Mens Sandals Buying Guide, Stores, and Prices
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Men's Sandals

If you think there is only one type of casual sandal --like the kind you wear from the beach to the backyard barbecue to the restaurant--then you are missing out! There are tons of different flip-flop styles to choose from, and one to suit almost any occasion. The trick is to pay attention to the color and material of your sandals  to figure out which outfit they go best with. For instance, if you have a nice shirt and bathing suit shorts picked out for a pool party, then a basic black or navy pair of waterproof flip-flops will look great when you are hanging out poolside or schmoozing with guests. If you are invited to a tennis game with work colleagues, then the material of your sandals might be leather or leather-like: much sleeker and more put together than, say, bulky sandals with Velcro straps. It's all about the details...and never ever wearing socks with sandals.  Just trust us on this one.

Considerations When Buying

Color

Sounds simple enough, but even the subtlest combination of two-tone sandals can completely change your look. Earth tones like browns, dark greens, or tans are great to wear for nature excursions, camping outings, or walks on the beach. Black or blue, or a combination of the two will look great when you are out at social gatherings; these shoes can be dressed up with a polo or button-down shirt.

Material

Most sandals with polyester straps are just the thing to wear near any body of water. If you are not going be near the beach or pool, though, and you need a good pair of sandals to walk around the city in, then any design with synthetic or rubber soles  will offer adequate support and hold up well on the pavement. Leather sandals  or leather-lined shoes are also comfortable, but they are more expensive and require more regular maintenance.

Straps

Thong flip-flops are just about the most basic type of sandal you can have.  They're best when you are trying to keep your look minimal or you just need something to get you from your car to the water. Sandals with one big strap across the top of the foot are a better choice if you need a slightly dressier aesthetic. One thing to keep in mind: the more straps there are on a sandal , the sportier the look.

Design

Flip-flops  and slip-on sandals are totally casual, but the latter can be worn for dressy-casual events. Sporty, rugged sandals with multiple straps are useful if you expect to get them a bit roughed up and dusty during outdoor activities.

Fit

Again, this sounds like an obvious consideration, but the more wear you will getting out of a pair of sandals throughout the day, the tighter grip you will probably want them to have around your feet. If you are going for long walks or on hikes, choose a shoe with at least two or three straps that wrap around the top of your foot and the back of your heel. These will help your feet stay secure, so your feet will be comfortable for longer.

Quality

If you're only going to be wearing your pair of sandals at the gym, you probably don't need to spend an hour picking them out. But if you live in a warm climate and you need a pair of flip-flops to wear around family, friends, and coworkers throughout most of the year, then you should invest in a strong, versatile pair that will hold up for a long time. A durable rubber soles  would be an excellent pick.

A Sandal For Each Occasion

Have an event to go to? Figure out which sandal  would be the best choice.

Lounging Sandals

Also known as a recreational sandal, these shoes can be worn for all informal occasions: lounging by the pool, hanging out at a barbecue, and so on. Crocs ABF Pro Sandals  quickly slide right on or off, and they are made of lightweight materials--a nice feature for sandals you'll only use around your house.

Vacation Sandals

Men who are worried are their street cred probably won't sport sandals  in the city, but when it is time to head to the beach, they are definitely more appropriate than a pair of Nike Dunks . Look for sandals that feature both style and comfort in case you venture off for a hike or a long walk along the shore.

Formal Sandals

I know what you're thinking: how many formal occasions are there that call for flip-flops? Well, in case you should find yourself in a tropical location for a wedding or birthday, be prepared with a nice pair of Kenneth Cole sandals  or Timberland Earthkeepers . They are rugged yet have a sleek, simple look and are great to pair with a button-down and shorts or slacks.

Urban Sandals

A few years ago, there was a huge uproar within the hip-hop community about men and sandals. Rapper Cam'ron  took shots at superstar rapper Jay-Z  when pictures surfaced online of Jay-Z wearing sandals while on vacation in the islands with then-girlfriend, singer and actress Beyonce . Cam'ron stated that no man in hip-hop should wear sandals, while Jay-Z stated that he was on a tropical island  where the weather was over 100º and sandals were necessary. Is it possible to wear sandals in the hip-hop community without facing taunting? Yes, if you choose ones that reflect your own personal style and comfort.

For the sporty urban male, Lacoste Puerto 2 Men sandals  are stylish and sophisticated, and they have the signature Lacoste patch  sewn into their soft upper strap--definitely an upgrade from the free-spirited flip-flop. Also try D&G sandals ; they are perfect for the urban male who loves labels.

Top Sellers

Crocs Unisex Crocband Flip-Flop 

Love them or hate them, comfy Crocs are definitely here to stay.

Puma Men's Drifter NM Flip-Flop 

Known for their soccer sneakers, Puma lets you kick back in style with the comfortable Drifter.

Reef Men's Fanning Flip-Flop 

Quick-drying and made with a foam layer across the footbed, so they're exactly what you need during the summer!

Adidas Men's Calissage Slide 

Step into these and let their textured surface massage away all your troubles.

Rainbow Men's Leather Sandals 

This best-selling brand is famous for sandals that mold to the shape of your feet. Talk about comfort!

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