Flip-flops can oftentimes get a bad rap. In the past, many people thought of them as cheaply made shower shoes that weren't as comfortable or durable as other sandals, but these summer-ready kicks have come a long way.
The current crop of flip-flops boasts special features like extra padding for added comfort and rugged soles that provide excellent traction. Meanwhile, others are designed to provide the support you need for a full day on your feet.
Related: The 10 Most Comfortable Golf Shoes for Men, Women, and Kids
Even high-end fashion designers have joined the flip-flop bandwagon, with many producing fashion-forward styles. With thousands of options in stores, it can feel daunting to find a pair that will suit your needs. So we turned to real shoppers, who have bought and worn these flip-flops for themselves, to see which ones are actually worth buying.
Not only do these thong sandals have near-perfect ratings, they also have an overwhelming amount of perfect five-star reviews between them. Plus, it's an added bonus that they are all versatile enough to wear just about anywhere.
From designer flip-flops for women to supportive men's options, keep reading to see which 12 pairs of flip-flops customers love the most.
These are the most comfortable flip-flops for women:
- Best Overall: Olukai Ohana Flip-flops
- Best Celeb-approved Option: Havaianas Slim Flip-flops
- Best Designer Option: <a href=″https://www.nordstrom.com/s/tory-burch-miller-sandal-women/2963432?″ target=″″ class=″onecms-affiliate-link″ rel=″noopener″>Tory Burch Miller Flip-flops</a></a></li><li><strong>Best Ergonomic Option:</strong> <a data-unprocessed-href=″https://www.zappos.com/p/fitflop-iqushion-ergonomic-flip-flop-bronze/product/8858953/color/200″ data-ecommerce=″true″ data-tracking-affiliate-name=″www.zappos.com″ data-tracking-affiliate-link-text=″FitFlop Iqushion Ergonomic Flip-flops ″ data-tracking-affiliate-link-url=″https://www.zappos.com/p/fitflop-iqushion-ergonomic-flip-flop-bronze/product/8858953/color/200″ data-tracking-affiliate-network-name=″CJ Deep Link″ rel=″sponsored noopener″ href=″https://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/7876402/type/dlg/sid/TLThe12MostComfortableFlipflopsforMenandWomenAccordingtoCustomerReviewsVideojmastropShoPos7844824202006I/https://www.zappos.com/p/fitflop-iqushion-ergonomic-flip-flop-bronze/product/8858953/color/200″ target=″_blank″>FitFlop Iqushion Ergonomic Flip-flops </a></li><li><strong>Best for Plantar Fasciitis:</strong> <a data-unprocessed-href=″https://www.zappos.com/p/hoka-one-one-ora-recovery-flip-nimbus-cloud/product/8899965/color/525650″ data-ecommerce=″true″ data-tracking-affiliate-name=″www.zappos.com″ data-tracking-affiliate-link-text=″Hoka One One Ora Recovery Flip-flops″ data-tracking-affiliate-link-url=″https://www.zappos.com/p/hoka-one-one-ora-recovery-flip-nimbus-cloud/product/8899965/color/525650″ data-tracking-affiliate-network-name=″CJ Deep Link″ rel=″sponsored noopener″ href=″https://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/7876402/type/dlg/sid/TLThe12MostComfortableFlipflopsforMenandWomenAccordingtoCustomerReviewsVideojmastropShoPos7844824202006I/https://www.zappos.com/p/hoka-one-one-ora-recovery-flip-nimbus-cloud/product/8899965/color/525650″ target=″_blank″>Hoka One One Ora Recovery Flip-flops</a></li><li><strong>Best for Arch Support: </strong><a rel=″noopener sponsored″ href=″https://www.amazon.com/Birkenstock-Womens-Birko-Flor-Sandals-10-10-5/dp/B00LT9OYEO/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=tlbestflipflopsrcarhart0620-20&linkId=fcafdb92a75e1a8b1f540049c4911b22&language=en_US″ target=″_blank″>Birkenstock Gizeh Birko Flor Flip-flops
These are the most comfortable flip-flops for men:
- Best Overall: Reef Smoothy Flip-flops
- Best Fabric Option: NeedBo Classical Comfortable II Flip-flops
- Best Leather Option: Olukai Hiapo Flip-flops
- Best Supportive Option: Vionic Wave Toe Post Flip-flops
- Best Water-resistant Option: Nike Kepa Kai Flip-flops
- Best for Traction: Olukai Ohana Flip-flops
Most Comfortable Women’s Flip-Flops
Best Overall: Olukai Ohana Flip-flops
With more than 2,600 customer reviews and a 4.7-star rating, these Olukai flip-flops are one of the most popular pairs of sandals on Amazon, and it's easy to see why. Along with a non-slip EVA footbed that's cushioned for added comfort, the popular flip-flops also feature a water-resistant upper strap and a durable rubber sole. "Best flip-flops ever," raved one shopper. "I needed some flip-flops when I went to Hawaii, and these came highly recommended. I can wear these all day and they feel so supportive and comfortable, even despite the fact I have bunions."
To buy: amazon.com, from $45
Best Celeb-approved Option: Havaianas Slim Flip-flops
Celebrities may reach for sky-high heels for red carpet events, but many of them can't resist wearing a comfortable pair of flip-flops in their downtime. Tons of A-listers, including Jennifer Lopez, are fans of these slim Havaianas thanks to their sleek minimalistic design and high comfort level. Hundreds of Nordstrom shoppers love them too, with one writing, "Havaianas are my go-to flip-flops. They're obviously easy to pair with anything casual. I find them very comfortable and can wear them every day."
To buy: nordstrom.com, $26
Best Designer Option: Tory Burch Miller Flip-flops
Looking for a pair of flip-flops that have a more refined and polished feel? Consider investing in this pair by Tory Burch. Not only do they feature a cushioned insole that makes them comfortable enough to wear all day long, but the fashion-forward leather flip-flops are so stylish you can wear them to fancy dinners and on nights out on the town. Plus, with 10 colors and prints to choose from, you are sure to find an option or two that suits your style. With details like that, it makes sense that more than 5,000 Nordstrom shoppers have given the flip-flops their seal of approval.
To buy: nordstrom.com, from $198
Best Ergonomic Option: FitFlop Iqushion Ergonomic Flip-flops
These FitFlop flip-flops have been bio-mechanically engineered to provide all-day support. They feature an ergonomically designed iQushion midsole that makes them incredibly comfortable and a micro-bubble foam footbed that provides excellent shock absorption. Shoppers love how lightweight and flexible the flip-flops are. "I live in flip-flops all summer but have felt like my foot needs more cushioning and support after having two kids," wrote one customer. "These were exactly what I needed. I can wear them all day chasing after the kids and running errands."
To buy: zappos.com, $32
Best for Plantar Fasciitis: Hoka One One Ora Recovery Flip-flops
Hundreds of Zappos customers who suffer from plantar fasciitis say this supportive pair from Hoka One One are the only flip-flops they can wear. It may be thanks to the sandals' contoured footbed and thick cushioned sole, which the brand says provides a "unique fulcrum effect that encourages a smoother transition from heel-strike through toe-off," meaning you can walk in them all day without any pain or discomfort. "I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE these flip-flops," said one reviewer. "When I wear these recovery flip-flops, no more plantar fasciitis! The strap is soft, and feels great. The footbed has wonderful support with just enough spongy feeling to be super comfortable."
To buy: zappos.com, $50
Best for Arch Support: Birkenstock Gizeh Birko Flor Flip-flops
There's a reason why Birkenstock has been a go-to source for comfortable sandals for several decades. Besides boasting a cushioned, contoured cork footbed, these flip-flops also provide ample arch support. The summer-ready shoes come in regular and narrow sizes and feature an adjustable upper strap so you can easily find a comfortable fit. "I have six pairs of Birkenstock sandals," wrote one customer. "I always have a pair for me to wear inside the house because I have low arches and I needed the support to walk around. Since I started wearing them, my back problems improved so much. I love them and I will keep buying them."
To buy: amazon.com, $90
Most Comfortable Men’s Flip-Flops
Best Overall: Reef Smoothy Flip-flops
Over 500 Amazon shoppers have given these Reef flip-flops a perfect five-star rating thanks to their soft woven strap and cushioned EVA footbed. Not only do the flip-flops have built-in arch support, they also have a textured outsole that provides excellent traction. "Love the Smoothys," wrote one reviewer. "They are the most comfortable flip-flops I've ever worn. I wear these everywhere, even to work out in and working around the house. They last a long time. Very durable. I've gone through several other flip-flops in an attempt to find one as comfortable as these."
To buy: amazon.com, from $30
Best Fabric Option: NeedBo Classical Comfortable II Flip-flops
In the market for a lightweight pair of fabric flip-flops? Check out this option by NeedBo. The top-rated flip-flops feature a soft and comfortable EVA insole and a non-slip rubber sole that allows you to walk on all types of terrains. There are 17 versatile colors to choose from, and prices start at just $6, so you can shop multiple styles without breaking the bank. "Best cheap flip-flops I have ever had," wrote one shopper. "Fits well and snug on my wider feet and the sole and strap are super comfortable. No fear of having the strap cause a rub between the toes. I am buying another pair in another color!"
To buy: amazon.com, from $6
Best Leather Option: Olukai Hiapo Flip-flops
If you're looking for a pair of men's flip-flops that are on the dressier side, consider this pair by Olukai. The supple leather strap gives them a more polished feel, while the rugged rubber sole and plush insole provide the support you need to wear them all day long. "These are by far the most comfortable and stylish flip-flops I've ever owned," raved one customer. "They literally formed to my foot within an hour of wearing them. I first thought they were a bit pricey but they are handmade and you can tell they are of the highest quality. So well worth the price. And they fit exactly as they should have."
To buy: amazon.com, from $80
Best Supportive Option: Vionic Wave Toe Post Flip-flops
These cushioned Vionic flip-flops were designed by a team of podiatrists, so you know they are both comfortable and supportive. The biomechanically designed footbed molds to your feet, while the built-in orthotic helps prevent foot pain from occurring. For these reasons and more, the flip-flops have earned themselves an American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Acceptance. "Vionic footwear has the arch support I need to move comfortably and be able to stand on my feet for extended periods of time," said one shopper. "Flip-flops are notoriously unsupportive but not these. They are comfortable and long lasting. I highly recommend."
To buy: vionicshoes.com, $65
Best Water-resistant Option: Nike Kepa Kai Flip-flops
Planning on spending a lot of time at the beach or pool? Be sure to wear water-resistant flip-flops like this pair from Nike. Not only do the flip-flops dry quickly, but customers say the synthetic upper is incredibly soft on their feet, and the memory foam footbed is both comfortable and flexible. "OMG!! Nike has hit the nail in the head with these sandals," raved one reviewer. "They are soooo comfy and as light as air. I would love them in every color."
To buy: zappos.com, $28
Best for Traction: Olukai Ohana Flip-flops
If you plan on doing a lot of walking or hiking this summer, reach for a pair of flip-flops that provide ample traction like this Olukai pair. The non-slip footbed will help keep your foot in place, while the rubber outsole boasts durable lugs to help prevent the sandals from sliding on slippery surfaces. "Hands down the best flip-flops I have ever owned," wrote one reviewer. "They are incredibly comfortable, provide great support and are even great for long walks, which is rare in my experience for flip-flops."
To buy: amazon.com, from $65
Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.
Source: Read Full Article