To Boot New York Men’s Oliver Slide Sandal

Just like I wasn’t a huge fan of flip flops until I had my personal conversion, I really don’t like them on guys. In fact, I don’t like any sandals on guys, period. You know why? Because just like women who put on sandals without a proper pedicure bug the crap out of me, very few men ever go get a pedi, so sandals on them are even worse. Yeah, I know I talk about this a lot. But feet are weird. Don’t you ever see a really pretty woman, with long, slender legs, then you get to her feet and they’re these lumpy things with short, crooked toes. It looks like she got the wrong feet or something.

And then there are those people who stuff their feet into hot, confining shoes day after day, and never bother to use a pumice stone or do any other maintenance before they switch over to sandals. Ew. If you’re not going to bother with even the most basic foot care, keep them covered up and spare the rest of us from having to look at your funky feet, ok? By the way, my personal tip for keeping things smooth and avoiding having to use a sander on my heels? Neutrogena Foot Cream after every shower, without fail. Anyway, although my personal preference is to not see a guy in sandals, for those who do wear them, I can at least recommend some nice ones so they don’t settle for flip flops from Walmart or something. And ladies, if your man does wear those cheapies, you need to get him to upgrade. And if you can get him into a pedi chair, even better. Then get him to try this To Boot New York Men’s Oliver Slide Sandal.

The Oliver is simple, sleek, and will go with just about any kind of summer ensemble, including jeans. The rounded toe box leaves plenty of room for a wider foot, and the flexible rubber sole should be fairly comfortable to walk in. The upper is all leather, so it will conform to the foot’s shape for extra comfort. The fold-over flap secures with Velcro, allowing for a custom fit. One little unique feature is the laser-etched map of New York City on the sole. The Oliver is on sale, marked down from $286.95 to $207.18 at Endless.com.

Budget Saving Alternative 1

Your man can go the more comfortable route while still keeping that GQ style with the Kenneth Cole New York Men’s High Wave Sandal. Funny how these sandals refer to New York. That’s not the first place I think of when I think of sandals. Oh, and by the way, if you ever go to New Orleans, do not wear sandals. NOLA is supposed to be this great, wonderful place to visit, but I have news for you—it’s nasty. And it’s not just because of Katrina, either. It was like that before. Yes, I’m speaking from personal experience. People pee and barf in the streets after drinking too much (and not just during Mardi Gras—all the time), the horses that pull all those carriages around crap in the streets and it’s left there to reek and attract flies, and then there’s just the usual dirt and grime that would build up on any city streets if they weren’t cleaned regularly, which they never seem to be down there. And if all that doesn’t make it obvious to you, the place also smells. Wear sandals at your own peril. In fact, do yourself a favor and take your vacation in a cleaner place. Now where was I? Oh yes, the Kenneth Cole High Wave sandal. It has a thicker footbed than the Oliver, so it’s better for walking, whether on the boardwalk or around a theme park. The upper is made from soft leather, and the sole is textured rubber for traction. The criss-cross bands are flattering without being feminine. The High Wave is $97.95 at Endless.com.

Budget Saving Alternative 2

The OluKai Ohana Leather Slide may be a little on the questionable side. It could do with a little less embellishment, I think. The full grain leather upper is lined with pigskin, and has decorative stitching, and what looks like a little fishhook embroidered on the vamp. Um, ok. The top flap also attaches with adjustable Velcro, which is great for getting a custom fit, and the compression molded EVA midsole offers plenty of comfort. The rubber outsole is lugged and siped for both wet and dry traction, so I guess these would make good boat shoes, which explains the fishhook. Sort of. The Ohana (which means family, by the way) comes in this dark java, and in black. Get it for $94 at Zappos.com