The best walking sandals for men are some of the most versatile shoes you can own. But hunting down a prime pair can be a headache if you don’t know what to look for. As someone who prefers to walk in sandals over any other footwear, I’ve tried and tested dozens of options to find the very best picks.
Although functionality is important for walking sandals for men, especially if you plan to wear them on trails or varied terrain, style counts for points, too. Below, you’ll find a healthy mix of crunchy granola and sleek summer footwear.
Some pairs you may be able to tramp through rivers with; others are best reserved for city streets. But one thing’s for certain: no matter where your feet take you, the best men’s sandals for walking come with them.
Key Takeaways
Finding the perfect walking sandals for men can be a doozy. Lucky for you, I’ve done the work. After scouring the internet high and low, the verdict is in. The absolute best all-rounders are Chacos. These durable adventure shoes will take you anywhere from hot city streets to the depths of the backcountry without breaking a sweat.
They’re designed for guys on the go and are the top choice for the best walking sandals for men. If you’re looking for something slightly more affordable with a similar strappy style, it doesn’t get more classic than the TEVA Hurricane Sandals.
Why they’re great: Chacos are the gold standard when it comes to the best walking sandals for men. Anyone who argues such a fact has simply never owned a pair. From city slicking to backcountry strolls, these sandals are highly supportive and mold to your feet with a cushy midsole.
But what really makes them stand out are the polyester straps that encircle the feet, which keeps the shoes from flopping about, plus the thick lugs on the sole for superior traction. Available in an enormous array of colors and styles, Chacos are the best men’s sandals for walking wherever your tracks take you.
Who are these for? For the guy seeking versatility from his walking sandals, these hit the mark every time, especially if you want to ditch the hiking boots. They’re well suited to a wide range of environments, terrains, and climates.
Wear them out around town, on longer treks, or for a quick jaunt. Chacos will get you through anything… except for maybe winter. Just prepare yourself for some gnarly tan lines during summer.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: The only downside of Chacos is they’re open-toed, so if you’re covering more technical ground, then you may want to opt for greater protection.
Material: Polyester jacquard webbing | Sole Material: PU midsole, ChacoGrip rubber outsole | Sizes Available: 7–14 | Colors Available: 22 | Arch Support: Yes
Why they’re great: I like to think of these as upscale Birkenstocks with an enhanced design but a similar cork footbed. Great for more casual dress shoes (rather than hitting the backcountry in), these are the ultimate accompaniment for any warm weather outfit.
Who are these for? If you need a pair of sandals to throw on and walk out the door, these are the best choices, especially if you want to look good. The crisscross strap is an upgraded take on classic sandals and will get you much farther than standard flip-flops.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: These are some of the best walking sandals for men. However, they are for city, beach, and town wear rather than for walking in the mountains or on trails.
Material: Suede strap | Sole Material: Cork sole | Sizes Available: 6.5–12.5 | Colors Available: 4 | Arch Support: No
Why they’re great: Yet another modern (and very luxurious) take on Birkenstocks, this pair is Italian-made with a full grain leather strap, a cork footbed, and a rubber sole. Though instead of the double strap on top of the foot, these employ a unique, breathable design that sets them apart from other walking sandals on the market.
Who are these for? Given the upscale nature of these shoes, they’re optimal walking sandals for city streets, small-town strolls, and beach traversing. If you’re a guy seeking summer shoes to parade around in, then this is a unique pair to throw into your rotation.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: Because these walking sandals forgo straps or buckles, they aren’t adjustable in any way.
Material: Leather strap | Sole Material: Cork footbed, rubber sole | Sizes Available: 5–13 | Colors Available: 3 | Arch Support: Some
Why they’re great: There’s nothing quite like a ‘90s revival, and Tevas are having their moment in the spotlight again. Just take a walk around New York City… even in Paris, I see people sporting these strappy sandals, which makes sense, considering they’re comfortable and pack a practical punch.
Extra efficient for walking, the classic Tevas will let your dogs breathe while providing foot support through the cushioned heel and webbed straps.
Who are these for? These are for anyone planning on walking through water, be it a rushing river or salty sea. Tevas are renowned for thriving in aquatic environments because of the quick-drying material, but they work just as well when trekking across land, too.
They’re also supremely lightweight, making them easy travel shoes or backpacking companions, with a budget price of less than $100. They’re high on this list of the best walking sandals for men.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: Yes, Tevas are waterproof. No, Tevas do not have any traction to them. So if you’re walking on slippery surfaces (as opposed to actually being in the water), find something to hang on to.
Material: Polyester/nylon PET webbing straps | Sole Material: EVA foam midsole, rubber sole | Sizes Available: 4–17 | Colors Available: 40+ | Arch Support: Some
Why they’re great: I personally live and die by Rainbows, especially for walking around in. Given the leather construction, they take some time to break in, but once they form to your feet, you’ll never find a more comfortable sandal.
Easy for covering long distances, Rainbows are the best choice if you like the flip flop style for your walking sandals.
Who are these for? An easy option with a low profile design, these sandals are for any man who wants a high-quality pair of summer shoes. Generally, flip flops aren’t super conducive to walking, but Rainbows are the sole brand that has cracked the code.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: Flip flops as walking sandals work only as well as the man wearing them. If you’re not a fan of fabric between your toes while strolling around, then opt for a different style. Also, these shouldn’t be worn in water because of the leather construction.
Material: Leather | Sole Material: Leather, rubber | Sizes Available: 7.5/8.5 – 13.5/15 | Colors Available: 18 | Arch Support: Yes
Why they’re great: No list of men’s walking sandals is complete without Birkenstocks, and this pair takes it a step further (literally) with a backstrap on the classic Arizona style. These have more of a lifestyle feel than a hiking one but still work for easy trails since the slingback will keep the shoes on your feet.
If you’ve never owned a pair of Birkenstocks, they’re well-known for being some of the most comfortable sandals for men, considering the adjustable straps and the cork that molds to your feet. For a highly customizable pair of walking sandals for men, this pair of Birks is it.
Who are these for? Birkenstocks have been around since the ‘60s and loved the entire way. If you’re looking for tried-and-true classics to wear around town, city walking on vacation, or shoes for standing all day, then this pair will serve you well.
All roads lead to Birkenstocks, so if you’re not sure what to pick, sometimes it pays to stick with the OGs.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: The main downside to Birkenstocks is that they take quite a while to break in. If you’ll be wearing them for rigorous walking, definitely adjust them ahead of time and wear them for a week before your actual intended use to soften them up.
Material: Leather/suede strap | Sole Material: Cork footbed, EVA sole | Sizes Available: 6/6.5 – 17/17.5 | Colors Available: 10+ | Arch Support: Yes
Why they’re great: What these walking sandals lack in the looks department, they make up for in spades of practicality. As some of the best men’s sandals for walking, these bad boys will get you where you need to go (albeit not in style).
They’re particularly handy for toe protection and tramping through water or slippery environments. Think river crossings, light hiking, and unpredictable topography.
Who are these for? These are for the guy seeking genuine adventure sandals rather than anyone looking for cool shoes for men. Nothing else makes the cut quite like these, considering the upgraded traction, superior grip, foot protection, and arch support, which is typically lacking in sandals. They’re also crazy durable.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: Because these walking sandals are made from leather, they may be a bit rigid out of the box. But the material will soften after the first wear and continue to mold to your feet, turning into some of the most comfortable shoes ever.
Material: Leather strap | Sole Material: Rubber | Sizes Available: 7–17 | Colors Available: 5 | Arch Support: Yes
Buying Considerations for the Best Walking Sandals for Men
Style
The main consideration is the style of the best walking sandals for men since this will influence how much ground you can cover in them. Generally speaking, the most practical style of walking sandals will have some sort of strap to keep them attached to your foot to ensure that they don’t slide around or come loose while walking.
It also helps to have some sort of toe protection, especially for trekking on trails or more precarious environments than city streets.
However, all of this boils down to personal preference… and some common sense. Although you may be perfectly comfortable walking in flip flops, you might not want to wear them for a river crossing. And though you may like the look of strappy sandals, you can probably get away with Birkenstocks for a day of sightseeing. Catch my drift?
Material
Material contributes a lot to walking sandals for men—their comfort, durability, and overall appearance, to name a few areas. It also influences how they handle the elements and how they feel on their feet.
You’ll find walking sandals with straps made from several different materials, the main ones being leather and nylon or polyester. Almost all walking sandals have a rubber sole.
The benefit of leather walking sandals like Rainbows or Birkenstocks is that they’re supremely durable and will last for years to come. The leather also forms to the foot for a personalized fit, making them extremely comfortable once broken in.
However, leather sandals don’t handle water super well, so you may want to reserve them for tramping around cities or dry climates.
Conversely, walking sandals with nylon or polyester straps, like Chacos or Tevas, are wildly practical. They have a sportier look than leather sandals but can withstand the elements and make great adventure companions, especially since these types of walking sandals tend to have some extra straps.
Wear them in the backcountry or coastal environments, but don’t expect much versatility in terms of dressing them up.
Break-in Period
Finally, it’s worth thinking about the break-in period of the best walking sandals for men, especially if you want to wear them right out of the box. Leather sandals like Birkenstocks and Rainbows need a few weeks of wear to reach their maximum comfort, whereas Chacos and Tevas are comfortable from the get-go.
Just remember that if you do choose a pair of walking sandals that need to be broken in, it’s well worth doing this before your trek. Otherwise, you’re in for a blister-filled time.
How We Chose
There are a lot of sandals on the market, but the best men’s sandals for walking offer something a bit different from your run-of-the-mill, open-toed shoes. The sandals on this list were chosen based on the following criteria to ensure that they can help you cover some serious ground in style:
Brand Reputation: More than anything, the walking sandals for men on this list are made by world-class brands. An equal split between adventure and lifestyle companies, the brands on this list have one thing in common: making really, really good shoes.
Walking Features: Aside from looking sharp, the sandals on this list all have special features for walking, whether it’s straps to keep the shoes on your feet, a well-defined arch for support, a waterproof construction, or a durable material that will help you get where you’re going.
Durability: Rather than your run-of-the-mill plastic flip flops, the walking sandals for men on this list have a degree of durability that you won’t find in standard sandals, making them a worthwhile investment.
Price: By including sandals with a wide range of price points, I strived to help every man find a pair of walking shoes that suits his unique uses and needs.
Why Trust Us?
Aside from doing most of her walking in sandals (when the weather permits, of course), Jane is an outdoor gear fanatic, passionate about helping guys find the shoes and other pieces of equipment to make the most of their time outside.
She recently wrote about the best Crocs for men (another option in the world of walking sandals), and with summer coming up, Jane encourages every man to get out and explore, sandals and all.
In evaluating the best walking sandals for men, Jane has extensively analyzed customer reviews, tested various models, and considered feedback from podiatrists to ensure comfort and durability.
Her dedication to providing accurate and practical recommendations is evident in every piece she writes, making her a trusted source for fashion advice. With her expertise, you can confidently choose the perfect pair of walking sandals tailored to your needs.
Final Verdict
Out of all the best walking sandals for men, Chacos reign supreme. These shoes are specially designed for outdoor adventures, with a comfortable, supportive design and plenty of colors and patterns to choose from.
If you tend to gravitate towards classics, the TEVA Hurricane Sandals are a foolproof choice that has been around for decades.
FAQ
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Podiatrists recommend walking sandals with added support, like Birkenstocks, Tevas, and options from KEEN. With features like arch support and strategic straps, these sandals provide much greater protection than other choices.
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The best way to choose walking sandals is based on your desired purposes. If you plan on walking around city streets, choose stylish leather options like Birkenstocks, Rainbows, or the Solvik slides by Myrqvist. Looking to hit some trails? Chacos, Tevas, and KEEN sandals are the ultimate backcountry choices.
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