Your summer sandals do far more than just take you to the beach. When chosen correctly, the best men's sandals can optimize your gait, ensuring a more comfortable stride and keeping you pain-free during all your warm-weather adventures.
We consulted podiatrist Dr. Drew Burdi from Balance Health's Weil Foot and Ankle Institute to learn what to look for in the perfect pair of men's sandals and which ones are worth buying for your most comfortable summer yet.
"As a podiatrist, the single most common summer complaint I see is foot pain that started when patients switched to unsupportive warm-weather footwear," Dr. Burdi says. "Flip flops, flat slides and minimalist sneakers are the trifecta of plantar fasciitis triggers."
He explains that your feet need a rigid midsole to prevent excessive pronation, a deep heel cup to stabilize the calcaneus, and arch contouring that evenly distributes load across the entire foot. The following picks meet these criteria "while still being practical, stylish and summer-appropriate."
Top Picks for Supportive Men's Sandals
1. Sporty and Laidback Slide
Burdi calls these slides "[t]he gold standard of supportive sandals and one I recommend more than any other." Their cork-latex footbed molds to individual foot shape over time, the arch contour is clinically meaningful, and the deep heel cup is among the best. For added stability, choose the adjustable strap version. Dr. Burdi warns against knockoffs: "Cork density matters." Available in three colors and men's sizes 6 to 17.5.
2. Clinically-Accepted Slide for Optimal Foot Health
"For patients who insist on a flip-flop silhouette, this is the closest I can get them to clinical compliance," Burdi says. The Vio-Motion footbed system provides three-zone biomechanical support for the heel, arch, and forefoot simultaneously. This flip flop "actually protects the foot" and is accepted by the American Podiatric Medical Association. Available in four colors and men's sizes 7 to 14.
3. Supportive Sandal for All Adventures
Whether hiking or enjoying water activities, these Teva sandals are Burdi's top recommendation. "Multi-directional adjustable straps lock the foot in place with genuine security, and the [design] absorbs impact in the heel," he notes. They are more structured than most water sandals without sacrificing function, ideal for men on their feet all day outdoors. Available in 10 colors and men's sizes 7 to 14.
4. Recovery Slide for Better Performance
Burdi describes these plush slides as "a recovery tool." Oofos' proprietary "OOfoam" absorbs 37 percent more impact than traditional EVA foam and reduces energy return, making them popular among athletes post-training. "For patients post-procedure, post-long travel day or with chronic foot fatigue, this is the prescription-adjacent option," Burdi says. They are machine-washable to prevent odors. Available in five colors and men's sizes 3 to 14.
5. Strappy Sandals for Daily Wear
Chaco sandals are a dream for tired summer feet, with "supportive arch-shaped footbeds" for pain relief. Emily Ruane, HuffPost Shopping managing editor, says, "I actually wear the Z/1 like, every single day." Features include Z-shaped jacquard webbing straps for a customized fit, traction-heavy outsole for stability, and odor control technology. Available in eight colors and men's sizes 7 to 15.
6. Plush Slide Like Pillows on Your Feet
Hoka Ora Recovery Slides offer ultimate comfort with a contoured footbed for shock absorption and impact relief. Airflow vents provide ventilation. A podiatrist previously called them a solid alternative to Adidas Adilette slides. Available in nine colors and men's sizes 3 to 14.
7. Sandals with Walking Shoe Appeal
For serious mileage, consider these podiatrist-recommended sandals. One expert compared them to a full-on walking shoe due to their grippy, treaded outsole. They feature a sneaker silhouette, waterproof uppers, and a contoured, arch-supportive footbed that accommodates flat feet. Available in two colors and men's sizes 7 to 14.
8. Leather Sandals for Day-to-Night Style
Dr. Scholl's supportive and stylish fishermen's sandals have anatomically-shaped contouring for unmatched support and a semi closed-toed construction for protection. Classic leather uppers make them suitable for day-to-night wear. Available in two colors and men's sizes 7 to 13 in regular and wide sizing.
