13 Sandals That Aren't Just Basic Flip Flops

Mar 14, 2025

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More hours of sunlight and warmer weather means one thing: sandal season is upon us guys. It's time to let your toes see the light of day, have some fresh air cool your feet, and embrace some spring and summer footwear. If you're the type of guy that goes straight from Chelsea boots or sneakers to your worn-out Rainbows, consider going in another direction this year. There's nothing wrong, per-say, with flip-flops, but they aren't your only option.

Enter the world of sandals. There are suede crisscross styles, athletic slides, fisherman designs, raffia mules, and yes, even an occasional flip-flop qualifies. Yet with such a broad category, it might feel overwhelming to try and select a single pair. That's where we come in. We scoured the sandal market for you, and we picked out our favorite pairs. You're welcome. Whatever type of footwear denizen you are, we've found a pair for you.

The 15 best sandals await, and they require no further introduction. So get your scrolling on, shop for your new pair, and get ready to bare some toe. You guessed it—it's time to let the dogs out.

Todd Snyder delivers a pair of suede sandals that gives an air of sophistication, while being super easy to slide on and off. Transition them from day to night, depending on what your vibe is.

$268.00 at toddsnyder.com

A simple crossover strap giving a slight character to the sleek leather pair. Throw on some simple slacks and a basic T-shirt, and you've got a chic fit assembled.

$249.00 at suitsupply.com

Whether you're hitting the gym or the beach, Alo's casual slides are a great choice for an easy slip-on shoe. Pick from three neutral hues that won't go out of style.

$150.00 at Alo

For you flip-flop folk, we didn't forget about you. In fact, we're even helping you upgrade your flop game with these high-quality ones.

$90.00 at Ugg

If you want to go old school with it, embrace the nostalgia with Teva's strappy sandals. These durable sandals can tackle the elements, so they're great for any off-the-beaten-path endeavors.

$60.00 at Teva

Something about this closed-toe slip-on pair just feels like it should be worn on a beach in Mykonos. Maybe it's the brand's name or maybe it's just the laid-back style. Either way, we're in.

$420.00 at ancient-greek-sandals.com

Hot off the press, Madhappy and Keen's collab leaves you with a unique pair that nobody else will have. The ultra-modern look feels otherworldly.

$75.00 at Madhappy

The fisherman sandal is having (has been having?) a moment. The ancient-inspired design meets contemporary comforts, with a burnished leather look.

$160.00 at bananarepublic.gap.com

Cole Haan is beloved for its mastery in blending premium comfort with classic silhouettes. Case in point: this simple, elevated style.

$120.00 at colehaan.com

Pair these Ralph Lauren sandals with some linen pants and a casual button-down for an easy, breezy look. The hand-stitching on the straps also creates a contrast that elevates the style.

$168.00 at Ralph Lauren

For a designer sandal, you can't go wrong with Prada's streamlined slides. Of course, no Prada shoe is complete without the iconic triangle emblem either.

$850.00 at Prada

Dior's monochrome monogramming on the straps gives just that little bit of distinction that brings the glamour. The signature branding coupled with the detailed design is what makes this shoe worth its price tag.

$900.00 at Dior

These Manolo sandals feel both effortless and thoughtfully constructed at the same time. The intentional strap layout draws attention while the subtle grey coloring keeps it lowkey.

$675.00 at mytheresa.com

Material:

Typically, most sandals are going to be either leather, rubber, or some type of fabrication. The material typically dictates the use. If you want something for more everyday wear, perhaps a style that can be dressed up or down, consider a leather or suede option. If you're looking for a pair to wear to the beach, try opting for a rubber or more water-friendly pair.

Style:

The type of sandal you choose ultimately comes down to personal preference, but you will want to consider the types to choose from. A simple crisscross design might be best for wearing out and about on the town, while a flip-flop or slide might be more limited to casual wear.

Adjustability:

Sandals that have buckles are going to give you a more tailored fit, so that is definitely something to keep eyes out for. Of course, if you are looking for a casual sandal, this won't matter as much.

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