It’s official: millennial men are now the uncles at the cookout. Remember when we used to roll our eyes at those uncles who seemed to take their grilling duties a little too seriously? Well, guess what? We’ve become them.
Gone are the days of showing up to family gatherings just to take a walk with your cousins, eat and dip. Now, we’re the ones manning the grill, armed with our trusty tongs and a secret marinade recipe we’ve perfected over the years. The cousins have taken on the role of the resident grill master, proudly standing over the flames, flipping burgers and turning hot dogs with an expertise that only comes with age and countless summer BBQs watching your uncles and dads restlessly.
Let’s talk about the sandals. You know the ones. Those sturdy, strappy, undeniably practical sandals that scream, “I’m on the grill and don’t touch it.” They’re the millennial version of the dad sneaker that includes comfort, style and functionality. They’ve become a badge of honor, a symbol of our transition from carefree youth to the responsible, BBQ-hosting adults we’ve grown into.
The sandals are usually paired with cargo shorts and a well-worn graphic tee by our elders. But millennials are built differently. They can pair the sandals with a pair of linen trousers and a sleek button-down shirt.
We used to laugh at our uncles with their intense dedication to grilling and their “uncle uniform,” but now we wear it with pride. It’s a sign that we’ve embraced our family role, bringing our flavor and flair to the cookout. So next time you see a pair of those iconic sandals, know a millennial uncle is nearby, ready to serve up some perfectly grilled goodness.
Nisolo
Huarache Sandals
Price: $150
Birkenstock
Arizona Soft Footbed Suede Leather
Price: $140
Cole Haan
Nantucket Cross Strap Sandals
Price: $80
Mango
Double-Buckle Rubber Sandals
Price: $40
Teva
Hurricane XLT2 Sandal
Price: $75
Zara
Jute Strappy Sandals