We’re buzzing to rip off our jackets, hoodies, winter boots, and other restrictive garments to enjoy the sun, warmth, and outdoors. A big part of that summer feeling is freeing your toes from the confines of toe boxes and giving them free rein. That’s where open-toe footwear comes into play.
Open-toe footwear is loosely defined as shoes that are open at the front to expose the toes. That can mean anything from sandals to slides. Open-toe footwear can come in various shapes, sizes, materials, and colors. For the sake of our curatorial sanity, we’ve included all footwear styles in which you’re not strictly required to wear socks, and in which your toes have more freedom of movement than in traditional sneakers or boots. So if you see a shoe that doesn’t expose all five toes, don’t panic, we’ve included it for good reason.
Some of the most popular open-toe footwear brands include mainstays such as Birkenstock, Crocs, and Suicoke, but because the world of open-toe footwear is so vast, there are so many different kinds of options at all ends of the price spectrum. High-end luxury brands, such as Marni or Balenciaga have their own, distinct takes on the style. Similarly, outdoor brands, such as TEVA or HOKA provide more functional options.
When you’re deciding on the best open-toe footwear for you, the question you should ask yourself is what you will be doing in the shoes. If you’ll be more active, going for long walks or light hikes, a more utilitarian sandal might be the best option. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a stylish sandal that doesn’t restrict your toes and allows you to enjoy those spring days where it feels like summer, a luxury brand may be the way to go.
Without further ado, and because we imagine your toes are itching to be freed, scroll through our selection of the best open-toe footwear below.
Shop the best open-toe footwear for men in 2023
Suicoke x Lanvin Curb Sandals
Earlier this year, Lanvin and Suicoke got together for a second collaboration, and Suicoke’s Mok silhouette was one of them. Keeping hiking elements like the jipped rubber sole and adjustable hook at the back, this iteration stands out because of its glittery sole - reminiscent of the ones we used to have as kids.
Birkenstock Arizona Sandals
The Birkenstock Arizona is among fan favorites in today’s lifestyle arena because of its practical two-strap construction. Today, Birkenstock offers its Arizona model in multiple colorways. Solve all your outfit malfunctions with this classic chocolate brown tone.
Gucci Sideline Logo Slides
Even luxury houses know that rubber slides are a staple when the hot weather arrives. While some like to keep it low-key with a pair of Havaianas, others like to flex at the beach, and these Gucci ones are perfect to do so.
Jil Sander Plonge Nappa Sandals
Jil Sander might be the queen of minimalism, but that doesn’t mean they can’t do maximalism. In their own way, of course. These sandals feature an intersected two-strap puffy upper attached to the rubber outsole for a cloudy feel anywhere you go.
Crocs Mellow Flip Flop Sandals
While Crocs’ mule-like model is a fan-favorite, the American brand doesn’t hold itself back when crafting practical sandals like the almighty flip-flops. Opt for this inflated silhouette to stand out from a sea of plain flat flip-flops.
Balenciaga x Crocs Rubber Sandals
The Balenciaga x Crocs boots have become a favorite of Ye's in his latest all-black style era, and if you're looking to get the same chunky look in a spring-ready silhouette look no further than the brand's sandals.
Marni Trompe l'oeil Slides
These Marni Trompe l’oeil sandals have a knitted upper that hugs your feet tight enough not to slide out of place at any time. Besides that, these sandals feature a rubber outsole for comfortable wear at the beach, or in the city during those unbearably hot days.
Crocs Salehe Bembury X The Pollex Sandals
While neutral-colored sandals dominate our 2023 open-toe sandal selection, we had to include some fun colorways, too. Opt for this baby blue tone to match what remains of the light blue sky in the city.
Bottega Veneta Teddy Shearling Slide Sandals
Covered in fluffy green shearling, the only way to rock these slides is with A$AP Rocky's fluffy green full Bottega outfit. Although, that does mean buying the matching $8,900 robe.
Rick Owens Tractor Sandals
If fisherman sandals could have a spot in this summer sandal rotation, why couldn’t the gladiator sandals make a comeback, too? Featuring an open-toe leather upper, these sandals have a super chunky rubber sole with grip, to epitomize Rick Owens’ grungy aesthetic.
Saint Laurent Mojave Sandals
Crafted from calf leather, these black Saint Laurent sandals have a two-strap upper, a buckle closure fastening, and a flat sole to epitomize that minimalistic look. These are an ideal option to round out a flowy trousers and linen shirt summer outfit.
Maison Margiela Tabi Flip Flops
Maison Margiela is tabi-ficating the humble flip-flops, and we’re all for it. Purely composed of rubber, these rare gems feature a lining on the flat sole and Margiela’s signature stitch logo on the upper side as the only details.
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