5 Best Beach Sandals for Men 2025 – Tested & Reviewed

The Teva Hurricane XLT2 earns its Best Overall designation through a perfect balance of durability, comfort, and versatility that makes it equally at home on sandy beaches and rocky tide pools. The polyester webbing construction isn't just marketing fluff – it genuinely stands up to saltwater, sand, and sun without degrading like cheaper materials.

What sets this sandal apart is Teva's decades of refinement in the adventure sandal category. The EVA foam footbed provides substantial cushioning without being bulky, while the adjustable strapping system ensures a secure fit whether you're walking through surf or climbing over beach rocks.

The CAMEL CROWN Hiking Sandals excel as the Best for Active Beach category because they solve the fundamental problem of beach footwear: protection versus breathability. The closed-toe design with reinforced toe cap provides genuine protection from sharp shells, rocks, and coral without sacrificing the airflow that makes sandals preferable to closed shoes in hot beach conditions.

The mesh upper construction demonstrates thoughtful engineering. Unlike solid materials that trap heat and moisture, the hollow mesh design creates continuous airflow while maintaining structural integrity. This makes them uniquely suited for activities that combine beach relaxation with more adventurous exploration.

The Reef Phantoms claim the Best Budget title by delivering essential beach sandal features without compromise. The compression molded EVA footbed isn't just foam – it's engineered with anatomical arch support that provides genuine comfort for extended beach days. This is where many budget options fail, offering flat, unsupportive soles that leave feet aching.

Reef's 40-year heritage shows in the construction details. The water-friendly synthetic nubuck upper resists saltwater damage while the air mesh lining prevents the sweaty, uncomfortable feeling common in cheaper flip-flops. The signature diamond texture on the footbed provides real traction, reducing the slip-and-slide experience that plagues bargain sandals.

The Reef Fanning Slide wins Most Fun not just for its iconic bottle opener, but for how it perfectly captures the beach party lifestyle. The built-in opener isn't a gimmick – it's genuinely useful for beach gatherings, boat trips, and poolside hangouts where having the right tool matters. The airbag technology in the footbed provides superior cushioning that makes extended standing comfortable during social events.

Beyond the fun factor, these are serious sandals. The compression molded high rebound EVA with integrated airbag creates a walking experience that's noticeably more comfortable than standard flip-flops. The adjustable water-friendly synthetic straps with padded jersey lining prevent the chafing that can ruin a good beach day.

The KuaiLu Leather Flip Flops earn Best Style by solving the common problem of beach footwear that looks too casual for anything beyond the sand. The faux leather construction provides a more sophisticated appearance that works with everything from board shorts to casual dress pants, making them ideal for beach resorts or coastal dining.

The memory foam EVA footbed technology typically found in much more expensive sandals makes these a standout value. Combined with genuine arch support designed to help with plantar fasciitis and foot fatigue, they deliver orthotic-level comfort at a fraction of the cost of specialty footwear.