There is a particular point in late summer when pool slides start feeling too casual, sneakers feel unnecessarily warm, and the thought of squeezing your feet into anything with laces becomes increasingly offensive. The calendar may be inching toward fall, but the weather clearly has other plans. That awkward stretch is exactly when men’s sandals make the most sense, especially pairs that can move between errands, outdoor dinners, weekend trips, and those last-minute plans that seem to multiply in August.
The good news is that sandals for men have become considerably more interesting than the throw-on-and-go rubber slides of years past. Leather cross-straps, suede uppers, sculpted footbeds, chunky soles, and recovery-focused cushioning have given the category plenty of personality. Whether your version of the end of summer involves one last vacation, long afternoons outside, or simply trying to get as much mileage out of your warm-weather wardrobe as possible, these are the pairs worth keeping within reach.
Here are 10 standout men’s sandals to add to your footwear rotation…
#1. Bombas Friday Slide Sandal
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The Bombas Friday Slide is built around uncomplicated comfort, making it an easy choice for weekends and laid-back days. Its EVA construction keeps the silhouette lightweight, while a cushioned footbed makes walking noticeably softer. It is the sort of pair you can leave by the door and reach for without thinking twice.
The brand also gives the purchase an added purpose: for every pair sold, Bombas donates a pair of socks to someone in need.
#2. Gentle Souls Braga Cross Strap Slide Sandal
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For something that’s a little more elevated, the Gentle Souls Braga Cross Strap Slide brings leather into the equation. Its crisscrossed straps give the otherwise relaxed silhouette a refined finish, while a PORON-cushioned footbed with arch support focuses on comfort.
Made in Portugal, this is one of those sandals for men that can easily slot into a warm-weather wardrobe built around linen pants, tailored shorts, or casual denim.
#3. Dr. Martens Josef Slide Sandal
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The Dr. Martens Josef delivers a distinctly ’90s-inspired look through its smooth leather upper and double-buckle design. Adjustable straps make it easy to fine-tune the fit, while the suede footbed adds a softer feel underfoot.
Its signature Goodyear-welted sole also gives the sandal the kind of substantial construction associated with the British brand, making it a strong pick for anyone who wants their summer footwear to have some attitude.
#4. UGG Otzo Slide Sandal
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The UGG Otzo takes a streamlined approach to the classic slide. Its nubuck upper gives it a more premium appearance, while the contoured EVA footbed provides cushioning and arch support. The sandal is also water-resistant, making it better equipped for unpredictable summer days.
A peppermint-based anti-odor treatment adds another practical touch, particularly useful when your footwear spends a lot of time in warm weather.
#5. Nike Calm 2.0 Slide
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The Nike Calm 2.0 is designed for the kind of summer activities where water is likely to be involved. Its cushy foam construction and contoured footbed provide a soft, supportive feel, while the grippy rubber tread helps maintain traction on wet surfaces.
It is also designed to be worn with or without socks, giving you some flexibility when temperatures begin to drop toward the end of the season.
#6. Steve Madden Maiven Slide Sandal
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The Steve Madden Maiven offers a more fashion-forward interpretation of the everyday slide. Geometric cutouts add visual interest to the design, while an adjustable ankle strap with a hook-and-loop closure allows for a more secure fit.
The leather upper also gives this pair enough polish to work beyond purely casual settings, particularly when styled with relaxed trousers or tailored shorts.
#7. BOSS Darrel Crisscross Slide Sandal
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Minimal branding can go a long way, and the BOSS Darrel Crisscross Slide understands the assignment. The sandal features understated debossed logo branding and a lightly cushioned footbed, keeping the design relaxed without looking overly basic.
For men who prefer their men’s sandals to lean more sophisticated than sporty, this is an easy option to work into a polished summer rotation.
#8. Hoka Ora Recovery Slide 3
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After long runs, workouts, or simply long days on your feet, the Hoka Ora Recovery Slide 3 makes a compelling case for comfort-first footwear. Its cloudlike cushioning is designed to absorb impact and distribute weight, while engineered breathability helps keep things comfortable.
The gender-inclusive design and APMA Seal of Acceptance further reinforce its focus on supportive everyday wear. It is equally at home after a workout or beside the pool.
#9. MARC NOLAN Monaco Croc-Embossed Leather Slide
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The MARC NOLAN Monaco adds texture to the slide category with a croc-embossed leather upper and dual adjustable straps. A contoured footbed provides walking comfort, while the lugged sole gives the sandal a sturdier visual character.
This is a particularly strong choice for anyone who wants sandals for men to feel like a deliberate part of an outfit rather than an afterthought.
#10. Veja Etna Suede Slide Sandal
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Rounding out the lineup, the Veja Etna combines understated style with thoughtful construction. Its softly brushed suede footbed and adjustable suede straps give the sandal a relaxed, tactile quality, while the supportive sole incorporates bio-based and recycled materials.
Made in Brazil, the Etna works particularly well with the understated, earthy styling that tends to dominate late-summer wardrobes.
Making the Most of Your End-of-Summer Rotation
The appeal of men’s sandals is ultimately their versatility. A sporty slide can handle recovery days and trips to the pool, while leather and suede options can take on dinners, weekend outings, and more considered casual looks. The trick is choosing a pair that matches how you actually spend your time.
With the right sandals for men in rotation, there is no reason to treat the final stretch of summer as an excuse to abandon comfort or personal style. From the athletic cushioning of Hoka and Nike to the polished leather options from Gentle Souls, BOSS, and MARC NOLAN, these 10 pairs prove that warm-weather footwear can be practical, comfortable, and genuinely stylish at the same time.
Featured image: Bobbies
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