Chaco’s Z/1 Classic sandals are classic for a reason – comfortable and supportive, they’re our top pick for 2024. Photo: Dylan Heyden//The Inertia

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Nothing personal against close-toed shoes, but there’s something absolutely liberating about a good pair of sandals. Maybe it’s the sensation of letting your tootsies breathe, slipping into cushy comfort after a marathon surf session, or the ability to manage a creek crossing on a hike without so much as untying a shoelace. Whatever the case, a good pair of sandals is an essential piece of gear for the kit whenever the prevailing temp permits. 

For those looking to upgrade their sandal game or build out their quiver of styles, we took it upon ourselves to test some of the best out there. This list of best sandals takes into account both flip flops and classic sandals, as well as recovery slides and some alternative “sandals.” Our top overall pick for sandals is the Chaco Z/1 Classic, and our favorite overall flip flop is the Olukai Tuahine, which you can also learn more about in our flip flop-specific review. Our best value pick is the Teva Original Universal.

Navigate To: Comparison Table | How We Tested | Buyer’s Guide | Best Beach Sandals for Women | Best Hiking Sandals

The Best Men’s Sandals of 2024

Best Overall Sandals: Chaco Z/1 Classic
Best Overall Flip Flops: Olukai Tuahine
Best Value (Sandals): Teva Original Universal
Best Budget (Flip Flops): Havaianas Top
Best Recovery Sandals: Hoka Ora Luxe
Comfortable And Stylish: Rainbow Double Layer With Arch Support

Best Overall Sandals

Chaco Z/1 Classic ($105)

Pros: Supportive, comfortable, and stable
Cons: High profile, heavy, strange tan lines

Sizing Recommendation: For half sizes, Chaco recommends sizing down, we found this to be right for the Z/1 Classics

A decent walk — say, over a mile — is when even the most comfortable sandals begin to show their quirks. A sore heel here, an uncomfortable strap there, or a sloppy loose feel that’s just not designed to be worn over an extended period. Not the case for Chacos Z/1 Classics. In testing, we found the Chaco Z/1 to stand high above the rest in terms of comfort for more demanding physical pursuits where we wanted the breathability of a sandal and the comfort of a capable shoe. With a polyester webbing strap that threads through the footbed, a couple of tugs to loosen or tighten create the maximum dialed-in fit. Chaco’s proprietary Luvseat midsole felt springy but not overly so and provides adequate support for all-day wear. And finally, the Z/1 Classic sole features a 3.5 mm lug that’s ideal for splashing through wet trails.

Versatility, comfort, and style are the primary considerations when assessing which sandals should be named best overall. We chose Chaco’s Z/1 Classic over Teva’s Universal here, for example, because we liked that the Chacos had a rugged, grippy lugsole that was more offroad-ready than the Tevas. A major trade-off between the Tevas, though, is the Chacos do ride a bit high and are a bit heavier, which contributes to a chunky feel that takes some getting used to. While the Chacos are without a doubt the most versatile pair of sandals to make our list, some may find them to be too much sandal. Chaco has also recently released the Lowdown Sandal  which has a thinner sole for a less-chunky feel, and a different strap pattern, for those who want to stay true to Chacos but aren’t fans of the Classic’s very supportive sole. 

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Best Overall Flip Flops

Olukai Tuahine ($100)

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

Sizing Recommendation: For half sizes, we recommend sizing at least to the next size up

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 tan leather flip flop because they get more comfortable over time and are incredibly durable. One major drawback 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 which features a wet-grip rubber that is also non-marking for boaters and fishermen among us. In testing, we 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.

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Best Value (Sandals)

Teva Original Universal ($55)

Pros: Go anywhere, adventure/offroad ready, great price
Cons: Not a ton of structure or arch support

Sizing Recommendation: For half sizes, size up to the next full size

During a surf trip to Panama a few years ago, a few friends and I got caught hiking through a jungle 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 the Teva Original Universal sandals aren’t the most popular in California coastal towns that prioritize fashion over function (though they are making a retro-style comeback), a hiking trail coated with six inches of 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.

We’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. To be clear, Teva’s Universals are not what you’d call hiking sandals – for something more trail-ready consider burly lugs like those on the Chaco Z/1 or the Teva Hurricane XLT2, which also add on a bit of support, unlike the Original Universals (learn more about those in our Best Hiking Sandals guide). However, the lack of weight is exactly what makes them perfect for travel in a carry-on or backpack – you never know when you might need a pair of adventure sandals, and you’ll be stoked to pull these out when you do. Unlike flip flops, Tevas can also be worn with socks which adds to their versatility, and the price point is pretty incredible. At the end of their lifecycle, they can also be recycled through Teva’s TevaForever recycling program so they never see a landfill.

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Best Budget (Flip Flops)

Havaianas Top ($18)

Pros: Dirt cheap, good style, lots of color options
Cons: Super-minimal, you get what you pay for

Sizing Recommendation: For half sizes, size up to the next full size

It’s hard to beat Havaianas for dirt-cheap but good-looking footwear. Priced (almost alarmingly) at only $20 (and often on sale for much less), if all you need is a thin strip of rubber to separate your bare feet from the ground, look no further. While you could probably find basically the exact same flip flops for half the price from a no-name overseas manufacturer, in our minds the bonus style points of such a classic design, and the support of a well-known company should anything go wrong (Havaianas offers a 60-day satisfaction guarantee) are worth the extra few dollars.

Design-wise, there’s not much to write home about – the sandals consist of a single piece of flat rubber (no arch support) for the sole, with a classic flip flop strap that runs between the toes. Comfort-wise, they have some mixed reviews, so it could be worth making the time to try a pair on before purchasing. However, it’s worth noting that the comfort certainly improves with time, especially after the initial break-in period. And while they’re not the most durable sandal on this list, the longevity of these simple flops might surprise you. That said, for price-conscious buyers interested in a longer-lasting, or simply more comfortable “budget” sandal, take a look at the Teva ReFlip, below.

Best Recovery Sandals

Hoka Ora Luxe ($80)

Pros: Super light, most comfortable on the list
Cons: Price, not ideal for sandy beach days

Sizing Recommendation: For half sizes, size down to the nearest size at least

Hoka’s Ora Luxe sandal was the most comfortable sandal that we put through testing. Full stop. And while definitely not conventionally cool in terms of appearance, the Ora Luxes quickly became the sandals we’d throw on at home to give our dogs a break after a long run, hike, or surf.

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, for shuffling around the house in the level of comfort that we can only assume you’d feel if you were strolling on a cloud, we’re here for it. Compared to midsoles of other recovery sandals on our list, the Ora Luxes are supportive and springy without feeling too squishy and soft.

They’re also fully waterproof and feature two velcro straps to dial in fit. Speaking of 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, but for how high they ride, they’re incredibly light. At $80, the Ora Luxes are definitely on the high end for a pair of sandals with a fairly narrow use. For those looking for a great pair of recovery sandals that’s a little easier on the wallet, we recommend Crocs’ Mellow Recovery Slides, a little further down the list.

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Comfortable And Stylish

Rainbow Double Layer with Arch Support ($64)

Pros: Cushy comfort in a premium leather package, Rainbow’s iconic styling
Cons: Bit of a break-in period, limited structure out of the box

Sizing Recommendation: Size up to the nearest size for half-sizes

Rainbow has been crafting timeless, quality sandals since 1974 and was the first company to build a rugged sandal meant to meet the demands of surfers. Rainbow’s flagship Single Arch sandal continues to be the benchmark for other premium leather sandals, but for those looking for a more plush and supportive upgrade with the look and durability Rainbows are known for, the Rainbow Double Layer with Arch Support sandal delivers. Featuring an additional layer of foam from the arch to the heel, the Double Layer has a much spongier, bouncier feel than the Single Layer, below, without sacrificing that iconic Rainbow style.

Like all Rainbows, the Double Layers are designed to mold to your feet over time. But, the break-in period does take a bit of commitment to overcome. Because the heel cup takes a while to develop as the foam breaks down as it’s designed to do, there isn’t much structure to the sandal to start. So we did feel some fish-tailing of our heels happening until the heel cup began to form. The straps also felt a bit tight over the instep initially until they began to stretch to our feet.

While the Double Layers definitely ride a bit higher than the Single Layers, the extra support and cushioning are definitely welcome on longer walks or for all-day wear. For those more averse to buying sandals with a break-in period, we recommend either the Hari Mari Fields or Olukai Tuahine – both of which fit and felt great right out of the box. 

Best of the Rest

Runner-Up Best Overall (Flip Flop)

Hari Mari Fields ($50)

Pros: Soft premium leather comfort, low-profile minimalist style, solid price
Cons: Limited structure and support, leather is not waterproof

Sizing Recommendation: For half sizes, size up to the nearest full size

Olukai’s Tuahine sandals may have beaten out Hari Mari’s Fields sandals for our best overall flip flop slot, but only by the slimmest of margins. That’s because Hari Mari makes a damn good classic leather flip flop with a handful of premium upgrades that up the comfort factor in a big way.

Hari Mari uses the term “buttery” to describe the feel of the leather they use for the Fields. Before testing, we honestly weren’t totally sure what they meant. But slipping them on for the first time, we understood. These things are soft. Memory foam footbeds with slight cupping are plush, but not to the point of feeling high-profile. And what may seem like a small detail – a memory foam toe post – actually made a pretty big difference in preventing rubbing and blisters between the toes on longer strolls.

While the Fields have some arch support, it’s pretty minimal compared to the Olukai Tuahine or Rainbow Double Layer (after the initial break-in period). As is the structure of the sandal overall. But minimalism and simplicity are also what make the Fields such a versatile and stylish sandal. The branding is muted, and there’s no ornate stitching. Everything feels to the point, the way a classic leather sandal should. We should note that the colorway we tested did feature a bright blue sole, but other colorways feature more subdued colors.

Runner-Up Best Budget

Teva ReFlip ($39)

Pros: High on sustainability, low on price
Cons: Tight-fitting webbing strap, hard to slide on

Sizing Recommendation: Size up to the nearest size for half-sizes

Teva calls their Reflip Flip Flop its 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, a fairly impressive feat.

We love 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 are 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 be recycled through Teva’s TevaForever recycling program. Though they cost twice as much as the Havaianas Top sandals, our Best Budget pick, the Teva Reflips are much sturdier, and unless you lose them before you wear them out, they will provide a better value than the Havaianas as you’ll have to replace them a lot less.

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A Great Minimalist Active Sandal

Bedrock Cairn Evo Sandal ($115)

Pros: Light all-terrain style, rugged outsole
Cons: Minimalist structure, no arch support, style is not for everyone

Sizing Recommendation: Size up for half sizes

With their Cairn Evo sandals, Bedrock has taken the humble flip flop and designed it with four-wheel-drive and all-terrain tires. The result may be unsightly to some – the wife wasn’t a huge fan – but, in terms of functionality, Bedrock’s Cairn sandals are designed to go far beyond the limits of any other sandal on this list. Think trail running, river rafting expeditions, and other similar pursuits in the outdoors.

By design, the Cairn Evos have very little material separating the bottom of your foot from the Earth. The footbed is also flat with no arch support. This is intentional. While Bedrock may not use the term “barefoot sandals” to describe its Cairn Evo sandals (instead, they use the term “freedom footwear”), they remain popular among barefoot runners precisely because of how minimalist they are. And while we aren’t barefoot devotees ourselves – far from it – in testing we found the Cairns to be extremely light with minimal slipping and sliding once the fit was fully dialed in. The feeling was pretty close to being truly barefoot if we’re being honest.

We also appreciated how fit could be adjusted on both the left and right strap over the instep and at the heel to insure minimal rubbing. The Cairns also feature a grippy Vibram outsole to tackle slick rock or anything else the trail may throw at you. However, a drawback compared to other sandals like the Chaco Z/1 Classics or Teva Original Universals is that the flip flop-inspired toe post isn’t sock-friendly when temperatures cool. 

Best Non-Sandal Sandals

Crocs Classic Clog ($49)

Pros: Soft spongey comfort, easy on and off, price
Cons: Heel slides around

Sizing Recommendation: For half sizes, we recommend sizing up if you have wider feet as the toe strap can be a bit tight, but for regular or narrower feet, sizing down will give you a more secure fit

The silhouette of Crocs’ iconic clog is as divisive as it is ubiquitous these days. Likely because the comfort of Crocs’ foam footwear is pretty undeniable. For those looking to experience Crocs comfort, the Crocs Classic Clog is a great entry point. They feature the same foam Crocs are known for in a design that’s fully waterproof.

Unlike other sandals on the list, the spongey feel of the Classic Clog did cause our heels to slip around a bit and the foam outsole lacks any sort of real traction — so definitely not the sandals you’d want for anything remotely strenuous or with any sort of variable terrain. For a budget pick that’s more adventurous, try the Teva Original Universal Sandals, above. Still, for the price point, the Crocs Classic Clog offers great comfort and versatility.

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Timeless Style

Rainbow Single Layer Sandal ($60)

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

Sizing Recommendation: For half sizes, size up to the next full size

In terms of comfort, durability, and no-frills style, Rainbow’s Single Layer Flip Flop is the sandal by which all other sandals are measured. It’s especially telling that after testing so many different styles — made of a variety of materials — the classic Rainbows are still relevant.

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. We’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. In this guide, we gave the nod to the Rainbow Double Layer With Arch Support sandals, thanks to the added comfort of the double layer + arch support design, but for those who prefer a flatter feel, or want to save $10 bucks, the Single Layer Sandals are where it’s at.

Most Supportive Sandals

Birkenstock Atacama ($135)

Pros: Birk comfort in an adventure-ready package
Cons: Adjustment/break-in period, clunky

Sizing Recommendation: Birkenstock recommends adding 33 to your US men’s size to get to your European size, for half sizes, we recommend sizing down

The legendary comfort of Birkenstock’s cork footbeds is well-known at this point. But one of the main shortcomings of cork, like some of the leather sandals on our list, is moisture. Something that’s difficult to avoid if you spend any amount of time near the ocean. So, when Birkenstock unveiled its new adventure-ready Atacamas that boast the same footbed mold as its cork offerings in trail-styled and water-friendly materials, our interest was piqued. Underfoot, the Atacamas may be the most unique pair of sandals in all of the styles we tested. This is because there’s a lot going on under the hood, (er, foot?) with the sandal’s anatomic footbed. From an exaggerated super-deep heel cup and a big toe bar to longitudinal and transverse arch support, these sorts of bends and curves are designed to hold your foot in its most natural position.

The problem is that if your feet, like ours, have grown accustomed to less-supportive footwear this sort of “training” for your feet doesn’t result in the most comfort straight out of the box. Once our feet got used to them, though, they were very happy. But it did take some time. In addition, unlike Birk’s cork offerings, the PU footbed of the Atacamas doesn’t mold to your feet over time. Again, it’s more a matter of training your feet and getting used to the sandal. We love the adjustability and rugged look of the Atacama’s velcro straps and lug sole which makes them ideal for variable terrain. And without a heel strap, they are easy to slide in and out of.

For everything from a light hike to longer walks and even a full day out and about in town, the Atacamas absolutely excell. But the Atacamas are definitely two-wheel drive sandals. For those looking for Birk comfort in a four-wheel-drive option that’s ideal for more strenuous hiking on all sorts of terrain, we’d recommend the Chaco Z/1 Classic or Birkenstock Tatacoa which is similar to the Atacama but features a heel strap.

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Best Eco-Friendly Sandals

KLLY Lunar ($80)

Pros: Perfect balance of comfort and support
Cons: High profile and limited color and style options

Sizing Recommendation: KLLY recommends sizing down a full size, however, for those in-between sizes, sizing down a half-size worked well

One of the occupational hazards of surfing on the championship tour for over thirty years is you spend a lot of time in flip flops. So, when the greatest surfer of all time slaps his name on a pair designed to fix some of the common complaints associated with the classic flip flop silhouette — namely lack of support and discomfort for all-day wear — you pay attention. Slater developed the KLLYs for all-day comfort and to promote healthy alignment. And out of the box, the KLLY Lunar flip flops absolutely achieve this. No break-in period needed.

We found these ultra-supportive flip flops springy and snappy in all the right ways, and with sufficient arch support for all-day wear. The strap is also extremely comfortable, however, we did find that it fits a little tight if you size the sandals down too much. And while we don’t know how much we buy into the connection between the moon and sea turtles that inspired some of the design elements, the texture of the footbed (inspired by the surface of the moon) offers great traction and was a nice touch.

The Lunars are made using rPET and BLOOM foam made from algae, making them some of the most sustainable sandals on our list. One of the only knocks we had on the Lunars is they have a higher profile feel than other flip flops on the list, even moreso than the Rainbow Double Layers. Though, that’s the tradeoff for great support.

Crocs Mellow Recovery Slides ($49)

Pros: Light spongey Crocs comfort, price, waterproof
Cons: Not the most sturdy or supportive

Sizing Recommendation: Size up for a looser fit and down for a tighter fit, depending on preference

For the uninitiated, sandals that fall into the “recovery footwear” category may best be described as the sandals you never knew you needed. Sure, any pair of sandals could be your post-gym or workout go-tos. But, why rob yourself of plush airy comfort?

Like most sandals in this category, Crocs Mellow Recovery Slides are built on a thick foam sole that offers the kind of cushioning our tender feet need (nay, deserve) after a surf, trip to the gym, or run. This offering from Crocs lacks the adjustability of the Hokas, for example, but at this price point, they absolutely deliver.

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Honorable Mentions

Best Men’s Sandals Comparison Table

We tested a wide array of sandal styles to bring you the best of the best. Photo: Dylan Heyden//The Inertia

How We Tested The Best Men’s Sandals

Growing up in coastal Orange County, California, our lead tester, Dylan Heyden, has spent an inordinate amount of time in sandals and flip-flops. But we didn’t just rely on institutional knowledge for this review, we went out there and got our hands on long-standing favorites, new and exciting products, and the top-rated sandals and flip-flops on the market to provide head-to-head (er, toe-to-toe?) comparisons.

From strolls around town to chaperoning kids’ sports events, surf checks, trips to Joshua Tree, and fishing in Mammoth Lakes, Dylan and our testing team wore these sandals in a variety of environments, personally testing all of the sandals in this review and a lot more that didn’t make the cut. The above list is the result of our findings.

We first published this article in the spring of 2023, and in our May 2024 update added three additional sandals (and removed a couple that got bumped out of the rankings), updated some product information based on longer-term testing over the summer, and expanded our Buyer’s Guide, which you can find below. In this update, we updated some product information, added product comparisons to further enhance our reader-friendliness, and further expanded the Buyer’s Guide.

The Bedrock Cairn Evo sandals provide great performance for longer treks, but designed to give a barefoot feel, they lack arch support. Photo: Dylan Heyden//The Inertia

Best Men’s Sandals Buyer’s Guide

Types of Sandals

Scrolling through our list of best sandals, you’ll quickly realize that sandals come in all shapes and sizes, from burly, strappy numbers to low-profile leather things that you’ll forget are on your feet. Our list above can generally be split into three buckets: flip flops, slides, and strap sandals.

Flip flops like the Olukai Tuahine are sandals with a single post between the big toe and second toe with two straps that cross over the instep of the foot. Slides like the Hoka Ora Luxe have no toe post (sock-and-sandal-lovers, rejoice!), and allow you to slip them on and off. And strap sandals like the Chaco Z/1 Classics are the pairs that require you to fiddle with a buckle or velcro closure to get into them, but won’t fall off your feet once you’ve done so. 

Nothing beats the style of a classic leather flip flop (pictured, the Olukai Tuahine). Photo: Dylan Heyden//The Inertia

Each style has its merits. For instance, flip flops are the most ubiquitous sandal style in coastal towns during summer months, because they’re comfortable, light, and easy to slide off and on. Rainbow Sandals[LINK Single Layer] are basically a badge of membership to the Southern California beach scene, and with good reason, as you can’t ask for much more out of beachside footwear. Slides are equally easy to pop on, work with socks, and come in all kinds of styles. Strap sandals are ideal for more adventurous pursuits where support and keeping the sandal on your foot is imperative. For full-tilt adventures, you may even consider a pair of hiking sandals, which take support and durability to the next level. (Check out our review of the best hiking sandals here).

Lug sole comparison between the Birkenstock Atacama, Cairn Bedrock Evo, and Chaco Z/1 Classic. Photo: Dylan Heyden//The Inertia

What Makes a Good Pair of Sandals?

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 style, leather might be right for you. It may also be worthwhile to consider having a few pairs for specific uses — e.g. everyday use, travel, or gym.

Another consideration is weighing how much support you need. If you spend days on end in sandals, a more supportive option like the KLLY Lunars may be right for you. Unfortunately, the trade-off is more supportive sandals tend to have a chunkier look and feel. On the other hand, if you don’t spend hours on your feet you may be able to get away with a more low-profile option that prioritizes fashion and l0w weight over support and function like the Olukai Tuahine or the Rainbow Single Layer. 

So, without further ado, let’s dive into some key considerations.

The Chaco Z/1 Classic sandals start from the ground up with a nice grippy outsole. Photo: Dylan Heyden//The Inertia

Anatomy of a Sandal

It isn’t rocket science, tbh. But a bit of fluency in the terms sandal makers use to refer to specific parts of a sandal will go a long way when determining what pair is right for you. In general, a typical sandal from the ground up is comprised of a sole (our outsole; the part that touches pavement), a midsole (the material between the part that touches the ground and the part that touches your foot, a footbed (the part that touches the bottom of your foot), and an upper (the strappy part that keeps the sandal on your foot).

Additionally, there are two general types of construction of sandals out there on the market. The first, which is most common, is a mix of materials that are layered on top of each other either by being sewn or glued (see the Olukai Tuahine, for example).

Recovery slides are often injection-molded. Photo: Dylan Heyden//The Inertia

The second is what’s called injection molding, which means a piping hot liquid form of the material of the sandal is shot into a mold, then it cools and hardens into a standalone sandal with no glue or seams (see Crocs Classic Clogs).

In some cases, these processes can be combined where the entirety of the sandal is injection molded except for the strap, which is added later in the process. This is the case with KLLY Lunar sandals that are made of rPET and Bloom foam with a neoprene/webbing strap.

Which construction process is right for you depends largely on what you’re trying to get out of your sandals. A fully injection-molded foam sandal is going to lack the comforts of a leather upper or the traction of a rubber lug sole. But, a sandal with more premium materials glued to each other commands a higher price and may offer a marginal difference (or maybe less) comfort.

Layers of squishy comfort define the Rainbow Double Layer (middle) and Hari Mari Fields (bottom) while the Olukai Tuahine (top) has a stiffer construction for better support. Photo: Dylan Heyden//The Inertia

Comfort Versus Support

Speaking of comfort, across the market these days comfort and support seem to be used interchangeably. In our opinion, that’s a major issue because comfort and support are different (occasionally competing) demands.

Comfort, on one hand, often refers to a plush bouncy feel that’s great in the short term, but can be murder on your feet over prolonged periods because of limited support. On the other hand, a footbed meant to cradle natural curves in your foot may take some getting used to and feel uncomfortable if you’ve grown accustomed to flat footwear.

One option to consider when shopping for a pair of sandals that prioritizes support and promotes foot health is looking for a Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (AMPA). According to the AMPA, a seal of acceptance is provided to a product after review by a group of APMA podiatrists to ensure it promotes foot health. An AMPA seal of acceptance is definitely not the final word on whether a sandal is supportive or not, but it’s a good start. Chaco, Teva, and Hoka are the only companies with products on our list that have received the AMPA seal of acceptance.

KLLY Sandals are comfortable to wear all day, and made from sustainable materials. We wouldn’t expect any less with the GOAT of surfing, Kelly Slater, putting his name on them. Photo: Dylan Heyden//The Inertia

Materials

Another consideration is materials. Classic leather sandals like the Rainbow Double Layer offer the benefit of conforming to your foot over time, whereas a more plushy foam/synthetic material like the Teva Reflip 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 like that on the Olukai Tuahine that combines the best of both worlds, but at a premium.

A few of our favorite flip flops, the Olukai Tuahine front and center. Photo: Dylan Heyden//The Inertia

Sizing

Arguably one of the most frustrating aspects of purchasing a new pair of sandals is sizing, especially given most sandals are not made in half sizes. If your street shoe, like the author’s, falls between whole sizes, you understand this well. Through testing we experienced just how difficult it can be to get the right fit, finding inconsistencies in sizing across brands and with the same brand from style to style.

Obviously, the best solution to sizing is going to a shop and trying the sandals on in person. If this is not feasible, a quick perusal of a company’s return policy is absolutely crucial. In addition, we would highly, highly recommend against purchasing “final sale” sandals online unless they’re a style you’ve purchased in the past. After testing, we included our best recommendations on sizing to aid you in this effort. Still, operating under the assumption it may take a return to get the sizing right is a good rule of thumb.

Velcro straps on the Hoka Ora Luxe sandals help dial in a precise fit. Photo: Dylan Heyden//The Inertia

Cost

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 something to quickly slide into 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 two, three, or four pairs of a cheaper alternative.

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Editor’s Note: For ladies’ options, check out the Best Beach Sandals for Women. While there are plenty of flip flops in the above review, for more options, here’s our guide to The Best Men’s Flip Flops. If you want trail-ready sandals, take a look at The Best Hiking Sandals. For more gear reviews and features on The Inertia, click here.

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