A Trusted Friend in a Complicated World
Updated on Aug. 12, 2024
Looking for easy, breezy summer style? These adorable flip-flops will complete any outfit—and even better, they’re all incredibly comfortable!
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What are everyone’s go-to shoes during the summer? Flip-flops, of course! The best flip-flops for women are the perfect complement to the season’s best swimsuits and cover-ups or your favorite sundresses, shorts, and business casual looks, and they can help you stay cool and comfortable. They very well may be the world’s perfect shoes…as long as you choose the right ones.
Since we’ve all probably chosen our fair share of the wrong ones, here’s what you need to know: For all-day wear, you want flip-flops that are on par with the most well-constructed sandals and walking shoes. “Look for ones that contain arch supports, rubber soles, and a cushioned footbed,” says Casey Ann Pidich, DPM, a podiatrist at Park Avenue Podiatric Care and an attending surgeon at Central Park Ambulatory Surgery. “These characteristics help support our feet and joints when walking on all types of surfaces other than sand.”
The best ones will also work seamlessly with your lifestyle and your specific needs, so you’ll need a few types for your different summer activities. And no matter what you wear them with, make sure your feet are in tip-top shape by giving yourself regular pedicures. “In addition, use a pumice stone regularly on hardened skin on the heels,” advises Dr. Pidich. “Our heels are exposed to the elements more when wearing flip-flops, so it’s essential to make sure the skin isn’t cracked open. This cracking of the skin can lead to open sores and exposes our skin to infections.”
So, grab your favorite nail polish and scoop up the best flip-flops to suit every style, foot need, and budget. Once you’ve filled your cart, make sure you have all of your other summer essentials, including sunglasses, sun hats, and sunscreen.
via llbean.com
These adorable flip-flops are just as durable and well-made as L.L. Bean’s other iconic products, and they are the perfect complement to a casual everyday look. The nylon straps, which come in polka dots or stripes, won’t dig into the skin, and the footbed is made from shock-absorbing, long-lasting EVA (rubber-like plastic known for its cushioning). This pair also boasts non-stick traction on the bottom, making them perfect for walking around town, the beach, or your house. One five-star reviewer raves: “This is about the seventh pair of these I have bought! They are comfortable and fun to match with your outfits.”
via amazon.com
It’s one thing for us to tell you that a flip-flop is comfortable—and it’s another thing to read thousands upon thousands of five-star reviews to that effect. In this case, we’re talking more than 36,000 five-star reviews on Amazon. These flip-flops from British shoe company Clark’s are designed to be light on your feet but to protect them, too. They have an Ortholite footbed, a cushioned insole that bounces with you, and an EVA shock-absorbing mid and outsole that protects feet. Translation: These are the best flip-flops for walking. One Amazon reviewer writes, “My husband and I walk two miles every night, and I decided to put these to the test. (I usually wear my running shoes.) These far surpassed my expectations. They felt so supportive, and it made me feel like skipping!”
Bonus: The top of the sandal has a hook-and-loop design, so you can adjust them to create the perfect fit. And they come in 31 different colors, from basic black to faux snakeskin to eye-popping aqua, all of which will help pull together an outfit.
via amazon.com
These vegan, sustainably made, and recyclable flip-flops just may be the most eco-friendly options you’ll find. Plus, they’re designed along the principles of reflexology, so every step you take in them is supported and comfortable. In fact, they’re Dr. Pidich’s favorite pair of flip-flops. “They contain an arch support, are eco-friendly, and I own a pair and wear them to the beach,” she says. “In addition, I like knowing that they can be recycled at the Okabashi factory where they are produced.” Believe it or not, these flip-flops can even be tossed in the dishwasher when it’s time to clean them!
via nordstrom.com
Need a shoe to match your little black dress this summer? These red Michael Kors flip-flops with a cute, super-wearable almost-two-inch kitten heel will do the trick. And even better, they’re on a massive sale right now, so you’ll get them for under $60 (which is 40 percent off the regular retail price). The footbed is lightly padded, and the designer’s gold initials glimmer on the side of each strap. They’re definitely high on our list of the best Nordstrom shoes and sandals we want to buy right now.
via vionicshoes.com
People adore Vionics—and for good reason. The brand, which was created by a podiatrist, has the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance, and these fashionable flip-flops are as comfy as you’d expect with that endorsement. If you have foot issues, these are the thongs for you, since they’re literally engineered to cradle your arches and stop heel pain (the worst). “These flip-flops follow the contour of our foot arch,” explains Dr. Pidich. “They are made of EVA, which is used in custom orthotics and sneakers, and they also contain traction for walking along various summer terrain surfaces such as sand, gravel, and grass.”
via foco.com
If you’re a die-hard football fan, we have the perfect summer shoes for you! FOCO makes all sorts of sports paraphernalia, including a line of sequin-bedazzled flip-flops that show your love for your favorite team. Shown here are the Indianapolis Colts flip-flops, but you can choose flip-flops emblazoned with any NFL team’s logo and colors. The sandal’s bed is made from light EVA and feels like a slipper.
via amazon.com
Ever wonder what happens to used yoga mats? Sanuk takes them and turns them into footwear for him, her, and little ones, too. And these sustainably made slip-ons are cushioned to the max. The Yoga Salty comes in 13 shades and boasts a crisscross top made with stretchy material that doesn’t dig into the top of your foot. With glowing reviews on Amazon, this flip-flop has repeat customers. “These are too freaking comfortable!” writes one verified Amazon reviewer who gave these cute shoes five stars. “The straps don’t hurt, and the insole feels like I’m walking on a cloud!” Best of all, they can be tossed in the washer when needed. You could even pair these with a stylish work top to help create a fun outfit.
via amazon.com
You can trust these flip-flops to be comfortable mile after mile. If your summer includes visits to farmers’ markets, theme parks, or museums, these flip-flops just might be the best companion you’ll have on those trips. They have orthotic support, as REEF’s flip-flops were designed by podiatrists and athletes who wanted a cool-looking sandal that was protective to the foot. And these sandals are! They have a built-in arch, the heel was designed to cup the back of the foot, and the bottom of the sandal uses shock-absorbing materials to decrease foot fatigue.
via chineselaundry.com
We’ve all had the unfortunate experience of a sandal going one way and your foot going the other. It’s embarrassing and potentially dangerous. But with these truly awesome thongs, Chinese Laundry has reinvented the flip-flop by adding a wide comfort band made from a stretchy poly blend that sits under the straps so they’ll stay put on your foot. If you’re the type whose skin gets rubbed raw the first few times you wear flip-flops in the summer, this amazing feature will also protect delicate skin. One important note about flip-flops, no matter how awesome they are: You really shouldn’t wear them while driving.
via zappos.com
Tory Burch’s designer flip-flops are attractively priced, come in three different colors, and have quickly become a summer and vacation footwear staple. These lightweight sandals have moderate arch support and a shock-absorbing EVA outsole. They can be worn with summer shift dresses and shorts with ease. Pool parties, here you come!
via forever21.com
Why would we toss a basic flip-flop into our mix of the best flip-flops for women? Aside from the fantastic price—they’re $2!—these Forever 21 flip-flops are seriously versatile, and sometimes you need a basic shoe for everyday tasks. While you won’t want to wear them for any sort of heavy-duty activity or for extended lengths of time, they’re great for gym showers, poolside or at the beach, while walking the dog or getting a pedicure, or as summer slippers. They’re so light, they can be tossed in a bag so you can switch into them if the other shoes you’re wearing start hurting your feet. They also come in 11 shades. For more steals, check out these things you can buy on Amazon for less than a dollar.
via nordstrom.com
High-heeled flip-flops were a big fashion trend in the early aughts, and they’re trending again this summer. They’re a fun, spicy heel to wear out to dinner or with your new wide-legged jeans. Even better, these sturdy inch-and-a-half, block-heel leather sandals from Vince Camuto can take you from summer wedding to girls’ night out, all while looking as chic as a glass of champagne.
via nordstrom.com
Birkenstocks are iconic footwear, and you know what you’re getting when you buy them. Men and women alike count on their comfort, longevity, and no-fuss style, and know that these shoes will last for years. As popular as the day they were introduced, these flip-flops sit on the brand’s classic footbed—which was designed to mimic the shape of the foot. The strap has an adjustable buckle to ensure proper fit.
via macys.com
These could be the best flip-flops for women who are looking for a sleek, slightly dressy shoe that could be worn with both tailored trousers and summer dresses. Style & Co is one of Macy’s own brands, and they create on-trend designs at delightfully budget-friendly price points. These sandals have a one-inch wedge heel wrapped in faux leather. The insole is plush and has additional padding around the ball of the foot area. According to one reviewer, they’re as comfortable as they’re good-looking: “I have heel spur issues, so not many sandals work, but these are outstanding…so soft and comfortable. I bought them in both white and black and wish they were in more colors.” Right now, they’re 50 percent off and cost under $25, so you really can’t go wrong!
via nordstrom.com
This Scandinavian shoe company still hand-stitches its footwear. And one look at these classic leather uppers and you can see the quality immediately. These Tide flip-flops feature a knot that gives them a casual-chic air, and they come in two neutral hues that will pair perfectly with the majority of your wardrobe—and instantly upgrade it. They also have arch support and use shock-absorbing cushioning to line the shoe.
via walmart.com
C. Wonder is baaack. The company that made classically fashionable items (aka preppy stuff) with style in the early aughts is now available at Walmart. They’re now creating some of the best flip-flops for women that have everything you’re looking for in a high-end thong sandal—only without the high price tag. These sandals have a leather strap and golden horsebit that lie on top striped fabric, and believe it or not, they’re under $20 a pop. Next, get the guy in your life to be as comfy as you are by sharing this list of the best walking shoes for men.
