Leather, Strap or Slide? A Men's Guide to Summer Sandals (2026)

Four sandal types, what each one is actually for, and the pair worth owning in each lane this summer.

Last updated: June 2026

The right men's sandal comes down to where you are going. A leather buckle sandal is the smart-casual all-rounder, an outdoor sandal handles rough ground and water, a leather slide is the easy slip-on for warm days, and a suede flip is the relaxed pick for the pool and the patio. Match the type to the day and you cannot go far wrong. Here is how the four compare, and the pair we would pick in each lane.

In this article

• The four sandal types at a glance
• Leather buckle sandal: the all-rounder
• Outdoor sandal: rough ground and water
• Leather slide: the easy slip-on
• Suede flip: pool and patio
• How to tell a quality pair
• FAQ

The four sandal types at a glance

Type	Best for	Key feature	A&W pick
Leather buckle sandal	Smart-casual, everyday	Handstitched leather upper	Handstitched Leather Buckle Sandal, $44.98
Outdoor sandal	Trails, water, travel	Grippy sole, secure straps	Trail Grip Cowhide Sandal, $54.98
Leather slide	Easy warm-day wear	Slip-on, cushioned footbed	Open Toe Leather Slide, $44.98
Suede flip sandal	Pool, patio, downtime	Cushioned rubber sole	Buckle Strap Flip Sandal, $34.98

Leather buckle sandal: the smart-casual all-rounder

If you own one pair, make it a leather buckle sandal. The leather upper lifts it above rubber beach sandals, so it works with linen trousers and shorts alike, from a summer lunch to an evening walk. A handstitched upper and a metal buckle give it a refined, considered look that still reads relaxed. This is the sandal that goes the furthest across your summer.

Outdoor sandal: for rough ground and water

When the day involves trails, rivers or a lot of walking, an outdoor sandal earns its place. Look for a grippy sole and secure adjustable straps that lock the foot in, plus a leather or quick-drying upper that takes a beating. It is the pair for hikes, boat days and travel where comfort and grip matter more than polish.

Leather slide: the easy slip-on

A leather slide is the pair you reach for without thinking. No buckles, no straps to fuss with, just step in and go. In leather rather than foam it looks far sharper than a pool slider, so it carries from the house to coffee to a casual lunch. A cushioned footbed is what separates a slide you wear all day from one you kick off after an hour.

Suede flip sandal: pool and patio

For the downtime end of summer, a suede flip with a cushioned sole is all you need. It is the throw-on pair for the pool, the garden and the short walk to the beach bar. Keep it for relaxed settings rather than dressing it up, and let it do the one job it does well: easy, comfortable, no fuss.

How to tell a quality pair

Whatever the type, quality comes down to the upper, the sole and the construction. Genuine leather or cowhide ages well and softens to your foot, where synthetic straps crack and rub. A stitched or well-bonded sole lasts longer than a glued one, and a contoured footbed is what makes a sandal wearable all day. As a rule, pay a little more for the leather and the footbed, since those are the parts your feet feel.

Frequently asked questions

What type of sandal is best for men?

A leather buckle sandal is the most versatile, working for smart-casual and everyday wear. Choose an outdoor sandal for trails and water, a leather slide for easy warm-day wear, and a suede flip for the pool and patio.

Are leather sandals worth it over rubber ones?

For anything beyond the beach, yes. Leather looks far sharper, ages well and pairs with more outfits, while rubber and foam are best kept for the pool and shower.

Can you wear men's sandals with socks?

Generally no for a clean summer look. Sandals are designed to be worn bare-foot, and socks undo the relaxed, breathable point of them.

How should sandals fit?

Your foot should sit fully on the footbed with no toe or heel hanging over the edge, and the straps should hold the foot securely without pinching. If you are between sizes, size down for a snug fit rather than up.

What is the most comfortable men's sandal?

One with a contoured, cushioned footbed and adjustable straps. A leather buckle sandal or a cushioned leather slide gives the best balance of comfort and looks for all-day wear.

Building the full summer look? See the men's guide to summer shorts and how to wear a men's print shirt.