‘Jesus sandals’, as they were commonly referred to not so many moons ago, says everything you need to know about the style of open shoe once favoured by clueless men every summer: bulky, brown boats stuck to the end of pale, thin stems that did nothing to flatter one’s feet.
Thank heavens, then, that discerning gentlemen have been sent a clear sign from above to stop the madness. With more choice than ever available for us chaps, we no longer have to punish ourselves by stuffing our trotters into tasteless crimes against fashion, with a wealth of different styles out there to shop that are altogether more delicate.
Christina Martini, co-founder of designer brand Ancient Greek Sandals, says: “We’ve been in the sandal business for 10 years now, and from our experience, we’ve realised that men want easy, comfortable styles, and once they find their perfect pair they’re forever loyal. Unlike other parts of their wardrobe, we find they’re not very keen on experimenting with new, intricate styles, but generally prefer to stick to what they know and trust.”
Just in time for the season, we round-up the latest and greatest styles of sandals for men, all of them hot to trot.
Birkenstock Men’s Arizona Sfb Suede Double Strap Sandals
Once the brand of choice for practical men, Birkenstock have seriously upped their style creds, and these sandals in a taupe suede are a case in point. They feature their signature double strap design with metal pin buckles and a contoured cork footbed for a handcrafted look. Laughing stock Birkenstock(s) are not.
Buy now £90.00, All Sole
Ancient Greek Sandals Hermes
Inspired by the Greek gods, Ancient Greek Sandals have become a firm favourite with the summer jet-set, worn everywhere from Mykonos to St. Tropez. The brand was founded by Christina Martini and Nikolas Minoglou, who together share duties across design and marketing, while all of their sandals are made by skilled craftsman using traditional methods in Greece.
The Hermes is the signature style featuring statement wings and a hard sole for dancing feet. While they’re available in cotto (brown) and black, our pick is natural, just the way the messenger god intended (we imagine).
Buy now £175.00, Ancient Greek Sandals
Walk London Benjamin Trim Sandals
From Walk London – started by a father and son duo – are these top-notch sandals in a beautiful black leather. Encasing your feet in a lattice design, featuring flashy gold hardware, they’re exquisitely made and elegant to boot. Meanwhile, the round toe and chunky sole add a fashion-forward look, all of which combines Italian craftsmanship with British design.
Buy now £65.00, Walk London
Timberland Amalfi Vibes Leather Sandals
Boots aside, Timberland also does a fine line in sandals, and this leather pair in dark brown are absolute beauties. While we’re not sure just how ‘Amalfi’ they are, they’re certainly primed for kicking around in the garden, while sustainable leather means they’re as smart as they are stylish.
Buy now £85.00, Amazon
Matalan Khaki Stripe Sliders
No-frills kind of guy? We’ve got you. These khaki-coloured sliders from Matalan do what they say on the tin with a sturdy sole for maximum support. They boast go-faster orange stripes across a thick strap and down the sides for added style. Slip them on and kick them off again for days dipping in and out of the pool.
Buy now £5.00, Matalan
Bolongaro Trevor Sandals With Studs
Slip into something cool this summer from East End brand Bolongaro Trevor. These black sandals are just the ticket, studded for a sexy rock ‘n’ roll vibe, together with an adjustable strap with pin-buckle fastening. An open toe and flat sole complete the look.
Buy now £40.00, ASOS
ASOS DESIGN Sandals In Natural Rope
Go full-on gladiator with these sandals from ASOS DESIGN complete with stone-coloured rope straps to see you into battle. With an open toe, you’ll need to be pedicure-fresh, but don’t let that stop you from showcasing your tootsies for all the world to see.
Perfect for trotting around a harbour on holiday, a flat sole with textured tread ensures they’re as comfy as they are trendy, while the low price tag means they’re an absolute steal.
Buy now £18.00, ASOS
Balenciaga x Crocs Pool Crocs Rubber Platform Sliders
What do you get when you cross high-fashion with a cult classic? These divisive shoes: a collaboration between Balenciaga and Crocs that is nothing short of iconic. Made from 100 per cent rubber, they’re a slide-on-and-go kind of footwear, with an open round toe and a platform sole that are perfect for taking you from pool to bar.
Buy now £415.00, Selfridges
Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Woven Sliders
Put simply, these take our breath away. A vision in lime, they’re going to grab all the attention around the pool, and quite right. They’re Bottega Veneta, don’t you know? With a strap made from the brand’s signature intrecciato weave, they simply beg to be slipped into, while a rubber sole adds a little bounce to your stride.
Buy now £430.00, Selfridges
Ermenegildo Zegna Baleari Textured Leather Sliders
Whoever said Italians do it best was right, as these black beauties are pure stallions, crafted from 100 per cent leather and featuring cross-over front straps. They’re so smart for sandals, in fact, that you might even get away with them for dinner – maybe.
Buy now £545.00, Selfridges
Mr P. ‘David’ Sandals
As MR PORTER’s own brand, you’d expect Mr P. to offer style and comfort in spades, and that’s exactly what it does – particularly when it comes to this posh pair. Created in Italy using regenerated suede, they comprise adjustable straps, ergonomically-shaped footbeds and lightweight soles, meaning they feel as good as they look. Plump for a pair in army green, which would look the part anywhere, from Capri to Clapton.
Buy now £195.00, Mr Porter
V.Gan Mango Footbed Sandals
When you think of a vegan footwear company, you think of hemp and hippy-dippy, right? How times have changed. Launched in 2018, V.Gan craft animal-friendly creations that are as fashion-forward as they are planet-conscious, and aren’t just for plant-eaters, either.
These sandals are classic and have universally appeal, featuring a stylish double strap slip-on in brown – PETA-approved, no less – and a moulded footbed for the perfect fit. Both ethical and elegant.
Buy now £33.49, Amazon
Crocs Classic Crocs Sandal
Love them or hate them, there’s no denying that Cros are part of the fabric of fashion culture, whether styled ironically or worn with pride. This style takes everything you love (or hate) about their iconic clog and translates it into sandal form: two upper straps ensure you’re kept secure and comfortable, while a foam cushion offers further support underfoot. But the best bit? Seven holes on each shoe allows you to customise yours with their array of fun and playful charms.
Buy now £29.99, Crocs
Cotton Traders Leather Cross-Over Sandals
A stylish combination of leather and suede, these cross-over sandals from Cotton Traders look much more expensive than they are, complete with clean lines for a minimalist look. The adjustable strap makes for a personalised fit, too.
Buy now £24.00, Cotton Traders
BUANNE Ancash Sandal
With a simple premise to create enduring designs that offer superior comfort, BUANNE really have hit the nail on the head when it comes to sandals with sex appeal, and the Ancash is beautiful black is a fine example.
Sleek and minimalist, the contemporary style comprises buttery leather straps, a geometric-angled toe shape and a sneaker footbed for long-wearing cushioning with a non-slip base. They’re certainly not a snip at £355, but as they’re built to last and timeless to boot, we think they’re worth every penny. A shoe for a summer in the city.
Buy now £355.00, Buanne
