Sandal Season is Here: Why Men Are Loving Strappy Styles

While clogs ruled last year, 2025 is strappy sandal territory

By Sanika Achrekar | LAST UPDATED: NOV 19, 2025

When The White Lotus Season 3 dropped earlier this year, all eyes were on, among other things, the breezy summer shirts and strappy sandals worn by Walter Goggins, Jason Isaacs and Sam Nivola. Now, as sandal season kicks in, it's time to let your toes out and lean into the ultimate warm-weather essential.

While clogs ruled last year, 2025 is strappy sandal territory. At Hermès, the runway featured a utilitarian take on web-strapped leather sandals, while Dries Van Noten’s farewell show delivered a bold mix of styles – think faux snake print, fur, and glossy straps.

Walter Goggins and Aimee Lou Wood in The White Lotus Season 3

Pulkit Verma, Chief Business Officer at House of Rare, notes that men’s footwear is currently undergoing a fresh wave of experimentation. “We’re seeing a strong shift toward earthy tones like browns, and off-whites, paired with metallics and bold, high-tech sneakers. But the unexpected frontrunner this season is the strappy sandal,” he says.

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Its rise, he explains, is tied to the broader “fisherman aesthetic” and a return to relaxed, easy silhouettes. “Men are embracing laid-back yet polished dressing, and these strapped sandals fit right in. They're a practical alternative to closed shoes, especially when styled with linen trousers, tailored shorts, or camp-collar shirts. The key is to keep it minimal and effortless.”

Closer to home, Ishaan Khatter closed Saaksha & Kinni’s show at Lakmé Fashion Week 2025 in a baroque-print co-ord set paired with a one-toe sandal, while Siddhant Chaturvedi was seen on Instagram sporting criss-cross strapped footwear — confirming the style’s growing appeal.

“These sandals are in high demand among men because they strike the perfect balance between comfort and style,” says Sumeet Lohia of Danish footwear brand, ECCO. “Men appreciate how breathable and easy they are to wear, especially in warmer weather or during travel. But it’s not just about function; when styled right, strappy sandals make a bold fashion statement. As men become more experimental with their style, they are leaning into pieces that are relaxed yet refined. We want footwear that moves with us, keeps us cool, and still looks put together, and strappy sandals check all those boxes.”

Strappy sandals are no longer just confined to vacations or poolside lounging – they are quickly becoming a versatile staple in modern men’s wardrobes. Whether it’s daytime celebrations, resort escapes, or casual city strolls, this footwear adapts across occasions and dress codes.

“For a relaxed yet sharp day look, pair them with linen trousers and a crisp shirt. For resort wear or destination dressing, they complement shorts or ankle-length drawstring pants effortlessly. To elevate the look, throw on a tailored jacket or a half-sleeve bandi. Their minimal design and rich texture allow them to adapt to both understated luxury and casual sophistication,” believes Sandeep Gonsalves, the co-founder of Sarah and Sandeep. “They pair beautifully with structured kurtas, tapered pants, or even a Nehru jacket look for daytime festivities. For intimate summer weddings or mehendi functions, styling these sandals with tonal Indian separates offers a modern, breathable alternative to traditional footwear – striking the right balance between comfort and occasion-appropriate elegance.”

Hed Mayner

From global giants like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Hed Mayner, 8on8, Birkenstock, Ralph Lauren, Tom Ford, and Costoso Italiano — offering everything from buckled and gladiator styles to two-strap and fisherman silhouettes — to homegrown labels like Sko, dmotdot, S&N by Shantnu and Nikhil, and Rare'Z by Rare Rabbit, strappy sandals are being reimagined across the board. Their widespread adoption signals not just a trend, but a shift in how men approach everyday footwear.

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While summer naturally boosts their popularity, thanks to their breathable, easy going design, the utility of strappy sandals goes well beyond the heat. In a tropical country like India, where the climate stays warm for most of the year, they have become a practical, year-round choice. “While strappy sandals see a definite spike during summer due to their breathable design, we’ve noticed that the demand now extends well beyond just the warmer months. They’ve become part of a larger style shift toward seasonless, comfort-driven dressing, with men choosing thoughtful footwear options that blend utility with understated cool,” says Verma.

Speaking from a brand’s point of view, Lohia says ECCO’s men’s sandal collection has seen a clear rise in demand. “There’s been a noticeable shift – more men are gravitating toward sandals over traditional footwear styles,” he explains. “Our Cozmo sandal, in particular, has become a standout bestseller. It all comes down to comfort and practicality. Today’s consumers want footwear that’s versatile, low-maintenance, and built for all-day wear and sandals like the Cozmo delivers on all fronts.”

As the menswear realm continues to yield, the strappy sandal is no longer a niche choice and has firmly secured its place in the modern man’s wardrobe. Whether dressed up for destination weddings or worn casually for evening soirees, this once-overlooked silhouette is clearly stepping into the spotlight – and it’s here to stay for good.

Here are some strappy sandals we recommend: