slide and OOfos OOahh from this guide, along with 200+ other products. Podiatrists tend to look at footwear qualities such as arch support, pronation/motion control, and how the width mirrors a foot’s natural contour/shape (a classic trait associated with Birkenstocks).

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