The best flip flops for men and women
The best flip flops overall
When you do yoga, there's a moment when you press your hands into the mat during downward dog or sink into child's pose, and the world melts away. That sense of relief and comfort is in large part due to the mat itself. Yoga mats, though relatively thin, make you feel cushioned and supported even on top of a hardwood floor. Sanuk makes flip flops that mimic that experience.
The footbeds are made of actual yoga mat material. It's a cool, unique concept that translates well to real-life comfort. The brand's most popular style for women is the Yoga Sling 2, which has well over 6,000 Amazon reviews and one of The Strategist's picks.
A stylish wrap-around silhouette that is clearly yoga-inspired, makes these art-gallery-owner-chic. While not a true flip flop due to a piece of fabric that secures around the ankle, it still gives you that thong sandal look.
For men, there is the cleverly named Men's Beer Cozy Flip Flop. With more than 1,500 reviews and a 4.1 Amazon rating, these are popular. This is more of a traditional flip flop with thick straps, Sanuk's signature yoga mat footbed, and a curve for additional arch support.
"Love, love, love. Very comfortable and swishy," writes one Amazon customer. Another shopper says, "I have a previous pair I bought five years ago that I still wear to this day."
Pros: Cushy footbed made of yoga mat material, cute styles that work for a variety of occasions, comfortable for walking long distances
Cons: May want to size up, material isn't waterproof
Buy the Sanuk Women's Yoga Sling 2 Flip Flop on Amazon from $13 and up Buy the Sanuk Men's Beer Cozy Flip Flop on Amazon from $17.17 and upThe best colorful flip flops
Havaianas are the ideal beach sandal — durable, colorful, and able to withstand rough conditions. Even if they get a little scraped-up and windswept, they'll still look cool after the fact.
The sandals come in a wide variety of color and style combinations. The most iconic styles — the ones you think of first when you hear the brand name — are probably the Havaianas Women's Slim Flip Flop and the Men's Top Sandal Flip Flop.
Basically men's and women's versions of the same shoe, they both have a slightly curved footbed and slim rubber straps stamped with the Havaianas logo. The Slim Flip Flop comes in more colors and has almost 2,000 reviews on Amazon, while the Top Sandal Flip Flop has about 500.
Both are highly rated and raved about by fans. "I don't think you can ever go wrong with Havaianas! They're so comfortable, cute, durable, and last forever!" says one reviewer. Even though they look more appropriate for the beach than the hiking trail, another shopper says they even held up while camping.
Pros: Simple, comfortable, comes in many colors and designs, holds up well over long periods of time, good for the beach
Cons: Super-casual style probably won't work for less-casual settings
Buy the Havaianas Women's Slim Flip Flops on Amazon from $19.34 and up Buy the Havaianas Men's Top Sandal on Amazon from $14.40 and upThe best poolside flip flops
Vertico Shower and Pool Sandals are great for wearing in water. They're more of a slide than a flip flop, but they will still give you that satisfying slapping-sound when they hit the base of your heel.
Considering these rubber shoes are pretty orthopedic looking, they are very popular: They have almost 2,500 Amazon reviews and a 4.4 rating. I came across them in The Strategist and was surprised to find out they had such a rabid fan base.
They're chunky and a little bit ugly but in a cool sort of way that reminds me of Everlane and Crocs at the same time. The sandals are so comfortable you may not even want to take them off when you're no longer poolside. Unlike regular flip flops, there's traction at the bottom to prevent slipping.
"I use [these shoes] in the sauna, steam room, and shower," writes one Amazon customer. "I do not know what the product quality consistency is like since I have only ordered one pair. However, given how frequently I have used them, and what I use them for, I find them to be durable, comfortable, and much better than some other types and brands of shower shoes."
Pros: Water-resistant for shower or pool, able to float, vented for comfort in the heat
Cons: Not the most attractive shoe
Buy the Vertico Shower and Pool Sandals on Amazon from $12.99 and upThe best affordable flip flops
If you've never owned a pair of Old Navy flip flops, we probably didn't go to high school together. I strongly associate their simple designs and rainbow colors with days spent at the public pool or the mall with my friends.
The signature thing about Old Navy flip flops is that they are cheap — not affordable or inexpensive, but cheap. Most pairs are normally $3.99 when not on sale, but they are seemingly always discounted. If you like the look of Havaianas but don't want to spend a lot of money (especially if they may become sand-logged), check out the Old Navy Classic Flip Flops.
They come in men's and women's sizes that look the same aside from minor adjustments to accommodate different foot shapes. Old Navy offers the Classic style in tons of colors, including some fun pastels. The women's version has nearly 15,000 online reviews on the Old Navy website and a 4.7 rating.
"I love Old Navy flip flops," writes a customer. "They are durable and super comfortable. I literally have a pair that I have had for at least 5 years. And if you can catch the $1 flip flop sale it's a major score. Very good quality for such a low price!!!"
Of course, being so cheap, you sacrifice some quality and comfort. Don't be surprised if you have to replace one each year. But, Inside Picks Guides Editor Les Shu wears the Men's Old Navy Classic flips flops to the gym showers regularly, and find that they hold up nicely. He does recommend actively replacing them often if you do use them for the gym, to prevent bacteria buildup.
Pros: Cute, less than $5, perfect for the beach or casual wear
Cons: Not as comfortable as flip flops with cushioned insoles
Buy the women's Old Navy Classic Flip Flops for $2.50 Buy the men's Old Navy Classic Flip Flops from $3.99The best stylish flip flops
I don't have the kind of life that requires me to own "boat-safe" shoes, but Hari Mari makes me wish I did. "Boat safe" in this case essentially means nonslip, so they're suitable for just about any slick terrain. These are flip flops for everyone, even people who don't normally wear flip flops. They're cute and sporty, but more attractive than your average pair.
What really makes Hari Mari flip flops unique is the memory foam toe, designed to minimize the awful chafing you get from other thong sandals. It's described by the brand as "a formidable cylinder of memory foam encased in soft nylon to help grip toes, reduce abrasion and do away with painful break-in periods."
The brand has been featured by Fast Company and Insider Picks writer Amir Ismael recommends the Fields Flip Flop. At $60, they're on the pricier side, but many of the styles have 5-star ratings on Zappos and cost less than $40.
"This is an amazing leather flip-flop that just keeps getting better every day!" says one Fields Flip Flop reviewer on Zappos, "If they get wet they dry beautifully. They wear perfectly. These are the flip-flops I look to put on every day!"
Pros: Made of luxurious materials like nubuck leather, memory foam toe, boat-safe sole
Cons: Expensive
Buy Hari Mari Flip Flops from Zappos for $33 and upThe best comfortable flip flops
Oofos reinvented the flip flop to make the most comfortable sandals we've tried. The special foam is built to absorb even more shock that your average sports shoe.
Oofos specifically markets these sandals as recovery shoes for people who need more arch support and impact absorption than others. Many athletes and people with feet problems swear by them.
I discovered Oofos sandals at a shoe store about five years ago and I've been wearing them at the beach, around the house, and while traveling ever since. These flip flops offer stability, comfort, and durability.
They are formed to fit the curve of your arch, so Oofos' sandals offer much more support than your average pair of flip flops. They absorb impact and they don't move up and down as you walk, either.
I've bought Oofos for a few different family members and they're all converts. Even though the sandals are a bit pricey, they are worth it because they will last and last. You can even machine wash or hose them down after a day on the beach to get rid of all the sand they pick up.
They may not be the most beautiful sandals you'll own, but they sure will be the most comfortable. — Malarie Gokey
Pros: Comfy, machine washable, absorb impact, they float
Cons: Pricey, not that attractive
Buy Oofos sandals at Zappos from $39.99 and up
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