The Greatest Flip-Flops of 2024

For essentially the most half, flip-flops are transitional footwear. You put on them at instances if you’d desire to be barefoot, however the circumstances aren’t conducive to going au naturale. Maybe you need to air out your canine on a scorching day after a exercise. Or possibly you’re in your method to the seashore or pool, the place you’ll gladly fling them off the moment you arrive.

Naturally, our consultants have been carrying flip-flops since childhood. Our lead tester Scott Tharler’s favourite flip-flop-related reminiscence is getting a free pair when attending a Dodger recreation on a particular promotional night. Surprisingly, these well-worn rubber and plastic flips lasted method longer than they need to’ve.

For this purchaser’s information, we rounded up a number of pairs of high-quality flip-flops ranging in value from $30 to $1,110. We put them via their paces on numerous hour-plus lengthy walks and in addition did loads of strolling alongside the week and lounging across the patio and home. Dozens of miles — and a number of other stinging blisters — later, we got here to some significant conclusions (not the least of which is that almost all flip-flops aren’t meant for very lengthy hikes).

Beneath, you’ll discover the outcomes, highlighting one of the best flip-flops in keeping with our rigorous analysis. That can assist you extra simply discover one of the best flip-flops on your distinctive wants, we’ve included a purchaser’s information, a Worth & Worth part, an FAQ part, and a comparability chart.

Editor’s Be aware: We up to date this purchaser’s information on August 30, 2024, by including two new merchandise: our most trendy decide, the Hari Mari Clipper, and our most versatile decide, the Astral Filipe.

The Greatest Flip-Flops of 2024

Flip-Flops Comparability Chart

How We Examined the Greatest Flip-Flops

GearJunkie is aware of footwear, whether or not we’re via mountain climbing the PCT, path working a ridge within the Rockies, fording a neighborhood stream, or simply traipsing on the seashore. Major tester Scott Tharler has written about tech and kit — together with revolutionary footwear and attire — for practically 30 years.

In that point, he’s logged lots of of miles testing dozens of flip-flops, sandals, sneakers, and footwear. Particularly having made the annual pilgrimage to stroll the grueling week-long Client Electronics Present in Las Vegas over 25 instances, Tharler has realized the true worth of a supportive insole.

Over that very same span, flip-flops have gone from being low cost podiatric torture units to extremely wearable and — dare we are saying — even trendy footwear. As the development supplies have modified and improved, the use circumstances for flip-flops have expanded. Taking that every one in stride, we got down to decide which flip-flops would work greatest for folk in the commonest situations and conditions.

Throughout a number of weeks of real-world testing on the Huge Island, we logged actually dozens of miles within the chosen units of slippers (as they’re referred to as right here in Hawaii). We walked on pavement, over unfastened gravel, across the pool, and on the seashore. Nothing hardcore in the best way of mountain climbing, however we frequently strolled for greater than an hour at a time — not solely outside but in addition indoors via shops and round the home.

Taking issues a step additional, we’d usually tote round a second pair in hand simply to modify them out on the go. The truth is, our lead tester obtained to know these flip-flops so properly that — in a recreation he and his 7-year-old loved taking part in — he may actually determine which flip-flops have been being positioned on his ft along with his eyes closed.

We additionally introduced in a second tester, Ryan Kempfer, to check out a few pairs of flips in additional mountainous environs, the place he additionally took them strolling alongside lakeshores, rivers, and trails and on wildlife images adventures.

On the finish of the day, it’s all about consolation. And the ft know what they need. So even after we weren’t critically testing, we famous which flip-flops we intuitively reached for with out a lot thought. We’ll replace this information as we proceed to put on these flip-flops and additional assess further ones. When you’re on the lookout for women-specific choices, cruise via our Greatest Flip-Flops for Ladies Information.

Purchaser’s Information: Methods to Select the Greatest Flip-Flops

The proper pair of flip-flops is a should on your summer season wardrobe. However, discovering the proper pair could be a little nerve-wracking. With so many choices, realizing what to contemplate when searching for flip-flops can typically be tough. We’ve narrowed down a number of the issues we’ve realized to concentrate to through the years.

By their very nature, flip-flops imbue a sure carefree spirit and sense of freedom. So, it appears antithetical to get so severe about deciding on a pair. But when we realized one factor from our tireless analysis, it’s that you would be able to’t correctly choose flip-flops simply by them.

To wit, you may be tempted to easily seize a pair from a neighborhood pharmacy, grocery retailer or roadside service station on an impulse. In spite of everything, if you happen to’re getting flip-flops, you’re most likely in your method to do one thing enjoyable. However consider us, if these flip-flops — or worse but, your ft — break alongside the best way, you’ll be sorry.

On this helpful how-to-choose information, you’ll see all of the important info you want to select a strong resolution to suit your wants. You’ll dive deep into which options matter most and why you need to — or shouldn’t — contemplate specific forms of flip-flops. (Trace: When you can see the opposite finish of the Y-strap poking via the bottoms of the soles, keep away from them in any respect prices!) Finally, beneath, you’ll discover the whole lot you want to know to make an knowledgeable footwear choice so that you simply don’t need to flip-flop about which to buy.

Flip-Flops vs. Slides and Sandals

It’s simple to inform aside a flip-flop from a slide, as a result of the previous has a toe publish and the latter doesn’t. However it may be surprisingly complicated to find out whether or not a specific piece of footwear is a flip-flop or a sandal. As an example, Teva sees them as completely different entities, individually providing a Teva Hydratek Flip (included right here in our record) and a Hydratek Sandal. Hoka views flip-flops as a subset of sandals. And OOfos refers to its flip-flop as a sandal proper within the title.

For the needs of this information, we’re contemplating a flip-flop as any ethereal footwear that has a toe publish and no heel strap (that’d make it a sandal). And, for the reason that operate is simply as essential a side of the definition, you wouldn’t tackle a severe hike.

Versus our trusty minimalist Bedrock or Xero sandals, that are every slimmer than any of the flip-flops on this record and we’d tackle any trek in a heartbeat. To see a full record of sandals superb for mountain climbing, take a look at our Greatest Climbing Sandals information.

With that in thoughts, it’s time to contemplate how you’ll use these flip-flops. Many product pages record what the flips could be greatest for. However that’s merely a suggestion. As an example, the Hoka Ora Restoration Flip has “restoration” proper in its title, however we like them for strolling and hanging across the pool. Whereas we’d attain for the cushier OOfos Unique to amble about with actually achy ft.

Along with the midsole, the outsole performs a giant half. For instance, we’d use the Reef Santa Ana as a deck shoe —p artially additionally as a result of the strap suits somewhat snugger round our ft than a number of the others — however wouldn’t take them on a hike that’s too lengthy or has uneven terrain.

The Astral Filipe is flexible sufficient to be worn mountain climbing, paddleboarding, or simply chilling. And though the Eager and Vionic are each succesful, we’d take the Olukai ‘Ohana into the surf first.

Water-Friendliness

It’s not only a matter of whether or not water will injury the flip-flops. The supplies in these flips are protected sufficient in the event that they get splashed or dunked. However then what? How comfy are they after they’re moist … and/or sandy? That may be when the toe publish wreaks havoc in your foot. To not point out your ears, from all of the squeaking.

If we needed to journey a methods in moist flip-flops, we’d need the Teva Hydratek Flip, the Vionic Wyatt, the Hari Mari Clipper, or the Eager Waimea Leather-based Flip-Flop. These are essentially the most amphibious on this record.

Sizing and Match

One of many defining components of flip-flops is how forgiving their sizing is. These are supposed to be worn unfastened, placing them on the reverse finish of the spectrum from climbing, working or biking footwear. So that they don’t are typically sized very strictly.

As an example, our most important tester’s normally a measurement 9, however a measurement 7 within the OOfos Unique — whereas comfortable — completely match the size of his ft. To wit, we examined the Vionic Wyatt in a measurement 8.5 and ended up rating it as essentially the most comfy flip-flop, in order that speaks volumes. The upshot of sticking along with your common measurement or maybe sizing down a bit is that it provides you some flexibility in ordering flips that’ll suit you properly.

Supplies

You’re prone to spot an entire bunch of phrases describing flip-flop supplies. However they actually boil right down to only a few.

Proprietary Synthetics

You’ll have seen a few trademarked names within the above comparability chart. Generally, they level to recycled supplies, just like the REPREVE yarn used within the Teva Hydratek Flip. And typically, as with OOfos’s OOfoam, they’re merely the model’s personal tackle EVA foam. Both method, it’s good to know which pure materials the artificial is making an attempt to exchange.

EVA

Ethylene-vinyl acetate is a thermoplastic, closed-cell foam with rubber-like qualities. It’s meant as an alternative to supplies comparable to pure rubber, neoprene, and PVC foams produced from harsh chemical compounds. Due to its sustainability issue, EVA is used fairly a bit in in the present day’s flip-flops.

Leather-based

Recognized for its sturdiness and patina, actual leather-based will get a little bit of a nasty rap. Nevertheless, it’s extra breathable than vegan leather-based. When mindfully sourced, such because the LWG-certified leather-based used within the Eager Waimea Leather-based Flip-flop, it’s really extra environmentally accountable than the fake model. The waterproof, washable full-grain leather-based of the Hari Mari Clipper was delicate and plush and one in all our favourite supplies of all flips.

Rubber

You might even see it listed as “Spider Rubber,” “Non-marking Rubber,” “Vibram” or simply plain “Rubber.” Simply know that there’s more than likely going to be some rubber in your outsole. It’s a giant a part of what cushions and protects your ft and is what makes our greatest finances possibility, the Rainbow Rubber Sandals, so superb.

Consolation­­­­

As free-flying as flip-flops are, they aren’t at all times so comfortable. After all, that will depend on how a lot you propose to stroll in them. However a couple of components weigh closely in avoiding that undesirable journey to the ol’ first-aid field.

Toe Posts

The a part of the flip-flop that each defines and is more than likely to injure you. Take a more in-depth take a look at it. Fairly persistently, those that entail a folded piece of cloth really feel extra comfy, such because the Olukai ‘Ohana, the Vionic Wyatt, the Eager Waimea, and the Reef Santa Ana. The others look harmless sufficient, however are inclined to irritate the ft on lengthy walks — greater than 20 minutes or 1 mile — particularly after they get moist.

Heel Peak

How excessive your heel is off the bottom makes a giant distinction. You’re most likely used to carrying flatter footwear, so a flip with a giant raise, just like the Hoka Ora Restoration or the OOfos Unique, might really feel bizarre and throw off your steadiness. Some distributors record the heel-to-toe drop on product pages. When you’re like us, you’ll recognize a flip-flop with a minimal dip (or none in any respect). Something over half an inch (roughly 13 mm) might really feel off-putting.

Firmness vs. Cushiness

With out getting too deep right into a philosophical dialogue about which is “higher,” simply know this matter may be very subjective. Everybody has their very own “Goldilocks” level. When you’re procuring on-line, this may be particularly difficult to determine, however we’ve helped take out a number of the guesswork.

The OOfos Originals are tremendous soft, whereas the Crocs Traditional II flip-flops are on the agency finish. We discovered the Olukai ‘Ohana, the Vionic Wyatt, and the KEEN Waimea Leather-based Flips to all provide the proper mixture of firmness and cushiness that we liked. If you’re procuring in individual, discover your good level by flexing the outsole to see how inflexible it feels.

Mixed with how soft the footbed feels, that ought to point out the way it’ll carry out for you. However be careful, as a result of nearly all flip-flops really feel good if you initially put on them, and the variations between them may be small; however if you happen to pay shut consideration to those subtleties, your ft will thanks in the long term.

Colours

This most likely isn’t among the many largest components for many males deciding on flip-flops. But it surely’s value noting that some fashions provide only some hues to select from, whereas others provide as many as 9. For what it’s value, six was the typical from our record.

As with each different piece of footwear and attire, it’s onerous to go incorrect with a primary black (which can get scorching if neglected within the solar) or a impartial earth coloration. However since flip-flops are supposed to be enjoyable, be at liberty to flaunt one thing colourful.

Worth & Worth

With only a few outliers, many of the flip-flops on this information are proper across the $62 group common. Naturally, flip-flops might go on sale, so do take note of the retail value. Something with an MSRP beneath $30 might be rubbish, prone to collapse the primary time you make a severe misstep.

Likewise, on the opposite finish, something above $60 might provide diminishing returns. Briefly, anticipate to pay one thing within the $30 to $60 vary for a median flip-flop.

Incessantly Requested Questions