Key takeaways
- Best all-around walking sandal: Chaco Z/Cloud, for a supportive footbed and highly adjustable fit.
- Best for travel and mixed terrain: Teva Hurricane XLT2, which balances low weight, easy adjustment, and useful traction.
- Best for water and rocky beaches: Keen Newport H2, with a protective closed toe and washable webbing.
- Best lightweight casual sandal: Birkenstock Arizona EVA, especially for poolside, boating, and short everyday walks.
- Best for a molded, traditional footbed: Birkenstock Arizona, if you prefer leather or suede over technical webbing.
The best sandals for men depend on where you will wear them: choose a contoured footbed for all-day walking, adjustable webbing for travel, a closed-toe water sandal for rocky shorelines, and lightweight EVA for casual wet-weather use.
Our top picks
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Quick picks by situation
- Best all-around walking sandal: Chaco Z/Cloud, for a supportive footbed and highly adjustable fit.
- Best for travel and mixed terrain: Teva Hurricane XLT2, which balances low weight, easy adjustment, and useful traction.
- Best for water and rocky beaches: Keen Newport H2, with a protective closed toe and washable webbing.
- Best lightweight casual sandal: Birkenstock Arizona EVA, especially for poolside, boating, and short everyday walks.
- Best for a molded, traditional footbed: Birkenstock Arizona, if you prefer leather or suede over technical webbing.
What matters when choosing the best sandals for men
Footbed support
A good footbed should keep your heel from sliding, support the middle of your foot, and spread pressure across the sole rather than concentrating it beneath the heel or forefoot. Chaco’s contoured LUVSEAT footbed is among the most structured options in this group. Birkenstock’s cork-latex footbed is also shaped and firm, although it feels more rigid at first. The Arizona EVA uses a similar anatomical shape in a lighter, waterproof format.
Teva’s Hurricane XLT2 and Keen Newport H2 use softer EVA cushioning. They are generally easier to tolerate immediately out of the box, but they do not hold the foot in quite the same firm, molded way. If you are walking several miles, compare the arch shape with your own foot instead of assuming that a softer sole will be more comfortable.
Strap adjustment and security
Adjustment is more important than a fashionable upper. A sandal should stay attached without requiring you to curl your toes or tighten the straps until they leave pressure marks. Teva uses hook-and-loop straps at the ankle and forefoot, making it quick to alter the fit. Chaco’s continuous strap system can be tuned very precisely, but the first adjustment takes patience.
Birkenstock Arizona has two buckled straps, which work well for casual walking but offer less rapid adjustment than hook-and-loop closures. Keen’s Newport H2 uses a lace-and-toggle system. It is easy to tighten, though it does not provide the same independent forefoot adjustment as a multi-strap sandal.
Outsole grip
Look for a rubber outsole with a visible lug or tread pattern if you expect wet pavement, boat ramps, gravel, or trails. ChacoGrip rubber and Teva’s Durabrasion rubber provide more outdoor traction than a smooth molded EVA sole. The Keen Newport H2 also has a rubber outsole and a broad contact area, helping it feel stable on uneven ground.
The Arizona EVA is better for pool decks, showers, and casual errands than for steep or slippery trails. EVA is light and water-resistant, but it usually does not deliver the edge bite or abrasion resistance of a dedicated rubber outsole.
Head-to-head comparison
| Model | Upper and footbed | Closure | Water use | Break-in expectation | Typical 2026 market range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chaco Z/Cloud | Polyester jacquard webbing; contoured PU footbed | Adjustable continuous strap and buckle | Good for splash and light water use; dries gradually | 3–10 wears for straps and footbed to settle | $100–$140 |
| Teva Hurricane XLT2 | Recycled polyester straps; EVA midsole; nylon shank | Hook-and-loop straps | Good for wet outings; straps may retain water | Usually 1–3 wears | $55–$80 |
| Keen Newport H2 | Washable polyester webbing; EVA footbed; rubber toe and outsole | Lace-and-toggle system | Very good for beaches, streams, and boat use | Usually 2–5 wears | $110–$150 |
| Birkenstock Arizona EVA | One-piece molded EVA; contoured footbed | Two buckled straps | Excellent for poolside and quick wet use | Minimal sole break-in; fit adjustment may take time | $45–$55 |
| Birkenstock Arizona | Cork-latex footbed; leather or suede upper | Two buckled straps | Not the first choice for soaking | Often 1–3 weeks of gradual wear | $125–$160 |
Prices are broad retail ranges and vary by upper material, color, size, and seasonal discounts. The break-in figures are practical estimates, not guarantees: foot shape, socks, walking distance, and strap tension all change the result.
Best sandals for walking and travel
Chaco Z/Cloud: maximum adjustability
Choose the Chaco Z/Cloud when you want one pair for city walking, light trails, and long days on your feet. Its single strap threads through the sole, so tightening one section changes the fit around several parts of the foot. That makes it possible to reduce heel movement without overtightening the forefoot.
The trade-off is weight and break-in. The straps can feel stiff, and the firm footbed is not universally comfortable. A common mistake is adjusting the sandal too tightly before the webbing has settled. Start with a secure but relaxed fit, walk indoors, and make small changes rather than pulling the buckle as hard as possible.
Teva Hurricane XLT2: the easier travel choice
The Hurricane XLT2 is a strong value for travel because it packs flat, dries reasonably quickly, and is simple to put on and remove. Its three-point strap arrangement provides enough adjustment for many foot shapes, while the rubber outsole handles sidewalks and moderate trails better than a purely casual sandal.
It is less protective than the Keen Newport and less structured than the Chaco. For an itinerary built around museums, restaurants, boardwalks, and occasional water, that lighter, less specialized design is often an advantage.
Best sandals for water, aquariums, and outdoor chores
Keen Newport H2: protection around rocks and equipment
The Newport H2 is the most protective pick here. Its closed toe helps shield against rocks, roots, and accidental contact with hard edges, while the washable polyester upper is suited to repeated wet use. It is a practical option for shoreline walks, paddle trips, boat decks, and carrying out damp outdoor chores.
Closed toes also create a warmer, less ventilated feel than open sandals. Rinse out grit after every sandy outing; trapped particles can irritate the foot and accelerate wear inside the shoe. Allow the pair to dry fully rather than leaving it in a sealed bag.
Birkenstock Arizona EVA: simple and easy to clean
For poolside use, casual summer wear, and quick trips where splashes are likely, the Arizona EVA is hard to complicate. The one-piece molded construction has no fabric straps to absorb much water, and it can be rinsed clean. It is not the best option for long hikes, slick slopes, or situations requiring strong heel retention.
Fit: how to choose the right size
- Measure both feet late in the day. Feet often occupy slightly more space after hours of standing. Use the larger foot when comparing sizes.
- Check heel and toe room. Aim for roughly 5–10 mm of space beyond the longest toe, with the heel sitting on the footbed rather than hanging over the rear edge.
- Check the widest point. Your foot should not bulge over the footbed sides. A sandal that is long enough but too narrow will still feel wrong.
- Walk before tightening fully. The foot should stay aligned without gripping the sole with your toes. If you must clamp the straps to prevent sliding, try a different shape or width.
- Account for socks and swelling. If you will wear hiking socks or travel in hot weather, allow additional upper volume rather than automatically sizing up in length.
Brand sizing is not interchangeable. Use each manufacturer’s size chart, and remember that Birkenstock’s regular and narrow footbed options change more than just the strap length.
Durability, cleaning, and ownership costs
The first parts to wear are usually the tread under the heel and forefoot, followed by strap edges, hook-and-loop fibers, and the footbed surface. Heavy users can wear through soft EVA more quickly than expected, while rubber outsoles usually preserve traction longer but add weight. Once the tread is visibly smooth, treat the sandal as a casual-use shoe rather than relying on it for wet slopes.
Rinse water sandals with fresh water after salt, chlorine, mud, or aquarium-maintenance splashes. Use mild soap and a soft brush, then air-dry away from radiators, car dashboards, and prolonged direct heat. Heat can distort EVA and weaken adhesives. Do not machine-dry technical sandals unless the manufacturer specifically permits it.
A simple ownership calculation can clarify value. If a $120 pair lasts 240 substantial outings, the footwear cost is about $0.50 per use. If a $55 casual pair lasts only 70 outings, it costs about $0.79 per use. The cheaper purchase is not automatically the cheaper sandal when you walk frequently or need dependable wet traction.
Final recommendation
For one versatile pair, choose the Teva Hurricane XLT2 if you prioritize value and easy travel, or the Chaco Z/Cloud if firm support and precise adjustment matter more. Pick the Keen Newport H2 for water and toe protection, the Arizona EVA for simple wet-weather casual wear, and the regular Birkenstock Arizona for a structured everyday footbed with a more traditional look. Whichever model you choose, fit and outsole condition matter more than brand reputation: a secure sandal that matches your walking surface will outperform a supposedly premium pair worn in the wrong size.
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