When it comes to men’s footwear, the options are fairly limited. Sure, brands release new colorways for sneakers or a boot in a new type of leather, but these are all variations on a theme. More and more, menswear enthusiasts are mining the archives to bring some newness to a fairly uniform fashion landscape. And, with that, one shoe style has risen to the top: the fisherman sandal.
The fisherman sandal has a sort of gladiatorial quality to it, so it’s no surprise that many fashion scholars believe that the early prototypes got their start in Rome, some 2,500 years ago. Thick straps of leather bind the foot to a leather sole, all held together with a buckle, to make for a design that has since been replicated over the centuries by cultures as far-reaching as Turkey to early Anglo-Saxons.
One place we find fisherman sandals regularly adopted is (you guessed it) by the sea. Fishermen tended to use these sandals since they are easy to throw on, dry quickly, and the cut-outs between the straps are more breathable than, say, a boot or fully-covered shoe.
Today, brands like Prada, JW Anderson, and Brunello Cucinelli have all included fisherman sandals in their collections, showing how easily the style can be elevated while still maintaining its historical roots in workwear, both ancient and contemporary. Here are a few of our favorites that will carry you through summer and into fall.
Photo via Sabah
Sabah Porto Sandals
Sabah is known for their eponymous Turkish-inspired loafer, but has expanded their collection lately, including the release of their Porto fisherman sandal. Handmade in Italy, the Porto retains the essence of the brand while showing that a bit of diversification is always good for one’s portfolio. Most appealing for some may be the generous footbed, designed for a more ergonomic fit (and especially great for our wide-footed brethren out there).
Photo via Gardenheir
Gardenheir Calfskin Leather Fisherman Sandals
Gardenheir has become the go-to resource for those looking for elevated versions of everyday favorites—especially when it comes to footwear. You may have seen their garden clogs pop up on your Instagram feed over the years, but I have a feeling their fisherman sandals might just be creeping up to the number-one spot here soon. Made of calfskin leather in Italy with a slim profile, they’re as close to the Mediterranean without having to buy a plane ticket to Athens this summer.
Photo via Camper
Camper Pelotas
While fisherman sandals have become ubiquitous within the footwear space, there is undoubtedly room for brands to have a bit of fun with the silhouette. Enter Camper. The Pelotas are an outsized reiteration of the slim sandal, complete with an EVA footbed and thicker ankle strap. Mixing a bit of fun with an on-trend design makes Camper a top contender for those who want something comfortable and stylish this season.
Photo via Huckberry
Jacques Solovière Franck Fisherman Sandal
For something a bit quirkier, French brand Jacques Solovière gives us a sandal that has a certain…how you say…je ne sais quoi to it. The Franck has all the traditional elements we’ve come to love in a fisherman sandal, with the addition of a woven raffia shield on the upper, contrasting color and texture for an undoubtedly unique option.
Photo via Dr. Martens
Dr. Martens Archive Fisherman Sandal
Crafted from soft, tan suede and with a thick outsole for added comfort, Dr. Martens’ riff on the fisherman sandal is a solid casual option for urban exploration. They’re open enough to be breathable and summery, but will still keep your feet clear of the summer city grime.
Photo via Todd Snyder
Todd Snyder Leather Fisherman Sandal
Sleek, simple, and always on trend, leave it to Todd Snyder to give us a no-frills option worth investing in. Coming in a neutral cognac color, Snyder’s sandal is a pared-down option with a low sole for those who want to elevate their outfit with minimal effort.
Photo via ASOS
ASOS DESIGN Closed Fisherman Sandals
You might be a bit hesitant to incorporate a new style into your wardrobe and don’t want to break the bank. Luckily for you, ASOS has the perfect entree into fisherman sandals. At less than $50, you’re looking at an option with a leather upper and a no-frills design that’s easy to style and give you the feel for a fisherman sandal before upgrading to the big leagues.
Photo via Nordstrom
VINNY’s Fisherman Sandal
For a design with limited real estate for personalization, VINNY’S has found a way to upgrade their version of the fisherman sandal into a luxury. With pebbled leather, it already looks and feels different from other fisherman sandals on the market. Couple that with the polished hardware, slim profile, and raised back, and you have a sandal that should be packed on your next trip to Amalfi. (Hey, a guy can dream, can’t he?)
Photo via Huckberry
How to Style Fisherman Sandals
The beauty of the fisherman sandal is its versatility. With elements of both a casual sandal and a more formal dress shoe, one can dress it up (or down) with minimal effort.
First, an easy styling option for the summer is to replace your go-to slides with fisherman sandals. While I wouldn’t recommend throwing these on with board shorts or for the gym, a nice chino short and button-down can pair well with this type of footwear. Think a bit preppier here, going for collared shirts and structured shorts to best complement the overall aesthetics of a fisherman sandal. One style note to keep in mind: fisherman sandals tend to cut at the ankle, which runs the risk of making your calves look a bit shorter. To avoid this, be sure to wear a short with a maximum of 7” inseam to show more of your leg, which will counterbalance this.
Another way to style fisherman sandals is to lean into their European undertones by embracing linen—wrinkles and all! For one thing, linen pants tend to be a bit baggier, which is the perfect contrast against the more structured leather shoe. I would recommend sizing your shirt up one as well to add volume while maintaining a more structured look, balancing the formality that the fisherman sandal can give to an outfit with more casual clothing. Here, stick to neutral colors and go for a brown sandal—black would be too harsh.
Finally, wear your fisherman sandals just as you would any other dress shoe! While this may seem a bit unorthodox, fisherman sandals’ closed toe formalizes them a bit more than, say, wearing Birkenstocks to your cousin’s wedding. In contrast to a brown sandal being more casual, I’d invest in a black pair here if you’re ready to take the leap into upgrading your formalwear in an unexpected way.
