Most people have been wearing sandals pretty much since they were born. Sandals are one of the oldest shoe designs in history and they’re all over the world. In fact, sandals are such a well-known shoe choice and so widespread around Earth that they were even worn by Jesus.
Everyone has worn sandals, from royals to all regular people everywhere. But this long history in the fashion world has made sandals pretty complicated, too. There are many, many different types of sandals. Can you identify all the most popular sandal styles?
What are sandals?
Sandals have been around for so long and adored by so many cultures around the world for so many thousands of years, there are a lot of different types of them. Pretty much every shoe designer has created their own distinct sandal styles, building upon a pretty simple, standard design.
Basically, sandals are a sole that has straps attached to it that you use to secure the shoe to your feet. Within this basic framework, anything goes when it comes to creating sandal styles
Considering the wide range of functional benefits that sandals offer, one may assume them to be a recent invention. But that’s far from the truth. History shows that the ancient Greeks and Egyptians used to wear old versions of sandals which were made of leaves, twigs, or fibers.
According to an ancient Greek historian – Herodotus – sandals of papyrus were an essential part of a priest’s attire. The soles of the Greek sandals were designed from cattle skin, fastened by a multitude of straps, and were available in colored leather. Moreover, ancient Romans (men and women) used to carve their sandals with over-the-top designs.
Women’s shoes, specifically sandals, come in plenty of types; and here’s the lowdown of all the common and not-so-common types of sandals for women!
FYI, thanks to AI imagery software, we’re able to create very specific fashion and hairstyle examples to illustrate the points being made. In some cases, imagery is exaggerated to hammer home the point.
A. Types of Sandals for Women
Flip Flops
Flip flops are a prime example of sandals you wouldn’t want to wear while running. This is still the most popular type of sandals by far, however. Flip flops have a simple sole with a Y-shaped thong secured directly to the sole. They’re most commonly made with rubber, but flip flops can be made out of any materials and they’re seen in all colors and patterns.
Flip flops are light sandals designed with a foam sole and plastic toe to provide support to the wearer. To rock this ultimate style, go for the one made of leather. Basic flip flops come with simple elastic straps that can be worn to beaches and picnics. But if your personal style is fancier, you can get these summer sandals in woven leather straps, adorned with gems or sparkles.
These elaborate flip flops take no time to elevate your otherwise ordinary look. It is also interesting to note that these supremely comfortable items of footwear are extremely versatile. They come in a wide range of designs, patterns, and colors that make this casualwear worth the investment. Go with the one that goes well with your swimsuit or outfit. With so much flip flop variety on the market, it will be quite a challenge for you to choose just one pair.
Read about the different types of flip flops here.
Slides
It’s debatable in the fashion world whether slides are a type of flip flops or if they are their own style, but there is no question that they’re a type of sandal. Slides have a single strap that goes horizontally across the top of the shoe that’s secured directly to the sole.
Wood Sandals
Also known as Geta in Japan, wood sandals are a modern type of sandals that are prized for their strength and durability. As it is evident from their name, these sandals are made out of wood – one of the toughest materials out there.
Similar to denim sandals, wood sandals are dust and water-resistant. They also come in a number of shapes and styles that last for a long time. If you are not a fan of this hardy material, you can go with sandals that are not completely made of wood. For example, you can consider sandals that have wooden heels or a wooden base only. The remaining part, such as their upper sole, boasts a synthetic material.
Leather Sandals
Although leather sandals are costlier, they are totally worth it – for so many reasons! Firstly, they possess a higher durability factor, unlike many casual flip-flops. Usually, leather footwear is lightweight and pliable. This means that it’s not just better-looking than most casual sandals, but it is also functional.
You can flaunt this winter staple in warmer months without losing the comfort, style, and aesthetic of everyday wear. Available in stunning colors, designs, and styles, leather sandals are worth every penny. As compared to men’s leather slippers, women’s slippers boast more prominent designs. Make use of light-shaded leather sandals as they appear more visually pleasing. Every leather sandal has a soft and comfy interior that will keep your feet cozy and relaxed.
Heels
This list wouldn’t be complete without discussing every girl’s favorite – heels! From little girls to teenagers to older women, everyone likes to have a collection of killer heels. However, these sexy sandals come in many different types, making them super versatile.
Some of the classic and modern heels are discussed in detail below:
Wedge Sandals
Wedge sole sandals have a thick heel that gives you lift and a little extra height. Sometimes, the wedge heel is several inches high. The heel may be a little higher at the back and slope to a shorter height near the toe or it may be a consistent height throughout.
Not into typical heels? No worries! We have a way better substitute in store for you. Let’s hear it for wedge sandals!
Wedges are considered as an ideal alternative for traditional heels. While both of these provide an elevation of height to the wearer, the way they provide it is quite different. The difference lies in the way these sandals are designed. Wedge sandals tend to have a thick block for a heel, making them stable and hence comfortable.
Wedge sandals also usually have more cushioning, which allows the feet to be more protected. They also help support your arch, which keeps the entire foot well-balanced. Owing to the lack of comfort, you may not consider wearing sandals on a daily basis. But with wedges, you can make the most of your love for that extra height. Pick them in neutral colors like cream, beige, or white so that they can go with almost every outfit.
Peep Toes
Peep toes, arguably, are the sexiest kind of heels, available in all sorts of lengths. However, the higher the heel, the more attractive the style appears. But what is exactly a peep-toe? It is the kind of women’s shoe that has a small opening at the toe-box, giving a sneak peek of the wearer’s toes.
This type of sassy footwear was all the rage at the beginning of the 20th century. But they soon lost their glory in the late 1960s. That being said, peep toes made a resurgence in the 1970s/80s until they completely fell out of fashion in the mid-1990s. In recent times, these unique styled sandals have become trendy all over again in the form of peep-toes boots, wedges, flats, etc.
Slingbacks
A slingback is a type of women’s footwear distinguished by an ankle strap that encircles the ankle or heel. Slingback heels offer reliability and comfort to the wearer, which is all because of the strap they encompass.
Women who want to flaunt high heels with full confidence but are afraid they may fall should consider slingbacks. Owing to their style and practicality, they make for the perfect daytime and party wear shoes.
The best part about slingbacks is that they come in a plethora of styles. If you are not into slingback heels, you can always opt for slingback pumps or wedges. Since they are also available in different heel lengths, they are favored by all kinds of women with varying preferences for heel heights.
Stilettos
Designed in 1906 by a renowned French shoe designer – Andre Perugia, stilettos are identified by the thin, long heel that they sport. Their needle-like heel makes these women’s shoes slightly intimidating. For a bolder and distinctive appeal, stilettos are a perfect choice.
Owing to their dagger-type heel, these sandals may not be every woman’s cup of tea. And for the first-timers, walking in stilettos may be no less than a feat of athletic ability. Practicing with slightly wider heels might be a good idea before deciding to buy and wear stilettos.
Many people may not know this, but stilettos give the illusion of slimmer and longer legs, a smaller foot, and greater height. If you want to achieve all of this, get a pair of trendy stilettos for yourself!
Like all high heels, stilettos have a primary disadvantage of causing an immense amount of pain and discomfort if you wear them for a really long time. They can also be impractical to wear in outdoor environments that feature mud, sand, grass, or slippery surfaces.
Block Heels
Sometimes known as chunky heels, block heels are quite self-explanatory – a type of sandal with thicker heels than a stiletto. Due to its bulky heel, the sandal offers a firm and solid base, which makes it easy to walk on.
Besides providing a good foothold, these chunky heels go with almost every outfit, whether it is a sophisticated office skirt/blouse or a sexy party dress. Unlike stilettos, they are practical for outdoor environments like sandy, grassy, or rainy grounds. They won’t stick in the mud or sink into the grass. The best part is that you can easily dance with these heels on!
Strappy Sandals
As the name suggests, strappy sandals come with a lot of straps which make the overall style of heels cool and modish. While they were a popular trend of the 90s, the barely-visible heels are set to take over the fashion shoe scene of 2019. With their sleek and super skinny straps, these sandals are just the way to update your otherwise meh wardrobe.
These sandals go well with every outfit and help make the legs appear elongated. With low heels, sky-high heels, wide-apart two straps, numerous enclosed straps, nude-colored straps, dark-colored straps, bold and vibrant shades – the options are endless!
Make sure that whichever strappy style you go for, you round it off with a nice pedicure.
Kitten Heels
Kitten heels are and will always be associated with Audrey Hepburn – the trendsetter for these cute, lovely sandals. If you are someone that totally detests super high heels, these low-key heels are just for you.
When sporting these underrated heels, you have to be careful with what you pair them up with. Teaming these classics with a wrong dress can ruin your overall look. Take note that this low-heeled style looks phenomenal when paired with skinny jeans or a pencil skirt. In other words, they are perfect for both work and play.
Silk or satin kitten heels can be your best bet as they instantly uplift casual, simple attire and even enhance an embellished dress.
Cut Out Heels
The most prominent feature of these stylish heels is that they are all cut out in impeccable floral or shape-based designs. Available in several sizes, colors, shapes, and designs, cut out heels look sexy and neat at the same time. In the past couple of years, these one-of-a-kind sandals have become increasingly popular.
And there is a stand-out reason for it – cut out in lovely designs, these heels can elevate your plain and simple look in a twinkling. For times when your feet are not manicured and need covering, you can always slip on your favorite pair of cut out heels.
Thong Sandals
Also called t-straps, thongs are a fancier version of flip-flops. In most parts of the world, thongs and flip-flops are interchangeably used. Although they are simple footwear, they are equally sexy and stylish. A typical pair of thongs will have a thin to thick strap that passes from the right side of the toe to the left side. Owing to their easy-to-wear quality, they make for ideal last-minute sandals.
It is common to see most tall women avoiding heels as they may make them appear oddly tall. What other options do they have to make a style statement? According to fashion experts, thong sandals are their best bet!
Leaning toward a more casual wear option, t-strap sandals go well with short/long skirts and everyday jeans. Whether you are going to your office, a casual party, or doing some spontaneous shopping, thong sandals can come in handy. They will provide you with ease and comfort that is usually expected from footwear.
Gladiator Sandals
Gladiator sandals have been around since ancient Rome because they were literally worn by gladiators who fought in arenas. This style is characterized by the complicated strapping system, particularly the straps that extend up to at least to the ankle, sometimes lacing around the lower leg. In some designs, the straps can go up almost to the knee.
A type of sandal that came about merely to fulfill the utilitarian purpose is now a symbol of high-class fashion and aesthetics. In the depiction of ancient and modern art, gladiator sandals are usually flaunted by the gods. In ancient Rome, people belonging to the upper-class used to wear this type of sandal. This made it an apparent marker of status. Moreover, many ancient Romans used to wear this safe and durable footwear to battle.
At that time, gladiator sandals were made from strong and sturdy leather. The soles of gladiator sandals were made from the thickest and toughest materials to add to the sandal’s durability while the straps were made from the softer leather. Fast forward to today, and gladiator sandals come in a variety of fabrics such as denim and faux leather and are attached by leather or denim straps, cord, or braided thongs.
The question is, what are gladiator sandals? The answer is simple – they are flat sandals with one or plenty of wide straps around the ankle. If you’re looking for safe and secure footwear, gladiator sandals are the best possible option on this list.
Pumps
Pumps are simple, classic, and oh-so-chic!
A girl’s wardrobe is incomplete without a nice pair of pumps. They go well with every kind of outfit and every type of outing. Are you heading to the office? A flat or low-heeled pair of pumps is the wisest pick. Meeting friends for lunch? Flat pumps in a bright, vibrant hue will take your look to another level.
When shopping for pumps, the best you can do is get them in a neutral shade so that they can be paired up with any kind of outfit. But if you’re looking to spice up your overall look, an exuberant pair of pumps is the way to go!
Platform Sandals
People often confuse wedges with platform sandals due to their slight resemblance in appearance. However, these two forms of footwear are very different from each other. While both serve as a summer staple, wedges come with a raised heel in such a way that it serves as both the heel and sole. They provide the wearer a lift with a supportive footbed.
Although platform shoes also have a raised heel, the difference is in the thickness of the sole. Unlike wedges, platform sandals give a boost in the front as well as the back. For this reason, they make for a better option than wedges as they offer a high level of stability.
You can never experience discomfort or blisters when walking in platform sandals. To enhance your casual style, platform heels should be your go-to shoe choice.
Loafers
Also known as penny loafers, these classic shoes are no longer for only back-pack or uniform-wearing students. These classy sandals have resurfaced in so many breathtaking designs that will make you fall in love with loafers if you haven’t already.
These slip-on shoes are believed to be created in the 1900s when some students traveling to Scandinavia saw fishermen rocking a simpler form of moccasin-made loafer. This inspired fashion houses in North America to design shoes in a similar style.
Unlike most sandals, loafers have never found themselves in the “sexy shoe” list. Although this unique footwear lacks sassiness, it is highly fashionable nonetheless. However, styling women’s loafers are kind of tricky. You need to make sure that you choose the right outfit, or else, it will ruin your entire look. The simplest yet best way to style loaders is by teaming them up with your favorite street-style outfit. Go ahead and channel the rock n’ roll vibes.
Here is some good news – loafers can greatly complement your office dress. While it is always best to stick to the office style code, you can add your own personality by opting for a rocking pair of loafers. You don’t really have to think out of the box when styling loafers. A plain all-black or white outfit is nothing but the best excuse to sport your favorite loafers!
Crocs
Crocs are perhaps the comfiest sandals that one can purchase and must be appreciated for everything they are. Let’s admit it – crocs are quite unorthodox in design, and therefore they tend to grab every beholder’s attention in the first go.
Whether you wear the most basic and simplest crocs, let’s say, the ones in white, it’s highly likely that you’re going to get a lot of attention. Don’t worry; this attention is going to be good. You might even get some compliments!
Did you know that crocs are waterproof? Hence they are great footwear for when you’re going out to the beach, lakeside, or poolside. On rainy days when you are not sure what will be safe to wear outside, choose crocs.
Since they are the flag-bearer of casual footwear, you can flaunt them with the most casual outfit – a casual tee and baggy pants or lounge/gym pajamas. They can also be paired well with a sleeveless shirt and short skirts.
Ballerina Flats
Inspired by the shoes worn by professional ballet dancers, these shoes are the epitome of comfort and style. They are also a super cool option for a comfort-over-style look. Without letting go of your personal style, you can adapt comfort into your attire via ballerina flats.
With every passing year, ballerina flats are being upgraded in their overall style and appearance. Today, you can find a multitude of ballerina shoe-inspired flats everywhere in the market. Since they are so versatile, you can wear these flats with simple and basic workplace outfits or carry them with elegance to formal or semi-formal dinners or hangouts.
Boot Sandals
Boots with low or high heels are a current shoe trend that is too sexy not to try. While they are the hottest trend, not everyone can successfully pull off boot sandals. You need to have some fashion sense before planning to wear booties – both knee-length and ankle-length ones.
Keep in mind that ankle boots go well with long skirts and skinny jeans while knee-length boots look best with short skirts and cowboy outfits.
Sport Sandals
Sports sandals are their own distinct type of sandal. These sandals are made to be tough, something that a lot of sandal types aren’t. Sports sandals are made with multiple straps to fit securely on feet.
They’re also made with comfortable soles in a supportive design. Sports sandals are designed for athletic activities, which sets them apart from many other sandal styles that definitely aren’t meant for any sort of physical exertion.
There is, indeed, a wide variety of women’s sandals, and each of them comes with their own unique identity and history. Well-prized for being practical, beautiful, and desirable, sandals are exactly what we thought they are – a woman’s best friend!
Wood Sandals
Wood sandals are modeled after ancient Eastern sandal designs. This style has been popular in Japan for centuries. These are basically flip flop sandals that have a wooden sole that is built on top of two horizontal supports that run across the width of the sandal, one near the heel and another near the toes. These are very long-lasting sandals because you can replace the top strap as needed and keep wearing the wooden soles. There are many modern variations of wood sandals, including heeled styles.
B. Types of Sandals for Men
Sandals are a staple for men’s summer wardrobes as they provide both comfort and style in the scorching summer heat. It is common to have sweaty feet in summers, especially if you wear close-toed shoes. But with sandals, your feet get the chance to breathe and feel the fresh air as you move around. Your feet may feel cramped up in stuffy boots or shoes, but that’s not the issue if you opt for a good pair of sandals.
The truth of the matter is that putting on and taking off shoes can be time-consuming, and more so if you are in a hurry. In this case, a better alternative is to wear sandals. All you have to do is step right in them and head out the door right away. When you come back home, you will simply have to slip the sandals off, which will hardly take seconds.
This functional footwear is the simplest and oldest form of foot covering. Archeologists claim that the first form of footwear dates back almost 8000 years. The earliest evidence of sandals has been traced to a frieze in the Cairo Museum. The notable Egyptian frieze portrays a sandal-bearer following Pharaoh Narmer, carrying his sandals with him. This goes to show that in ancient times, sandals were a symbol of status and wealth. However, today, sandals are primarily used for outdoor purposes. In contrast, the Egyptians never used to wear sandals inside their houses.
Today, high-fashion sandals have taken over the world, with a wide range of options available to all men around the world. This article covers the most popular men’s sandals that you should know about.
Flip Flops
Summers are an ideal time to say goodbye (temporarily) to socks and shoes. The reliance is more on lightweight footwear, and easy-to-wear sandals and flip flops fit the bill perfectly. Also known as thong sandals, these sandals are usually worn to casual outings such as to the beach, or for running quick errands. Since they come without any laces or zippers, it is easy to slip them on.
As far as the design is concerned, they are simple footwear that allows the wearer to relax and enjoy at the same time. Your feet have more freedom to breathe than regular shoes. Popularly known as quick-drying water sandals, flip-flops take minutes to dry up; which is unlike the case with heavy shoes or boots.
But do you know what the best thing is about these light-as-air sandals? They are super affordable! You can find them in a large variety and colors at a cheap price at any shoe store.
For high-quality flip flops, consider getting them from the ever-so-popular Chacos.
Slide Sandals
Commonly known as sliders, slides are open-toed and backless footwear. They are essentially an open-toed mule, boasting a wide frontal strap or a sequence of straps across the toe. If you wonder why this type of footwear was named “sliders” or “slide sandals”, it is because it’s easy to slide on and off.
Considering its comfortable and lightweight style, it won’t be wrong to say that this easy-to-wear sandal is a great alternative to flip flops. Slide sandals are sturdier and more durable, as their footbed is designed from leather or a harder form of plastic.
The first form of sliders can be traced back to ancient Rome or as far as ancient Greece or ancient Egypt. But more research needs to be done to prove that. In the late 1960s, floral-based sliders came into the U.S markets, making this type of footwear instantly popular. The vibrant and colorful sliders were a visual treat and loved by the majority of customers, leading to the production of different kinds of sliders. German brands like Birkenstock and Adidas are well-prized for inventing fitness sliders and pool sliders respectively.
Slide sandals boast a sporty look – all thanks to Adidas for being the creative powerhouse it is. Combined with their casual appearance, this form of casualwear makes for the best sandal choice when going out to a summer barbecue, the beach, or a park. For such outdoor activities, make sure to go for leather sliders.
Some of the latest and most fashionable sliders feature feathers, faux fur, and pearls.
Crocs
Soft, pliable, and supremely comfortable are some of the words that perfectly describe crocs. Ever wondered what makes crocs so comfy? It is because crocs are made from durable rubber – EVA. Ethylene-vinyl acetate boasts softness and flexibility, which adds to the comfort level of crocs. But that’s not all. The polymer is shiny, possesses a good stress-crack resistance, is UV ray resistant, and the best of all – odorless.
The standard design of crocs includes a heel strap that provides support to the foot. This strap can be rolled forward to turn the sandals into a slip-on form. The most outstanding feature of crocs is the air toe box. Situated on the front of the footwear, the toe box has small holes that allow the feet to breathe and stay cool.
Mostly produced in China, crocs are also popularly made in Arizona, Florida, Mexico, Brazil, Italy, and Romania. Available in a wide array of colors, crocs can easily serve as a bold and vibrant or a simple and classic piece of footwear.
Loafers
Loafers are a versatile form of men’s sandals that can be worn to both casual as well as formal events. They are comfortable, convenient, and stylish, which is why they have exploded in popularity all around the world. They are the best option for men who want to appear taller as the low-rise profile of this footwear helps elongate the wearer’s legs.
Luckily, loafers come in five popular styles, each of them with a unique appearance and defining features. Have a look at them, one by one.
Tassel Loafers
As the name implies, tassel loafers are decorated with tassels on top. Commonly made of cordovan leather, these loafers were initially designed as whole-cut shoes in the 1950s by Alden shoe Co.
Tassel loafers can be worn in a formal or casual setting. You can team them up with chinos, khakis, corduroy, and a blazer. For a more casual look, you can pair tassel loafers with a smart tee and casual jeans.
Penny Loafers
Leaning toward a more formal style, penny loafers are more closely linked to moccasins than to slippers. They come with a stripe of leather across the saddle with a diamond cut-out. Originally, penny loafer-style shoes were worn by Norwegian fishermen. Inspired by them, in 1936, G.H. Bass & Co. created a fusion of these same styled shoes with the moccasin-type shoes, which they named penny loafers.
The reason these trendy shoes are called penny loafers is that young men during that time used to keep a penny inside of the footwear in case of an emergency.
Gucci Loafers
What makes a loafer a Gucci loafer? If a shoe boasts a metal bar perched in the center of the vamp, then it is none other than the Gucci loafer. The celebrated Italian designer Aldo Gucci designed this footwear in 1963. The aim was to have a shoe design similar to a horse bit. Today, many brands have produced horse bit shoes, but they are all known as “Gucci Loafers”.
These loafers go best with business suits and semi-formal attire.
Slipper Loafers
There was a time when men used to think twice before going out in slippers. But with a slip-on designed slipper loafer, stepping out in slippers never feels odd. The slipper is made from a strong and sturdy leather insole, slight heel, luxe velvet or suede upper. In addition to being sleek and modern, slipper loafers serve as the best shoe option for both casual and formal occasions.
To nail the casual look in slipper loafers, pick slipper loafers in contemporary leather material and a more neutral color.
Espadrille Loafers
Also called espardenyes, espadrilles are casual flats that boast cotton or canvas fabric. Owing to their soft and lightweight fabric, the sandals provide the utmost comfort to the wearer. Another defining feature of this type of footwear is the soles of the shoes, which are made of the unique esparto rope.
This type of sandal can be traced back to 1322 in Europe where it was once peasant footwear. It rose to popularity when the sandals became the footwear of urban workers. While typically the soles of espadrille loafers are flat, at times, they come with wedges or chunky heels as well – but this kind of design can only be seen in women’s shoes.
Gladiator Sandals
Strap-based sandals started to come about at the beginning of the 20th century. However, the full gladiator-style didn’t crop up until the late 1960s. The unique strappy look was considered bold at that time as the straps snaked up to knees as well. On runways, male models flaunted gladiator sandals in shorts which made the look hip and fashionable. These distinguishable sandals remained popular in the ’70s, but their popularity soon waned out.
It wasn’t until the spring/summer 2002 collection of Calvin Klein that gladiators made a full resurgence in the fashion scene. The collection brought these stylish sandals into a different light, made from contemporary materials – linen, leather, or satin – making them appear soft and elegant. Other designers followed suit by adding unique features – zippers, laces, or heels – to the sandals.
Today, gladiator sandals continue to change in styles and designs, and they don’t seem like they’re going away anytime soon.
When dressing up gladiators, go with denim cut-offs or swim trunks. In addition to sandals, they can also be paired with casual trousers. If you are all about going extra, gladiator boot sandals are a fun and bold choice which can complement your outfit. Gladiator sandals on summer shorts paired with a cool vest will make you look beach-ready.
Sports Sandals
Sometimes known as sporty tourist sandals or hiking sandals, sports sandals have made athleisure breezier and trendier than ever. Initially designed for hiking and outdoor adventures, fashion influencers, and street stylists have played a huge role in bringing these sport-specific shoes into the mainstream world.
Today, the sandals have become a major part of high fashion footwear. From simple monochromatic styles to those with thick soles and dazzling straps, sports sandals can be seen in plenty of designs. If you prefer minimalism over bewildering styles, you don’t need to worry. The spring/summer 2019 collection by Teva has got you covered.
These unisex sandals offer arch support, which protects you against various foot problems. This also means that you can sport this footwear for a long period of time; for more cushioning, you can use inserts that will stick to the footbed and make long-term wear a possibility. In addition to the comfy insole, the sandals come with rubber outsoles which add to the overall comfort level.
While many sandals boast different colors and textures, sports sandals are one step ahead as they come in several different shapes, too.
Fisherman Sandals
This is a form of casual footwear that is often worn by both men and women. These unisex sandals have been around since ancient times – in many writings and illustrations. They have been mentioned multiple times in these writings, suggesting that they were sported by ancient civilians.
Fisherman sandals come with back and center straps. The back strap runs across the ankle while the center strap is on the front side of the sandal. The straps are non-adjustable in design and serve a decorative purpose. That being said, sometimes, this type of sandal comes with a loop that can be adjusted with the help of Velcro or a buckle. The open design of the sandal keeps the foot cool and relaxed due to the well-placed straps.
Most of the fisherman sandals are designed using leather or any synthetic material. Hence, the common colors that these sandals come in are black and brown. That being said, some high-end brands market fisherman sandals in a variety of color combinations.
Fisherman sandals are best worn casually with shorts, skinny denim jeans, khakis, or trousers. Like sport sandals, these items of casual wear are comfortable to wear for extensive walking trips such as shopping in malls, hiking or trekking, or just taking a random stroll. Owing to their strong and sturdy soles and straps, it becomes easier to walk in these shoes.
Boat Shoes
Popularly known as deck shoes, boat shoes are made from leather with non-marking soles. Specifically designed to be used on a boat, deck shoes help provide solid grip and support on a wet ship, boat, or deck. This result is achieved through the masterful leather construction and powerful stitching -both of which help in repelling water successfully.
Traditionally worn without socks, boat shoes were invented in 1935 by Paul A. Sperry of New Haven, Connecticut. Waterproof and slip-resistance are the two main features of these shoes that have made them famous worldwide. Since the 1970s, boat shoes have been the first choice among professional sailors and boatmen. Although the initial purpose of these shoes was strictly functional, they eventually became a major fashion trend from the 1980s to the early 1990s. In the early 20th century, people started wearing these shoes with slouch socks. They would usually wear them with French rolled jeans to flaunt the trendy socks. Girls would also rock this trend by wearing them with a turtleneck or a crew neck and leggings.
At that time, the two most popular brands for this informal shoe wear were Sebago and Eastland. However, in contemporary times, the famous boat shoe brands include Sperry Top-Siders, Sebago, and Timberland.
Ballet Flats
If you thought that ballet flats were only for women, think again. In today’s modern times, there is a broad range of flats that men can wear, too. Some of them are discussed in detail below:
Tieks
Designed by Kfir Gavrieli, Tiek flats are rapidly gaining popularity, and for all the right reasons – they are comfortable, durable, and portable. Note that these flats are not your average ballet shoes. They are designed to provide 10 times more ease and comfort than everyday flats or ballet shoes.
They are easy to slip on and off; you won’t even have to bend down or use your hands to take the sandals off. The shoes are designed with soft leather, which ensures that the feet remain in the best possible condition for a long time. As compared to traditional ballet shoes, tieks come with extra cushioned rubber soles. The backs of the flats are also cushioned (rather than elasticized) and therefore, they don’t feel too tight at the heel.
Ballet Flats by Telfar
The all-time famous designer – Telfar – is well-prized for introducing unisex flats on his runway. The distinguishing quality of his flats is that they lie somewhere between traditional flats and the standard Vans-style sneakers. The flats come in standard colors – white, black, and the white-and-black combo.
These are the best men’s sandals that every man’s wardrobe must be filled with. It is also important that you get these men’s shoes from notable brands such as Nike, Bottega Veneta, OluKai, Birkenstock Arizona, Adidas, and Teva. For convenience, you can head over to their official websites and place your order for delivery or get them from the nearest branch!