The pros and cons of a man wearing sandals

Ask A Woman: Let’s Get Ready to Rumble!

Hopefully the weather has turned sunny and warm wherever you are, and you’re making the most of it. Most Dappered readers seem to be anti-sandal on account of some (many? all?) men having less than attractive feet. I, however, am decidedly pro-sandal, for both men and women, simply because I abhor intense heat (like anything above 70 degrees) so I spend much of my summer trying not to roast. And nothing feels lovelier or cooler than those first few times you wear sandals during the summer season and enjoy the breeze through your toes. In the interest of being fair and balanced, here I present the cons and pros of wearing sandals in the summertime.

 

THE PROS

1. It’s hot, yo. As a woman, I can’t imagine wearing closed-toe shoes when it’s 90 out. I think guys should have the option of being comfortable.

2. There are some decent looking sandals out there. If you’re anti-sandal, yet have a stylistically open mind, you know you’ve walked past a display of sandals in the past and thought, damn, if only… With good reason. There are some classic, sleek styles out there, that would look right at home paired with some linen shorts and an easy polo.

Clockwise from top left: Jersualem The Good Shepherd Sandal – $78.95 (doesn’t get more authentic than that); Hari-Mari Scout – $64.98; Ugg Ethan Slide – $45.90; Island Slipper Horween classic buff – $94.95.

3. A lot of guys look great in sandals. You know how some women say men look best in a t-shirt and jeans? This is the casual factor. We love to see men looking comfortable. Guess what epitomizes comfort? Sandals.

4. You can mitigate some of the fug. Okay, this isn’t exactly a pro, but it’s an argument for taking care of your feet. Athlete’s foot? You can treat that. Warts? You can treat that. Nail fungus? You can treat that. Hairy feet, well, I expect dudes to be hairy. I also expect a certain amount of crooked toes, maybe some benign lumps and bumps. They’re feet! Not pecs, not abs, not calves. Come on, some imperfection is allowed.

 

THE CONS

1. Feet aren’t pretty, just as a general rule. I’ve seen as many gross feet from women as I have from men. By the time we’re in our late twenties, toes have started to hammer, toenails have fallen off from too many long runs, bunions have formed from ill-fitting shoes. If you’ve got any conditions that make your feet look gnarly, and they’re not on the road to healing, you may want to skip sandals. (Also, if you’re ever writing a post about feet, may I suggest NOT Googling “ugly feet”? I’m going to have to wash my brain with bleach.)

2. Feet smell. Some people have excellent hygiene habits…and still have stank foot. It tends to be a hereditary thing. If this is you, and no amount of washing, powdering or spraying helps, you probably already know you shouldn’t wear sandals.

3. They’re super casual. Although this was a pro above, it can also be a con. Obviously there’s a time and place for sandals. If you’re a professional, sandals aren’t appropriate at the office. And some men find that they’re just too casual for any occasion. Fair enough.

4. They can go wrong quickly. Case in point:

(background on this photo, for those interested)

About the Author: If you’ve got a question that needs the female treatment, chances are you’re not the only one who wants to ask it. Beth is our source for the answers. From opinions on men’s style to decoding the sometimes mysterious ways of women, she’ll take on a different question every Thursday. She also might provide an answer without waiting to be asked. That happens from time to time too. Click here to get to know Beth, then get in touch with her by sending your question to: askawoman@dappered.com .