17 Best Flip Flops for Women of 2024, Tested at the Beach and Beyond
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Merrell, Clarks, Reef, Sanuk, and other brands you need to know
People / Sarah Roberts
Summer is officially in full swing, so it's time to book that pedicure you've been putting off and invest in a quality pair of flip flops. Whether you’re running errands on a hot day, lounging on your back patio, or booking a well-deserved vacation in the sun, a good pair of flip flops is essential for all your summer adventures. Just be sure to treat yourself to a foot mask or peel before slipping into a pair.
The More You Know
"Avoid flip flops made of cheap material that are excessively thin or flat to prevent problems such as extensor tendonitis,” says LA-based podiatrist Cory Clement, DPM. “In addition, the flatter the sole, the more our intrinsic foot muscles work harder to grip the sandal, which can lead to hammertoes and even bunions.”
To save you time scrolling through endless ads and reviews, we tested over 26 pairs of women's flip flops for comfort, fit, support, durability, and value. We took them to the streets, the beach, and on road trips to see which ones were worthy of the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval. We continued to wear them for five months and have updated the below list to reflect the best of the best.
Best Overall: Reef Solana Flip Flop
Star Qualities
Super soft footbed
No irritation, blisters, or chafing during testing
Comfortable for all-day wear
Red Flags
Could have more arch support
We can’t say enough good things about these stylish, yet utilitarian sandals from Reef, and that’s why they’re our top pick. The comfy, non-slip insole gave us enough cushion and support for all-day wear, and the non-porous upper made these flip flops quick drying — an easy transition from pool to sidewalk. (Hence why they dethroned our last year's best overall winner, the Clarks Breeze Sea Flip Flop).
The true test of this pair’s durability was when our tester’s dog got ahold of them for a few seconds, after which no marks were left or seams were ripped at the hands of sharp puppy teeth.
Though this pair features classic thong straps, we never felt the irritation or chafing that typically accompanies this style. We did wish that there was a bit more arch support built into the shoe, but we still felt as if our feet were supported and comfortable throughout days-long outings in these flip flops (so really, we’re just being nitpicky).
It was easy to transition these sandals from the pool to dinner thanks to their elevated look, and the price feels fair for the great quality and appearance of these easygoing shoes.
Colors: 2 | Sizes: 5-11 | Materials: TPE footbed, rubber outsole, recycled plastic toe post
Best Overall (Cheaper): Sanuk Yoga Sandy Sandals
Star Qualities
Strappy details are aesthetically pleasing
Easy to pack
Lightweight and comfortable
Red Flags
No raised arch
Material absorbs water
There’s so much to love about these ultra-comfy Sanuk sandals, so we’ll start from the top. We became fans of the double-layered yoga mat material insole that kept our feet supported, stabilized, and most importantly, comfortable for full days of wear. The strappy details, which add a stylish touch, are made from stretchy nylon swimsuit material that made this style that much more comfortable in the long run.
Though these didn’t cause us any sort of discomfort, we did think they could stand to have some arch support — especially for those overpronated feet. We also think it’s worth mentioning that these aren’t the best wet-to-dry sandals (the Reef Cushion Court excelled here), as the absorbent material tends to harbor water. However, we really couldn’t get enough of the cloudlike comfort that these Sanuk flip flops offered.
Colors: 3 | Sizes: 5-11 | Materials: Nylon/jersey upper, memory foam yoga mat footbed, recycled rubber outsole
Most Comfortable: Merrell Women's Hut Ultra Flip
Star Qualities
Great for all-day wear
Stabilizing sole with substantial tread
Extremely cushioned footbed
Red Flags
Tendency to hold water
“These are definitely one of the most comfortable flip-flops I've ever worn, next to my Birkenstock sandals,” our tester wrote. She wore these flip flops for walks on the beach, airport trips, a sightseeing vacation in Vegas, and more. Their comfort can be attributed to the foamy footbed — a supportive, comfortable, and foot-cradling insole — and its high-traction tread, both which kept our tester light on her feet all day long.
Though this chunkier style looks like it could be on the heavy side, these shoes were light as a feather and never slowed our stride. They performed well across all terrains, including sand, grass, pavement, and wet tile, and never gave us trouble or pain — though they did seem to retain water when wet. Aside from this, the entire experience of wearing these ultra-cushioned flip flops felt like “walking on a cloud,” according to our tester.
Extra Perks
This shoe is vegan-friendly and treated with odor-repellant.
Colors: 7 | Sizes: 5-11 | Materials: FloatMax foam, algae biomass performance foam, EVA midsole and outsole, recycled webbing
Still Great: Clarks Breeze Sea Flip Flop
Star Qualities
Velcro-adjusted straps for custom fit
Thick soles provided extra support for all-day wear
Foamy footbeds kept us comfortable
Red Flags
Heavier than others we tested
Editor’s Note: These Clark flip flops were one of our top picks last year, and we still love them so we’re keeping them on this year’s list.
The Clarks Breeze Sea flip flops aren’t just a one-summer shoe — they combine durability and comfort so that you can get all the benefits of quality flip flops at the same time. While they aren’t necessarily airless like the Sanuk Yoga Mat Flip Flops, their extra weight is largely attributed to the thicker sole material, which feels extra durable. It has an EVA midsole for shock absorption, as well as an extra layer of foam on top for extra padding and support. And besides the straps being super cute, they also have velcro for a custom fit, and the comfy strap material prevents uncomfortable chafing.
How They've Held Up
If there’s one thing that we’re taking away from our five months with these flip flops, it’s that these are some durable shoes. While they felt firm at first, they later molded to our feet like memory foam. We were impressed by how hardwearing they were, never showing so much as a scuff or indent though we wore them nearly every day. Keep these in rotation with your most comfortable heels.
Colors: 5 | Sizes: 5-12 | Materials: Ortholite footbed, EVA outsole, soft textile lining
Best for Travel: Tkees Flip-Flop Sandal
Star Qualities
Very flat, easy to pack
Comfortable despite little padding
Chafe- and blister-free wear
Red Flags
Run a bit small
Lacking arch support
Packing shoes is one of the most tedious parts of getting ready to go on a trip — but we’ve found flip flops that are the easiest to pack, leaving even more room for extras (like your favorite one-piece swimsuit). These chic, shiny flip flops are super thin without being flimsy, which makes them easy to stack in a carry-on suitcase or tote and take on your next vacay. We wore them on long walks, to the beach, and while running our everyday errands and didn’t feel as if they were slipping off or irritating our feet in any way.
We will say that because they are so flat, and therefore easy to pack, they lack arch support and an overly plushy footbed, which flip flop devotees may want. (We’d suggest the Birkenstock Gizeh EVA Sandals, in that case.) They also seem to run about a half-size too small, so we’d suggest sizing up. However, these were some of the most basic, yet attractive flip flops we tried, and we think they’d be the perfect shoe for everything from pool days to resort dinners on your next trip away.
Colors: 21 | Sizes: 5-11 | Materials: Synthetic leather
Related: The 8 Best Packing Cubes of 2024 for an Organized Suitcase
Most Lightweight: Sanuk Yoga Mat Flip Flops
Star Qualities
Made from super-soft yoga mat material
Plush yet supportive
Enough traction to wear on wet surfaces
Red Flags
Minimal structured support (more stylish than orthopedic)
Overly cushioned, so not ideal for all day wear
These featherweight flip flops have a footbed made from yoga mat material, which means that they’re some of the most comfortable shoes we’ve ever slipped into. And although they’re plush and ultralight, they do still offer arch support. The Y-shaped straps are made from faux leather and have an extra layer of soft fabric lining them, which keeps your feet from chafing or blistering.
While they’re not the shoes you’d want to wear during a long day on your feet, they feel like a dream for short outings, like walks along the beach in your favorite swimsuit. And if you’re looking for a beach essential and are worried about getting around on slick pool tiles or sandy boardwalks, the sturdy grip of the bottoms of the shoes, coupled with the thick straps that cling to your feet, means that you don’t have to feel unsteady on slippery terrains.
How They've Held Up
After five months of testing, we’re still loving these affordable flip flops. They formed to our feet after so much summer wear that we transitioned these into our house shoes in the winter. And even though they became pretty worn into the soles of our feet, they never became uncomfortable.
Colors: 8 | Sizes: 5-11 | Materials: Synthetic upper, faux leather straps
People / Lydia Price
Best Design: Birkenstock Gizeh Essentials EVA Sandals
Star Qualities
One of the most lightweight options we tested
Anatomically shaped footbed for excellent arch support
No break-in period
Red Flags
Relatively expensive
Like all Birkenstock shoes, these flip flops have an anatomically shaped, molded footbed — designed to cradle your feet perfectly. And because these are a little more soft, they work for many foot types, whether you’re flat-footed or have a high arch. Because the thong straps themselves are made out of comfortable foam, they don’t chafe or cause blistering, which is huge considering many flip flops can be irritating between the toes.
There wasn’t an awkward period of breaking them in — we noticed that within as little as an hour they started to mold to our feet, which saved us from the dreaded discomfort of adjusting to a new shoe. While these come at a fairly steep price compared to other shoes we tested, they are the kind of sandal that you can wear all day long, which is in large part due to their expert design. And after giving them a fair test, we determined this makes the price worth it.
Colors: 5 | Sizes: 4-13 (whole sizes) 4.5-13.5 (half sizes) | Materials: Molded EVA foam
Best Strappy: Teva Womens Olowahu Flip Flop
Star Qualities
Straps are thin, so they’re easy to pack
Cushioned footbed has a plush fee
Performed well on different terrains
Red Flags
Little to no arch support
Hard to slide on and off
The Teva Olowahu flip flops are very lightweight and the straps are soft, so they easily slide into any suitcase or tote bag without taking up too much space. Although they don’t have much arch support, they’re fairly cushioned and super soft for long days. The straps, thankfully, didn’t cause any chafing, and we noticed that they stretch and mold to the foot over time, which is a plus. However, the toe strap is a little tight and they don’t exactly slip on, so it does take some stretching to get them on your foot the first few times.
These women's Tevas did well on different terrains — from cement to grass to sand. But though the cushioned footbed has a plush feel, it doesn’t offer much more than that. However, these easily packable and lightweight shoes are a great addition to slide into your weekender bag at the last minute for treks to the pool or beach.
How They've Held Up
We still agree that these are not shoes for long walks, but we do recommend them for days spent relaxing by the pool. Their flatness makes them easy to pack, yet their strappy design is eye-catching, which makes these shoes feel like a surefire option for our next resort stay.
Colors: 13 | Sizes: 5-12 | Materials: EVA, rubber sole
Related: The 8 Best Packing Cubes of 2024 for an Organized Suitcase
Best Ergonomic: FitFlop iQushion Ergonomic Flip-Flops
Star Qualities
Plush yet lightweight support
Pillows on the front and back cradle your feet
Easy to slip on and off
Red Flags
Slightly uncomfortable between the toes
Thin straps may not feel secure enough
What stood out to us about this Fitflop pair were the barely-noticeable design features like air-foam cushioning and impact pillows that made these sandals uniquely ergonomic. Its specialty footbed felt supportive yet didn’t weigh down our steps, and the extra padding in the front and back stabilized us when walking on bumpy terrains.
We were equally impressed by its anatomically shaped footbed, which provided great arch support and minimized the foot fatigue we’d feel in flat or flimsy flip flops. However, we did experience a bit of irritation from the toe straps, but it faded once we got used to the new shoes.
Colors: 12 | Sizes: 5-11 | Materials: Snake-embossed rubber, EVA foam
People / Jamie Hergengrader
Best Unisex: Crocs Classic II Flip Flop
Star Qualities
Just as lightweight as Crocs clogs
No break-in period
Footbed’s bump details boost circulation
Red Flags
Runs big
Slightly awkward arches
Crocs are beloved by many — especially fans of slip-on shoes — but are their flip flops as good as their iconic clogs? We’re happy to announce that yes, the Croc flip flops have all the same qualities as the OG shoe — like Croslite foam and bump details in the footbed for boosted circulation.
We love how lightweight and cushioned they are, and the bump detailing makes it feel like you’re getting a gentle massage with every step. While the arches sit at a little bit of an awkward height, they also provide gentle support, like most Crocs do. These also required no break-in period and caused little to no discomfort on the first few wears. Keep in mind that these do feel a bit big and wide on your foot, but that’s how they’re designed (in fact, they’re pretty true-to-size).
How They've Held Up
No different than our classic Crocs clogs, these have become our go-to for quick errands and traveling. They feel just as durable as when we first got them, even after testing them on every terrain accessible to us (sand, concrete, wood, carpet, you name it). After all of that, they reflect little to no signs of physical wear and tear.
Colors: 4 | Sizes: 6-15 | Materials: Thermoplastic (EVA), EVA sole
Best Support: Aerothotic Orthotic Flip Flops
Star Qualities
Excellent arch support
Shock-absorbing footbed
Noticeable reduction of foot fatigue and discomfort
Red Flags
Irritation from straps after first wears
Design caters to medium-high arch
These shoes are loaded with supportive features like cupped soles, toe grips, and gel-like conditioning under the footbed that softened our steps. The bottom of the shoe itself is made of thick plastic and has a square-shaped heel, which also protected the bottoms of our feet from any harsh terrain. However, keep in mind that these shoes cater to people with a medium-high arch, so they may not fit the same on every foot.
Although this pair is a bit bulkier than others we tested, everything from the straps to the soles felt structured, durable, and most of all, comfortable. We will note that the underlining of the straps caused a little bit of irritation on the tops of our feet during the first few wears, but it eventually subsided. We thought this shoe came at a great value, especially for its fatigue-relieving benefits. If this is a specific pain point for you, then these flip flops are certainly worth the purchase.
How They’ve Held Up
We loved the comfortable support of these shoes so much that we’re wearing them both inside and outside of the house (depending on the season). There’s been no deterioration in the straps or soles of these shoes, and the traction is still top-tier.
Colors: 20 | Sizes: 6-11 | Materials: Polyurethane
People / Jeanne Geer
Best Everyday: Skechers Womens On The Go 600 Sunny Flip Flop
Star Qualities
Thick, durable soles
Lightweight wear
Comfortable across various terrains and weather conditions
Red Flags
On the expensive side
Not easy to pack
If you’re someone who likes wearing flip flops all day, this pair from Skechers is a great option. These thick, sturdy, and durable sandals were the perfect weight to absorb the feeling of rocks or gravel underneath without weighing us down or feeling bulky. The straps were soft and didn’t cause any chafing, and we appreciated the footbed’s moderate arch support.
We tested these across multiple terrains in rain and shine — and they held up beautifully through it all. Because these are so thick, they’re ideal for long days of walking or time spent standing in one spot (think summer parades or sports games). However, the size of them makes them a bit hard to pack. They’re a little pricey for flip flops at $45, but if you plan on wearing them every day — like a great pair of sunglasses — you’re certainly going to get your money’s worth.
Colors: 9 | Sizes: 5-12 (regular sizes) 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 (wide sizes) | Materials: Goga mat footbed, rubber sole
Best for the Pool: Havaianas Women's Slim Flip Flop
Star Qualities
Barely-there lightweight feel
Cushioned insole adds extra comfort and protection
Great traction on outsoles
Red Flags
Lacks arch support
One of our favorite features of the Havaianas Slim Flip Flops is how lightweight they are. The cushioned insole provides a solid layer of comfort and protection from the ground with every step. The bottoms are also ridged, which offers a good amount of traction on slippery surfaces like a pool deck.
While these are lightweight and comfortable, they have minimal arch support, which means they aren’t the best for running errands or spending a lot of time on your feet. However, they slip on and off easily, don’t leave any blisters, and are relatively plush to the touch (all with a pretty cheap price tag), so they’re an excellent option for your short-term summertime activities. (Extra perk: They're slim enough to slip into a tote bag to take on the go.)
How They've Held Up
These simplistic shoes were what we’d expect from a standard summer sandal, but they deliver consistently comfortable wear every time. We’ve yet to see a decline in the wear and appearance, which leads us to believe that they’re pretty durable despite their slender look.
Colors: 13 | Sizes: 5-12 | Materials: Rubber
Related: The Best Places to Buy Swimsuits Online for Every Size, Style, and Budget
Best Elevated: OluKai ‘Aka Beach Sandals
Star Qualities
Unique strappy details make these dinner-appropriate
Grippy bottom and water-friendly material ensures no slipping at the pool
Super comfortable without having a casual flip flop appearance
Red Flags
A bit on the narrow side so not great for those with wide feet
These elevated Olukai flip flops can do it all. The patented Wet Grip Rubber bottom makes them a great choice for the pool, and the unique knotted design and “bikini-inspired straps” make them equally appropriate for a date night or vacation dinner. One of our editors even wore these sandals at a music festival and found them comfy enough to dance in for hours.
If you have wide feet or need a lot of arch support, these may not be the sandals for you, but if you’re looking for a comfortable, versatile sandal that doesn’t sacrifice style, this is a great pick.
Editors Say
These white Olukai flip flops are chic. I live in Hawai’i, where flip flops reign supreme, but I get tired of throwing on the same casual pair as I’m headed out the door. These flip flops make it look like I put a little extra thought into my outfit, making them a great choice for dinner with friends or an elevated pool day. — Erin Johnson, associate editorial director
Colors: 5 | Sizes: 5-11 | Materials: Not listed
Best Casual: Teva Womens Mush II Flip Flop
Star Qualities
Flexible sole adjusts to your foot
No blisters or chafing during testing
Thick straps kept them in place
Red Flags
Straps felt tight during the first few wears
We were taken aback at just how lightweight and soft these Teva flip flops were. The ultralight, flexible sole allowed them to conform to our feet fully, but they were by no means flimsy. The thick thong straps kept them in place so they didn’t slip as we walked, yet we didn’t experience chafing or blisters while breaking them in.
Although there aren’t a ton of color options, these are great sandals for casual wear while running errands or while on vacation. It doesn’t hurt that the straps are super cute, too.
How They've Held Up
We spent a lot of time (one year, to be exact) in hot climates with these shoes and they withstood everyday wear with ease. The squishy soles molded to our feet, making our daily treks around town more comfortable than ever, and the straps didn’t stretch out (an issue we’d faced with some other styles).
Colors: 4 | Sizes: 5-12 | Materials: Polyester webbing, EVA sole
People / Cecilia De La Paz
Related: The 26 Best Linen Dresses of 2024 for an Easy, Breezy Look
Best Cushion: Reef Cushion Court Flip Flops
Star Qualities
Soft, foamy footbed with great arch support
Fast drying for pool or beach days
Going on one year of testing with no complaints
Red Flags
Inconsistent sizing
The Reef Cushion Court flip flops are made from a thick foam material, which makes them very soft and cushioned — but that doesn’t mean that they’re not supportive. Though plush, the insole is sturdy enough to provide great arch support without sacrificing comfort. The straps, which are made of vegan leather, were also soft and visually elevating.
Another perk was how quickly these sandals dried, making them perfect to take from the pool to the boardwalk. One thing to keep in mind is that there were slight inconsistencies in the sizing, so we recommend sizing up by at least half a size.
How They've Held Up
These flip flops are incredibly versatile. We’ve gone from wearing them outside in various terrains to using them as gym locker room shoes — all through which they have remained comfortable, durable, and totally waterproof. We can see this hardwearing pair lasting us several years (and when they do walk their last miles, we’re going to replace them with the exact same style).
Colors: 13 | Sizes: 5-12 (whole sizes) 7.5, 8.5, 9.5 (half sizes) | Materials: Cushioned foam, vegan leather strap, rubber sole
People / Ellie Hertel
Best Slip Resistant: OKABASHI Womens Maui Flip Flops
Star Qualities
Footbed grips your soles for extra security
Slip-proof outsole is ideal for poolside wear
Comfortable arch support
Red Flags
Confusing sizes
The Okabashi Maui Flip Flops achieve the one thing that we really need summer sandals to do — be slip-resistant on a water-soaked pool deck. Its non-slip and non-marking rubber sole gripped onto the bottoms of our feet and the surface below to prevent injury on slick surfaces, which made this pair a standout from the start.
But this isn’t all we loved about these grippy shoes. They have a sculpted arch and heel that keeps you comfortable and stable all day long, and its textured insole made us feel like we were getting a gentle massage.
One of our only qualms was the confusing sizing, which is categorized by small (US 5-6), medium (US 6-7.5), medium-large (US 8-9), large (9.5-10), and “LL” (US 11-12). The awkward sizing breaks made it hard to find our true size, so if you’re between two, we’d suggest sizing up.
How They've Held Up
From indoor shoes to grassy outdoor slip-ons, these flip flops have been a cloud of comfort for our feet. Not only have they stayed soft and supportive, but they’ve remained in tip-top shape despite puppy nibbles and yard work scuffs. We can pretty confidently say that we’ll be taking these into the next few summers ahead.
Colors: 11 | Sizes: 5-6, 8-9 (whole sizes) 6.5-10.5 (half sizes) | Materials: Microplast
People / Skye Senterfeit
Up Next: The Best Plus Size Swimwear of 2024, According to Editors and Reviews
Other Women’s Flip Flops We Tried
Chaco Chillos Flip Flop: These flip flops were lightweight, had supportive arches, and most of all, were super durable. They required a bit of a break-in period, but that only lasted for the first two wears. They dried quickly, which made them easy to take from water to land, and they have a thick, cushioned footbed that protected our feet when walking on rough terrain. We recommend sizing up because this style runs a bit small.
KuaiLu Yoga Foam Flip Flops: From the first wear, these sandals felt supportive and luxe — as if they were molding to our feet. They were comfortable during everyday errands and the substantial traction made us feel confident on a variety of terrains, from sidewalks to grass. The padding was just enough to where it didn’t feel too bulky, but it wasn’t thin, either. We’d suggest sizing down for your best fit.
What to Know About Women’s Flip Flops
Comfort
Wearing uncomfortable flip flops can wreak all kinds of havoc on your body, from back to neck pain, muscle aches, and tightness. Wearing comfortable shoes is an investment in your overall physical wellness. Depending on your lifestyle, you’ll most likely wear flip flops during leisure time, like traveling or hanging out around the house. Pick a pair that feels good to you so that you can fully enjoy these moments in life without distraction or discomfort. Taking into account how the straps feel on your feet, how the sole bends, and how cushioned the footbed is is key for figuring out whether or not a shoe truly feels comfortable to you.
Foot Type
From wide to narrow, high arches or flat feet, it’s important to know your foot type so that you can pick the shoes that work best for you. Looking at how stretchy the straps are, how wide the footbed is, and the height and width of its arch are all things you should consider when picking your next pair of flip flops. (From our findings, shoppers with wide or flat feet would benefit from the Crocs Classic Flip Flop while narrow feet with high arches would appreciate the OluKai ‘Aka Beach Sandals.)
If any of these things don’t align with the anatomy of your foot, then you will experience discomfort that will make you not want to wear them at all. Also, if you’re doubtful about which size to pick, it’s a pretty safe bet to size up by half a size so that you have extra room and flexibility.
Arch Support
Experts recommend prioritizing arch support when shopping for both women's and men's flip flops because wearing shoes with minimal support can lead to things like exacerbated back pain and muscle tension. Unlike walking shoes, flip-flops often have minimal support due to flimsy, flat footbeds. But if you need a little extra boost, you should look at how easily the sole of the shoe bends and the shape of the arch. Finding shoes with a design that prioritizes support (like the Aerothotic Orthotic Flip Flops) is the best way to make sure your feet are supported and protected.
Durability
Whether you’re headed to a rocky beach or a slippery pool deck, having shoes that will go the distance is the best way to make the most of your adventures. Thick soles, secure straps, and high-quality materials are key components of shoes that last. We liked the Clarks Women's Breeze Sea best for their durability. They worked well in several terrains due to their thick, sturdy soles that protected our feet and comfortable insoles that never let our feet feel the unevenness of the ground below.
Value
With all that being said, you ultimately get what you pay for — while it may seem ridiculous to pay more than $10 for a pair of flip flops, paying more for high-quality materials means you’ll be able to wear them year after year, as opposed to having to throw them out after a few months. Thinking about what your money is getting you — like comfort and durability — will help you determine the value of the shoes you’re purchasing.
People / Anna Popp
Behind the Scenes
In order to discover the best flip flops for women this year, we tested over 6 pairs over the course of two weeks (on top of last year’s tests, where we tried 20 pairs for over five months). We based our judgements upon the following qualities:
Versatility: During the first two-week period, we wore the flip flops about 5-7 times for at least 5 hours each on various terrain, such as pavement, grass, dirt, sand, wet tile, hardwood floors, etc., to see how each fared in different circumstances.
Comfort: We looked for things like blistering, chafing, dye stains on our skin, and if the shoes did or didn’t need a break-in period to start feeling comfortable. Each tester also noted how heavy each pair felt on their feet, as weightier pairs often lead to irritation down the road.
Durability: During this testing period, we evaluated how each shoe withstood water, sweat, and prolonged wear. We looked closely at how each tread fared on different kinds of terrains and weather conditions, and if there were any signs of wear and tear on the shoes by the end.
Value: The final, and arguably most important quality, was if we thought the performance, price, and design of the sandals added up. We were not shown the prices of our pairs until the very end of the initial two-week testing period, where we then decided whether or not they were worth that amount of money (or if we’d pay more for the performance).
But we didn’t stop there — we continued to wear some of these shoes for up to a year to truly test the longevity, continuous performance, and overall comfort of these flip flops.
We later updated this list according to our findings, and will continue to do so as the years go on and more styles make their summer debuts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which flip flop material is best?
This ultimately depends on what kind of wear you’re hoping to get out of your flip flops. If you’re going to be wearing them to the beach or the pool, a plastic or rubber material will be your safest bet. Because they’re easy to dry off and resist water, plastic flip flops won’t get soggy or moldy from water damage. However, if you plan on wearing them every day out and about, leather flip flops are high quality, soft, and durable, so you'll get many seasons of wear out of them.
How do I choose a good flip flop?
There are a lot of things to take into account when picking the right flip flop for you. Things like your foot shape and lifestyle will impact your choice. If you have higher arches and need extra support, look for shoes that are designed to provide extra comfort with arch support and cushioning. If you have sensitive skin and find that your feet blister a lot in new shoes, opt for fabric straps as opposed to rubber, which tend to chafe more on skin. If you have a wider foot, you’ll probably want straps that have a little more stretch so that they don’t feel as tight on your feet.
Should you size up when buying flip flops?
Flip flop sizes tend to be standardized into small, medium, and large, which can make it hard to pick a pair that is your right size. Flip flops are meant to be a little more roomy and flexible, so it’s a safe bet to size up to make sure that they are comfortable and aren’t too tight.
Why Trust PEOPLE?
Oliva Avitt is a freelance content creator and commerce writer for PEOPLE. She writes about all topics, including home, beauty, and fashion. For this article, she used our real-world testing insights and spoke with board-certified podiatrist Dr. Cory Clement about the importance of high-quality flip flops and their relation to overall foot health.
Staff writer Alyssa Brascia updated this story with our testers’ year-long insights, where they recorded their observations of the shoes’ performances over a longer period of time to speak to their durability. She also added in additional picks from our 2024 testing process.
This article was edited by associate editorial director and Hawai'i resident Erin Johnson, who lives in flip flops. She has tried (and approves of) multiple flip flops of this list. Her favorites come from Sanuk, Reef, Merrell, and OluKai.
Meet Our Expert
Cory Clement, DPM is an Los Angeles-based podiatrist and foot surgeon. He commented on what to look for in a supportive pair of flip flops.
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