While here at Bespoke Unit we are big proponents of hand-crafted, formal shoes, we also believe that there is a time and place for all types of footwear.
With the summer season ramping up, there’s no better moment to put away your Goodyear-welted brogues, reach for a comfortable pair of sandals, and head to the water. Even if you’re not visiting a beach or pool, sandals, flip-flops, and slides may still be a good fit for your outfit.
For the above reasons, we’ve put together a brief overview of how to best wear this common type of shoe. Additionally, we’ve dug through the expansive selection on Zappos.com and listed some of our favorite models for your consideration. If you’d rather do your own searching on Zappos, we’ve included some tips on how best to do that, too.
How To Wear Sandals, Slides, And Flip-Flops
Seeing as how these three common types of casual shoes are just that – casual, it would be reasonable to assume that they are relatively easy to wear. Indeed, they largely are. However, there is a critical aspect to keep in mind.
Mind Your Feet
The characteristic that makes these three casual footwear types so comfortable to wear can also be their downfall. This is to say, by revealing more of your feet, you can avoid discomfort for yourself while at the same time placing that discomfort on others if you’ve not taken care to keep them presentable.
In other words, you should mind your feet if you plan to wear any kind of sandal or flip-flop. This is not unlike what you’re already used to with brushing your teeth, wearing deodorant, showering regularly, & more.
This is not to say that you should maintain a pedicure all summer, though you may find you enjoy getting one if you’ve never tried it before. What it does mean is that your feet must be presentable. Overgrown toenails should be trimmed. Before exposing your toes in public, treat any affliction that appears unhealthy, such as toenail fungus or athlete’s foot.
The Formality Of Sandals & Flip-Flops
The formality of this sort of casual footwear is rarely called into question. However, with fashion trends progressively moving towards making just about every article of clothing more casual, it perhaps won’t be long before sandals & flip-flops make their way onto the big stage. Until that happens, we have some broad recommendations on how to sport them.
Jeans, shorts, t-shirts, and casual trousers are the best matches for these shoes. And since you’re a fashionable person, never pass up the chance to elevate your sandals, flip-flops, or a premium pair of slides (leather) with a handsome collared shirt and a nice pair of linen trousers, especially if you’re going out to dinner in some tropical location.
Shopping For Sandals On Zappos
You’re likely already familiar with Zappos, but on the off chance that you’re not, Zappos is one of the biggest shoe retailers on the web. As a result, they’re known for having just about every type & size of shoe in stock. Couple this with phenomenal customer service as well as free shipping and returns, and it’s difficult to not be satisfied with a transaction even if the pair you order doesn’t end up on your feet permanently.
If the brief list we compiled below of some of our favorite pairs on Zappos isn’t quite making the cut for you, then consider following these steps to narrow down the inventory on Zappos to best fit your needs.
Filtering For Sandals
You’ll want to begin from Zappos’ home page, and then use the main navigation menu; click on Men’s and then select the Sandals category. While we’re aiming for flip-flops and slides as well, they’re categorized under this larger denomination. You can also reach this page by clicking this link.
At this point, your specific needs come into play. Use the filters for size, Subcategory (Active Sandals, Flip Flops, Flat Sandals), and price to narrow down the large selection; you can also use the sort button at the top-right if you find it helpful.
The Best Sandals, Flip Flops, And Slides On Zappos
- Style: Birkenstock
- Colors: Black, Blue, Taupe, Grey
- Pricing: $145 [Buy Now On Zappos]
This particular Arizona model features a softer footbed in addition to the classic Birkenstock design. Air bubbles in the contoured footbed create a custom fit by molding to the foot’s shape. If you like the Birkenstock look but have yet to try a pair, these Arizonas are a great place to start.
- Style: Slides
- Color: Black/White, New Navy/White, White/New Navy
- Pricing: $45 [Buy On Zappos]
This pair of Adidas Adilette slides is available in both men’s and women’s sizes, with a one-band design and contoured footbed. Adidas’ classic three white stripes are particularly appealing with their simple design.
When the weather gets warm, wear these with shorts or your bathing suit for a sporty beach look. Outside of these outfits, it can be difficult to pair the Adilette slides with anything more formal.
The Adilette slides are available in a wide variety of colors and models. If you’re looking for versatile slide shoes for the summer, we recommend the Navy Blue. However, remember to check out the other Adilette models as they offer many other colorways.
- Style: Flip Flops
- Colors: 15+ Options
- Pricing: $74.95 [Buy Now On Zappos]
If you’re going to be wearing flip-flops, you may as well make it a pair that is not only comfortable but also stylish. OluKai Ohanas offer both comfort and stability with their EVA footbed and compression-molded insole.
In addition, leather accents and comfort-minded technology make these shoes very stylish and suitable even for people with no foot problems. For a long beach day, these flip-flops are remarkably comfortable and a great choice.
- Style: Birkenstock
- Formality: Black, Green, Blue/Sand
- Pricing: $170 [Buy On Zappos]
If the more traditional Birkenstock profile we presented above isn’t to your liking, or if you already own a traditional pair of Birkenstock, this Tatacoa model is a great alternative.
Admittedly, these are perhaps a bit lacking on the style front when compared to the Arizona model, nevertheless, they likely exceed the former in foot support and weather resistance. That is due to the synthetic upper with 3 adjustable fastening straps as well as microfiber linings and a shock-absorbing midsole.
When it comes to colors, the Tatacoa isn’t quite as varied as the traditional Birkenstocks, however, the selection of colors is very fitting for this style of sandal. This editor prefers the green though you may favor the black version as it is a bit more subdued.
- Style: Slides
- Colors: Black & Brown Leather
- Pricing: $159.95 [Buy Now On Zappos]
Pikolinos’ Tarifa slide features a calf leather upper and a double criss-cross design. Although slides are certainly informal shoes, these are definitely more formal, and they have a lot of versatility.
These are perfect for your next Caribbean vacation or stroll along the shore this summer. These can be dressed up a bit with a classy pair of shorts and a golf shirt thanks to the leather upper.
Black and light brown leather uppers are available for these Pikolinos Tarifa slides. Although we prefer the light brown leather option, black works just as well.
What Next?
Now that you have learned about the best beach & pool-geared sandals that you can buy on Zappos, have you considered other situations where you may need to build out your wardrobe? Check out some of our guides below to learn more:
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