How to Wear Men's Sandals: Styles, Outfits and Fit
By Oswin Hyde · Last updated 28 September 2026
The short answer: wear leather sandals with shorts, linen trousers and cropped chinos on hot, relaxed days and holidays, never with socks. Choose leather over rubber for a smarter look, a style that holds your foot securely (cross-strap, double-strap or buckled), and keep your feet well groomed. For the office, weddings and restaurants, loafers are usually the better choice.
Types of men's sandals
| Style | Details | Best for | Try |
| Slides | Slip-on, one wide strap | Pool, beach, quick errands | Tito (woven leather) |
| Cross-strap | Straps cross over the foot | Everyday summer wear | Nyle, Ollie, Rowan suede |
| Double or tri-strap | Two or three wide straps | A secure fit for walking | Antonio, Frank |
| Buckle | Adjustable buckled straps | Adjustable fit, smarter look | Jude (twin buckle) |
| Adjustable strap | Velcro closure | Easy fit, travel | Dylan |
| Minimal / ring strap | Clean, simple straps | Smart holiday evenings | Saxon, Phoenix |
| Woven | Woven leather detail | Relaxed summer style | Aiden |
What to wear with men's sandals
| Outfit | Works? | Tip |
| Tailored shorts | Yes | Keep shorts just above the knee |
| Linen trousers | Yes | Cropped or rolled to show the ankle |
| Chinos | Yes | Cropped, in stone, navy or olive |
| Jeans | Sometimes | Light, cropped or rolled denim |
| Suits | No | Wear loafers instead |
| Socks | Never | Bare feet only |
How to choose sandals that fit
- Your heel should sit fully on the footbed and your toes shouldn't hang over the front.
- Straps should hold your foot without digging in; adjustable straps help.
- Choose leather straps: they soften and mould to your foot.
- Check your size in our shoe size guide.
Sandals or loafers?
Sandals are for heat, holidays and casual weekends. Loafers are smarter and work for the office, restaurants and summer weddings. If you pack one pair for a summer trip, a woven or suede loafer covers more occasions. See our loafers guide.
Can men wear sandals to work?
In most offices, no. In very relaxed workplaces during a heatwave, smart leather sandals may be acceptable, but loafers are safer. More in our business casual shoes guide.
How to care for leather sandals
- Wipe the straps and footbed with a damp cloth after hot days.
- Let them dry out of direct sun.
- Condition leather straps occasionally so they don't crack.
- Brush suede straps and use a suede protector.
Frequently asked questions
What do you wear with men's sandals?
Tailored shorts, linen trousers and cropped chinos. Never with socks.
Should men wear socks with sandals?
No. Sandals look best with bare feet.
Are leather sandals better than rubber?
Leather sandals look smarter, mould to your feet and last longer. Rubber is best for the pool.
How should men's sandals fit?
Heel fully on the footbed, toes not over the edge, and straps secure without digging in.
Can you wear sandals to a wedding?
Only at a beach or very relaxed wedding where the couple has said so. Otherwise, wear loafers.
Shop the pieces in this guide: men's sandals · loafers · suede loafers
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Whether suede can get wet, how to protect suede shoes and boots, and how to fix water and salt marks.
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