Whether you’re going to the beach, the pool, or need something to wear casually, flip flops and sandals are the ultimate summer footwear. They feel light and comfortable on your feet while providing a level of breathability that no sneaker can match.
While most of us choose our flip flops based on their looks, paying attention to the materials and the overall design can result in a much better purchase. In this article, we’ll discuss everything that goes into making a good flip flop, and present both the best mens flip flops and the best mens sandals so you can have great footwear for warm weather.
OUR TOP PICK
OluKai Ohana
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Jersey knit footbed lining feels great under the foot
- Nylon toe post webbing doesn’t cause irritations
- Lugs look like a coral reef to prevent slipping
- Compression-molded EVA midsole for comfort and stability
- Neoprene foam backer provides additional protection
Best For: Comfort
Closure: None
Upper: Synthetic Leather
Lining: Jersey Knit Fabric
Midsole: EVA Foam
Outsole: Non-Marking Rubber
Toe: Open
EDITORS CHOICE
KEEN Newport H2
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Multi-directional outsole lugs improve the traction
- Lace-lock bungee system for easy fit adjustments
- Rubber bumper for additional toe protection
- Arch support provides all-day wearing comfort
- DWR-coated upper repels water and prevents soaking
Best For: Hiking
Closure: Bungee Strap
Upper: Polyester
Lining: Quick-Dry Synthetic
Midsole: EVA Foam
Outsole: Rubber
Toe: Closed
BEST VALUE
Reef Phantom
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Stylish and comfortable for casual summer use
- High-density rubber outsole prevents slipping
- Contoured footbed allows multi-hour walking
- Doesn’t get damaged even if completely wet
- Nubuck upper with mesh lining feels great
Best For: Casual Wear
Closure: None
Upper: Mesh, Nubuck
Lining: Soft Foam
Midsole: Medium-Density Foam
Outsole: High-Density Rubber
Toe: Open
Quiksilver Molokai
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Rubber construction makes it perfect for beach and water
- Slip-resistant footbed keeps your feet securely in place
- Multi-angled lugs improve the traction on wet surfaces
- Soft foam footbed ensures top-level comfort when walking
- Six great-looking color options to choose from
Best For: Beach
Closure: None
Upper: Rubber
Lining: None
Midsole: Sponge Rubber
Outsole: Blown Rubber
Toe: Open
Dockers Newpage
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Open toes and sides improve the way your feet breathe
- Relaxed upper fit makes the walking experience great
- Fusion footbed provides additional cushioning
- 3-point Velcro for easily adjusting the tightness
- Memory foam insole adapts to the shape of your foot
Best For: Relaxed Fit
Closure: Velcro Straps
Upper: Synthetic
Lining: Memory Foam
Midsole: Fusion Cushioning
Outsole: Rubber
Toe: Open
NewDenBer Classical Light Weight III
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Raised arch improves the foot support when walking
- Nylon upper doesn’t cause discomfort between toes
- Wide footbed is ideal for people with wide feet
- One of the lightest flip flop models on the market
- Available in a huge number of color combinations
Best For: Wide Feet
Closure: None
Upper: Nylon
Lining: None
Midsole: EVA Foam
Outsole: Non-Slip Rubber
Toe: Open
Teva Mush II
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Cotton canvas upper dries incredibly fast
- Comfortable to wear regardless of the surface
- Eco-friendly design (made from plant-based materials)
- EVA foam outsole with impressive traction
- Mush cushions completely adapt to your foot shape
Best For: Fast Drying
Closure: None
Upper: Cotton Canvas
Lining: None
Topsole: Mush Foam
Midsole: Dual-Density EVA Foam
Outsole: EVA Foam
Toe: Open
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Combination of leather and textile for ultimate comfort
- Receptor technology provides dynamic foot support
- Microfiber lining over a soft molded EVA footbed
- Flexible rubber sole for a firm grip on any surface
- Three adjustable Velcro straps for finding the ideal fit
Best For: Stability
Closure: Velcro Straps
Upper: Nubuck Leather, Textile
Lining: EVA Foam with Microfiber
Midsole: Direct-Injected Polyurethane
Outsole: Rubber
Toe: Open
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Adjustable upper with a Velcro pull tab
- Synthetic lining improves the footbed comfort
- Visco-elastic Fitfoam provides impressive support
- Adapts to your foot shape like a custom foot mold
- Lightweight but sturdy injected EVA outsole
Best For: Pool
Closure: Pull-Tab
Upper: Synthetic
Lining: Synthetic
Midsole: Fitfoam
Outsole: Injected EVA
Toe: Open
Columbia Santiam 2 Strap All Terrain
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Techlite midsole with a high energy return
- Water-repelling suede leather upper
- Omni-grip rubber bottom for top-level traction
- Non-marking materials (safe to use on any floor)
- Large number of available sizes with a size guide
Best For: Trail
Closure: Velcro Strap
Upper: Synthetic, Suede Leather
Lining: Synthetic
Midsole: Techlite Foam
Outsole: Omni-Grip Rubber
Toe: Open
How To Choose The Best Men Flip Flops – Buying Guide
Size
Like with any shoe, picking the right size is essential when it comes to its performance. You want your new summer sandal to give you good support on the sides and in the ankle area without feeling too constricting or causing discomfort. Most of the products we’ve featured come with size charts, and we recommend you get your standard size (if the particular model runs true to size).
You might also like: Jandals
Materials
Choosing materials for flip flops and sandals is very specific – they need to be soft and comfortable, but sturdy and durable enough to provide protection. To achieve this, most top-rated products use a combination of materials. The outsole is usually made from strong rubber, while the footbed often uses soft EVA foam. As for the upper, a combination of mesh and synthetic leather is probably best but other materials like nylon do a very good job too.
Comfort
The entire point of buying flip flops for man is making your feet comfortable, so this aspect shouldn’t be overlooked when choosing. We suggest buying a model with a soft foam underfoot that has shock absorption and feels great on the sole regardless of the surface. Additionally, mens sandals with arch support will further improve both comfort and stability.
Stability
Due to their open design, flip flops and sandals will be less stable than your standard shoes. While this won’t matter too much on the beach, we advise that you pay attention if you plan to use your summer footwear elsewhere. For wider outdoor use, we recommend sandals like the KEEN Newport H2 – they have adjustable straps and a contoured footbed, guaranteeing a stable step on uneven terrain.
Style and Occasion
While sandals and flip flops can be used for any occasion, men wearing flip flops are mostly associated with the beach. However, the style has advanced significantly so nowadays you can find models that are not only great for sand but also stylish enough that you can wear them casually every day.
FAQs
Q: How Should Mens Flip Flops Fit?
The best flip flops should fit just as regular or running shoes would, so we advise buying your standard size. Keep in mind that some flip flops have a narrower profile so, if you have a wide foot, you should look for a model with a wide profile.
Q: How To Clean Flip Flops?
For everyday maintenance, the only thing you need to do after use is rinse them with fresh water to remove the salt and sand. If your flip flops have stains, you can scrub them with a sponge and mild detergent. On top of this, some synthetic models are even safe to put in a washing machine.
Q: Are Mens Flip Flops Comfortable?
Yes, if you buy the right ones. For a day on the beach, a good pair of flip flops are the most comfortable item you can wear. Many models come with a soft footbed and arched midsole so they feel great on the feet.
Q: How Long Will A Pair Of Flip Flops Last?
That depends on many factors, the most important of which is how often you wear them. If you’re using them only when you go on a holiday, your flip flops for men can last for a large number of years without a problem. However, if you wear them every day, an average pair will last a year or two. Like with everything else, you usually get what you pay for.
Globo Surf Overview
When summertime comes, flip flops and sandals are the footwear that provides us with the comfort and convenience we need. In addition to looks, it’s important to ensure that the model we pick feels comfortable and gives natural foot support. We hope that our reviews and guide helped you find a model that you will enjoy wearing every day.