footwear styles you should wear instead of flip flops

4 footwear styles you should wear instead of flip flops

Unless you’re considering relocating to the Med this summer, chances are you’ll need footwear capable of withstanding more than the occasional shuffle between sun lounger and swimming pool. Not to mention something altogether more stylish (and better for your health) than those barely-there, floss-like flip flops knocking about in the bottom of your wardrobe.

Hence, we’ve mined the web for the best alternatives to thongs, which are perfect for the more discerning gent.

Sandals

Guess what? Your granddad’s been wearing sandals since the dawn of time. And if they’re good enough for the feet of a man who diced with trench foot during the war, they’re good enough for you.

The great thing about sandals’ extended moment in the fashion spotlight is that brands keep coming up with fresh takes on the hippie classic, which includes some killer all-black numbers from Birkenstocks and robust leather pairs from the likes of Dr. Martens and Tommy Hilfiger this season.

Smarten them up with tailored shorts or do the summer goth thing by strapping a pair on with your best black skinnies and a longline tee.

Key Pieces

Espadrilles

Are you going to win any steez points for pulling on a pair of espadrilles? No. But they’re still a strong summer footwear option for men too timid to try ‘out there’ sandals.

They’re also a lot more practical than their wildly impractical grip-free sole suggests; lightweight, quick to dry and small enough to shove in your hand luggage, espadrilles are the no-brainer choice for holiday season, and unlike a lot of other seasonal shoes, won’t break the bank either.

Throw them on with chino shorts and a short-sleeved shirt for a low-key, coastal vibe.

Key Pieces

Woven Slip-Ons

Today’s society is more tolerant of men looking to show a little footwear flair than ever before, which is why pouring your loaves into a pair of woven slip-ons won’t bring shame on your family like it might have in years past.

Also, importantly, woven styles have undergone a serious image upgrade in recent years, with greater attention being paid to creating cool, manly silhouettes in quality materials and supple leathers.

Wear yours with a pair of linen trousers and some Breton stripes, if you’re going for a Riviera vibe, or throw them on with denim shorts and a printed tee for an easy festival look.