Most Stylish: Sperry Men’s Baitfish Thong Sandal
Also available at Macy’s and Zappos
Why We Love It: This flip-flop is like a deconstructed boat shoe with much more breathability and just as much support.
What to Consider: This model runs about half a size smaller than the standard fit.
Travelers in search of shoes that offer the same freedom as flip-flops without screaming “beach sandals” should look no further than well-loved boat shoe brand Sperry. The Sperry Men’s Baitfish Thong Sandal looks just like a traditional boat shoe from the classic brand complete with rawhide lacing and a textured footbed for added support and style but the flip-flop silhouette is even easier to slip on and off while on the go. This pair of casual-cool flip-flops is available in three distinct shades to complement your existing style and also features comfortable leather straps that won’t irritate your toes with long-term wear.
Price at time of publish: $45-$50
Sizes: 7 to 14 | Materials: Leather and synthetic materials
Best For Ankle Support: Ecco Off
Why We Love It: They’re some of the comfiest sandals on the market for long walks and hikes.
What to Consider: They’re not suitable for wearing in water, so skip these for wading through waves at the beach or creeks on a hike.
These sandals from Ecco are so comfortable and supportive, they’re more than worth the investment. They feature adjustable straps at the ankle, toes, and heels for ideal support and a customizable fit. The shoes have a dual-density footbed, which is made with two different materials layered over top of each other, to keep your feet comfortable. Even better, there are plenty of colors to choose from.
Sizes: 6-6.5 to 17.5 | Material: Leather, rubber, textile
Island Slipper Classic Leather Slip
The idea that flip-flops can be more than just, well, flip-flops, is one that Island Slipper has nearly perfected. The brand is the signature shoe of Hawaii, using touches like an EVA foam footbedfor springy comfortand full-grain leather construction for a look thats at once easygoing and yet surprisingly refined. Best of all is the fact that Navy adds a nice change of pace to your footwear rotation this summer. A classic brown is also available.
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Why You Should Trust Us
This review is brought to you by the expert duo Matt Bento and Brian Martin. Matt was a member of Yosemite Search and Rescue for several actions packed seasons, and before that, he spent a lot of time on the road, driving all over the US to different climbing destinations. This kind of lifestyle can, and has, equipped Matt to recognize the finer points of flip flop design and performance. He is joined by Brian Martin, who is also a Yosemite Search and Rescue alum. Tough days on the job were inevitably followed by equally intense days of relaxation by the Tuolumne River wearing, you guessed it, flip flops. Besides mountain adventures, Brian spends his time sport climbing and bikepacking anywhere he can in the mountainous west.
Before we wore any of these sandals, the work of this review began with market research. Each season, we look at close to 50 models from various manufacturers before deciding on the strongest and most promising contenders to include in our review. Once we’ve narrowed it down, we wear each pair through water, scrambling across granite slabs, and through all manner of city streets. These warm-weather kicks got passed around to multiple testers for various opinions over several months, with key performance areas identified and scrutinized in the process. The result is this comprehensive review, which you can now use to get into a pair of comfortable and functional flops for yourself.
Christian Louboutin Loubi: Most Stylish Flip
Want your flip-flops to look like they popped out of a heavy metal music video? Of course, you do. Designer Christian Louboutin has provided the Loubi flip thong sandals. Were pretty sure you havent seen flip-flops with spikes on the thong before, and that coupled with the black and red coloring, gives these flip-flops a devilish hardcore look.
Best for: Rock out with your flops out.
Color: BlackMaterial: Rubber
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Best Leather: Dr Scholl’s Gaston Sandal
Why We Love It: This leather pair will elevate your look more so than a standard sandal..
What to Consider: They’re not available in half or wide sizes.
This Dr. Scholl’s option is a great choice for men who want a slightly dressier sandal that’s also comfortable. The leather design will keep you looking polished, while the cushioned memory foam footbed will keep your feet happy all day. These also have an adjustable velcro instep strap for easy on-off and custom comfort.
Sizes: 7 to 13 | Material: Leather, rubber
Timberland Slip On Leather Flip Flops
Timberland is most famous for its heavy-duty mens boots, which is why it might come as a surprise that they make an amazing pair of leather flip flops. In typical Timberland fashion, these flip flops are very durable and are sure to last a lot longer than your regular old pair of beach store sandals.
While the lining and sole are 100% rubber, the entire outer makeup is 100% leather, and the dark brown color suits the material nicely. Apart from the white Timberland logo that can be found on the insole of the shoe, theyre otherwise quite simple and lacking embellishment, making them perfect for a guy who prefers to keep things neutral and effortless.
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Birkenstock Honolulu: Best Waterproof Flip
It would be kind of counterproductive to bring shoes that can get waterlogged to the beach or the pool. Still, it would be nice to have some of that classic Birkenstock comfort and styling available even while youre by the water. Lucky for us, Birkenstock gave us all exactly what we want, the Honolulu, built with plenty of Birkenstock footwear know-how packed into a waterproof EVA body.
Best for: Bearing Birkenstock greatness without water worries.
Colors: Black, Anthracite, White + MoreMaterial: EVA
How To Choose The Best Flip Flops Buying Guide
Flip flops are a piece of footwear that have been sported by people since before we even started recording history. It makes sense, doesnt it? Theyre simple, sensible, and easy to use. Nowadays, we have some models that are a bit more upgraded.
Now that youre in-the-know about all the best flip flops for women and men, have you decided which are the perfect pair for you? If not, thats okay. There are quite a few options out there, and choosing footwear can be a tedious process.
Thats why weve gone ahead and created the user-friendly buying guide, below. Keep on reading to make sure youre making the right choice!
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Clarks Pilton Post: Overall Best Mens Flip
Heres a flip flop that sits solidly at the crossroads between function and fashion. Clarks Pilton Posts are easy to slip on and off, have a contoured footbed to cradle your feet for comfort, and somehow manage to look amazingly classy. How cool are you going to look if you pair these with stylish shorts and some look-at-me sunglasses?
Best for: Falling for flip-flops that do it all.
Colors: Black, Dark TanMaterials: Leather, Nubuck
Best For Arch Support: Reef Fanning Sandal
Why We Love It: They’re made with unique features like airbags in the heels and bottle openers on the outsoles.
What to Consider: If you’re wearing them at the beach, sand can get stuck in the bottle opener.
Besides boasting shock-absorption and water resistance, these laid-back sandals from Reef also provide the arch support you need for a full day on your feet. They’re constructed with a compression-molded foam footbed that contours to the shape of your feet, and they feature a heel airbag for extra comfort. Plus, each pair has a handy bottle opener built into the sole, making it a great option to wear to backyard BBQs, picnics, or beach days.
Sizes: 4 to 17 | Material: Leather, rubber
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Havaianas: Best Value In Mens Flip
Sometimes, you just want to pull on some swank swim trunks, grab your Swell water bottle, and get yourself poolside pronto. Havaianas Top mens flip-flops fit in well with your get er done groovetheyre simple, affordable, and give you everything you need from some waterside footwear.
Best for: Saving some coins for poolside Piña Coladas.
Colors: Black, Marine Blue, Ruby Red + MoreMaterial: Rubber
Orlebar Brown Flip Flops
If youre seeking something a bit nautical for summer, then you need to check out the Orlebar Brown Haston rubber flip flops. The slender red rubber straps plus the textured navy blue sole make this the perfect pair of flip flops for a day by the beach or on a boat.
The straps are also engraved with the Orlebar Brown graphic logo, showcasing a bit of flair and pronunciation. In addition, the cork insole is not only comfortable to wear, but also adds a modern touch that makes the casual shoe even more stylish. While theyre still thongs, these Orlebar Brown flip flops take it to the next level in terms of quality and look.
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Birkenstock Como Flip Flops
If classic, rubber, beach-side flip flops are not really your thing, yet you still crave the convenience and freedom that flip flops provide, there are a few unique options that just might do the trick. For example, these Birkenstock Como Flip Flops are pretty different in terms of style, yet they still offer all of the functional benefits of typical flip flops.
These sandals have an adjustable buckled thong strap and boast a legendary footbed that is virtually unbeatable when it comes to support and comfort due to the fact that it mimics the shape of an actual foot. The arch support is also a huge plus!
Olukai Ohana: Best Mens Flip
Youre going to want some durable flip-flops for the beach. It would also help if theyre fast-drying, easy to bang sand out of, and water resistant. Happily, OluKai put all of those qualities together into a great-looking set of flip-flops, the Ohana.
Best for: Saying Aloha! to happy days on the beach.
Colors: Black, Dark Java, Pacifica + MoreMaterial: EVA
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Nike On Deck Flip Flops
For those in need of a sportier pair of sandals, the Nike on Deck Flip Flops truly is your best option. In fact, even if you arent a sporty or athletic guy, you should have these in your closet simply for the fact that theyre one of the most comfortable shoes to wear for leisure.
The rippled footbed provides cushion and support, and the overall lightness of the shoe makes it feel as though you are completely barefoot. Whether youre simply taking a stroll in the sun or are planning on trekking through the sand.
Q: How Do I Clean Flip
A: Most flip-flops should be hand washed using a wet rag. A light detergent or cleaning agent might be required if soiled by tough stains, but be careful not to over-scrub them to prevent damage to the material. Check with the manufacturer for more detailed cleaning instructions tailored to your specific flip flop.
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Best Splurge: Mephisto Shark Sandal
Why We Love It: They’re made from ultra-soft, comfortable, and breathable materials.
What to Consider: They’re the most expensive option on our list.
Besides boasting a comfortable leather upper, these handcrafted sandals from Mephisto feature a latex footbed that hugs your foot, and a shock-absorbing outsole. Plus, these sandals are breathable and lightweight, so they’re ideal for wearing all day. They may be a bit pricey, but they’re worth every penny.
Sizes: 7 to 14 | Material: Leather, rubber, textile
Compare To Similar Products
| Stylish, durable, excellent arch support | Comfortable, durable, good in water | Lightweight, great for hiking | Bargain basement price, relatively comfortable, good in wet conditions | ||
| Cons | Heavy, expensive, aggressive arch support may not be for everyone | Heavy, a bit pricey | Extra straps can get in the way, pricey | Breaking in takes time, poor traction | Low arch, not suitable for hiking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bottom Line | For folks who need solid arch support for long days on their feet, these flip flops deliver a solid performance | These flip flops are made for the ocean but are capable in any environment | Strap these to your feet and forget about them, these have serious staying power | After break-in, these cult classic flip flops offer excellent comfort and classic styling | These offer decent comfort and overall usability that far exceeds typical bargain basement flip flops |
| Rating Categories |
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Under Armour Fat Tire T Flip
Coming from a brand that built its reputation on making moisture-wicking T-shirts to keep athletes dry and sweat-free, it might be a bit of a surprise to learn that Under Armour is also in the sandals biz. But then again, maybe not. They do make sneakers.
The Fat Tire flip-flops feature a tough outsole made from the same rubber as Michelin tires, giving them amazing traction on slippery pool decks.
These sandals will stand the test of time and hold up to wear and tear. They can take you places most flip-flops cant. The strong and durable rubber outsoles mean you can easily hike along rocky terrain.
And have we mentioned youll feel like youre walking on memory foam pillows?
Theyre a bit pricier than some of the others, but the price reflects the quality, and these are one of our top picks for flip-flops.
Note: They run a bit small.
Sold on Amazon for under $65
Rainbow Leather Mens Flip
These leather sandals have a huge following. If youre a fan, youre typically a fan for life.
We think theyre some of the most stylish flip-flops for men. The sleek design offers so many different color options too all cool neutrals, like expresso, tan, sierra brown, grey and navy.
The Rainbow sandals do have a long break-in period, though, but once you get past that, theyre incredibly comfortable! They mold to your feet and will last for years.
Note: If you put them on with wet feet soon after you purchase them, youll shorten the break-in period.
Sold on Amazon for under $56
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Havaianas: Iconic For A Reason
havaianas
For comfort and style, you cant go wrong with classic Havaianas. The thong-style flip flops have a padded footbed with a textured rice pattern that makes the surface easy to grip. The rubber sole is made in Brazil and built to last in the elements youll encounter at the beach, boardwalk and everything in between this season.
Vans La Costa Flip Flops
In terms of value, the Vans La Costa Flip Flop has it down. These classically designed flip flops coin themselves as being a wardrobe staple and its undeniably true. The thong-style straps sit on a cushioned footbed giving you ultimate comfort.
The shoe also features a grippy tread to ensure that your foot remains secure while walking around on a warm day. The shoe comes in three very neutral colors of black, grape leaf, and classic navy, meaning you can easily have more than one pair in order to match pretty much any casual outfit. Just be sure to order half a size up since they tend to run small.
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Analysis And Test Results
Footwear is a critical connection between your body and the earth. The quality and comfort of the flip flop you choose is something that will affect your whole body from the ground up. To help you zero in on the pair that will best suit your body and needs, we have broken our review into multiple sections. Some folks wear flips from their bungalow to the surf break, while others bring them for critical foot respite during long thru-hikes. Regardless of where you fall on this spectrum, there are things that every pair should do well. Below you will find a breakdown of the metrics by which we judged each model, making it easier for you to find the perfect match.
Q: Should I Size Up Or Down For Flip
A: This depends on the shoes. Make sure to check with the manufacturer to see what they recommend. However, if the shoe does not specify whether it might run small or large and you need to choose a full size , it’s typically better to go a size up instead of down since you don’t want your toes or heels hanging over the edge.
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Best Overall Runner Up: Clarks Women’s Breeze Sea
Also available at Clarks
Why We Love It: This adorable pair of flip-flops offers impressive support and a textured upper that will bring style to the pool-side bar.
What to Consider: The price point is quite a bit more expensive than the average flip-flop.
This pair of cloud-stepping flip-flops was made for those seeking the right combination of comfort and style, which comes courtesy of the pragmatic design and trendy colors and silhouette that Clarks is known for. The cushion-soft comfort technology was made to provide adequate arch support, while the soft upper won’t irritate the toes or the top of the foot. We also like how this sandal is available in a huge variety of colors and patterns to suit your vacation aesthetic, with unique styles ranging from color-blocked pastels and neon stripes to classic denim-like hues and even polka dot designs.
Price at time of publish: $29-$101
Sizes: 5 to 12 | Materials: EVA foam
