The greatest flip-flops available are prepared to take the place of your reliable sneakers and leather sandals when the weather is unbearably hot and all you want to wear is something that doesn’t feel like a sweat trap. Because finding a new pair of flip-flops that are supportive, long-lasting, and wonderfully easy to wear is much different than simply throwing on some cheap thongs to allow your dogs to breathe. Fortunately, a good number of solutions tick those boxes, and professional and well-mannered SELF editors enthusiastically suggest them.
The best flip-flops
The best, most comfy flip-flops are what you deserve for all of your plans—whether they involve staying in close proximity to home, going to the beach or something in between—as peak summer is almost upon us. See our top picks for pairs below, which were chosen based on advice from SELF employees and podiatrists.
Best Overall: Merrell Hut Ultra Flip
The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) has awarded this plush flip-flop its Seal of Acceptance, indicating that professionals have judged its design is good for your feet’s health. We know precisely how soft the thick foam footbed of the Hut Ultra is because we awarded the Slide model, which uses the same bones as the Flip but a different strap system, a Sneaker Award last year. Our tester wrote, “These sandals are beyond comfortable.” “This is the best pair I’ve ever owned,” Although the incredibly smooth ride of this sandal was designed with recuperation in mind, you can also feel comfortable wearing it out and about: The straps are composed of breathable mesh, and the sole resists slick surfaces.
Best Budget: Teva Voya Flip
We love Teva’s more substantial styles for hiking, travel and just plain hanging out, so it should come as no surprise that the company also produces some seriously amazing flip-flops. The Voya feels light, has a plush footbed, and is reasonably priced. Its footbed progressively conforms to the wearer’s foot, according to reviewers, so your pair should only get more comfortable with wear. Additionally, they are coated with an oil based on peppermint, which helps prevent odours, so don’t worry if you get them really dirty.
Most Comfortable: OOfos OOriginal Sandal
By the time she wrote her evaluation, our tester had become so enamoured with her OOfos OOriginals that she had forgotten how many additional pairs she had purchased. Because of how well cushioned these APMA-approved flip-flops are, she first tested them and found that they helped her feet recuperate from long runs. She referred to her pair as ‘pillows for your feet’. Though she admitted that she wears the OOriginal almost anywhere in the summer, whether she’s doing errands in her athleisure or hitting up a patio happy hour, the shoe rapidly became her go-to for any warm weather excursion.
Most Supportive: Vionic Tide II Flip-Flop
SELF was previously advised by several podiatrists to wear Vionic sandals and trainers because of their supportive, durable styles. Another APMA favourite, the Tide II, offers a deep-set heel cup for a snug fit and integrated arch support that rests smoothly against your entire foot. These qualities should be helpful to anyone seeking more support in their shoes, but reviewers who have flat feet were particularly pleased with the Tide II’s fit: “My feet are so flat and they hurt all the time.” However, I can stroll all day with these sandals,” one person remarked. Try Vionic’s High Tide II, which has a two-inch platform under the heel, providing a somewhat more elevated feel.
Most Durable: Olukai ‘Aukai
The executive editor of SELF states, “OluKai makes beautiful leather sandals.” “The leather has ages beautifully and they have amazing arch support.” This flip-flop has a gripping outsole and a soft, contoured insole, making it comfortable to wear all day. Just be aware that it can take a few miles until the ‘Aukai conforms to your foot’s shape. Our executive editor says the outcomes are definitely worth the wait: She observes, “After years of wear, they still feel like new, but they took a little breaking in.”
Most Stylish: Birkenstock Gizeh
Birkenstock’s supportive sandals are a favourite among podiatrists and SELF employees alike since they happen to look as beautiful as they feel. The brand’s version of a traditional flip-flop is called the Gizeh: To improve the fit of the shoe, it features an adjustable buckle strap across the middle of your foot in addition to a central thong strap. With Birk’s distinctive suede lining, the foot-cradling insole feels soft right out of the box and becomes better with each wear. Additionally, the Gizeh can be worn up or down, just like other Birk styles, which makes it a great pair of flip-flops for your next trip if you want to pack less.
Best for Plantar Fasciitis: Hoka Ora Recovery Flip
Even while the finest shoes for plantar fasciitis tend to be more stable and supportive than flip-flops, there are moments when you just need to slip into something easy to walk the dog or get takeaway. In those situations, the Ora Recovery Flip from APMA-approved and professional brand Hoka offers a comfortable solution. It features broad, supple straps that hug your foot as you walk and offers about as much cushion as you can get in a sandal to help prevent heel pain (several reviewers likened its feel to Hoka’s renownedly cloud-like sneakers).
Best for the Beach: Chaco Lowdown Flip-Flop
The writer and other SELF employees adore Chacos because of their adaptable design and APMA-approved hard yet flexible footbed. Although the strappy Z/Classic sandal captured our hearts, the thin Lowdown Flip is a simple slip-on beach sandal that provides many of the same advantages. Wear them in the water, on pavement, in sand, or wherever else you like—the rubber sole’s shallow lugs will offer some traction, and the straps will dry up fast when you get back on dry land.
Best Platform: FitFlop Lulu
FitFlop’s sandals have been highly recommended to SELF by podiatrist Amy DeGirolamo, DPM of Florida Foot and Ankle Associates in Miami. Our favourite style from the company is Lulu, which is now the best-selling model. Its platform sole offers a great deal of cushioning and structure in addition to adding a slight height (the heel is 1.5 inches tall). In fact, the APMA has given it their seal of acceptance because it is so supportive. Soft microfibre is also used to line the wide straps to avoid blisters and chafing.
Best Budget Platform: Crocs Getaway Platform Flip
If you choose the Crocs Getaway Platform Flip, you may achieve the bulky style for a somewhat lower price. In addition to having the same plush, cushioned ride as the brand’s well-known clogs, it also offers several summer-ready features: The wedge heel measures 1.75 inches in height, the thong straps are velvety and plush, and the sole flexes and moves with your foot. Right now, it comes in some really adorable pastel colours. If only it could work with Jibbitz now.
Best for High Arches: Aetrex Maui
The APMA-approved Aetrex Maui is yet another supportive flip-flop designed for all-day comfort. As it conforms to the contours of your foot, the foam sole cushions the shock of your steps. The rearfoot relieves some of the pressure on your heels, while the midfoot offers lots of support. As to the reviews, this is particularly suitable for individuals with high arches: One person wrote, “They fit perfectly; I have a high arch.” “I love how my feet feel when I wear them.” Going to the swimming pool? They are light enough to float, so take them with you.
