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10 Best Leather Sandals for Men
It’s no secret that every man should have a wide variety of footwear to choose from, as it’s important to have the right shoe or sandal for the right occasion. And while sandals definitely fall on the casual side of the footwear scale, you don’t have to settle for cheap rubber flip flops when it comes to warm-weather footwear.
In fact, leather sandals can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion or event, and can actually give an otherwise casual outfit a sophisticated yet laidback twist that’s perfect for weekends, vacations, or daytime outings. From classics like Birkenstocks and fisherman-style sandals to leather sandals that’ll make you feel like you’ve been transported to the European summer vacation of your dreams, here are the 10 best leather sandals for men.
Best Buy
1. Birkenstock Arizona Two-Strap Leather Sandals
If you’re looking for a pair of sandals that aren’t your typical flip flops, then the Birkenstock Arizona Two-Strap Leather Sandals are the perfect pair of sandals for you. These Birkenstocks feature two smooth leather straps across the upper, logo-engraved copper buckles, and a cushioned EVA sole for all-day comfort and durability.
First introduced in 1973, these iconic leather sandals will add a bit of a hippie flair to your wardrobe, and look best when paired with casual outfits. Try wearing them with breezy linen pants and a short sleeve button down for an ultra-cool, laidback look that’s perfect for any daytime outing on the weekend.
2. Bottega Veneta Vienna Leather Sandals
Sandals don’t have to look boring or unoriginal, and the Bottega Veneta Vienna Leather Sandals prove that point. Made from Italian leather, the straps of these sandals feature a unique and eye-catching criss-cross pattern that’ll dress up any casual look in an instant, plus a square toe and logo-embossed insole for a refined and elegant touch. Since these leather sandals are on the dressier side, it’s best to pair them with tailored separates, like chinos cuffed right at the ankle, a short or long sleeve solid button down, and a black leather belt to tie the whole look together.
3. Grenson Florin Sandal
If you didn’t think that sandals could err on the edgier side, then I’m here to tell you that you are wrong, my friend. The Grenson Florin Sandals are the perfect pair of black leather sandals to edge any outfit up, thanks to the two, thick calfskin leather straps across the upper, silver buckles, and a molded footbed to keep you comfortable, cool, and dry all day long.
Wear these babies with fitted black bottoms – jeans, joggers, or even chinos work in this case – and top with a longline black tee and a black beanie for an ultra-cool, edgy vibe that’s perfect for spending the morning at a coffee shop, taking your dog on a leisurely weekend stroll, or just hanging out with your buds.
4. Dr. Scholl’s Gaston Leather Sandals
Fisherman-style sandals are making a comeback, and for those who are looking for both style and comfort, look no further than Dr. Scholl’s Gaston Leather Sandals, which check all the boxes when it comes to fashion, comfort, and durability. Made from 100% leather and complete with a rubber sole, neoprene lining, adjustable strap, and memory foam insole, there’s a reason these iconic Dr. Scholl’s sandals have been a cult favorite since they first hit shelves in 1968.
Bonus: Many reviewers said that these helped with plantar fasciitis, so for those with foot problems, these leather sandals may be a lifesaver – although, we’re clearly not medical professionals, so be sure to check with your doctor if you have any questions about the right footwear for your particular ailments.
5. Ancient Greek Sandals Apollonas Leather Sandals
If you’re on the hunt for a go-to pair of leather sandals for your weekend outings or warm weather vacations, then the Ancient Greek Sandals Apollonas Leather Sandals should have been in your closet yesterday.
Made from chemical-free leather in the label’s native Greece, these sandals feature interlaced straps, a logo-debossed insole, an anti-slip rubber insert, and a sole that’s slightly elevated, which helps with shock absorption – meaning you’ll be comfortable as hell all day long. Wear these bad boys with shorts and a short sleeve button down or basic tee for a summery, casual look, and top with a straw hat if you’re going to be out in the sun all day.
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6. Olukai Hokule’s Sandals
If you’re more of a flip flop kind of guy, then you have to check out Olukai Hokle’s Sandals, which feature an outsole made of full-grain leather with “rubber traction pods for enhanced grip and flexibility,” a compression-molded EVA midsole, a strap that offers a secure fit, and ultimate arch support. These sandals are best worn with ultra-casual outfits, like shorts and a short sleeve shirt – you should never wear flip flops to any occasion other than a casual one, so keep that in mind when styling these.
7. Johnston & Murphy Norris Slide
Slide sandals are all the rage, and they’re not going out of style anytime soon. However, just because slides are usually associated with athleisure doesn’t mean you can’t grab a pair that’ll class up your everyday casual look. Enter the Johnston & Murphy Norris Slide which is crafted from full-grain leather, has a gel rubber sole, and a lightweight EVA midsole for cushioning and all-day comfort. Wear ‘em with light-colored chinos, linen pants, or fitted shorts that hit right at or above the knee, and pair with a printed short sleeve button down for the perfect weekend brunch outfit.
8. Nisolo Huarache Sandals
Sometimes, you just need to own a pair of sandals that double as shoes, and that’s where the Nisolo Huarache Sandals come into play. These bad boys are hand-woven from high-quality leather, are ultra-breathable, and can be dressed up or down, thanks to their easy-going yet elegant design.
If you plan on dressing them up, pair them with smart casual wear, like chinos, a button down, and a sport coat if the weather or occasion permits; if you’re going for a more casual look, fitted shorts and a casual top should do the trick.
9. UGG Wainscott Buckle Slide Sandal
Little known fact: UGG doesn’t just produce winter boots that are synonymous with mid-2000s sorority girls; the brand actually has a plethora of options when it comes to comfortable footwear, and the UGG Wainscott Buckle Slide Sandal is a style that you shouldn’t pass up.
Made from 100% leather with a design that is reminiscent of Birkenstocks’ signature two-strap sandals, these UGG sandals also feature a rubber sole, metal buckles, and a dual-density foam footbed for maximum comfort. These babies are also available in cognac or classic black, so you can find the perfect color to match your particular style.
10. Paul Smith Phoenix Signature Stripe Trim Leather Sandals
For those who are looking for a pair of leather sandals with some pizazz to them, the Paul Smith Phoenix Signature Stripe Trim Leather Sandals are going to be your new favorite form of footwear thanks to their eye-catching, signature multi-colored stripe piping. Crafted from fine leather and featuring a molded EVA-cushioned footbed and a rubber tread sole, these leather sandals are perfect for everyday wear and will add a sense of unique style to anything you wear them with.
For a minimalist, almost-monochromatic look, wear all black so the multi-colored stripe piping really stands out.
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Leather Sandals FAQs
Leather sandals are more than just fancy, casual, comfortable footwear. Leather sandals are typically crafted with durability and comfort in mind, and when maintained properly, they can last for years and years – even a lifetime. Leather is also a material that offers protection and is relatively easy to clean.
Leather sandals differ from other sandals, like those made of rubber, in a couple of different ways. First, they offer more protection and are typically more durable than your typical pair of cheap rubber flip flops that you can pick up anywhere.
Leather sandals can also be dressed up a bit and can be worn to casual or smart casual events, without making you look like you just rolled out of bed and grabbed the first thing you could find before rushing out the door. It’s important to note that any type of sandal, leather or not, shouldn’t be worn to a formal occasion or event, so be sure to check the dress code before you slap on a pair of your favorite leather kicks.
Leather sandals are usually more expensive than their rubber counterparts, which we’ll get to below.
A good pair of leather sandals will cost you at least $100, and some pairs will cost upwards of $300 – however, because leather sandals can last for years if they are properly cared for, they are totally worth the investment.