Image via Complex Original
So, you want to wear mandals? We can’t blame you. Rising temperatures can be brutal on your feet, so a little ventilation can’t hurt during the warmer months. However, be prepared because wearing a pair will draw all sorts of opinions on the streets and amongst your friends. It’s the one piece of footwear with such a bad rap that it splits the opinion of many men. And this includes rappers, too. Cam’ron once famously dissed Jay Z for wearing a pair, but Hov fired back by proudly repping his mandals. You’re simply a sandals guy or you’re not.
When it comes down to it, how you wear the mandal is really what’s important. If you’re going to wear them away from the beach, you have to follow a few rules. We’re going to break down some dos and don’ts to get your game on track. The right outfit will separate you from the Frisbee-throwing frat boy or local yoga teacher look, and get you on the path to being a street-style star. Read our tips on How to Wear Mandals and be ready to throw on a pair with confidence.
Do: Take Care of Your Feet
First things first: If you want to expose your dogs to the elements for everyone to see, taking care of them should be the No. 1 priority. WE REPEAT: This has to be taken care of before slipping on a pair of mandals. Having talons longer than a hawk is not a good look and neither is having feet that look like they’re throwing up gang signs.
Don’t be ashamed to join your girl on pedi day. This gives you some quality time to spend with bae, and doing so will likely earn you a hall pass to hang out with your boys in the future. Not sold on doing the pedicure trip? Join the upper echelon. Al Pacino loves them, Johnny Depp rides for them, and Howard Stern is a vocal supporter of the man-pedi.
Do: Buy High Quality Sandals
Leave the flip-flops for the public showers or the comfort of your own home. If you’re going to wear sandals in public, step your game up. Invest in a pair that can survive hours on city streets and not just a couple steps to get the morning newspaper. Find a pair of quality sandals that are stylish, sturdy, and won’t burn a big hole in your pocket.
Don’t: Wear Them to the Office
No matter how stylish you think you look or how luxe your sandals are, please don’t wear them to the office. Respect your co-workers’ personal space and wear sandals outdoors or in a non-professional environment where they are supposed to be worn. While your feet might not smell at all, the sight of feet in the office can cause a Pavlovian reaction and make people smell something bad even if there’s nothing there. Yeah, the mind works in mysterious ways like that. The only time you’re allowed to wear sandals in the office is when you actually quit the day job to open an island surf school. This is what’s known as an island pass.
Do: Try Wearing Them With Socks
So, are your feet looking tore up? Is it too cold out? No worries—there’s a solution for both problems.
Many style experts say that it’s a cardinal sin to pair socks with sandals. Now that you know the rule, it’s time to break it. The socks and sandals combo is a tough match, but if done right you can make those haters change their minds. Pair solid-colored sandals with chunky marle knit socks, or maybe a Faire Isle weave to give your outfit some pop. If the sandals have patterns, you’ll want a to pair them with solid-colored socks for contrast.
Don’t: Wear Them On a Date
This should already be a no-brainer, but there are times when you’re feeling your outfit so hard that your judgment gets impaired when it comes to what’s appropriate. A date is one of those moments when you should not wear sandals. Dress to impress and show how you can pull off mandals later down the line when you’ve actually locked down the relationship and you’re ready to start planting seeds for your future life on the island together.
Do: Roll Up Your Pants
One of the main reasons people choose to wear sandals in the summer is to give their feet fresh air. There’s nothing better than feeling the wind in your toes. If you want maximum ventilation, roll your pants up just above your ankles; learn how to execute the pinroll. Pinch the inseam of your pants and fold it in, then cuff your pants up once or twice and you should be good to go. The look is a summer staple that will give you even more style points when wearing your mandals.
Do: Wear Them With a Suit
Okay, we’re not talking about the whole three-piece suit here. Sandals are casual footwear; wear something that looks a bit more relaxed. It’s about smartly classing up your look so people will take you seriously when you have mandals on. A pair of tailored white trousers and a navy blue blazer is one option. Flat front shorts with a linen or seersucker blazer should also be part of your rotation. It’s going to get muggy out, and you’re going to want your skin to breath just as much as your feet.