It seems like the tides of menswear are shifting. More skin, more sheer shirts, more flair, and perhaps the ultimate act of summer blasphemy that might give a club bouncer an eye-twitch: bare toes. Prada showed what looked suspiciously like a Kolhapuri chappal. Birkenstocks are in their peak comeback arc. Open-toe footwear is quietly dominating the Spring/Summer 2026 menswear landscape. 

Still, knowing how to wear them well? That’s a different game. Stylist Divyak D’Souza breaks it down. From what to pair them with to why your feet better be camera-ready, here’s your guide to making open-toe footwear feel intentional, not accidental. 

Stylist, Divyak D'Souza
 

Open-toe sandals are having a serious moment again. What’s your take on this trend for men? 

Divyak D’Souza: Trend? We invented it. Maybe it's hitting the runways in Paris right now, but here in India? Come on. Desi dudes have been wearing open-toe footwear in all forms for ages. Kolhapuris, flip-flops, humble Bata slippers — they're part of the everyday wardrobe. Honestly, this isn’t a seasonal blip for us. We’re a tropical country, we like staying breezy, we love our breathable fabrics, and we’ve always loved our sandals. Open-toe footwear isn’t a trend here; it’s essential. 

Are there certain silhouettes or outfits that work best with open sandals? 

This might sound dramatic, but open sandals could be the most versatile thing in a man’s wardrobe. You can wear Kolhapuris with a kurta-pyjama and look effortless. Chunky Birkenstocks with socks and Bermudas bring a certain street style energy. Minimalist leather sandals with a linen suit? That’s when it starts feeling elevated. It really depends on the pair you choose, but the options are endless. It works whether you’re going casual, formal or somewhere in between. Honestly, go nuts. 

In frame: Aparajita Toor Gus Metallics
 

What styling mistakes should men avoid when trying out open footwear? 

It’s less of a styling mistake and more of a grooming one. Open-toe footwear is pretty easy to wear if your feet aren’t terrifying. We’re not asking for a full spa day, just some basic foot hygiene. Cut your nails, file if needed, give them a good scrub. Even the most low-maintenance guy can manage that. The only real mistake is skipping that part and then expecting no one to notice. If your toes are coming out, they should come correct. 

If someone’s looking to invest in just one pair this season, what should they go for — minimal leather, chunky Birkenstocks or something bolder?  

Minimal leather flip-flops. No question. They’re low-key, they’re casual, but they’ve got that sharp edge if you pick the right pair. Think tan or black with refined leather detailing. They bring a sense of ease and effortlessness, but they don’t look lazy. It’s that rare balance — casual but chic, understated but intentional. You can wear them with literally anything, and they never feel out of place. 

In frame: Kilchu Sculpt03 FLATS
 

In a city like Mumbai or Delhi, where the grime is real, can this trend survive the street test? 

Choose your shoe like you’d choose your weapon. It all depends on the weather and the situation. I’m definitely not wearing suede sandals during a Mumbai monsoon. That’s when the rubber Birkenstocks come out. Waterproof, durable, quick-dry and built for chaos. And let’s not kid ourselves. If you know you’re going to be hopscotching potholes and dodging dug-up roads, maybe leave the sandals at home. Wear them on your relaxed days — cafés, indoor events, brunches. Also, no matter the weather, foot hygiene is non-negotiable. Wash, scrub, and repeat. 

What’s a styling move you’ve seen with open sandals that actually surprised you, in a good way? 

Pairing open sandals with tailoring. It's a look that stuck with me and honestly, it’s become something I do often now. Leather sandals with a pantsuit bring an amazing sense of balance. You still look put together, but not uptight. Very Bombay energy. In this city, even when we dress up, we don’t want the fit to look too stiff. That slightly undone, effortless cool — that's the sweet spot. Tailoring with sandals just hits that note perfectly. 

In Frame: Rajesh Pratap Singh Circle Cut Convict Slides with circle toe
 

Any brand recommendations for open-toe footwear? 

There are some really solid Indian brands doing great work in this space. Kilchu and Neeman’s are brands I’ve worn and loved. Aparajita Toor makes killer Kolhapuris — beautifully crafted and super comfortable. DMO Dot plays with fun designs. And of course, Rajesh Pratap Singh. For me, he’s the king of modern leather sandals. His pairs are a go-to for festive looks. They’re sharp, cool and made to last. 

Final word for men looking to rock open-toe sandals this season? 

 Don’t overthink it. Just clean your feet and commit. Open-toe footwear is easy, if you let it be. Find the right pair, match them to your mood and let your feet breathe. Your toes aren’t supposed to be hidden. They’re just waiting for the right styling.