Summer is the season of sandals. Whether you need a pair for lounging at the beach, relaxing by the pool, going on a waterfall hike, or simply a casual pair to carry you through hot summer days, you’ve got plenty of options to choose from. Available in adventure-ready options like hiking sandals, today’s summer sandals come in many styles designed for every warm-weather occasion.
Features like straps, cushioning, and waterproof materials all go a long way in giving your feet the support they need for whatever activity you’re taking on. Men’s and women’s sandals also come in a wide range of styles, from flip-flops and slides to hiking and water shoes (yes, we’re including those too), and we’ve got them all at Sun & Ski Sports in a variety of sizes and fits.You’ll find some of the best summer sandals from top brands like Birkenstock, Crocs, Reef, Teva, OluKai, and Chaco, all designed to help you stay comfortable through every warm-weather adventure.
Table of Contents
Common Features of Summer Sandals
Waterproof and Quick-Drying Sandals
Walking and Hiking Sandals
Recovery Sandals
Casual Sandals
Common Features of Summer Sandals
Features vary across the different options of sandals for summer, and the ones that are right for you depend on what kind you’re looking for and what activity you’ll be doing. Many people choose a pair of sandals that work for multiple activities, from casual outings to outdoor adventures.
- Waterproof and quick-drying: Pretty self-explanatory. With waterproof and quick-drying sandals, you don’t need to worry about them getting wet, and you’ll know they’ll dry quickly after time at the beach, lake, or trail.
- Secure straps: Straps keep your foot in place, making these types of sandals preferable for walks, hikes, and uneven ground.
- Arch support: Another great feature for those needing an athletic sandal, or simply just more foot support.
- Cushioning: Cushioning lends to a comfortable fit, whether you want your everyday pair to be extra comfy or you need to reduce pressure during long days spent on your feet.
- Slide and flip-flop style: Easy to put on and take off, these are less suited for athletic activities but perfect for casual days, trips to the pool, or as a post-adventure shoe.
Waterproof and Quick-Drying Sandals
Waterproof and quick-drying sandals are great for anything from a casual beach day to adventuring outside by lakes or through streams. The bottom line: They can get wet. Many styles within this category are made from rubber or EVA, helping them dry quickly and perform more like lightweight outdoor shoes.
- Slides and flip-flops: The most casual of the bunch. You don’t have to worry about getting these wet or tracking water back into your car or home.
- Trail sandals: As the name implies, these hiking sandals are designed for walks, hikes, and other outdoor activities where you want the breathability of open footwear with the performance of trail shoes.
- Water shoes: While not technically a sandal, we’d be remiss not to include water shoes. These are the ultimate athletic pick, as they’re footwear made to get wet!
OluKai Women’s Ulele Sandals
Xero Shoes Men’s Z-Trail EV Sandals
Salomon Women’s TECHAMPHIBIAN 5 Water Shoes
Teva Women’s Hurricane XLT2 Sandals
Chaco Men’s Mega Z/Cloud Wide-Strap Cushioned Sandals
Walking and Hiking Sandals
If you’re more of the adventurer type, then a walking or hiking sandal is a must-have for your summer collection. Many top brands make durable options designed for outdoor activity, where traditional shoes might feel too warm. Some key features that make for a good athletic sandal include:
- Rubber outsole: A rubber outsole is both flexible and durable to support your feet, whether you’re on a crushed gravel path or a rocky trail.
- Cushioning: If you plan to walk or hike, your hiking sandal needs to be comfortable, and that’s where cushioning comes into play.
- Secure fit: A secure fit is achieved primarily through adjustable straps that keep your foot in place and can be tightened or loosened as needed. Other designs can be tightened with a bungee cord system.
- Lightweight construction: A lightweight walking or hiking style won’t weigh you down or tire you out.
Keen Men’s Newport H2 Casual Sandals
Teva Men’s Terra Fi 5 Universal Hiking Sandals
Chaco Women’s Mega Z/1 Wide-Strap Classic Sandals
Keen Women’s Astoria West Sandals
Chaco Men’s Z/Cloud 2 Sandals
Recovery Sandals
Recovery sandals are the pair you reach for after your walk, hike, or run, as they’re designed to support your tired feet, muscles, and joints.
- Foam construction: Thick foam construction isn’t just comfortable, but also absorbs shock, which puts less pressure on your feet and legs.
- Rocker: The rocker-style shape (as commonly seen with Hokas) lets your foot roll more naturally, reducing stress on your toes, calf muscles, and Achilles tendon.
- Lightweight: As with more athletic options, recovery styles are typically lightweight, so your feet don’t have to do any heavy lifting.
HOKA Women’s RA Recovery Slide 3 Sandals
OOFOS Men’s OOahh Slide Sandals
OOFOS Women’s OOlala Luxe Sandals
HOKA Men’s Ora Recovery Slide 3 Sandals
Casual Sandals
Every closet needs a good pair of go-to casual sandals that can carry you through the summer, from afternoons by the pool to nights out with friends. These versatile styles pair easily with shorts, dresses, or even jeans, making them a great option for almost any casual summer occasion. They’re also available in a wide range of sizes and stylish designs.
- Flip-flops: A classic style that’s lightweight, minimal in design, and easy to pack for travel to the beach or the pool.
- Slide sandals: With a side strap, slide sandals are typically a bit more stable than flip-flops but just as convenient to take on and off.
- Platform: More elevated and refined, platform sandals are fashion-forward and easy to dress up with skirts or jeans while still keeping things comfortable.
Hari Mari Men’s Fields Flip Flops
Birkenstock Women’s Arizona Essentials Sandals
REEF Women’s Water Vista Higher Sandals
Birkenstock Men’s Arizona Oiled Leather Casual Sandals
No summer day outside is complete without a perfect pair for the season. There’s a style suited for all your summer fun, whether you’re more of a sunbather or adventurer. Stop by a Sun & Ski Sports location to try our selection of sandals.
About the Author, Sydney Fogel
Hi, I’m Sydney! I’m a writer and editor living in San Francisco. After attending college and kicking off my career in Boston, I made my way back to the Bay Area, where I grew up. When I’m not working, you can find me enjoying everything my beautiful area has to offer, from spending time at the beach (I live just a few blocks away!) to climbing those San Francisco hills to check out the latest restaurant. I’m also super into working out and have been dancing my entire life. Feel free to reach out at sfogel11@gmail.com