Spring's here and its typical bipolar weather has kept us increasingly impatient for the upcoming summer.
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 2022
The North Face Hedgehog Sandal 3
Hedgehog Sandal 3
The North Face
You never know what kind of spontaneous adventures might occur once the sun comes out but with these sandals on foot, you're ready to tackle anything.
Rick Owens x Birkenstock Arizona Sandals
Arizona Sandals
Rick Owens x Birkenstock
The Birkenstock Arizona is the gold standard when it comes to sandals, they are one of the very few footwear styles that are popular amongst every generation. For the fashion enthusiast, an all-black pair in collaboration with Rick Owens delivers that classic look with a side of high-fashion style superiority.
Marni Fussbett Sandals
Fussbett Sandals
Marni
This Marni option features synthetic materials that look both comfortably soft and technical. Add to that the fact that the color blocking is fun and likely to be a conversation starter, you should be picking up this Marni Fussbett Sandal if you’re looking to make a statement at your next cookout.
adidas Originals Cyprex Ultra 2 Sandal
Cyprex Ultra 2 Sandal
adidas Originals
For something less luxurious and more practical, these adidas sandals are designed with water and outdoor activities in mind. Quick-drying materials, a grippy Traxion outsole, and a soft, preformed footbed all ensure you can explore the great outdoors in the comfort of knowing you picked the right pair of sandals.
2 Moncler 1952 Suicoke Moto Mountain Sandals
Moto Mountain Sandals
2 Moncler 1952 Suicoke
Moncler has given Suicoke's signature chunky sandal a mountain-ready makeover through a new Vibram sole unit.
Balenciaga x Crocs Rubber Sandals
Rubber Sandals
Balenciaga x Crocs
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.
Dries Van Noten Double Strap Sandals
Double Strap Sandals
Dries Van Noten
The puffy perforated mesh material used by Dries on these sandals makes them look so comfy, I don't think I'll want to take these off all spring and summer.
CAMPERLAB Hastalavista Leather Sandals
Hastalavista Leather Sandals
CAMPERLAB
You're either a flip-flop guy or you're not; and if you are then you won't do much better than this leather pair from CAMPER. Crafted from calf leather, they come with a matching orange pair of cleft-toe socks if you choose to rock the socks and sandals look.
Bottega Veneta Teddy Shearling Slide Sandals
Teddy Shearling Slide Sandals
Bottega Veneta
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.
Maison Margiela Leather Clog Sandals
Leather Clog Sandals
Maison Margiela
Presenting the beauty in simplicity, a classic wood clog sole unit with two Buffed leather straps is all you will find on these Margiela sandals.
The Row Fisherman Sandals
Hurricane XLT2 Sandal
Teva
Finishing our selection with a "no-nonsense" type of sandal, these keep things simple with a classic silhouette and focus on materials. Of course, The Row's signature high-quality finish can be found on this Italian-made footwear.
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