6 Best Flip Flops in 2025 Men & Women

Flip flops and slip in sandals are amazing as long as they fit comfortably and as long as you choose the right pair for what you will use it for.

Sandals are open toe, casual footwear, whereas flip flops have but the one toe thong.

The established brands, like Teva or Nike or Olukai are joined by cheaper ones that might be decent for casual use. In our experience, once you have a nice pair that is made well, buying cheap won’t cut it.

5 testers have contributed to reviewing and presenting this list. The first 5 products have been tested and proven to be great in their given area of intended use.

Click here to see a comparison chart down below, including price listings. But we vouch for the top products and the companies provide warranty and return options too.

Comparison of Products by Price

What are the Best Flip Flops for You?

Raise your hand if you’ve carefully researched flip flops on the internet before you bought a pair. We doubt there’ll be many hands.

That’s just how it goes. For some reason, we don’t think twice about purchasing flip flops. We treat them like it’s a disposable item that will be thrown away by the end of the season. But what if we took the time to choose the pair that would last a few consecutive seasons at the very least?

This is something we do when looking for the best possible boat shoe we can find, so why not for flip flops.

Below are a few characteristics to keep in mind before investing in flip flops.

Type and Activity

This might sound counterintuitive, but there’s more than just one type of flip flop. Depending on the activity you’re planning on using them for – vacations, hikes, errands, – you’ll have a couple of options to choose from.

The most straightforward use everyone associates flip flops with is, as you’ve already guessed, sandy beaches. There’s a lot to consider when walking in flip flops on a surface that tends to be grainy and wet at the same time. We’re talking traction, snug fit, and most importantly, quick drying time.

For hiking-like purposes, you’ll need a pair that will provide you with some good arch support. It has to be flexible yet sturdy so that you’re comfortable during all hours. Ruggedness and packability should also be the attributes you pay close attention to. We’d actually recommend looking at some of the more hybrid-like water shoes for this purpose. Something like the Merrel Blaze, which look more like sandals.

When running errands, you can get away with a pair of stylish flip flops that aren’t super high-performing. Stability and traction are less essential here – comfort is. Models made from soft and stretchy fabrics are preferred the most.

We also like having a pair to take camping. Shove them in the side of your pack and put them on while sitting on your camp chair by the fire. It’s the same as sitting on the beach, but your feet will thank you for it.

Material

We’ve already established that you want your flip flops to last a long time. In this case, lookout for a pair crafted from high-quality materials (that isn’t always the cheapest).

As the sole of your footwear dictates your comfort, consider picking the one that’s made from thick material that molds to your feet. This way you’ll avoid blisters and fallen arches that aren’t fun to deal with.

Next comes the strap(s). Make sure it’s on the thicker side if looking for a pair that will be used in rugged conditions. Rubber is your best bet here. For a less challenging environment that doesn’t involve rocky roads, go for suede or leather straps.

Comfortable Flip Flops

There’s nothing worse than wearing flip flops that either rub on your feet like a rubber band or, worse, make your toes cramp every time you take a step. To avoid this, be mindful of the little details that can either make or break your flip-flopping experience.

While the ‘thong’-type flip flops are the standard, it doesn’t mean they have to be your first choice. The Y-shaped strap that divides your first two toes is often not the most comfortable feature, especially when walking long distances. Unless you’ve tried on a pair with this type of a strap before and you didn’t have any issues, go for flip flops with alternative construction.

The other thing to be aware of is whether or not you need your shoes to be orthopedic. If cavus foot or pigeon toes don’t sound foreign to you, you might want to settle on flip flops that cater specifically to these conditions.

Price

The cost of flip flops varies depending on the style and the brand. The fancier the pair and the more reputable the brand – the more expensive it is.

That said, you don’t need to spend over $100 to purchase high-quality flip flops (that’s most likely a scam). You can easily find a pair under $60 that’s guaranteed to survive all types of terrains and possibly even dog playtime.

Our guide gives you a diverse list of flip flops with a wide range of prices so that you aren’t overpaying. Instead, you’re spending just enough to keep your feet secure and your wallet full.

Flip Flops vs. Water Shoes

The main difference between the two is found in the design and features. Water shoes, or Beach shoes as they are also called, are designed to drain the water out of the shoe. They are closed to protect your feet and to ensure they stay on in water and if walking on rockier terrain.

If you plan on dipping your toes in and don’t want to worry about soar feet or losing your shoes, you might want to consider investing in a pair of water shoes for the beach.

Looking to protect your little ones feet? See the 7 Best Kids Water Shoes

If you already have a flip flop or you just bought one, leave a comment in the comment section below and share your experience with it.