I've been wanting to buy some sandals for quite a while, but as I was shopping for them the other day, I couldn't make a decision. There were a lot of different kinds: Leather sandals, Teva-types, flip-flops, etc. The problem I'm having is that I don't know what's age-appropriate anymore.

I'm 31, and as you all know, extremely handsome; however, I don't want to be one of those guys who tries to look like he's still 20. On the other hand, I don't want to be one of those guys that is 50 at age 30, and tucks his polo shirt into his sweat pants.

So what do you guys think?

I'm 35 and wear the something like this:

http://www.skechers.com/images/productimages/medium/70478_BRN_B.jpg (http://www.skechers.com/catalog/browse.do?function=displayProductList&gender=M&catId=4&index=1&viewAll=false&sort=newest&prodId=9003&styleCode=70478#)

I wear socks with my sandals.

I'm 35 and wear the something like this:

http://www.skechers.com/images/productimages/medium/70478_BRN_B.jpg (http://www.skechers.com/catalog/browse.do?function=displayProductList&gender=M&catId=4&index=1&viewAll=false&sort=newest&prodId=9003&styleCode=70478#)

I think my wife has a pair of those. ;)

Seriously though, I've never seen those in stores around here.

I've been wanting to buy some sandals for quite a while, but as I was shopping for them the other day, I couldn't make a decision. There were a lot of different kinds: Leather sandals, Teva-types, flip-flops, etc. The problem I'm having is that I don't know what's age-appropriate anymore.

I'm 31, and as you all know, extremely handsome; however, I don't want to look like one of those guys who tries to look like he's still 20. On the other hand, I don't want to be one of those guys that is 50 at age 30, and tucks his polo shirt into his sweat pants.

So what do you guys think?

Well, first thing, I wouldn't ever recommend tucking a polo shoirt into sweat pants. Or any shirt for that matter. Really, sweat pants? ;)

As for style, well I don't know what the heck is in style these days, but I'm of the mind that you can't go wrong with something you're comfortable in. For me, that would imply either Birkenstocks (or Birkenstock-esque sandals) or Keen's or Chaco's.

Birk's: either Arizona or Milano styles with regular straps (none of those faux leather colored ones)
Keen: Napali style (I wear these on the boat)
Chaco: I've had a pair of Z/2's since junior or senior year of undergrad (2000 or 2001). I actually can't wear them anymore (or at least I shouldn't) because when I wear them for the first time in the season, since my last ankle surgery, they've given me a blister that I don't feel. It sucks, they were my FAVORITE sandals, and only blister on my fused ankle for some odd reason. :(

/tk

I wear socks with my sandals.

Yes, but what kind of sandals are they, holmes?

Well, first thing, I wouldn't ever recommend tucking a polo shoirt into sweat pants. Or any shirt for that matter. Really, sweat pants? ;)

As for style, well I don't know what the heck is in style these days, but I'm of the mind that you can't go wrong with something you're comfortable in. For me, that would imply either Birkenstocks (or Birkenstock-esque sandals) or Keen's or Chaco's.

Birk's: either Arizona or Milano styles with regular straps (none of those faux leather colored ones)
Keen: Napali style (I wear these on the boat)
Chaco: I've had a pair of Z/2's since junior or senior year of undergrad (2000 or 2001). I actually can't wear them anymore (or at least I shouldn't) because when I wear them for the first time in the season, since my last ankle surgery, they've given me a blister that I don't feel. It sucks, they were my FAVORITE sandals, and only blister on my fused ankle for some odd reason. :(

/tk

Awesome. Thanks for the info. I'll look those up before I go back to the mall. :)

I think my wife has a pair of those. ;)

Seriously though, I've never seen those in stores around here.

;)

That's not them exactly, I have last year's model which is a bit different, but they are made by Sketchers and I love them. This is from a guy who has never worn sandals until last year. This pic is a little closer, but they are dark brown and a bit thicker.

http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/P/B000HKF2VA.01-A1LEM297LNF1FK._SCMZZZZZZZ_V23519163_AA160_.jpg (http://www.amazon.com/Skechers-Mens-Slide-Black-Brown/dp/B000HKH6Z0/ref=sr_1_56/104-5139302-5325517?ie=UTF8&s=apparel&qid=1177189327&sr=1-56)

Yes, but what kind of sandals are they, holmes?

Cheap ones.

On the other hand, I don't want to be one of those guys that is 50 at age 30, and tucks his polo shirt into his sweat pants.

What's wrong with tucking your polo shirt into sweat pants? Sweat Pants are confortable and don't chafe sensitve areas, and polo shirts are classy. :)

Make sure you get yourself some jean shorts too :D

With sweatpants: first off, don't wear sweatpants... and don't wear polos with them if you do. Nothing says keep children away from me at all costs quite like that look. If you have nothing else to wear other than some track pants/sweats, adidas sandals are the way to go.

otherwise: Reef sandals, the thongs. Always wear thongs, even with jeans.

With sweatpants: first off, don't wear sweatpants... and don't wear polos with them if you do. Nothing says keep children away from me at all costs quite like that look. If you have nothing else to wear other than some track pants/sweats, adidas sandals are the way to go.

otherwise: Reef sandals, the thongs. Always wear thongs, even with jeans.

That is such a college frat boy thing. ;)

Not that it isn't cute. :D

But I stand by what I said, mostly cuz at the ripe old age of 31, you sometimes need a bit more than just thongs. heheh

/tk

Sandals is teh gay.

I'm 30 and wear Birkenstock's. They're a bit more expensive and you do have to break them in but once they're broken in, they're really tough to beat.

Schmidty, knowing you, I would recommend pink flip-flops with cute little yellow daisies.

http://www.reef.com/images/PRODUCTS/large/546_dark_brown.jpg
http://adus.imageg.net/graphics/product_images/pADIDAS1-2030919w345a.jpg

What I wear is pretty damn close to Easy's first pic...

Of course, the wife bought them for me. Anything I own that's at all in style she bought me...

What I wear is pretty damn close to Easy's first pic...

Of course, the wife bought them for me. Anything I own that's at all in style she bought me...

Yeah, I really like those first leather ones. I just hope I won't look like a hippie.

Crocs

trust me

I wear Rockport sandals and they frigging rock. I hated wearing sandals until I tried those on.

Naot

I didn't know there were so many brands.

Crocs = teh gay

trust me

fixed

http://www.shoebuy.com/pi/crocs/crocs192421_92395_jb.jpg

the parachute pants of this decade.

http://www.reef.com/images/PRODUCTS/large/546_dark_brown.jpg
http://adus.imageg.net/graphics/product_images/pADIDAS1-2030919w345a.jpg

I have the Adidas ones for around the house and for heading up to Wally world and whatnot.

I live in a marina and everyones reply has been ok'd by what Ive seen except the last one.\

Those ADIDAS B&W types are the kinds Id pass on. Mostly kids sporting those around. Reefs, birks, and the likes are the way to go.

Ok, I am getting a good feel for this now, but my final question is this: Which one looks the best with jeans?

Ok, I am getting a good feel for this now, but my final question is this: Which one looks the best with jeans?
brown, thong-like sandals

brown, thong-like sandals

I still maintain that the thongs are really frat-boy poseur ish. Not that everybody who wears them is one, but it reminds me way too much of my former roommate who was a complete tool. And all his tool frat brothers. What a loser he was (still is I guess, but I have only just heard he's living with his folks again after dropping out of grad school).

That said, anything leather-y will look good with jeans. Any of the Birks (which have a fantastic footbed) with the dark or light brown leather or suede would be my first choice.

/tk

I had a pair of those Adidias sandals which Easy Mac posted earlier and I have to warn you to stay away. They are torture on your feet if you're doing anything other than sitting around.

Feet aren't supposed to be seen.

I had a pair of those Adidias sandals which Easy Mac posted earlier and I have to warn you to stay away. They are torture on your feet if you're doing anything other than sitting around.

Yeah. Man I can't believe people still buy those sandals. Like daggars into the feet!

I got some flip flops from AE for like 25 bones. Kinda like these, but only 3 stripes (white-blue-white):

http://a248.e.akamai.net/a755bdded7308e72e7fac2eae90715fc.com/Images/laydowns/large/0217_4116_300.jpg

I've been wearing Rainbow sandals for over 10 years and have never been disappointed. They are by far the most comfortable flip-flop I've ever worn.

Here's what I've been wearing the last couple of years:

http://www.columbia.com/images/productImages/BM4204_255.jpg

Ok, so I gather that brown is good with jeans. What kind of sandals with shorts?

I've been wearing Rainbow sandals for over 10 years and have never been disappointed. They are by far the most comfortable flip-flop I've ever worn.

Rainbow's are definitely the way to go. :)

I would recommend Havaianas as a good brand of rubber flip-flops/sandals.

www.havaianasus.com

http://www.havaianasus.com/catalog/images/trekkings_black_s.jpghttp://www.havaianasus.com/catalog/images/Dragon_002_thumb.jpghttp://www.havaianasus.com/catalog/images/trekking_brasil_navy_s.jpghttp://www.havaianasus.com/catalog/images/surf_corange_s.jpg

Well, after shopping around for a bit, trying things on, and discussing things with the experts, I finally purchased these:

http://www.journeys.com/images/products/1_54236_FS.jpg

http://www.journeys.com/catalog_detail.aspx?c=vendors&s=guys/Gotcha&id=54236


My apologies to TK. I hope you still love me, even though I look like a frat boy now. :D

Tatoo Thong... lol

Tatoo Thong... lol

What does that mean? Is that not cool? :(

I haven't worn them yet, so there's still hope.

He's just commenting on the designs on the strap.

He's just commenting on the designs on the strap.

Heh. I didn't even notice the name of the sandals until just now. :o

What does that mean? Is that not cool? :(

I haven't worn them yet, so there's still hope.

I'm giving you shit. I clicked on the link you provided and it said, "tatoo thong".. so I chuckled and posted that your "sandal" was called that.

I actually like them.. not bad Schmidty, not bad.

I'm giving you shit. I clicked on the link you provided and it said, "tatoo thong".. so I chuckled and posted that your "sandal" was called that.

I actually like them.. not bad Schmidty, not bad.

I never realized I was this insecure about my feet until today.

I just wear Nike sandalls and yes, jean shorts! Take that, fashion junkies! Ok, I'm going back to nerding around now :D

SI

I honestly didn't know that men older than 8, but younger than 50, ever wore sandals.

I honestly didn't know that men older than 8, but younger than 50, ever wore sandals.

My feet sweat. It's purely medical.

I honestly didn't know that men older than 8, but younger than 50, ever wore sandals.

In this part of the country, its not an option, its a necessity.

I honestly didn't know that men older than 8, but younger than 50, ever wore sandals.
Have you been living in a cave? Thong sandals have become very trendy over the last few years, enough so that you can find upscale clothiers selling $60 "fancy" flip-flops.

My apologies to TK. I hope you still love me, even though I look like a frat boy now. :D

*SIGH!*

I guess I can handle it. ;)

They look like nice sandals, just the image burned into my retina of my tool of a former roommate and all his frat brothers. As long as they're comfortable and you feel good wearing 'em, so be it. ;) Plus, I've got much bigger fish to fry.

/tk

Have you been living in a cave? Thong sandals have become very trendy over the last few years, enough so that you can find upscale clothiers selling $60 "fancy" flip-flops.

I'm always at least 4 years behind on fashion trends. I'm still wearing my ugg boots. And pink LaCoste shirts.

Anyone have experience with these?

http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&partNumber=748610&cm_mmc=cse_froogle-_-datafeed-_-product-_-na&mr:trackingCode=0BC4BC65-90FD-DB11-8462-001422107090&mr:referralID=NA
Keen Newport Sandals - Men's
Reduced Price: $69.99 Item 748610<script type="text/javascript">theprice = "$69.99" ;</script>
* Originally: $95.00 You Save: 26%
http://images.rei.com/media/t/1183658.jpg

I have never liked sandals because they don't protect my toes. These sandals could give me the toe protection I demand, and still allow for the cooling effect of your standard sandals. It also sounds like these sandals will need to be an instore purchase as they have a tricky fit and run a little small.

Anyone have experience with these?

http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&partNumber=748610&cm_mmc=cse_froogle-_-datafeed-_-product-_-na&mr:trackingCode=0BC4BC65-90FD-DB11-8462-001422107090&mr:referralID=NA
Keen Newport Sandals - Men's
Reduced Price: $69.99 Item 748610<SCRIPT type=text/javascript>theprice = "$69.99" ;</SCRIPT>
* Originally: $95.00 You Save: 26%
http://images.rei.com/media/t/1183658.jpg

I have never liked sandals because they don't protect my toes. These sandals could give me the toe protection I demand, and still allow for the cooling effect of your standard sandals. It also sounds like these sandals will need to be an instore purchase as they have a tricky fit and run a little small.

If you look at my original reply to Schmidty, I recommended these (among others). I have a pair, love 'em. They can be a little tricky to size, I definitely recommend going to a store. I wear 'em sometimes at work (on Fridays if I think I don't have to go to a clean room) and quite often on the weekends. These and my Chaco's are the shoes I wear on the boat. I wear these or Birk's if I'm just loafing around.

/tk

My brother has a pair of these (34 years old). Says they're great.. they're supportive like a sneaker but open like a sandal.

http://tinyurl.com/3bspn2

I want to wear sandals more often, but all of my jeans are longer than my legs, so the bottoms will be dragging on the ground. I think I can step on them sometimes too. Stupid long pants.

My brother has a pair of these (34 years old). Says they're great.. they're supportive like a sneaker but open like a sandal.

http://tinyurl.com/3bspn2

Those are some pretty old sandals.

Those are some pretty old sandals.

Yeah yeah.. I knew someone would pick on the way I put that, but didn't think it was worth an edit.

Yeah yeah.. I knew someone would pick on the way I put that, but didn't think it was worth an edit.

Welcome to Hollywood.