Every product was carefully curated by an Esquire editor. We may earn a commission from these links.

It's time to let your toes breathe.

Sandals and shorts, man: two summertime staples that spark a lot of emotion in the men's style world. On the one hand, you've got the folks who say a grown-up guy shouldn't be caught in either. On the other hand, you've got the folks who are correct. Because the folks in the latter camp recognize that it is too damn hot out there to punish yourself by keeping your legs and feet entirely under wraps. Are you still maintaining a Tumblr full of shots of dudes with overly coiffed hair parading around in too-tight suits? Give it a rest. It's gonna be summer! The sun is gonna be shining, the birds are gonna be singing, and your feet deserve to feel the breeze. Sandals are fine, and you're fine, too, so it's time to invest in some of the best sandals in advance.

The only question, then, is what kind. Are you a flip-flop person? Bold, but it takes all kinds. Even the sandal-positive might implore you to keep your beloved thongs confined to beach-and poolside pursuits, but no one's going to stop you if you want to wear 'em around town with jeans and a T-shirt, too (though you might get a few looks). How about slides? Now that is an easy one. Even sandal-agnostics tend to be convinced by slides, which in all their simplicity look great with everything from shorts and crew socks to cropped chinos and a (cooler-than-average) polo shirt. Not sold? You could opt for Birkenstocks (they only get comfier the more you wear them in), sport sandals of the gorp-y variety (hooray for hiking!), or something entirely different (keep scrolling and you'll see what I mean).

Whatever you choose, don't listen to that little voice in the back of your head telling you grown-ass guys don't wear sandals. It's a brave new world out there, and our feet deserve to experience the best in full. Just make sure you clip your toenails before taking them out for a tour.

Want essential shopping tips on the regular? Sign up for Esquire Select.

We're in the midst of the Birkenstock revival. For a few years now, the German label's designs, particularly the Arizona, have been favored by celebrities and fashion insiders alike. It is a style that, regardless of what you're wearing, just works. Perhaps this because it comes in so many variations: ones made of brown leather with bronze buckles, options in a camo print, and others in rich suede. It lends itself to personal expression. But the one best for summer is this guy right here, which is made of EVA, a material that's incredibly comfortable, lightweight, and waterproof.

Suicoke makes status-symbol sandals that well and truly live up to the hype. The cult Japanese label offers styles that are big and bold in shape, but incredibly streamlined in look. Fashion folks can't get enough of 'em. What's more, its designs, like the CHIN2-Cab, features signature antibacterial lining, a foam rubber outsole, and textured Vibram footbed. This means it is great for physical activity. We're not saying you should go running in sandals, but if you must, this is the style to do it in.

Equals parts thick and soft, these J.Crew flip-flops, in a rich navy blue, are the only shoes you'll want to wear come summer.

Chaco—a label noted for its Z-strap designs—offers an array of sandals in bright colors and patterns, from tie-dye options to ones in electric blue. But what's really great about its styles is the comfort they provide. The Chillos, for instance, is made of EVA and is engineered with LUVSEAT arch-support, which will make your feet incredibly happy after a day of hitting the pavement.

Surfer style isn't as trippy as it once was in the past. Thanks in large part to Saturdays NYC (née Saturdays Surf NYC), the cowabunga aesthetic has become sleeker, more refined. Case in point: the brand's Banya slide, an incredibly elegant design that features a comfy molded footbed and ballistic nylon strap with light padding and a suede trim. It's laidback, but so damn classy and elevated that you'll want to it wear strutting down a city street, on your way to weekend brunch.

Hiking sandals sounds like misnomer; long treks filled with gravel, prickly bushes, and small critters aren't necessarily good for open-toe footwear. But if you plan on walking along a sun-kissed path that isn't so perilous, Nike ACG has great style for you. The Swoosh's Air Deschutz+ is built for rocky roads: it features a heavy-duty strap closure, comfy foam midsole, and a grooved, lugged outsole.

Look down at any gym locker room, dormitory bathroom, or public pool, and you'll probably see a bunch of Adilette sandals. The style has been around since 1972, and it's hard to miss; you can see those graphic three stripes from a distance. It has lasted so long because of its ability to withstand wet environments: the slide is made of sturdy rubber that's impervious to water, making it the best shoe to wear in the shower.

The OG sport sandal design you know from way back, now done up in sleek, goes-with-anything black. It's the kind of style that's made for trails, but, as its its name suggests, works even better for urban environments.

Many have an aversion toward Crocs's clogs. Totally understandable. But the brand's Crocband sandals, rest assured, are some of the sleekest and most durable you will own. Not only are they less flimsy and more comfortable than standard flip-flops (they're made of the label's signature Croslite foam, which many podiatrists swear by), the design is slick and slim, and features a spiffy racing stripe along the midsole.

That big, bold sole is enough to set Merrell's Alpine Strap apart from the pack. It's also incredibly comfortable and offers unmatched traction. But what takes this style to even greater heights is its vegan construction. The sandal is made of Repreve, a material made from recycled plastic bottles. Which makes it good for you—and the environment, too.

Macramé aint for everyone, but if you dig the technique (*raises hand*), Keen has just the sandal for you. Just take a look at the Uneek, a style made of an eye-catching cord construction that's actually designed to mold to your feet over time. Is it somewhat bizarre? Perhaps. But is it also beautiful in its own unique way? Absolutely.

Prada's Saffiano leather bags last the long haul; they are as durable as they are dashing. Of course, the same sentiments apply to brand's sandals made of the same material. It's generally ill-advised to wear sandals in the office, but if there is one style that'll let you get away with doing so, it's this criss-cross stunner right here.

No sandal is more polarizing than the humble flip-flop, and while I can understand the intensity of emotion on both sides of the issue, you do have to admit that the Havaianas' Brazil is a pretty-much-perfect option for the beach or the pool.

Slides are easily the most acceptable form of sandal you can wear, and a clean black pair is always a safe bet.

Want to venture on the wild side when it comes to sandals? Look no further than Freedom Moses, a label that offers a range of printed and embossed styles. Not only that, but they're completely vegan, too.

Even the most devoted 574 fan needs to let those toes breathe once in a while.

The essential accessories for waterfronts: sunglasses and sandals. Now, thanks to Gaze, you'll have a coordinating set at a nifty price.

A full-blown party for your feet.

Luca is a label that raises the bar on flip-flops. Case in point: the brand's Dune edition, which features leather-welted construction for durability, EVA midsoles and lined straps for comfort, and subtle topstitching for looks.

If you live an island all year round (or are visiting sometime soon), know that OluKai's sandals are tested on tropical landscapes and are lifeguard-approved.

It should come as no surprise that Gramicci, a brand that pioneered apparel and accessories for the great outdoors, offers the kind of burly sandals that can withstand the toughest terrains.

Even if you've already got the EVA pair, there's no beating the most classic of Birkenstock sandals with the brand's deservedly iconic cork midsole.

Off-White sees your basic slides and raises you this pair, replete with the brand's signature branding throughout.

Thongs worth saving up for, courtesy of (who else?) Gucci.

Leave it to the always-artful Jonathan Anderson to offer up a sandal that's gallery-worthy.

The price may put a shock to your system, but if you're looking for the most elegant silhouette made of the finest calfskin, Hermès's Electric sandal is the jolt you need.