Skip to main content

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

Expose Those Toes: Best Men’s Sport Sandals and Flip Flops

men's summer sandals
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Best Men's Sport Sandals and Flip Flops

Whether it’s a vacation to the beach, a post-work day hike, or a trip around town, we all love the freedom of sandals and flip-flops during these warm-weather months. Our toes are feeling the sweet liberation after a long winter of closed-toed shoes, heavyweight socks, and snow boots. Here are our favorite men’s summer sandals to get you from now until Labor Day and beyond.

OluKai Ulele Beach Sandals

OluKai Ulele Beach Sandals
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Like all of OluKai’s sandals, the Ulele Beach Sandals are lightweight, modern, and versatile. The casual design is well suited for chill pool days, combing the beach, or relaxing with drinks in downtown Waikiki Beach. Synthetic laser-cut straps are water-resistant with a soft microfiber lining, while the footbed is compression-molded for comfortable all-day wear. Non-marking rubber outsoles keep your feet planted in any condition.

Teva Terra Fi 5 Universal Sandals

Teva Terra Fi 5 Universal Sandals
Image used with permission by copyright holder

No roundup of the best men’s sport sandals would be complete without a Teva mention. The Terra Fi 5 Universal Sandals boast the brand’s signature function-forward design. These lightweight, rugged sandals are well suited for the most active pursuits both on and off the trail. The polyester webbing and rubber outsoles are durable and waterproof. Plus, the Fi 5 sandals score bonus points for their use of mostly recycled materials.

Xero Shoes Z-Trail EV Sandals

Xero Shoes Z-Trail EV Sandals
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Xero Shoes designed its Z-Trail EV Sandals to feel as though you’re not even wearing shoes. The ultralightweight design cuts more than 75% of the bulk from traditional sandal designs, so they flex and bend with the natural movements of your feet. The result is a minimalist sandal that’s comfortable, ergonomic, and perfect for any casual to medium-duty activity.

Under Armour Men’s Ignite VI Slide Sandals

Under Armour Men’s Ignite VI Slide Sandals
Image used with permission by copyright holder

For those times when your feet just need something straightforward and functional, there’s Under Armour’s Ignite VI Slide Sandals. The synthetic strap is lined with soft foam to caress the top of your foot. Underneath, the footbed provides dual layers of Performance 4D Foam that feel like you’re walking on a cloud. At under $40, they’re the simplest, most affordable sport sandals on this list.

Bedrock Sandals Cairn Adventure Sandals

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Think “adventure sandal” meets “off-road flip-flop.” The lightweight, minimalist design provides a greater ground feel and traction, while the footbed perfectly conforms to your foot. And when the Vibram soles start to wear out, they can be resoled to continue the adventure.

Combat Flip Flops AK-47

Combat Flip Flops AK-47
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Designed by former Army Rangers, all Combat Flip Flops are made in Bogota, Colombia. The company has created what it calls a “weapon for change” in that these leather sandals are creating jobs, and every pair sold funds a day of secondary school for an Afghan girl. Did we mention that they are also stylish, comfortable, and pretty badass?

Mike Richard
Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He's kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South…
A beginner’s guide on how to read a topographic map
Learn how to read and navigate with a topographical map from an expert
Reading a topographic map

Before you’ve packed your bags and before you’ve gassed up the wagon, there’s the little issue of figuring out where you’re actually going to go and -- more importantly, if you're going to be outdoors -- the type of terrain that's there.

One of the best ways to do that is to peruse a map of the region that goes a little further than just showing you a layout of the park. A topographic map introduces you to the peaks and valleys and gives you an understanding of how difficult the terrain might be in the area where you’re headed. It was originally developed as a way to depict counties and cities before the U.S. military used it in World War I.
Where to begin

Read more
These are the essential outdoor knots every outdoorsman should know
A well-versed arsenal of knots is a must-have for any outdoorsman
A reef knot is tied against a tree

There's almost no end to what you can achieve armed with a length of rope and an arsenal of outdoor knots to tie it together. If heading into the backcountry, you should always be prepared for survival. While part of that is carrying the right gear, you must know how to use it effectively. You wouldn't take your woodcutting axe without giving it a few practice swings at home, so why would you expect to tie the right knot without practice?

There is an adage among those who don't know what to do with rope: if you can't tie knots, tie lots. If you don't know what you're doing, keep tying until your rope feels secure. It works, sometimes. But in a significant way, these people are missing out. Knots, like backcountry navigation skills or making a fire, are part of being an outdoorsman. Outdoor knots come in different shapes and perform various tasks; some are quick, some secure, and others are designed to be untied quickly. These eight are the essential outdoor knots to learn first, so grab a rope and upskill your outdoor self.
Bowline knot

Read more
11 best climbing documentaries to get you pumped for your next adventure
Check out these harrowing true stories to give you ideas and inspiration for your next climb
Rock climbing outside

The best climbing documentaries get you excited to go out and climb. Whether you’re waiting for the weekend to arrive so you can get to your local crag or are looking to travel to a remote climbing destination, these docs are sure to fill you with ideas and get you stoked. If you love to travel for climbing, you might also be interested in these travel documentaries on Netflix right now that'll get you excited about new destinations.
These climbing movies about true stories profile amazing climbers putting up hard routes. Climbers, like other professional athletes, operate with impressive drive and determination. These climbers spend years working on their projects, sometimes risking their lives, all while pushing their bodies to their physical limits. I hope you enjoy these documentaries as much as I did.

Valley Uprising (2014)

Read more