Mandal Season: A Guide to Men’s Sandals

Sandals for men is a contentious subject. There are some style purists who argue that sandals only belong on men’s feet at the beach. Their reasoning is that no one wants to see a man’s hairy toes peeping out from under the dining table at lunch. While it’s true that someone’s unkempt toenails can be the fastest way to lose your appetite, the fact is that men have been wearing sandals for thousands of years for a reason: few things feel so good as sweet feet liberation in the summer time.

That doesn’t mean that you should flap your bare feet around with impunity: there are a few rules you should follow to make sure your footwear is appropriate:

• Rubber flip-flops really are only suitable for the beach, boardwalk or gym shower. They should not be worn around the city, if not for style faux pas, then because your feet pick up the germs and dirt from the street.
• Socks with sandals are having a trendy moment in men’s style, but buyer beware – there’s a reason that the stereotype about Germans and their trademark tourist look has stuck around for so long: because it looks silly. If you’re going to roll on a pair of socks, might as well tie on some laces for a proper shoe as well.
• Unless you’re at a beach resort, after the sun goes down, it’s advisable to switch the sandals for covered footwear. Sandals are casual wear in most cultures so use your best judgment about wearing them out to anything more formal than a backyard barbeque.
• This one should go without saying, but it’s surprising how many guys wouldn’t think about it: make sure your toenails are in decent shape. You don’t necessarily have to get a pedicure (though trust me, you’ll enjoy it), but at least clip your toenails and trim those unruly hairs!

Now that you’re well-versed on manual etiquette: here are some men’s sandals to consider this season:

You would be hard pressed to justify spending $295 for a pair of rubber sandals, but if you have cash to burn and find yourself invited to Diddy’s pool party, then these Givenchy sliders are made just for you. The trend of pairing socks with sandals is just about on its last leg, but pair these with black socks and a suit for a straight-off-the-runway look. [Givenchy, $295]

If you’re on the hunt for something manly, luxurious and classic, these quilted leather slingbacks from Bottega Venetta are a good choice. These would pair well with white denim and are perfect for strolling in the South of France. [Bottega Veneta, $690]

Brown leather sandals are the most versatile option for pairing with pants or shorts in a variety of colors. This pair from Gucci has some nice cross stitch detailing. [Gucci, $790]

A man can’t go wrong with a pair of Birkenstocks. They may go in and out of fashion, but they are a classic, last forever, and only get better with time. The slingback is an updated look for men’s sandals and serves the function of being more sturdy: they won’t flop off your feet and cause you to sprain your ankle. [Birkenstock, $89]

Continuing on the sling back trend, but these are cleaner and more minimal. Olive green is an unexpected and understated color option that have in the wardrobe. [Asos $57]

While not technically a sandal, these espadrille slip ons from Soludos are ideal for summer. Pair them with shorts or jeans, wear them in the city or or the tropics, everyone should have a pair of these in their closet. [Soludos, $80]

Again, not a traditional sandal but a summer staple. This pair with laces is a little dressier and sturdier – great for running errands or strolling around Santa Monica. [Soludos, $110]

If you liked the Givenchy men’s sandals above but can’t fathom spending a week’s worth of groceries for rubber sandals, then this pair from Adidas is basically the same with a different logo. These may be enjoying a fashion trend resurgence but keep in mind that unless you’re at a party with magazine editors in Milan, these are really only appropriate for the pool. [Adidas, $25]

Continuing on the slider trend, these are a little dressier in leather. [Asos $23]

And lastly, a men’s sandal guide wouldn’t be complete without the venerable classic flip fop. These sport a fun print only visible when you slide them off. As stated above, these rubber flip flops are really only appropriate for the beach or gym shower, but everything has its time and place. [Asos, $10]

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