Knowing how beneficial walking is, many people are ready to invest good money in high-quality, comfortable footwear. Out of the many walking footwear options, men seem to be least interested in sandals. Opposed to the majority of women that can’t wait for warmer days to come and expose their well-pedicured feet, many men don’t even own a pair of sandals.
Oftentimes this is because of the general belief that men have no sense of style when it comes to sandals, or they just haven’t found the right pair yet. There is a wide variety of men’s walking sandals today. They’re the lightweight alternative to walking shoes like trainers, perfect for warm weather. We’ll be comparing the two main types of men’s sandals: open-toe and closed-toe. Keep reading to find out which ones will be best for you.
What to Look for When Buying a Pair of Walking Sandals?
To ensure the best walking experience, the first thing you should consider when buying a pair of sandals is comfort. Exposing your feet and wearing sandals with no socks on can cause more friction that can lead to sore feet and multiple blisters. That’s why choosing a high-quality pair is crucial if you want to have footwear that would help you enjoy walking on a warm day.
You should also have in mind that what may be a good fit for other men, may not be the right choice for you. The best way to choose is to check them out, but if you decide to shop online having the right info beforehand can be of help. Remember to check size, material, and features if you want to buy best men’s walking sandals that are breathable, lightweight, and supportive.
Open-Toe Design Sandals
As the name suggests, open-toe design sandals are the lighter and more breathable option to expose your feet. If you want some fresh air and bigger movement freedom, they might be the right walking sandals for you. These are some of the main factors to be considered when looking for open-toe sandals.
Materials
Leather straps and rubber soles are the most convenient materials for this type of sandals.
Terrain
Open-toe sandals may be the best sandals for walking on light, obstacle-free terrain and near water. They’re the perfect walking sandals for men for strolls at the beach, lakes or rivers. They’re even good for strolling around the city.
Occasions
Sandals with an open-toe design are the perfect option for travelling. They’re lightweight and easy to pack and won’t take much space in your luggage.
Top Pick Open-Toe Sandal: Birkenstocks
The German-crafted Birkenstocks are the most popular choice of summer footwear. This branded footwear dates back to two centuries ago and is one of the most trusted brands in the industry. They’re made of premium materials, such as suede and high-quality leather. The contoured footpads with shock-absorbing soles are the epitome of comfort among walking sandals.
As one of the most trusted brands in the industry, Birkenstock shoes are known for providing comfort and simplicity to the customers, partly because of the materials used to make these shoes. This includes suede, nubucks, non-leather uppers, high-grade leather, and uniquely contoured footpads with shock-absorbing soles.
Birkenstocks are timeless and chic men’s walking sandals. They can complement any summer outfit in your wardrobe. There are some reasons why men of all ages love to wear them. These sandals are:
- Extremely comfortable.
- Very durable.
- Designed with the shape of the feet in mind.
- Useful for the healing of common foot problems.
- Good for the muscles and joints.
Closed-Toe Design Sandals
If you’re wondering what the best sandals for walking long distances are, the answer would be closed-toe sandals. The closed design of this type serves to protect your precious toes from anything that can cause damage, like sticks, stones and briars. They’re usually heavier than the open-toe design, with a thicker sole. Unlike the more open models, closed-toe sandals can be worn with socks. These are some of the main factors to be considered when buying this type of sandal.
Materials
Closed sandals are mainly made from leather and waterproof leather with rubber soles and neoprene lining.
Terrain
Closed-toe sandals, also known as hiking sandals, are the breathable summer alternative to hiking boots. The design in general is very similar to the hiking boots, allowing you to walk or hike in any terrain.
Occasions
If you’re going hiking on a warm and sunny summer day, choosing hiking sandals over hiking boots can ensure you get the comfort you need by avoiding sweaty feet and feeling hot. Many of these sandals are made of waterproof leather and soles, which means if you come across a river, you can walk through it without having to put them off – they will quickly dry.
Top Pick Closed-Toe Sandal: Keen Arroyo II Men
Men’s Arroyo II is one of the men’s all-time favourites from Keen. This sandal model offers superior comfort to the traditional sandal models with a thicker tread and shock absorbing padding. The reflective accents make it suitable for night-time near-road use. These sandals have all the best features of a hiking shoe and a sandal combined in one comfortable style.
Made from washable waterproof leather upper for breathability with mesh webbing for added interest, this unique design also has toe guards for ultimate protection. The elasticated cord locks for easy on-off wear provide a secure fit. The hydrophobic mesh lining treated with Aegis Microbe Shield makes for an abrasion-free environment for all-day wear and a perfect inner climate.
The Aegis Microbe Shield footpad helps control the bacteria and fungi that cause odours. It also provides your feet with excellent arch support whilst cradling the natural contours of the foot, which makes this sandal suitable for orthotics.
The Bottom Line
A pair of good sandals can be an absolute revelation for you if you’ve never worn one before. They can enhance your walking experience during spring and summer and make your outdoor adventures even more joyous. A high-quality pair of men’s sandals can be quite expensive, but they are well worth it if you want to walk in comfort all summer long.