The Staples: Best Leather Sandals for Men
Until a few years ago, leather sandals for men were relegated to the pool, beach, and seasonal holidays to the tropics. These days, men are flaunting their toes in every possible setting, thanks partly to the variety of leather sandals available at every price point imaginable. Below, we’ve distilled the current trends and classic styles to add to your rotation.
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Double-Strap Leather Sandals
Think double-strap leather sandals and images of Birkenstock’s Arizona style immediately get conjured. It’s for good reason, too. Launched by the German footwear giant in 1973, it is one of the first contemporary double straps to be introduced. These days, every designer worth their salt—from Alexander McQueen to Valentino Garavani—has elevated the most casual style of leather sandals with oversized soles, logos, and other fancy detailing.
Crossover Leather Sandals
Criss-cross or crossover leather sandals typically have two foot straps that overlap and come with flat soles. They are known to be dressier than their double-strap counterparts, which make them perfect for casual events at home. For fine specimens of the style, look no further than Gucci’s Nojum textured alligator leather sandals and Berluti’s Sifnos alligator and Venezia leather sandals.
Arabic Leather Sandals
The origins of Arabic leather sandals can be traced back to ancient Egypt and their evolution since has been propelled by influences from neighboring cultures. These days, Arabic leather sandals are usually worn with the traditional dress of Middle Eastern men called kandora or thobe. They feature a leather body and a wedge platform with rubber outsoles to prevent slipping. Ideal for everyday wear and festive occasions such as Ramadan and Eid, the modern-day Arabic leather sandal personifies regional craftsmanship, courtesy of brands such as Private Collection and LAGGAR.
