Sure, a good summer body is the number one thing that turns heads at the beach. As far as clothes go, a lot of guys just tack on whatever shorts and slippers they have available. That said, the best beach sandals for men can make a huge difference while you’re catching some rays.
The point of a good outfit is to communicate something about the wearer. There’s not a lot to work with when you’re on the beach, but a quality pair of sandals tells people that you have an eye for detail and that you care about your presentation, no matter the occasion.
Besides, not all flip-flops and sandals are born equal. Walking on sand is different from walking on concrete, so it really does matter what you wear. It can be hard to know what to look for, but we’ve narrowed it down to our five favorites to help you out.
Without further ado, let’s look at the best beach sandals for men on the market.
Key Takeaways
After scouring sites and consulting friends and my own closet, the numbers are in. Reef Men’s Fanning Sandals are the ideal beach sandals for men. On top of their quality build, they come in many appealing colors and designs, and they offer amazing foot support for the price.
If you’d prefer something more closed, Keen Men’s Newport H2 Sandals offer great toe protection and supreme water resistance, not to mention a stylish upper.
In This Article
Best Overall: Reef Men’s Fanning Sandals
Why they’re great: It was a tough call, but these Reef flip-flops are probably the best beach sandals for men. The nubuck (buffed leather) outer is incredibly elegant, no matter which of the three dozen colors you go for.
For your money, you’re getting an anatomical arch support pad and an ultra-quality footbed, allowing you to stand comfortably all day if you wanted to.
Who are these for? The mix of style and durability is the big sticking point for these things. From a casual day sunbathing to a full-blown beach party, there’s no wrong occasion to wear them. In fact, there’s even a bottle opener in the sole if things start wild.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: You get more size options than with most sandals, but the sizing is a bit off. You may want to go a size down, especially with the bigger sizes. It’s all smooth sailing from there, though.
Material: 100% synthetic nubuck | Sole Material: 100% rubber | Sizes Available: 4–17 | Colors Available: 36
Best Budget: Quicksilver Men’s Molokai Sandals
Why they’re great: Extremely well-made despite their low price, these Quicksilvers are the real deal, one of the best beach sandals for men you can find. You’re getting an extremely flexible product out of the deal, and they look amazing in every color.
On that note, I love the detail on the sides of the soles – it gives a youthful, relaxed look to an already-well-designed pair of sandals.
Who are these for? These flip-flops are slip-resistant, so if you plan on spending a lot of time in the sea, then these won’t be coming off on dry land. This goes for the insole and outsole too, meaning they’re safe for rocky surfaces and shallow waters.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: The weakest link here would be the strap, as some guys report blisters near their big toe. Either way, this is always a risk with exposed-foot sandals, and it’s not really all that common with these.
Material: 100% rubber | Sole Material: 100% rubber | Sizes Available: 6–14 | Colors Available: 14
Best Luxury: Keen Men’s Newport H2 Closed Toe Water Sandals
Why they’re great: Keen is the champion of blending design elegance and utility, and this might be the best example. You have slip and water resistance, as well as an extremely comfortable polyester upper to keep your feet breezy. At the same time, the toe protection protects you from stubbing your toe in or out of the water.
Who are these for? Because of how they’re made, Keen sandals are an ideal choice for men with wide feet. Also, with all those color options, I highly recommend them for guys who wear colorful clothes to the beach and need something “poppy” for their feet.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: These are advertised as hiking shoes above all else, but they’re not that suited for harsher terrains if you ask me. Whatever the case, they’re perfect beach sandals for men in just about every way.
Material: 100% polyester | Sole Material: 100% rubber | Sizes Available: 7–17 (+ wide & narrow) | Colors Available: 50+
Best on Amazon: Dockers Men’s Sporty Outdoor Sandals
Why they’re great: Dockers has been making waves on Amazon for a while now, so naturally, they make it onto this list, too. These sandals are effortlessly cool-looking, and they have the specs to match.
The fit is as snug and comfortable as they come, and the memory foam footbed feels like you’re walking on clouds. These are quite simply some of the best beach sandals for men.
Who are these for? These are a fantastic choice if you’re looking for something to wear outside the beach, too. On a hot summer’s day, you can’t go wrong with a well-made pair of sandals while trolling the streets!
Flaws but not deal-breakers: Although I love the colors, I kind of wish you could get these in something other than brown or black. Then again, it’s mostly because I have some pretty out-there beach pants I need help styling!
Material: 100% fabric | Sole Material: 100% rubber | Sizes Available: 7–15 (+ wide) | Colors Available: 6
Best Everyday: The North Face Base Camp Flip Flops
Why they’re great: Flip-flops will never not be the style of beach sandals for men, and it’s thanks to brands like The North Face. The strap is one of the most durable I’ve come across, which is a minor miracle in itself, considering the price. The sole, though every bit as sturdy, doesn’t feel heavy or hard in the slightest.
Who are these for? Besides the obligatory beach trip, I’d recommend these if you do a lot of moving. It’ll take quite a bit of effort to put a hole in them to the point where they beat a lot of full-on walking shoes.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: It’s a minor thing, but I do wish there was a bit more slip resistance. They won’t fly off your foot or anything, but it’s just a few hairs below Reef and Quicksilver in that regard.
Material: 100% rubber | Sole Material: 100% rubber | Sizes Available: 7–14 | Colors Available: 9
Buying Considerations for the Best Beach Sandals for Men
Comfort
As awesome as the beach is, there are a lot of things (like rocks and sand) that can mess with your comfort. To get around that, you’ll want a pair of beach sandals for men made of breathable materials, as well as ones with good cushioning.
This is especially important if you’re heavy, since you’ll be pressing down on the sole that much harder.
Material
Rubber and polyester tend to work great for sandals, since the former is flexible and good for treading water and the latter is gentle on your feet. If you’re out to make a fashion statement, then you can always go for a leather upper if you have the fit to match it.
Size
This can be tricky to get right (especially with flip-flops), but generally, I find it’s best to err on the side of caution. In other words, if you’re not sure how a pair of sandals might fit, it’s better to go a size up than to have your heels and toes sticking out.
How We Chose
The world of footwear is full of incredible choices, and whittling them down from hundreds to five or ten is a challenge. That said, we’re committed to the task.
In putting together our lists, we consider everything from company reputation to user feedback, and it makes our output that much better. This is true in the best beach sandals for men as well.
Company reputation: Does the company put out quality products on a regular basis? If so, then that tells us that a good-selling product we’re looking at is more than just a fluke.
User reviews: Nobody is more honest than an online review writer, and they can be super valuable when learning about a product.
Value: Is the product fairly priced? We want everyone’s money to go as far as possible.
Transparency: A lot of buyers are animal lovers or eco-conscious, and we always take that into consideration.
Why Trust Us?
Andrej has established himself as a notable expert in the realms of grooming and fashion, with a particular focus on men’s style. His in-depth analyses and keen understanding of product functionality have made him a trusted voice on FashionBeans.
In his comprehensive guide on men’s wallets, Andrej delved into the crucial aspects of durability and design, showcasing his ability to evaluate what makes footwear both functional and stylish.
Similarly, his exploration of men’s slip-on shoes demonstrates his expertise in identifying quality craftsmanship and practical design in fashion items, a skill directly applicable to selecting the best beach sandals for men.
Andrej’s approach to product recommendations is rigorously detailed; he assesses a wide range of factors, from material quality to comfort and aesthetic appeal, ensuring that his suggestions are not only trendy but also truly the best choices available.
Trust in his selection is trust in thorough, well-researched guidance tailored for the fashion-forward man.
Final Verdict
And those are the best beach sandals for men out there. Reef Men’s Fanning Sandals are our favorite because they look great, they provide ample foot support, and they’re quite durable.
FAQ
-
-
The best beach sandals for men are made of rubber or EVA, since they tend to be water-resistant and relatively flexible. On the other hand, sandals with fiber uppers are quicker to dry and are often more breathable. It also helps if you invest in slip-resistant soles to prevent mishaps.
-
If you’re not into flip-flops, there’s always the option to go with strapped sandals. Open-toe options give your feet some (literal) wiggle room, while closed-toe sandals are great for rocky terrain where you might need some protection. There’s also the option to go for clog sandals, which generally offer safety and comfort at the expense of some style points.
-
Beach footwear needs to check a few key boxes: water resistance, arch support, and an anti-slip design. You’ll want to stay away from socks and sneakers, partly because of the heat and water but also because they’d get filled with sand or pebbles.
-
FashionBeans Editors 
Ryan Jamison