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What are the differences between thongs, slides & sandals?
So you are on brandhousedirect, it’s summer and you are looking for something to keep you cool, stylish & comfortable when the temperature climbs.
Although selection and choice are great, you might be a little overwhelmed. Each type of summer footwear including men’s sandals have their own function and use case, so what are the differences between thongs, slides and sandals? Hopefully, this article will break it down for you and help you decide which type is the best for you!
What are Thongs Men’s Sandals?
Thongs are a type of footwear that date back to 4000 B.C. They are immensely popular and called by many names around the world: thongs (in Australia), flip-flops (in the States), plakkies (in South Africa), clam-diggers (in areas in the US) and even slippers in Hawaii.
Simple, minimalist & easy to wear, thongs are probably some of the world’s most popular and widely adopted warm-weather footwear.
The thong’s main and most defining characteristic is the “Y” shaped strap that converges between the big and second toe for retention. They are popular for the beach or a quick drink at the pub; thongs are a great ‘daily driver’ when the weather is hot.
Fun fact: when one of these straps becomes loose, it is called a blowout, but that shouldn’t be a problem if you buy high-quality men’s thongs like the Pegada Villa Men’s Thongs Sandals in the picture above from brandhousedirect!
What are Slide Men’s Sandals?
Slides are literally what their name implies, sandals that you slide into.
Their design is characterised by a single wide band or strap that wraps around the top of the foot just behind the toes. Before becoming immensely popular as a fashion statement a few years ago they were popular among athletes because of their ability to accommodate your foot when wearing socks after training. They are also almost supernaturally comfortable due to their design, minimising ‘hot spots’ i.e. areas that put focused pressure on the foot. In addition, some slides feature velcro on the strap which allows for a more personalised fit.
Slides have also been seen as fashion footwear paired with tube socks for a nostalgic and throwback look that evokes urban streetwear too!
Probably one of the widest-ranging types of summer footwear men’s sandals can be very casual or even be worn in a more elevated way. They are usually a bit more ‘closed’ than the two previous types of sandals. Men’s sandals can be either open toe or closed toe. The Keen Newport H2 Men’s Sports Wide Fit Sandals which are pictured above are a popular, rugged closed toe sandal for men.
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Raul P.
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5.0 star rating
24/03/25
Finally, I found my favorite shoes brand over here
Review by Raul P. on 24 Mar 2025review stating Finally, I found my favorite shoes brand over here
Excellent shoes quality, I love this Brazilian brand. Thanks to BRANDHOUSE Team for this sale. Good communications. prices, fast shipping. I hope to do my next purchasing soon with you guys. Thanks.
Review by Sheron W. on 18 Mar 2025review stating Hush puppies fluffy slides
I chose this style of slippers to wear around the house. I can wear them all year long. They are soft with the memory foam and the covering is so gentle on sore swollen feet. Just what my old feet need.
Review by Mee-Mee L. on 18 Mar 2025review stating Purchase of 3 pairs of sandals
I have always worn Merrell footwear US size 6 & the equivalent was Eutopean size 36. The 2 pairs of Merrell I purchased were US size 6 & they are longer than usual, but the width of the sandals were correct. I then noted on the boxes it had European size 37. Is this why my sandals are longer? Since when did the sizing changed? The ...Read MoreRead more about I have always worn Merrell footwear US
Comfortflex sandals (size6/ size 37), however, were a good fit. I've included photos of the new sandals & couple of old shoe boxes to show the sizes written on them. Now I'm not sure of ordering online as I don’t like the extra length in my shoes. Read LessRead less about I have always worn Merrell footwear US
Review by Shing Y. on 14 Jan 2025review stating Very good, would buy again
This is my 2nd pair of Magnum waterproof boots and they do not fail to deliver. Very comfortable with good grip and support, and good waterproof. mechanisms.
Review by Maxine W. on 7 Jan 2025review stating My Dream Sandal
With deteriorating mobility issues, I bought these sandals in desperation, to ensure comfort, stability and the support of a shoe but in the freedom of a sandal. With Dakota, I have found exactly that, and am able to wear it comfortably all day, and I have had it approved by the podiatrist, I regularly attend. I will purchase another pair of these...Read MoreRead more about With deteriorating mobility issues, I
attractive homeless without hesitation. I would love the navy blue however at the moment they are not available in my size. Thankyou brand house. Max W Read LessRead less about With deteriorating mobility issues, I
Review by Robyn S. on 17 Dec 2024review stating Sketcher joggers
I was quite disappointed when I received my joggers. The photo looked like a musty pink & I liked that colour, but what I received is purple…. . which is not my favourite colour. They fit very well though & are comfortable.
Review by Ivan R. on 8 Dec 2024review stating Good shoes!
Those shoes are very comfortable and very useful for walking. I couldn't find other styles in my size and a friend of mine suggested me to try the T bar strap shoes. I'm a male and the Harrison Indiana II shoes are so very comfortable!, I wore them in my trip to Seattle Washington. Those school shoes are quite breathable and they didn'...Read MoreRead more about Those shoes are very comfortable and
t caused me any blisters in my feet after walking from International District Chinatown to Pike place and From Pike place to the Space Needle. Read LessRead less about Those shoes are very comfortable and