Leather, Strap or Slide? A Men's Guide to Summer Sandals (2026)
Six sandal types, the upper and closure that define each one, and the US size run you can actually buy.
Last updated: October 2026
Men's sandals come in six main types: leather buckle, hand-stitched strap, adjustable sport strap, closed-toe outdoor, slide and toe-ring flip. At Adam & Westcott each runs $34.98 to $54.98, sized from US 6 to as high as 15.
The type decides where the pair works; the upper decides how it ages. Every spec below is taken from the product pages.
In this article
- What are the main types of men's sandals?
- Which sandal is the smartest?
- Which sandals are selling right now?
- What sandal works for trails and water?
- Slide or sandal: which is easier?
- How do men's sandal sizes convert?
- FAQ
What are the main types of men's sandals?
Six types cover almost every need, and the closure is the quickest way to tell them apart.
| Type and pick | Upper | Closure | US sizes | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Leather buckle:  Handstitched Leather Buckle Sandal
|
100% genuine leather | Metal buckle | 6 to 14, whole | $44.98 |
Hand-stitched strap:  Craftsman Stitch Leather Sandals
|
Genuine cowhide | Velcro strap | 6 to 14, whole | $44.98 |
Sport strap:  Beach Breeze Sandals
|
Not stated | Adjustable straps | 6.5 to 14, half | $39.99 |
Closed-toe outdoor:  Trail Grip Cowhide Sandal
|
First-layer cowhide | Bungee lace | 6 to 14, whole | $54.98 |
Slide:  Two Tone Slip On Slides
|
Two-tone, not stated | Slip-on | 6 to 13 half, plus 14 | $44.99 |
Toe-ring flip:  Buckle Strap Flip Sandal
|
Suede leather | Toe ring, buckle | 6 to 13 half, plus 14, 15 | $34.98 |
Which sandal is the smartest?
The leather buckle sandal: the Handstitched Leather Buckle Sandal has a 100% genuine leather upper, a metal buckle and a cushioned footbed for $44.98, in four colours including white.
A flat leather sandal with a buckle is the one that sits comfortably with linen trousers or tailored shorts on a warm-weather trip. The 
Handstitched Leather Buckle Sandal is handstitched with a non-slip rubber outsole.
Handstitched Leather Buckle Sandal100% genuine leather, handstitched, metal buckle. US 6 to 14 in Black, Brown, White and Blue.
Which sandals are selling right now?
Over the last 30 days the Beach Breeze Sandals were the best-selling sandal at Adam & Westcott, with the Craftsman Stitch Leather Sandals second; among slides, the Two Tone Slip On Slides led.
The 
Beach Breeze Sandals adjust at the straps and come in 16 sizes from US 6.5 to 14, half sizes included. The 
Craftsman Stitch Leather Sandals pair a genuine cowhide upper with hand-stitched seams and a velcro strap at $44.98.
Craftsman Stitch Leather SandalsGenuine cowhide upper, hand-stitched seams, velcro closure, non-slip rubber sole. US 6 to 14.
What sandal works for trails and water?
A closed-toe outdoor sandal: the Trail Grip Cowhide Sandal pairs a 100% first-layer cowhide upper with a covered toe, bungee lace and anti-slip rubber outsole for $54.98.
The covered toe protects against rocks, and the bungee lace tightens in one pull. The 
Trail Grip Cowhide Sandal runs US 6 to 14 in whole sizes, in Black, Brown and Khaki.
Slide or sandal: which is easier?
A slide is easier, with no strap to set; the Two Tone Slip On Slides at $44.99 were the best-selling slide over 30 days, and the Open Toe Leather Slide adds a split leather upper.
Slides trade hold for speed, so keep them for short walks, travel days and home. The 
Two Tone Slip On Slides has a thick cushioned sole; the 
Open Toe Leather Slide has a woven upper. For the pool, the 
Buckle Strap Flip Sandal is suede with a toe ring at $34.98.
How do men's sandal sizes convert?
On the Adam & Westcott sandal charts, US 9 equals EU 43, UK 8 and a 27 cm foot, and each whole US size adds 1 cm, from 24 cm at US 6 to 32 cm at US 14.
Measure your foot heel to toe in centimetres and match the chart. On a whole-size pair such as the Handstitched Leather Buckle Sandal, a half-size foot has to choose; a half-size run like the Beach Breeze Sandals avoids that.
Frequently asked questions
What type of sandal is most versatile for men?
A leather buckle sandal. The Handstitched Leather Buckle Sandal is 100% genuine leather with a metal buckle at $44.98 and works from shorts to linen trousers.
What is the best-selling men's sandal right now?
The Beach Breeze Sandals led Adam & Westcott sandal sales over the last 30 days, at $39.99 in US 6.5 to 14.
What size is US 9 in EU sandals?
EU 43, which is UK 8 and a 27 cm foot on the Adam & Westcott sandal charts.
Are slides or sandals better for walking?
Sandals. A strap, buckle or bungee lace holds the foot; a slide has no back or strap to set. Keep slides for short distances.
Which men's sandal protects the toes?
A closed-toe outdoor sandal such as the Trail Grip Cowhide Sandal, with a first-layer cowhide upper and covered toe at $54.98.
Next: how to wear men's sandals without looking sloppy, and what full-grain, first-layer and split leather mean.
Find your sandal type
Leather buckle, strap, outdoor and toe-ring sandals at Adam & Westcott, with the size chart on every page.
Shop men's sandalsFree shipping on orders over $99.