Beaches tend to be dreadful sights. You approach the warm water, while a gentle breeze travels around you, obscuring the scorching heat of the summer sun. Then you look down…and there they are: mandals! Quelle horreur! Now, in a perfect world, there would be no mandals, but alas, that’s why the Man Snob here is steering you in the right direction with my summer sandal picks:

1. Lanvin Woven Strap Slide:
I love the stark simplicity of the brown leather paired with the single woven toe strap. It creates a calm contrast that is both traditional and modern. Its simple design also manages to provide a shoe that can match almost anything.
At Barneys for $495.

2. Dolce & Gabbana Martinez Double Criss Cross Leat Sandal:
When you see a pair of strappy sandals, there’s such a thing as shoes that are too strappy. Luckily, these Dolce’s steer clear of strap malfunction, and will ensure that enough sunlight hits your feet. Plus, the black has a great vintage-y look to it.
At Luisa via Roma at $625.

3. Salvatore Ferragamo Damiano Cross Strap Sandals:
Padded sole? Dramatic and sleek cross-strap action? Words fail me in describing the love I have for these beauties.
At Park & Bond for $310.

4. Prada Two-Strap Slide Sandal:
This is pure Prada minimalism. Elegant and simple, this is a sandal that all the man snobs out there should own.
At Bergdorf Goodman for $420.

5. Gucci Horsebit Toe-Strap Sandal:
A necessary sandal for me is the toe strap. I hate flip flops and thongs, but I have always loved the anchor-like effect of something around the big toe. This sandal solves that problem with just enough leather, in true Gucci Horsebit fashion.
At Bergdorf Goodman for $395.