The Best Flip-Flops of 2025

How We Tested the Best Flip-Flops

Our Expert Testers

GearJunkie knows footwear, whether we’re through hiking the PCT, trail running a ridge in the Rockies, fording a local stream, or just traipsing on the beach. Main men’s tester Scott Tharler has written about tech and gear, including innovative footwear and apparel, for nearly 30 years. Our primary women’s tester, Brandy Jo Hastings, is a Florida resident who wears flip-flops almost every day of her life. We also brought in a second tester, Ryan Kempfer, to try out a couple of pairs of flips in more mountainous environs, where he also took them strolling along lakeshores, rivers, and trails and on wildlife photography adventures.

Our Testing Grounds & Process

During several weeks of real-world testing on the Big Island, where Thaler lives, he logged dozens of miles in the selected sets of slippers (as they’re called here in Hawaii). He walked on pavement, over loose gravel, around the pool, and on the beach.

Hastings, who is a self-proclaimed beach bum, took these on multiple trips to her favorite Florida beaches: New Smyrna, Siesta Key, Vero, and Ponce Inlet. She also took them out to play in some of Florida’s springs and rivers and tested them around the pool. She worked to see how each pair stood up to the sun, sand, water, and everyday wear and tear. In addition, the flip-flops traveled with her on trips to St. Croix, USVI, Arkansas, and Tennessee.

All told, our testers wore these flip-flops for a year. In addition to rigorous tests, we rotated them through daily life to see how each handled for extended periods. Days in each pair gave us a good perspective on the best flip-flops. We left no stone unturned when testing these flip-flops, and even trekked over many rocks and boulders as part of her testing.

At the end of the day, it’s all about comfort. And the feet know what they want. So even when we weren’t seriously testing, we noted which flip-flops we intuitively reached for without much thought. We’ll update this guide as we continue to wear these flip-flops and further assess additional ones. If you’re looking for other types of sandals or shoes that are more hiking-oriented, consult our guides to best hiking sandals, best hiking shoes and best hiking shoes for women.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Flip-Flops

The perfect pair of flip-flops is a must for your summer wardrobe. And, for those in warmer climates, an everyday necessity all year long. But, finding the perfect pair can be a little nerve-wracking. With so many options, knowing what to consider when shopping for flip-flops can sometimes be difficult. We’ve narrowed down some of the things we’ve learned to pay attention to over the years.

Footwear Use and Application

Before we start shopping for any shoes, including flip-flops, we like to think about how we’ll be using them. Not all flip-flops serve the same purpose. You may be looking for a go-to pair you can wear daily in the yard or running errands, or ones that you will be using mostly in the water for aquatic adventures, like the Astral Rosa flip-flops or the Keen Waimea.

Some flip-flops are versatile and perform well in various situations, while others are best for specific uses. The Astral Filipe is versatile enough to wear hiking, paddleboarding, or just chilling. We use the Reef Santa Ana as a deck shoe — partially also because the strap fits a little snugger around our feet than some of the others — but wouldn’t take them on a hike that’s too long or has uneven terrain. Or, you may also want a good pair of flip-flops for post-workout recovery, like the OOFOS OOahh Slide or HOKA ORA Recovery flips.

First, determine how you will be using your flip-flops. Then, you can see which of the other criteria are most impactful in your final decision.

Comfort

Flip-flops were designed as shoes that are supposed to bring you comfort, so that’s one of the main things we look for when shopping. Nobody wants achy feet, right? 

This is a highly personalized factor because different people can have different preferences, but here are some factors to consider.

Toe Posts

The part of the flip-flop that both defines and is most likely to injure you. Take a closer look at it. Pretty consistently, the ones that entail a folded piece of fabric feel more comfortable, such as the Olukai ‘Ohana, the Vionic Wyatt, the Keen Waimea, and the Reef Santa Ana. The others look innocent enough, but tend to irritate the feet on long walks — more than 20 minutes or 1 mile — especially when they get wet.

Heel Height

How high your heel is off the ground makes a big difference. You’re probably used to wearing flatter shoes, so a flip with a big lift, like the Hoka Ora Recovery or the OOfos Original, may feel weird and throw off your balance. Some vendors list the heel-to-toe drop on product pages. If you’re like us, you’ll appreciate a flip-flop with a minimal dip (or none at all). Anything over half an inch (roughly 13 mm) may feel off-putting.

Firmness vs. Cushiness

Without getting too deep into a philosophical discussion about which is “better,” just know this topic is very subjective. Everyone has their own “Goldilocks” point. If you’re shopping online, this can be especially challenging to figure out, but we’ve helped take out some of the guesswork.

Some may prefer a more cushioned sole like that offered by the OOFOS OOahh Slides and OOriginals. Others may like the feel of a firmer footbed like the one offered by the Birkenstock Gizeh Birko-Flor. There’s not a right or wrong answer to this one, but it is important to have an idea of what firmness you like. We found the Olukai ‘Ohana and the KEEN Waimea Leather Flips to all offer the perfect combination of firmness and cushiness that we loved. If you are shopping in person, find your perfect point by flexing the outsole to see how rigid it feels.

Break-In Period

Some flip-flops, like the OluKai Ohanas, are perfect right out of the box and don’t require a break-in period. Not all shoes are like that, though, so it’s important to consider the break-in period. 

If a shoe needs a little break-in time, it’s not necessarily a bad thing. Some of our favorites come with a break-in period and end up being super comfy. The straps on the Chaco Classic Flip soften up over time, as does the footbed of the Birkenstock Gizeh Birko-Flor. After the initial break-in period, we loved both of these even more each time we wore them. 

It’s not a bad idea to assume that any pair of flip-flops will need a break-in period. If possible, try not to wear your new flip-flops for an extended period of time the first couple of times. If you do, think about carrying along a backup pair — just in case.

If you’re buying flip-flops for an upcoming vacation or a certain occasion, try to get them far enough in advance so that you have them broken in ahead of time. You don’t want to be breaking in new shoes on the first day of your island getaway if you don’t have to. 

Straps

The straps are one of the most important things to consider when shopping for flip-flops. They can either rub you the wrong way or the right way. This is also the most common area to break on flip-flops of lesser quality.

You’ll want to find straps securely mounted into the footbed. Our flip-flop expert had to do the walk of shame years ago when a strap broke free of the footbed of her shoe. She was stuck out in public barefoot with nothing to hold her foot in and no additional shoes in the car. This shouldn’t happen on a quality pair of flip-flops, though.

Don’t be afraid to pull on the straps to see if they seem securely fastened. Some straps also have an inner lining to provide an additional layer of comfort where the strap meets your foot.

There are two main types of straps: the traditional Y-straps and the slides. Hybrid models of each are also available, and they all serve a purpose.

Y-Strap

Flip-flops with a Y-strap are the most common ones you will see. With these, you have the most factors to consider. These typically have three points where the straps connect to the footbed of your shoe, with attachment points on either side of your foot.

A final toe post strap goes between your big toe and second toe. These three straps hold your foot in place, so it is essential that you make sure these fit well. If so, you’ll find security and comfort like we felt in the Reef Cushion Breeze.

On flip-flops with a Y-strap, it’s also essential to pay attention to the positioning of the toe post. If the widest part of the toe post is curved between your toes, it will usually be comfortable. That area between your toes is a sensitive spot, and trust us – you don’t want blisters there. We found the toe posts on the OluKai ‘Ohana, HOKA ORA Recovery Flip Flops, and the Chaco Classic Flips to be very well made and comfortable.

Sometimes, when the thinnest edge of the toe post rubs between your toes, you may feel a little discomfort. This can be especially true when it is wet. But most shoes made specifically for the water don’t have this design. You’ll also find these types of toe posts irritating if you’re doing a lot of walking. 

You may also find different hybrid variations of the Y-strap. These have the strap between your toes and various configurations of other straps. The Teva Olowahu is an example of this. A strap goes between your two toes but then has multiple straps attached to the footbed at six different points. The Astral Rosa is another Y-strap hybrid that also comes with additional straps that go around your foot, allowing you to turn this flip flop into a sandal.   

Slides

These flip-flops do exactly what they say they will: They slide on easily. They differ from the Y-strap in that they don’t have a strap between your toes. The strap attaches to the footbed on either side of your foot. With just one strap holding your foot in place, this is usually a really wide strap.

While you always want to make sure your flip-flops are sized appropriately, it’s especially important when picking out slides. Without the additional strap holding your foot down between your toes, you want to make certain that the strap going across your foot is not too loose.

If it is, it could cause you to slide out of the shoe as easily as you slid into it. Slides can sometimes offer a little more room for wider feet, too. The OOFOS OOahh Slide is the best flip-flop for wide feet out of the ones that we tested.

Slides also have different hybrid models as well. One great example is the Keen Bali Slide. This one does not have a Y-strap that goes between your toes. But, unlike a traditional slide with one strap that goes across the top of your foot and has two points where it attaches to the footbed, this hybrid slide has five points where it attaches to the footbed.

Its covered toe area, which provides protection when adventuring through rougher terrain, is unique. This hybrid takes a slide style and adds more top straps to provide a more secure feel for your feet.

The footbed and sole are the other important factors that can determine the comfort level of your flip-flops. While there’s a rumor floating around that flip-flops aren’t good for your feet, that’s just not true. According to podiatrists, flip-flops with a proper footbed and sole can be good for your feet.

The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) recognizes products beneficial to foot health and offers a Seal of Acceptance for them. Some of the flip-flops listed on its website include the HOKA ORA Recovery Flip, OOFOS OOahh Slides, and the Chaco Classic Flip.

When looking at the footbed, pay attention to see if it has any arch support. Flip-flops that have a contour that follows your foot will give you more support and bring more comfort when worn for longer periods of time. The Birkenstock Gizeh Birko-Flor also has a footbed with edges that are turned up, and these hold your feet firmly in place. We love that their footbeds continue to mold to your feet each time you wear them. 

Different flip-flops may feel different to different people depending on their feet. Some have more arch support than others, but even a slight arch is going to make your feet happier than a completely flat footbed. Many people also enjoy the massaging feeling of a textured footbed. This also helps to hold your foot in place when your shoes are wet.

Toe Bar

You won’t find this in most flip-flops, but some also include a raised toe bar. This is a raised ridge that sits between your toes and the ball of your foot. The Astral Rosa and Birkenstock Gizeh Birko-Flor are two flip-flops that offer this feature. 

Birkenstock says that the raised toe bar encourages the natural gripping motion of your feet, exercises the legs, and stimulates circulation. While those are all great things, this feature can feel different at first and can take some getting used to for some people. 

It’s also important to make sure your shoes fit perfectly so the toe bar sits where it should and isn’t positioned incorrectly on your foot. It should fall exactly behind your toes, and your toes and the ball of your foot shouldn’t sit on top of the toe bar. 

Outsole

The outer sole may not touch your feet, but it is where the shoe meets your walking surface. And, it’s just as important to your overall comfort. A flip-flop with a grippy textured sole will last longer and be more comfortable. If you’re going to splurge on one feature, this is the one.

A flip flop with a good outsole is not only going to last longer, but it will also keep you safer. Flip-flops with a thin, smooth outer sole are going to wear down quicker. In addition, a thin, smooth sole will offer less stability. One with more traction will prevent you from slipping. While the outsole is always an important factor, it’s especially important to pay attention to this if you’re wearing your flip-flops in and around water. 

A properly designed sole can also help relieve tired, aching feet. Many are also designed for post-workout recovery.

HOKA is known for the Meta-Rocker (geometry that reduces the height differential between heel and toe to mimic natural gait) in the soles of its athletic shoes, and you’ll find that same unique feature in its HOKA Ora Recovery Flip. These ended up being the most comfortable of the ones we tested. OOFOS is another known for its well-designed soles made from its custom OOfoam.

Materials

You’re likely to spot a whole bunch of terms describing flip-flop materials. But they really boil down to just a few.

Proprietary Synthetics

You may have noticed a couple of trademarked names in the above comparison chart. Sometimes, they point to recycled materials, like the REPREVE yarn used in the Teva Hydratek Flip. And sometimes, as with OOfos’s OOfoam, they’re simply the brand’s own take on EVA foam. Either way, it’s good to understand which natural material the synthetic is trying to replace.

EVA

Ethylene-vinyl acetate is a thermoplastic, closed-cell foam with rubber-like qualities. It is meant as a substitute for materials such as natural rubber, neoprene, and PVC foams made from harsh chemicals. Because of its sustainability factor, EVA is used quite a bit in today’s flip-flops. The HOKA ORA Recovery Flip has a soft top layer of EVA that contributes to its comfort level, while the Teva Olowahu also uses EVA in its outsole to accommodate those looking for a lighter option.

Leather

Known for its durability and patina, real leather gets a bit of a bad rap. However, it’s more breathable than vegan leather. When mindfully sourced, such as the LWG-certified leather used in the Keen Waimea Leather Flip-flop, it’s actually more environmentally responsible than the faux version. The waterproof, washable full-grain leather of the Hari Mari Clipper was soft and plush and one of our favorite materials of all flips.

Rubber

You may see it listed as “Spider Rubber,” “Non-marking Rubber,” “Vibram” or just plain “Rubber.” Just know that there’s most likely going to be some rubber in your outsole. It’s a big part of what cushions and protects your feet and is what makes our best budget option, the Rainbow Rubber Sandals, so ideal. The Reef Cushion Breeze has a rubber sponge outsole that is slightly more flexible than other options. Astral and Chaco have both trademarked the rubber compounds used in their outsoles, which allow these shoes to have exceptional grip. 

Other Material Considerations

If rubber and EVA are involved, you’ll usually find these more water-friendly than other options, like the Birkenstock Gizeh Birko-Flor, which has a footbed made of cork-latex with a suede lining. These are stylish and comfortable, but they aren’t made for the water. 

OOFOS uses its proprietary OOfoam in its OOahh Slide and OOFOS Original flip-flops. Both shoes are made entirely of OOfoam, which means they also aren’t made for the water.

The material of the straps is just as important when picking out flip-flops. The soft fabric will feel better, but know that some fabrics made from stiffer fabric often soften up over time. You may also find leather straps or leather ones with soft lining. We love the jersey knit lining inside the water-friendly synthetic straps of the OluKai ‘Ohana. 

The toe posts may not be the most visible area on the shoe, but they are still worth paying attention to. You’ll sometimes find a toe post made from other materials, like plastic, but they may not be as comfy for long-term wear.      

Sizing

We love flip-flops immensely. But, one of the most frustrating things for us all is being able to choose the correct size. Unfortunately, most don’t come in half sizes. So, shopping for flip-flops puts you in an endless internal battle over sizing up or sizing down. While each brand is a little different, we always recommend sizing up half a size when in doubt. Most of the time, this is going to be the right fit.

When shopping for flip-flops, it’s important to find the proper length for your foot. Having a flip-flop that is even a bit too short is super aggravating. We don’t like the feeling of our toes or heels hanging off — it is uncomfortable and just doesn’t look nice. Our flip-flop expert’s true shoe size is a half size. And, after many years, she’s realized that if a half-size is unavailable, she needs to size up.

Style

We enjoy having a flip-flop that is versatile and can be used for multiple purposes. This includes the ability to dress it up or down. While many versatile options have a sportier look, some are sleek enough to dress up.

Our best overall flip-flops for women are the OluKai ‘Ohana. One reason is the versatility that it has for fashion. It’s not dressy or fancy, but it looks nice while still performing well. The Chaco Classic Flip is another one we love that spans both function and fashion.

If you’re looking for one go-to flip-flop, basic colors like black, brown, tan, or white can be great options that will match a variety of outfits. We’ve found that when we find a style we like though, we sometimes have gone back to get more of the same shoe in different colors.

Finding a flip-flop that has a variety of color options to choose from is a perk too. Again, the OluKai ‘Ohana excelled in this area with 14 colors available. The Birkenstock Gizeh Birko-Flor also gave us a large color palette, having 15 different options.

Some flip-flops are geared a little more toward fashion than function, though, and that’s OK. While flip-flops may be most commonly associated with the beach, there are so many styles available now that in some areas you can also find people wearing flip-flops to work or even in formal situations like weddings.

Our flip-flop expert paired the Teva Olowahu with a beachy dress for an island wedding, and they were perfect. She was also able to pull off the Birkenstock Gizeh Birko-Flor as business casual shoes for a work conference. 

Water-Friendliness­­­­

Flip-flops are popular to wear to the beach, at the lake or river, or around the pool. Even if you aren’t wearing them in the water, if you’re wearing them near the water, you’ll want to consider how water-friendly they are. Being made of water-resistant materials is one factor, but we consider a couple of other things, too.

Look at the traction on the soles and footbeds to see how much stability you have where your foot meets the shoe and where the shoe meets the earth. A shoe with good tread on the sole will help keep you upright and you’ll be less likely to slip on a slick rock as you are walking along the shoreline.

A flip-flop that also has a textured footbed performs exceptionally well when wet and helps keep your foot from sliding around. Two of the ones we tested that had soles and footbeds that stood up to the waves well were the Chaco Classic Flip and the Teva Hydratek Flip.

We also look for dry time and the dreaded foot squeak. The footbed will usually dry quicker than the straps, but we found the straps on the Chacos and OluKai ‘Ohana dried really quickly.

Another annoying thing is that even with water-resistant flip-flops, sometimes you’ll hear a little squeak when you walk in them while wet. It’s frustrating, but it doesn’t last forever.

This is another area where the Chaco Classic Flip took the prize, though, because the textured firm footbed didn’t cause any strange noises when we stepped off the water and walked on dry land.

Sustainability

As we try to find ways to be more sustainable in our everyday lives, it’s nice to know we can also take those best practices into our shoe shopping. Many companies have found ways to use recycled materials, and it feels good when you find brands that are doing things to help our planet. 

Some brands like Reef now have entire sections on their website where you can search for shoes made with recycled materials. You can find a wide variety of styles that have used recycled materials in some part of the process. One example is the Reef Cushion Breeze — the lining and toe post are made from recycled plastic bottles. 

Another earth-friendly flip-flop we love is Teva’s Olowahu. It has a midsole that is made from 30% recycled EVA. The webbing on the straps is also made from recycled plastic that uses traceable REPREVE polyester yarn by Unifi. 

Anti-Odor

OK, so foot odor isn’t something you enjoy thinking about until you throw your shoes out because you can’t eliminate the smell that has taken root in them over time. Or until you’re the one at the pool party with the stinky feet. Nobody wants to be that girl. 

With flip-flops being toe-freeing shoes that expose your feet, any flip-flop options that put forth efforts to eliminate radiating foot odor are a good thing. Not all flip-flops offer this additional perk, but we’re seeing that some are starting to incorporate this amenity. The KEEN Bali Slides contain Eco Anti-Odor that promises natural, pesticide-free odor control, and the Teva Olowahu flip flops are treated with Life Natural, a peppermint-based anti-odor treatment. 

Packability

Flip-flops are a must-have for any warm-weather vacation spot you will be visiting, and you’ll want to bring along at least a couple of pairs on your getaways. We personally like wearing them to the airport since they are so easy to slip on and off when going through TSA. There’s always more in our bag, so we are prepared for any situation.

We love looking for styles that don’t take up too much room in our suitcase and are easy to throw in the beach bag. The Reef Cushion Breeze and OluKai ‘Ohana are thinner styles that are easy to carry along.

The Chaco Classic and Teva Olowahu are other great ones that we like to have in our suitcases. These two combine fashion and function and are perfect for pairing with a little sundress for happy hour after your day in the sun.  

When you have limited room in your suitcase, you may also want to put consideration into finding a versatile flip flop that can have multiple uses. The Astral Rosa can be worn as a traditional flip-flop, but also comes with an additional strap that converts them into sandals. In this instance, it’s kind of like packing two pairs of shoes, but they only take up the space of one. 

Return Policy

Our hope is that we have geared you up with enough great info that you will choose the best flip-flops for your needs. Sometimes you think about all of the variables, do your research, and then they still arrive damaged or with a manufacturer’s defect. 

They may also arrive, and you then realize you need a different size or see that you just don’t love them. It can be helpful to take the return policy into consideration just in case-especially if you are buying them online before trying them on.

You’ll find that many quality flip-flops have pretty good return and exchange policies that allow you to try them out. For example, if the size is a little off or you want a different color, you can exchange your OluKai ‘Ohanas for free exchanges for 30 days.

If you want to give the OOFOS OOahh Slide a shot, you can try them for 30 days and if you don’t love them, you can send them back at no cost. HOKA, who brought us our most comfortable flip-flop on the list, the ORA Recovery Flip, also offers free returns and exchanges within 30 days with no questions asked. The return/exchange policy is even better for HOKA members who get 60 days to try them out, and it’s totally free to become a HOKA member so you can get that privilege.

Price & Value

With just a few outliers, most of the flip-flops in this guide are right around the $62 group average. Naturally, flip-flops may go on sale, so do pay attention to the retail price. Anything with an MSRP below $30 is probably garbage, likely to fall apart the first time you make a serious misstep.

Likewise, on the other end, anything above $60 may offer diminishing returns. In short, expect to pay something in the $30 to $60 range for an average flip-flop.

In our years of wearing flip-flops, we’ve learned that a good pair can last a long time. They also tend to be much more comfortable than super cheap ones, providing a better overall experience. Because of these things, we don’t always buy flip-flops for a cheap price alone.

Paying a little more can sometimes get you a quality pair of shoes that will last for years and in the end, will be cheaper overall since you won’t have to replace them constantly. However, we love a good deal, and finding a good quality pair at a great price is always a good thing, too.

If you’re on a budget, but looking for a quality pair of flip-flops, know that they do exist. Our tester has worn the Reef brand for years, and the Reef Cushion Breeze is a great pick. In comparison to the most expensive flip-flop we tested, this one costs more than 50% less and serves the purpose as an overall, everyday flip-flop.

Style doesn’t have to come at a price, either. Of all of the ones we tested, the ones that we thought were the cutest flip-flops were actually the lowest price of all of them. The Teva Olowahu is a fashionable choice and it looks like it costs more than $34.

Frequently Asked Questions