Few shoe-related topics are as delicate and widely debated as men’s sandals! Whether it’s because of the foot exposure or the problem with matching them to the rest of their outfits, many men have a problem with wearing sandals. However, we all need a more breathable and ventilated shoe that’ll keep us comfortable on those hot summer days on our feet all day long, and men’s walking sandals are just that. If you’re a guy who would want to avoid the risk of choosing too-casual or just plain inappropriate “mandals” confined only to beach style, this guide is for you.
How to Choose Sandals for Men?
The men’s sandal market has expanded to many high-quality footwear options thanks to innovative sole materials and comfortable, supportive, and performance-focused designs. These performance-focused shoes can help you achieve your next goal in comfort and style. They have evolved beyond being just open-air shoes to fulfil certain functions.
As with everything else in life, every man is different, with unique needs and preferences regarding summer shoe choices. It’s best to consider the intended activities you’ll engage in this summer, and your foot shape and comfort level to find comfortable and supportive men’s walking sandals that are up to your taste.
Consider Your Summer Activities
Identifying the most frequent usage is the first step to choosing the ideal product for your requirements. Before limiting your options, it’s a good idea to think about the kinds of activities you often participate in, even if all you’re looking for is an excellent all-around performer. Since not every product is made equally for every application, it’s a good idea to regularly monitor the metrics most directly linked to the activities you enjoy doing. Here are the three most common activities and the typical sandal choice for each.
Hiking
Many find that sandals are the most useful for moving from place A to place B over various terrains while providing greater comfort and being lighter than most other types of footwear. For thousands of years, people have been breaking new ground while wearing sandals, and that’s still the case today. They’re easier to put on and take off (you can even jump in without taking them off), usually weigh less than most other hiking shoes or boots, and help prevent hot, sweaty feet by keeping your toes and soles well-ventilated.
You’re in luck if you’re trying to find a pair of sandals that can replace your hiking boots or trail shoes. Today’s hiking-focused models are a great deal comfortable for extended days where you may come across a wide range of tough situations, and they perform well enough to handle anything but the most extreme weather or terrain. In addition to being comfortable, light, and packable, opt for strong and resilient sandals with enough traction.
Watersports
Even if sandals aren’t part of your regular wardrobe, you likely still have a pair for trips to the beach, lake, river, or any other location where you’ll be near water. When your favourite flip flops won’t do, these shoes are an excellent choice for wet adventures due to their open-air breathability, quick-drying and flexible design. Getting a pair of water shoes is another practical option if your activities involve water.
Wet traction, water resistance, and the footbed’s capacity to drain sediment or water should be your top priorities when participating in watersports. Super gripping soles will improve your performance in these rainy circumstances and help keep you safer on slick rocks, damp boat docks, and muddy pathways. The design and water-resistant materials keep your feet comfy during these excursions. Minimalist designs will have less material that can get wet than closed-toe designs, but they’ll also offer less protection from rocks and snags.
Urban Use and Travel
This is the category for you if you’re searching for a model of walking sandals for men that can be used for anything—it can be thrown into a beach bag or worn for a fast stroll. If you plan to wear sandals around town, they should be adaptable and comfy. After a day of exploring, it doesn’t hurt to have a trendy item to help ease the transition to happy hour or supper.
However, because style is so individualised, we decided against using it as a metric and instead to allow you to determine what kind of shoe would best fit your preferences. Sometimes all you need to get where you’re going is a pair of the greatest flip-flops. We suggest something with more support if you intend to wear your new sandals all day or if you plan to go off the usual path.
Get the Right Fit
A pair of sandals that fit properly might mean the difference between enjoyable summertime days and beach vacations spoiled by painful feet. Any type of ill-fitting shoe can cause blisters, bunions, and excruciating heels.
Finding the perfect fit goes hand in hand with the various available styles and aesthetics; that’s where sandals become truly personalised. Even though there’s no perfect replacement for physically visiting a brick-and-mortar store to try on various shoes, we also understand that most of us don’t shop that way these days. Shopping in person can be inconvenient and time-consuming when a wider selection of designs and pricing is available online.