From the California coast to the Gold Coast of Australia, Haleiwa to Florianopolis to New Smyrna Beach, there may be no more ubiquitous form of footwear than a humble pair of flip flops. Referred to around the world as thongs, chanclas, “slippahs,” and at least a dozen other names, why the flip flop continues to remain the go-to sandal style for surfers is equal parts form and function — they’re light, comfortable, easy to put on and take off, and fairly inexpensive.
The simplicity of the flip flop’s construction — a sole, two straps that wrap around the foot, and a post that goes between the big toe and the second toe — disguises how difficult it can be to make a pair that are comfortable and built to last. Or, rather, how many options there are to find the perfect pair depending on your needs. From materials to construction to sizing, the flip flop market is awash with variety, so we took it upon ourselves to test as many flip flops as we could get our hands on (er, feet in). After ample boardwalk strolls, morning surf checks, and a few ambitious outings to test the limits of these casual shoes, here are our favorites.
Navigate To: Comparison Table | How We Tested | Buyer’s Guide
Related: The Best Men’s Sandals | The Best Beach Sandals for Women
The Best Men’s Flip Flops
Best Overall Flip Flops: Olukai Tuahine
Runner-Up Best Overall: Hari Mari Fields
Best Value Flip Flops: Teva ReFlip
Best Budget Flip Flops: Havaianas Top
Most Supportive Flip Flops: KLLY Lunar
Best Recovery Flip Flops: OOFOS Men’s Original Sandal
Most Plush Flip Flops: Rainbow Double Layer Classic
Best Overall Flip Flops
Olukai Tuahine ($100)
Pros: Waterproof, premium materials, comfort that improves with time
Cons: Price
Sizing Recommendation: For half sizes, we definitely recommend sizing at least to the next size up
Olukai’s Tuahine takes the timeless design and comfort of the leather flip flop and gives it the major upgrade it deserves. For years, we’ve been a hopeless devotee of the tan leather flip flop because they get more comfortable over time, are incredibly durable, and have a classic look.
One major drawback of leather flip flops, though, is you (usually) want to avoid getting them wet. This isn’t always possible when spending days at the beach or near the pool. The fact that Olukai’s Tuahines are made with waterproof leather is a huge durability upgrade for those accustomed to leather sandals that only get better with time.
The second enhancement is in the Tuahine’s sole which features a wet-grip rubber that is also non-marking for the boaters and fishermen among us. In testing, we found that the Tuahines also offered great arch support – second maybe to the KLLY Lunar flip flops (see below). They feature a cupped heel for optimum fit with no break-in period needed. For those accustomed to a more bouncy, foamy feel underfoot in their flip flops, Olukai’s Tuahines are not it – we’d recommend the Rainbow Double Layers or KLLY Lunars for more bounciness. These have more of a solid, close-to-the-ground type feel. Also, note that the Tuahines run a bit small, so we’d recommend sizing up. We’d also be remiss if we didn’t acknowledge that the Olukais are some of the priciest on the list. After years of testing, though, these flip flops have only improved with time.
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Runner-Up Best Overall Flip Flops
Hari Mari Fields ($65)
Pros: Soft premium leather comfort, low-profile minimalist style, solid price
Cons: Limited structure and support, leather is not waterproof
Sizing recommendation: For half sizes, size up to the nearest full-size
Olukai’s Tuahine sandals may have beaten out Hari Mari’s Fields flip flops for our best overall slot, but only by the slimmest of margins. That’s because Hari Mari makes a damn good classic leather flip flop with a handful of premium upgrades that up the comfort factor in a big way.
Hari Mari uses the term “buttery” to describe the feel of the leather they use for the Fields. Before testing, we honestly weren’t totally sure what they meant. But slipping them on for the first time, we understood. These things are soft. Memory foam footbeds with slight cupping are plush, but not to the point of feeling high profile. And what may seem like a small detail – a memory foam toe post – actually made a pretty big difference in preventing rubbing and blisters between the toes on longer strolls.
While the Fields have some arch support, it’s pretty minimal compared to the Olukai Tuahines or KLLY Lunar. As is the structure of the sandal overall. But compared to both, the Fields are much lower profile and more style-forward. Think of the kind of flip flops that are good for the beach but also pair nicely with a pair of jeans for a casual night out. The branding is muted, and there’s no ornate stitching. Everything feels to the point, the way a classic leather sandal should. The Fields come in at a great mid-range price point, but are not waterproof leather. So, not ideal for environs where getting wet is a guarantee. For activities like ocean fishing, we’d recommend the Tuahines for their waterproofing and sole and outsole that’s made to grip better when wet.
Check Price on AmazonBest Budget Flip Flops
Havaianas Top ($20)
Pros: Dirt cheap and stylish
Cons: Not the most comfortable, supportive, or durable
Sizing Recommendation: Narrow fit, size up if between sizes
Any list of the best flip flops would be incomplete without a mention of the classic Havaianas. While they may not be a top performer in the comfort or durability department, they make up for it with style and a dirt-cheap price point.
Havaianas Top flip flops are made in a super-simple, 100% rubber construction with the sole and strap each constructed from a single piece of rubber. The strap connects through the sole with a plug design like many other simple, budget flops on the market. To our tester, this is the main weakness of the design, as, with heavy use, one of the plugs will inevitably, at some point, pop through the sole. They can be re-inserted, but after they’ve popped through once, they will be prone to doing so again.
Compared to the more well-constructed flip flops on this list, the Havaianas simply don’t compete in terms of comfort or durability. They certainly are stylish, however, and ooze that beachside cache that many shoppers might be looking for in their next pair of flip flops. Best of all, with a price at or under $20 (they’re often on sale), you could buy yourself three pairs of Havaianas for the price of one pair of mid-tier sandals on this list. If you’re someone prone to losing flip flops before durability issues become a concern, these might be the flip flops for you. However, if you see yourself putting your flops to the test in hard conditions, you’ll likely get better use out of the Teva Reflip, below.
Check Price on AmazonBest Value Flip Flops
Teva ReFlip ($40)
Pros: High on sustainability, low on price
Cons: Tight-fitting webbing strap, sometimes hard to slide on
Sizing Recommendation: Size up to the nearest size for half sizes
Teva calls their Reflip flip flop their most sustainably minded sandal to date, which is an impressive claim from a company with such a strong environmental ethos. Both the EVA top sole and EVA outsole are made of 30 percent recycled content and the quick-dry webbing is made from recycled plastic.
We love these particular flip flops as a no-frills friendlier-to-the-planet alternative to the leather or foam flip flops on this list. The Reflips are sturdy, can hold up to abuse, and are water-friendly. While the EVA top sole isn’t as plush and spongey as the Rainbow Double Layers or KLLY Lunars, the Reflips are comfortable enough and develop a defined heel cup over time. Compared to a true budget option like Havaianas, the Reflips have a much sturdier sole and high-quality webbing that’s built to last – so they’re a great upgrade without totally breaking the bank.
A downside is the Reflip requires some time to break in properly and during that time, the webbing strap rubbed on the instep of our tester’s foot, which isn’t ideal. The strap also doesn’t have much structure of its own, and often lies flat against the base, making it harder to slide into. Like most Tevas, at the end of the ReFlip’s lifecycle, they can be recycled through Teva’s TevaForever recycling program. Retailing for $40, they’re often on sale.
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Most Supportive Flip Flops
KLLY Lunar ($80)
Pros: Perfect balance of comfort and support
Cons: High profile and limited color and style options
Sizing recommendation: KLLY recommends sizing down a full size, we found, for those in-between sizes, sizing down a half-size worked well
One of the occupational hazards of surfing on the Championship Tour for over thirty years is you spend a lot of time in flip flops. So, when the greatest surfer of all time slaps his name on a pair designed to fix some of the common complaints associated with the classic flip flop silhouette — namely lack of support and discomfort for all-day wear — you pay attention. Kelly Slater developed the KLLY Lunar sandals for all-day comfort and to promote healthy alignment. And out of the box, the KLLY Lunar sandals absolutely achieve this. They are the most comfortable flip flops on our list. No break-in period needed.
We found them springy and snappy in all the right ways, yet with sufficient arch support for all-day wear. The strap is also extremely comfortable when properly sized –we found that it fits a little tight if you sized the sandals down too far. And while we don’t know how much we buy into the connection between the moon and sea turtles that inspired some of the design elements, the texture of the footbed inspired by the surface of the moon offers good traction and is a nice touch.
The Lunars are also made using rPET and BLOOM foam made from algae, making them some of the most sustainable sandals on our list. Compared to more fashion-forward flip flops like the Hari Mari Fields or Olukai Tuahines, the Lunar sandals are noticeably thicker (like double to three times as thick). This cuts down considerably on ground-feel and leads to a pretty high ride. So if you’re looking for a do-everything sandal that is a little more stylish, you may want to consider the Fields or Tuahines. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a light, comfortable flip flop that’s great when you’re on your feet all day (think long travel days, or even casually kicking around town where you’re doing lots of walking) a more supportive flip flop like the Lunars is exactly what you’ll need to ward off foot pain.
Editor’s Note: In our first review we noted that there was only one colorway available at the time. The Lunars are now offered in four colorways. The all-black that we originally tested is called “New Moon,” and there are also Once in a Blue Moon (Blue), Blood Moon (Red), and Wolf Moon (Grey).
Check Price on AmazonBest Post-Workout Flip Flops
OOFOS Men’s Original Sandal ($60)
Pros: Super comfortable, great recovery sandal
Cons: Not the most stylish
Sizing Recommendation: Size up to the nearest size for half sizes
OOFOS is a brand that quickly made a name for itself in the “recovery footwear” space and after sliding in these bad boys for a spell, it’s easy to see why. While not the prettiest to look at, the OOFOS are easily the most comfortable flip flops on this list. Each step in a pair of these feels like the sandal is absorbing impact, compressing, and springing you forward for added oomph in your stride.
While these aren’t the flops we’d recommend for a date night out, the OOFOS are incredibly impressive for a variety of specific use cases – post-surf comfort at home, the gym, errands, etc. Also, the entire sandal is made from a single foam mold – meaning even the straps are made of EVA foam. For things like a post-workout gym shower, or for wearing while hosing down your wetsuit after a surf, this is ideal, and a point of difference compared to other spongey, supportive flips like the KLLY Lunar sandals. The Lunars are supportive and could also work well as a recovery sandal, but the neoprene strap does take on water. At around 29mm, the sole stack of the OOFOS is the thickest of any pair of flip flops listed here, which means they ride very high and take some getting used to.
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Most Plush Flip Flops
Rainbow Double Layer Arch Sandal ($64)
Pros: Cushy comfort in a premium leather package, Rainbow iconic styling
Cons: Bit of a break-in period, limited structure out of the box
Sizing Recommendation: Size up to nearest size for half sizes
Rainbow has been crafting timeless, quality sandals since 1974 and was the first company to build a rugged sandal meant to meet the demands of surfers. Rainbow’s flagship Single Arch sandal continues to be the benchmark for other premium leather sandals, but for those looking for a more plush and supportive upgrade with the look and durability Rainbows are known for, Rainbow’s Double Layer Classic sandal delivers. Featuring an additional layer of foam from the arch to the heel, the Double Layer Classic has a much spongier, bouncier feel than the Single Arch, but without sacrificing that iconic Rainbow style.
Like all Rainbows, the Double Layers are designed to mold to your feet over time. But, the break-in period does take a bit of commitment to overcome. Because the heel cup takes a while to develop as the foam breaks down as it’s designed to do, there isn’t much structure to the sandal to start. So we did feel some fish-tailing of our heels happening until the heel cup began to form. The straps also felt a bit tight over the instep initially until they began to stretch to our feet.
For those more averse to buying sandals with a break-in period, we recommend either the Hari Mari Fields or Olukai Tuahine – both of which feel great right out of the box. Also, note that the nubuck leather used in Rainbow’s Double Layers is not waterproof. If you’re super keen on leather and want something waterproof, consider upgrading to the Tuahines. Or, if support and bounce are your primary considerations after waterproofing, then the KLLY Lunars are an ideal option.
Check Price on AmazonBest Hiking Flip Flops
Bedrock Cairn Evo Sandal ($115)
Pros: Light all-terrain style, rugged outsole
Cons: Minimalist structure, no arch support, style is not for everyone
Sizing Recommendation: Size up for half sizes
Bedrock’s Cairn Evo sandals neither flip nor flop. So what are they doing on our list of best flip flops? Glad you asked. With their Cairn Evo sandals, Bedrock has taken the humble flip flop and designed it with four-wheel-drive and all-terrain tires. The result may be unsightly to some – the wife wasn’t a huge fan – but, in terms of functionality, Bedrock’s Cairn sandals are designed to go far beyond the limits of any other flip flop on this list. Think trail running, river rafting expeditions, and other similar pursuits in the outdoors.
By design, the Cairn Evos have very little material separating the bottom of your foot from the Earth. The footbed is also flat with no arch support. This is intentional. While Bedrock may not use the term “barefoot sandals” to describe its Cairn Evo sandals (instead, they use the term “freedom footwear”), they remain popular among barefoot runners precisely because of how minimalist they are.
While we aren’t barefoot devotees ourselves – far from it – in testing we found the Cairns to be extremely light with minimal slipping and sliding once the fit was fully dialed in. The feeling is pretty close to being truly barefoot, if we’re being honest. We also appreciate how fit can be adjusted on both the left and right strap over the instep and at the heel to ensure minimal rubbing. The Cairns also feature a grippy Vibram outsole to tackle slick rock or anything else the trail may throw at you.
Comparing the Cairns to any other flip flops on the list honestly is a bit of an apples-to-oranges comparison. As flip flops go, the Cairns may be the only that could hold their own on the trail. But, we can see these being a great footwear choice for flip flop devotees looking for the level of traction that Vibram is known for. The only pair of flip flops on our list that comes close is the Olukai Tuahines featuring wet-grip rubber soles. While not “barefoot” flip flops, the Hari Mari Fields may be a great option for those looking for a minimalist feel that’s a bit more stylish.
Check Price on REIRainbow Single Layer Arch Sandal ($60)
Pros: Timeless style, durable
Cons: Not great around water, avoid leaving in the sun
Sizing Recommendation: For half sizes, size up to the next full size
In terms of comfort, durability, and no-frills style, Rainbow’s Single Layer Premier Leather flip flop is the sandal by which all other sandals are measured for us. It’s especially telling that after testing so many different styles — made of a variety of materials — the Rainbows still rose to the top.
Molding to your feet with rich nubuck leather and varying densities of super-soft sponge rubber, the advantage is that the more you wear them, the better they feel. They also last a really, really long time. If you treat them right, that is. We’ve had friends learn the hard way what happens to a pair of Rainbows that get left directly in the sun at the beach for a day. Or, what happens to them if they get overly soaked. The bottom line is – if you treat them right, they’ll treat you right.
When fully broken in, the Rainbow Single Arch will give you the comfort and suppleness of nubuck leather with a close-to-the-ground feel. In other words, some support but minimal bounce and squish. For more spring, you may want to look at Rainbow’s Double Layer flip flops. Also worth noting is the break-in period on Rainbows is definitely a commitment. For those looking for similar styling with less time commitment, the Hari Mari Fields are a great option.
Check Price on AmazonChaco Classic Leather Flip Flop ($42)
Pros: Great style, supportive footbed
Cons: Tricky sizing
Sizing Recommendation: Chaco recommends sizing down for half sizes on these, but we found that the sizing was actually better when sized up
There’s arguably no more classic sandal silhouette than the humble leather flip flop. Many brands today have their unique take on the style, but we were definitely impressed with how Chacos balanced fashion and function in their Classic Leather Flip Flop.
The supple full-grain leather upper and strap were insanely comfortable, and the Luvseat footbed offered ample arch support for all-day wear. Chaco’s unique tread pattern on these, something they call their wave fin traction design, was also a nice touch that felt grippy on slick terrain. We will say that compared to other Chacos the sizing was a little off. While we’d follow Chaco’s recommendation to size down Z/1s, for example, we’d highly recommend sizing up on half sizes in their flip flops.
What we like about the Chacos compared to other leather flips on the list like the Hari Mari Fields or Rainbows is that the midsole is glued to the outsole in a way that cradles the foot, as opposed to straight layers like a layer cake. This creates a natural cradle for the foot out of the box more akin to the Olukai Tuahines. So if you’re looking for a similar feel at a more affordable price these could be the ticket.
Editor’s Note: Chacos discontinued their Classic Leather Flip Flops this year, but they are still available in select sizes and colors at certain online retailers, making them a solid deal if you can find them.
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Sanuk Ziggy ($30)
Pros: Squishy, plush feel for maximum comfort
Cons: Not a ton of structure
Sizing Recommendation: For half sizes, size up to the next full size
Ziggy Soft Top flip flops from Sanuk fit the bill for anyone looking for a spongier, plush feel with every step. Compared to other flip flops on the list, Sanuk’s Ziggys are definitely the most padded, due to the bouncy high-rebound midsoles and EVA footbed, which felt like walking on clouds.
The Ziggys are also fully water-ready, which gives them an edge on leather flip flops that may not handle water well. Worth noting is that because the Ziggys don’t mold to your foot like leather flip flops, they don’t develop a heel cup that holds your foot in place while you walk. Not a huge issue, but in testing, we found that this made the Ziggys feel a little less structured as the foot could slide around a bit during normal wear.
Compared to other foam flips, the Ziggys don’t have the most responsive foam midsole. What we mean by that is they feel plush, but don’t snap back quite as quickly with each step as, say, the KLLY Lunars or the OOFOS which are made of higher-quality foam. The Ziggys feel more like a memory foam mattress where our feet sink in but don’t get much spring back. As a budget option, the Ziggys are definitely high on comfort, but we wouldn’t recommend them if you’re the type to be on your feet all day. If that’s the case, you may want to consider a more supportive flip flop.
Check Price on AmazonHonorable Mentions
There are so many quality flip flops on the market these days. And unfortunately, the difference between including a pair on our list and allowing it to drop off may come down to the way we split a few hairs. In light of that, we wanted to mention at least a few pair of flip flops we put through testing that are not listed above but are still very great and worth considering.
For one, the Birkenstock Honolulu Essentials EVA flip flop is an extremely light, fully waterproof flip boasting the footbed contours Birkenstock is known for at a much more approachable price. The only rub is the sizing can be a little tricky to get dialed and there isn’t much room for error since there’s a ridge that surrounds the perimeter of the footbed.
Sanuk’s You Got My Back takes the brand’s comfort-forward, plush flip flops and turns them into a solid pair of mules. They’re light, cozy, and, unlike every other flip flop on our list, work equally well with socks.
Best Flip Flops Comparison Table
Men’s Flip Flops | Price | Upper | Midsole | Outsole |
Olukai Tuahine | $100 | Waterproof full-grain leather | Compression-molded EVA | Nonmarking Wet Grip rubber |
Hari Mari Fields | $65 | Leather | Memory foam | Rubber |
Havaianas Top | $20 | Rubber | Rubber | Rubber |
KLLY Lunar Sandals | $80 | “Mimics the moon’s surface for traction” | BLOOM | “Reflects the turtle’s 13 inner and 28 outer shell segments” |
Teva ReFlip | $40 | Repreve polyester | EVA | EVA |
Rainbow Double Layer Arch | $64 | Leather | Closed-cell memory foam | Non-slip rubber |
OOFOS Men’s Original Sandal | $60 | Proprietary OOfoam | Proprietary OOfoam | Proprietary OOfoam |
Bedrock Cairn Evo | $115 | Polyester and nylon straps | EVA | Rubber |
Rainbow Single Layer Arch | $60 | Premium leather | Closed-cell memory foam | Non-slip rubber |
Chaco Classic Leather Flip Flop | $42 | Full-grain leather | LUVSEAT polyurethane | Rubber |
Sanuk Ziggy | $30 | Synthetic leather | Soft top foam | Happy U tread sponge rubber |
How We Tested The Best Flip Flops
As lifelong surfers and outdoor enthusiasts, we know a thing or two about a good pair of flip flops. You likely wouldn’t be at all surprised to learn that our lead tester has at least one pair of Rainbows that are beaten to hell in a closet somewhere that he refuses to ditch for sentimental reasons. We’ve also had our fair share of ill-fitting flips, or others that have totally blown out after being pushed to their limit. So, for this test, we knew we had to get it right.
A Huntington Beach native, our lead tester Dylan Heyden has been sporting flip flops in and around the beaches of Orange County for the better part of two years to test each pair listed here, and some that didn’t make the cut, for comfort, fit, function, style, and other features. From walks on the pier and boardwalk, to surf checks, time on the beach, and even some light hiking, over the years we’ve been able to pit new pairs of sandals against tried and true icons, established brands against newcomers, to determine which pairs stand out the most. The list above is the result of these tireless efforts.
Flip Flops Ratings Table
Men’s Flip Flops | Fit | Comfort | Durability | Style | Overall |
Olukai Tuahine | 10 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 9.5 |
Hari Mari Fields | 10 | 10 | 8 | 9 | 9.25 |
Havaianas Top | 8 | 6 | 5 | 10 | 7.25 |
KLLY Lunar Sandals | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 9.25 |
Teva ReFlip | 8 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 8.25 |
Rainbow Double Layer Classic | 9 | 10 | 8 | 9 | 9 |
OOFOS Men’s Original Sandal | 8 | 10 | 9 | 6 | 8.25 |
Bedrock Cairn Evo | 10 | 7 | 10 | 6 | 8.25 |
Rainbow Single Arch Sandal | 9 | 9 | 8 | 10 | 9 |
Chaco Classic Leather Flip Flop | 6 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 8 |
Sanuk Ziggy | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8.25 |
Best Flip Flops Buyer’s Guide
Types of Flip Flops
Flip flops have a pretty simple general formula – a toe post between the big and second toes with two straps that cross over the instep of the foot. And being that the heel is generally free (hence the flipping and flopping), flip flops are not great all-terrain footwear. The only exception to the rule here is the Bedrock Cairn sandals.
Still, there are some distinguishing features among flip flops currently on the market that put them into a few different categories. Leather flip flops like the Olukai Tuahines are stylish and sturdy, but in general, can be more costly and require more care to keep them going strong. Leather flip flops also often have a rubber outsole which can be good for grip. Alternatively, injection molded foam flip flops like the KLLY Lunars can be similarly sturdy, are often waterproof, and require less diligence. Injection molded flip flops can be made with a rubber outsole but not always.
What Makes a Good Pair of Flip Flops?
Picking the best pair of flip flops for you is really a matter of figuring out your specific needs. Kicking around the pool or at the beach is one thing, and if you’re just looking for something to throw on your feet before heading into the convenience store (no shoes, no service), a pair of Havaianas will do the trick. But, in more demanding environments or after spending extended time on your feet you may quickly realize when you’re undergunned in the flip flop department.
Planning on spending extended hours at sea, fishing or otherwise? Maybe prioritize something waterproof like Olukai’s Tuahines or foam like the KLLY Lunar or the Teva Reflips. Dragging board bags through the airport on surf trips a lot? Comfort and support may be a good idea so foot pain doesn’t keep you out of the water – maybe the KLLY Lunar or Chaco Classic Leather.
And if you’re looking for something all-wheel drive consider Bedrock’s Cairn Sandals. On the other hand, if you are just wearing your flip flops for casual surf checks and back and forth to the car, our budget pick, the Havaianas Top, or one of the more value pairs on our list like the Teva Reflips or Sanuk Ziggys will be plenty of flip to flop around in.
(Editor’s note: For sandals capable of standing up to more strenuous activity consider a quick scroll through our Best Sandals or Best Hiking Sandals guides.)
Anatomy of a Flip Flop
What’s so complicated about flip flops, you may ask? Nothing really. But a bit of fluency in the terms companies use can go a long way when shopping for your next pair of flops.
In broad terms, a typical flip flop is made up of an outsole, midsole, footbed, and straps. All flip flops feature two straps that form an upside-down V when looking down at your feet that connect at a central point that goes between your toes. The material that goes between your big toe and first toe is called the post.
A quick look at our list and you’ll see most flip flops fit into one of two categories: either material layered on top of each other like a layer cake, or injection molding. Layered construction is definitely the most common, like the Olukai Tuahine, or the Chaco Classic Leather for example.
Injection molding, on the other hand, is a process in which liquid foam is poured into a mold when it’s super hot, cools, and out pops a flip flop. The OOFOS Original Sandal, for example, is a purely injection molded sandal down even to the straps. Sometimes these processes can be combined – where you might get an EVA foam midsole with a rubber outsole. Or, with the KLLY Lunar, you get a solid foam piece underfoot with neoprene straps.
Choosing your preferred construction is a personal choice. Injection-molded sandals may be plush, bouncy, and supportive, but lack the buttery soft feel of a material like nubuck leather. Many of them also do not have leather outsoles for grip. Alternatively, layered construction has the benefit of combining positive aspects of different materials into a single package. Layered leather flip flops like Rainbow Double Layer, for example, have soft leather underfoot with squishy foam meant to be molded to your foot over time.
Comfort Versus Support
Comfort is a bit of a squishy term across the footwear industry in more ways than one. Squishy bouncy midsoles are often marketed as being high on comfort. And, while that may be true after an hour of wear, it may be less so after an entire day on your feet. That’s where a footbed meant to support the arch and natural curves of the foot comes in.
If foot health is a primary consideration, you might also consider taking a look at the flip flops issued a seal of acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA).
At time of publishing, the only products with an AMPA Seal of Acceptance were the OOFOS Sandal and the Chaco Classic Leather.
Flip Flops Sizing
Ask our main men’s flip flop tester what the three most frustrating aspects of testing flip flops is and he’ll tell you sizing, sizing, and sizing. As a person whose street shoe falls between whole sizes, he understands the unique frustrations of trying to figure out whether to size up or down, making plenty of incorrect calls in the course of testing.
While going into a physical retailer is the best way to avoid this issue, we understand how convenient it is to shop online. So with that in mind, we do our best to include sizing recommendations based on our personal experiences.
Olukai’s Tuahine takes the timeless design and comfort of the leather flip flop and gives it the major upgrade it deserves. These flip flops are made with waterproof leather and their soles feature a wet-grip rubber.
Cost
As with most things, “you get what you pay for” is an applicable maxim in the world of flip flops. Better materials generally last longer. So, a more expensive flip may be worth the investment if you’d be shelling out for three lesser pairs over the same period. On the other hand, if you frequently lose flip flops, a couple of pairs of the Havaianas Top might provide more bang for buck than a pricier option.
That said, the premium features of some of the more costly pairs on our list may be more than you actually need. In our individual reviews, we do our best to compare and contrast different flip flops to help you through the decision-making process based on your unique needs and budget.
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Editor’s Note: For more gear reviews and features on The Inertia, click here.