For the most part, flip-flops are transitional footwear. You wear them at times when you’d prefer to be barefoot, but the circumstances aren’t conducive to going au naturale. Perhaps you want to air out your dogs on a hot day after a workout. Or maybe you’re on your way to the beach or pool, where you’ll gladly fling them off the instant you arrive.
Naturally, our experts have been wearing flip-flops since childhood. Our lead tester Scott Tharler’s favorite flip-flop-related memory is getting a free pair when attending a Dodger game on a special promotional evening. Surprisingly, those well-worn rubber and plastic flips lasted way longer than they should’ve.
For this buyer’s guide, we rounded up multiple pairs of high-quality flip-flops ranging in price from $30 to $1,110. We put them through their paces on a number of hour-plus long walks and also did a lot of strolling along the week and lounging around the patio and house. Dozens of miles — and several stinging blisters — later, we came to some meaningful conclusions (not the least of which is that most flip-flops aren’t meant for very long hikes).
Editor’s Note: We updated this buyer’s guide on August 30, 2024, by adding two new products: our most stylish pick, the Hari Mari Clipper, and our most versatile pick, the Astral Filipe.
The Best Flip-Flops of 2024
Top Picks
- Heel Height: 0.5 inches
- Upper: Synthetic Leather
- Footbed: EVA
- Outsole: Rubber
- Colorways: 16
Pros
- Impressive lugs on the outsole for a flip flop
- Soft footbed
- Very large size range
Cons
- A bit pricey for a flip flop
- Heel height: Average
- Upper: Rubber, nylon
- Footbed: EVA
- Outsole: Rubber
- Color options: 5
Pros
- Super simple and comfortable layup of rubber and foam
- On the lower end of price range
- Lightweight at 14 oz.
Cons
- Exposed foam sidewalls will get worn over time
- Little outsole traction
- Limited size range
- Heel height: Zero drop
- Upper: Cushioned synthetic leather
- Footbed: EVA, level footbed
- Outsole: Flex Grip outsole made with non-marking, razor-siped, G.15 Rubber
- Color options: 3
Pros
- Lightweight
- Versatile thanks to Super Strap
- Deliver all-day comfort
- Extremely grippy outsoles
Cons
- Insides of flips were slippery when wet
- Ridges on insoles felt weird
- Heel height: Average
- Upper: Waterproof, washable full-grain leather
- Footbed: Plush, full-grain leather footbed
- Outsole: Nonmarking, molded rubber
- Color options: 2
Pros
- Stylish
- Comfortable right out of the box
- Leather is plush, waterproof, washable
Cons
- Expensive
- Minimal support means feet get fatigued
- Heel height: 1.25"
- Upper: Synthetic, fabric-lined
- Footbed: Leather, EVA, rubber
- Outsole: Rubber
- Color options: 7
Pros
- Plush
- Great fit
- Superior comfort
Cons
- Relatively expensive
More Flip-Flops We Tested
- Heel height: Average
- Upper: Recycled plastic, REPREVE polyester yarn
- Footbed: EVA
- Outsole: Spider rubber
- Color options: 3
Pros
- Comfy, textured footbed
- Grippy tread good for multiple terrains
- Great all-around balance of firm yet flexible
Cons
- Heel is a little chunky
- Only a few color options
- Heel height: 1.54"
- Upper: Waterproof full-grain leather
- Footbed: Foam
- Outsole: Nonmarking rubber
- Color options: 4
Pros
- Comfortable, scooped-out footbed
- Soft strap and toe post
- Nice tread
- Toe protection
Cons
- On the expensive side
- Hybrid style takes a little getting used to
- Heel height: Thick
- Upper: Jersey textile strap
- Footbed: EVA
- Outsole: EVA
- Color options: 9
Pros
- Tread groove great for walking in and around water
- Improved toe post
- EVA good for recovery use
- Colorful
Cons
- Tall heel
- Footbed feels oversized
- Middling comfort
- Heel height: Thin
- Upper: Vegan leather strap, padded jersey lining
- Footbed: EVA
- Outsole: Nonmarking rubber
- Color options: 7
Pros
- Nice textured footbed
- Snug fitting, feels secure
- Good as boat shoes
Cons
- Feels under-padded
- Not for long hikes
- Snug fitting, slightly tougher to slip on
- Heel height: Average
- Upper: Closed-cell OOfoam
- Footbed: Closed-cell OOfoam
- Outsole: Closed-cell OOfoam
- Color options: 6
Pros
- Super cushy
- Great for recovery
- Machine washable
Cons
- Not quite as steady as the others
- Heel height: 0.88"
- Upper: EVA
- Footbed: EVA
- Outsole: EVA
- Color options: 4
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Very light
- Waterproof
Cons
- A little stiff
- Uncomfortable for medium to longer walks
Flip-Flops Comparison Chart
Flip-Flops | Price | Heel Height | Upper | Footbed | Outsole | Colorways |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
OluKai ‘Ohana Sandals | $75 | 0.5 inches | Synthetic Leather | EVA | Rubber | 16 |
Rainbow Classic Rubber Sandals | $46 | Average | Rubber, Nylon | EVA | Rubber | 5 |
Astral Filipe | $79 | Zero drop | Cushioned synthetic leather | EVA, Level Footbed | Plush, full-grain leather footbed | 3 |
Hari Mari Clipper | $110 | Average | Waterproof, washable full-grain leather | Plush, full-grain leather foot bed | Non-marking, molded rubber | 2 |
Vionic Wyatt | $80 | 1.25 inches | Synthetic, fabric-lined | Leather, EVA, Rubber | Rubber | 7 |
Teva Hydratek Flip | $65 | Average | Recycled plastic, REPREVE polyester yarn | EVA | Spider Rubber | 3 |
Keen Waimea Leather Flip-Flop | $80 | 1.54 inches | Waterproof full-grain leather | Foam | Non-marking rubber | 4 |
Hoka Ora Recovery Flip | $60 | Thick | Jersey textile strap | EVA | EVA | 9 |
Reef Santa Ana | $55 | Thin | Vegan leather strap, padded jersey lining | EVA | Non-marking rubber | 7 |
OOfos Original | $60 | Average | Closed-cell OOfoam | Closed-cell OOfoam | Closed-cell OOfoam | 6 |
Crocs Classic II | $30 | 0.88 inches | EVA | EVA | EVA | 4 |

How We Tested the Best Flip-Flops

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

Flip-Flops vs. Slides and Sandals

Designed Footwear Use

Water-Friendliness

Sizing and Fit

Materials
Proprietary Synthetics
EVA

Leather
Rubber

Comfort
Toe Posts
Heel Height

Firmness vs. Cushiness

Colors

Price & Value
Frequently Asked Questions
That depends on where, how far, and how long you’ll be walking, as well as what you’ve just been doing. For instance, after a workout or run, recovering in something cushy like the OOfos Original feel nice. If you’re going on a short walk, the Reef Santa Ana is a decent choice.
And if you want flip-flops for a longer walk, we highly recommend the Vionic Wyatt, the Teva Hydratek Flips, and the Keen Waimea, each of which is good for longer distances over a variety of terrain.
Among the shoes we tested for this guide, we had difficulty choosing between the Olukai ‘Ohana and Vionic Wyatt. Both offer a great balance of firmness with just enough — but in our opinion, not too much — cushion.
Long-term durability takes more than a month or two to assess. So, we’ll keep you posted. But so far, none of the selections show serious signs of wear. It’ll be interesting to see how additional time, sweat, and wear affect them.
Sure! Especially in summer — or year-round, in warmer climates. We haven’t personally donned anything worthy of wearing with a suit. But for everyday use with jeans or shorts, heck yeah. Throw on a pair of flip-flops and make a fashion statement. And before you do, maybe consider trimming those claws and moisturizing. No judgment.

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