trip flip flops

The 18 Best Flip-Flops on Amazon for Summertime Style

Walk along the boardwalk in comfort thanks to these popular flip-flops.

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Our experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab test almost every spring and summertime shoe staple from the best sandals for walking to water shoes for outdoor activities. When choosing Amazon flip-flops, we look at design features like cushioning, support and material, as well as comfort and fit. After all, flip-flops can be an uncomfortable shoe to break in. We also take into consideration price as the best flip-flops fall between $15 and $50 with a few outliers that can be worth it.

For more popular favorites in other top-tested categories, consult our roundup of the best-selling Amazon products — including Amazon must-haves TikTok saw first . And if you are in need of more shoe recommendations for all occasions and budgets, check out our guides to the best dress shoes and the most comfortable shoes on Walmart .

Havaianas Women's Slim Flip-Flops

Havaianas is a popular name in the flip-flop world due in part to the vast color options available, from black (pictured) and bronze to purple and so many more — we're talking 30 different options! You'll find the right color that goes with your wardrobe and appreciate that these durable and lightweight shoes are ideal for packing in your suitcase en route to your next beach vacation. These also have a non-slip bottom designed to create traction. One of the over 21,000 online customer reviews writes, "These flip-flops are sturdy and have held up over time. They’re also comfortable to walk in, whether your feet are wet or dry."

Old Navy Woman's Flip-Flop

If you grew up near an Old Navy store, then the start of summer may have kicked off with a family trip to stock up on flip-flops for the entire season. Now you can buy a pair (or two, three...maybe four) in a variety of colors from Amazon for under $10! We love the Flamingo pattern, rainbow stripes and sunny yellow color for a classic summer thong sandal. You can buy two pairs at once if you want a fun, flirty pattern alongside a more neutral palette. One five-star reviewer says these are her favorite flippies ever: "Love Old Navy flip-flops! Love that these were easy to break in, affordable and shipping was lightning fast! 10/10 will buy again when I need more!"

Clarks Women's Arla Glison Flip-Flop

Meshing comfort with a wedged style can be a difficult feat . That's why our shoe pros love the popular brand Clarks for its ortholite footbed and foam cushioning. A soft fabric toe-thong also helps your feet experience less discomfort as you break in the shoe. We love the subtle wedge and cute tie-knot on the top, plus you can choose from a wide selection of colors to match your wardrobe, whether you want black (pictured) or a blue flip-flop that features lemon wedges . These best-selling shoes have over 19,000 online reviews with satisfied shoppers describing them as comfortable and supportive. Wear them to your neighborhood block party with a pitcher of homemade lemonade in hand.

Chaco Women's Chillos Flip-Flop

As previously mentioned, flip-flops are not the most supportive footwear to walk around in during the summer months. But if you want a comfortable shoe that will feel better as you stroll, look for flip-flops that have features such as a footbed made with EVA foam that's designed to provide cushioning and shock absorption. These Chaco flip-flops check that mark and have a 4.3-star rating on Amazon with five-star reviews calling them super comfortable and their favorite pair of flip-flops.

Rainbow Sandals Women's Single Layer Premier Leather Sandal

These leather flip-flops are not like the others. "They get better over time and really have a break-in period to mold to your feet. I’ve even worn them in the shower to break them in," says Sachs. While they aren't her go-to flip-flop, Sachs's husband practically lives in the men's version from April to October. And we would wager to say that Amazon customers may do the same given a 4.5-star rating with 80% of those ratings being a sparkling five-star review. Genuine leather available in a range of shades and a non-slip bottom make these sandals stylish and practical.

Vionic Women's Rest Bella II Toepost Sandal

The podiatrists we have spoken to usually recommend avoiding flip-flops when you can as they offer no support. But this pair has built-in arch support and a shock-absorbing midsole. The shoe is designed for individuals with flat feet or plantar fasciitis, but are not meant for long walks as they lack stability. One five-star review writes, "These flip-flops are not only absolutely gorgeous, but also have amazing arch support. It’s hard to find a shoe with both support, comfort and style, but Vionic hit every one of those at a perfect 10." Slip these on for your commute to the train and look cute thanks to the added touch of a small bow by the toe.

RELATED: The Best Shoes to Support Flat Feet, According to Experts

OOFOS Original Sandal

We have tested OOFOS shoes in our Lab and testers generally report the recovery brand's shoes have great cushioning and are ideal to wear post-workout . The shoe is designed to support the arch, reduce stress on your feet, knees and back, and has a special foam meant to absorb 37% of impact, per the manufacturer's description. Choose from eight neutral and bright colors (perhaps opting for a shade that matches your favorite workout outfit ). One of more than 24,200 online Amazon reviews writes, "The OOFOO thong type sandals are truly amazing. From the first few minutes I had them on, my feet felt like they were on a foot vacation. Dumb I know, but the support, the fit, the entire sandal felt wonderful on my feet."

RELATED: The Best Recovery Shoes of 2023

Skechers Women's On-the-Go 600 Sunny Flip-Flop

You may be familiar with Skechers for its sneakers (did anyone else have a pair of light-up sneaks way back when?). But the brand offers other footwear options too, including these flip-flops that have a rubber sole, lightweight design and responsive cushioning. You can choose from almost a dozen different basic colors and we appreciate that you can order a pair for $35. Although simple in style, the flip-flops have a 4.6-star rating on Amazon with customer reviews raving about how comfortable the shoes are. One review says, "I love these flip-flops. I have very wide feet and it is impossible to find comfortable sandals. These are worth every penny."

Skechers Women's Trailway Flip-Flop

Note that experts recommend consumers avoid wearing flip-flops for very long distances as the style doesn't offer as much support. (Check out our guides to the best walking sandals and women's walking shoes !). But if you are looking for a flip-flop that can handle slightly longer walks, our pros recommend the Trailway. An adjustable strap on the top allows for a more secure fit and it has arch cushioning for added support. We appreciate the rubber outsole is not only durable, but also has good traction for slippery surfaces. While these shoes may not be the most stylish flip-flops out there, they are still available in eight neutral colors and patterns. Five-star reviews report that the shoes have "great arch support" and are indeed "very comfy."

Merrell Women's District Mendi Thong Sandal

Flip-flops aren't gonna be your go-to walking shoe as they don't have the same level of support as shoes designed for said activity. But that doesn't mean they are not any options on that market that you can walk in and feel better about. We recommend this thong sandal by Merrell thanks to adjustable straps that allow a better fit. Meanwhile, a molded footbed made of EVA foam cushioning offers good support. Our pros also call out the rugged-looking outsole that offers traction when tackling different terrains. One five-star review writes, "I lived in these sandals ALL summer. Perfect for indoor and outdoor, especially walking."

Dolce Vita Women's Leanna Sandal

Looking for a dressier flip-flop? Whether you have an upcoming wedding or want to look fashionable en route to the office during the warmer months, Dolce Vita is stocked with trendy sandal and flip-flop styles. Our style pros love the simplicity of these strappy flats — and are obsessed with the yellow daffodil color, although you can choose from seven solid colors. The brand is all about effortless elegance with subtle vintage flare. One five-star Amazon review writes, "I’ve worn these all summer long with dresses, shorts, dress pants and jeans." A GH editor owns a pair of kitten-heeled sandals from Dolce Vita and feels so trés chic when they are on her feet. In fact, she plans to wear them to a summer wedding .

Rocket Dog Women's Crush Platform Thong Sandal

Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab Senior Analyst Emma Seymour wore these platform flip-flops to her college graduation and loved them. She finds them to be a super cute style, and another GH staffer agrees. "I went through a big platform shoe phase, and these flip-flops are top-tier when it comes to a (literally) elevated summer shoe," she says. EVA foam cushioning provides comfort while a textured outsole provides traction. While the flip-flops will transport you back to early 2000s fashion, Seymour does note: "The height plus the flip-flop makes them less stable on your feet, so make sure to not walk too far and be careful!"

Teva Women's Olowahu Flip-Flop

Seymour is also a big fan of this pair of flip-flops by Teva. "They were great to wear around the beach and they kept my foot a bit more secure than my previous flip-flops with the extra straps," she says. We appreciate the EVA foam outsole for added comfort and support, and the variety of strap colors and patterns. With over 25,600 online customer reviews, these beach flip-flops are very popular with one five-star customer review raving: " I have worn them to theme parks, and to the beach. They don't slip when you are walking through puddles, they don't hurt in between your toes [and] they don't rub or cause any sores or blisters after multiple hours of walking."

Sanuk Women's Yoga Sling 2 Flip-Flop

We have included this Sanuk flip-flop in previous roundups and are excited that they are back in stock on Amazon. Lexie Sachs , Executive Director of Strategy & Operations, loves these flip-flops and has even worn them on TV. "They feel like yoga mats to walk on, and the straps are knit fabric instead of rubber," she says. Needless to say, the shoes live up to their name and have a 4.5-star rating on Amazon. We appreciate the lightweight design and backstrap so you don't feel like you are sliding out of your flip-flops — always an uncomfortable feeling on a hot, sticky day.

RELATED: The Most Comfortable Women's Shoes of 2024

Birkenstock Women's Gizeh Sandals

Birkenstock is a popular brand for slip-on clogs and open-toed sandals. These flip-flops have a slightly chunkier style that may not be for everyone, but they do have an EVA shock absorbing sole for comfort. The soft suede lining is a nice touch (literally) and you can choose from a variety of fun colors so you can find one that fits your style. While these shoes are pricier, you may find yourself choosing them most days after you make the purchase — thus increasing their value. One five-star review writes, "They're the only things I wear during the hotter months. These are my third pair and they fit just as every other pair I own — consistent and perfect for my feet."

Crocs Women's Kadee II Flip-Flops

The traditional Croc may not be everyone's cup of tea, but thankfully you can try out the brand while wearing a simpler design thanks to these flip-flops. You can certainly sport these shoes on land, but they can also function as an open-toe water shoe thanks to their water-friendly foam design. The shoes are lightweight so you can easily pack them in your beach bag or suitcase if you are heading to the pool for a day trip or about to leave for a beachside vacation with the family. While you won't be able to add the popular shoe charms — a.k.a. jibbitz — to your Crocs, the flip-flops do come in 14 colors, from light green to silver.

CUSHIONAIRE Women's Fling Recovery Cloud Pool Slides

"Cloud" shoes have been all the rage of late and these cloud flip-flops have a 4.4 overall star rating to reflect said style trend. They have a one-inch platform as well as a non-slip outsole for good traction. Have fun picking a color, whether that be hot pink (pictured), green, orange, blue or vanilla. The shoes are designed to be soft and lightweight for comfort and one customer review writes, "Love these! It's like walking on clouds."

RELATED: The Best Cloud Slides on Amazon

Reef Women's Sandals

Reef is another popular sandal brand you can shop on Amazon. The brand says these flip-flops are designed with versatility in mind so that you can easily transition from a beach day to a walk around the neighborhood after a family BBQ. They have a soft liner that is meant to help establish a no break-in period. Plus , you can even wear these shoes in the water. One Amazon shopper finds the shoes super comfortable and writes, "I took them on a vacation recently and wore them everywhere: On the beach, through old towns on cobblestones and dirt paths, walking Mayan ruins in the rain, through mud, you name it."

Elizabeth Berry (she/her) is the Updates Editor at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she optimizes lifestyle content across verticals. Prior to this role, she was an Editorial Assistant for Woman’s Day where she covered everything from gift guides to recipes. She also has experience fact checking commerce articles and holds a B.A. in English and Italian Studies from Connecticut College.

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The 10 Best Flip-Flops for Men of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

From hiking to recovering, here are the best open-toed sandals

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TripSavvy / Dylan Thompson

Nothing beats the beautiful simplicity of a good pair of flip-flops. You slide your feet in and get going, your feet free to breathe and get wet while your soles and toes are protected from the ground below. But baked into that seeming simplicity is a bevy of technical features that provide ample grip on wet or uneven surfaces as well as elements that cater to specific activities, whether that be merely walking on loose sand, braving a technical or even dangerous hiking trail , or providing some much-needed comfort after a long run. The best flip-flops excel at all things without you realizing it. But with lesser pairs, you'll quickly know what's not working, whether due to painful chafing, over-engineered or nonexistent arch support, or unexpected slippage.

In all, we tested 15 pairs of men's flip-flops—10 made the cut, and five missed the mark. During our thorough testing process, we wore them in a variety of conditions and activities. We noted whether or not each pair required a (sometimes painful) break-in period, took note of its traction on a variety of wet and dry surfaces, paid particular attention to the arch support and whether or not the toe post caused chafing, and evaluated the durability of the materials to validate that each one justified its price tag.

Final Verdict

How we tested, other flip-flops we tested.

• What To Look For

Why Trust TripSavvy

Best overall, reef voyage le flip-flop.

• Comfort 5 /5
• Support 5 /5
• Durability 5 /5

Built to last

Versatile, attractive look

Contours nicely with use

Some discomfort during break-in period

Crafted from real leather with a three-layer rubber sole for a confident grip, the men’s Voyage Le Flip-Flop from Reef won praises for how well it molded to our tester’s feet, almost as if they were custom-made—but that was after a short break-in period. It took about two days and getting the flip-flops wet to reduce the chafing our tester noted at the strap in front and between the toes. The water-friendly shoe provided ample traction on wet surfaces thanks to the high-density sawtooth rubber outsole, which also amped up the durability, while a contoured foam deck and a medium-density midsole provided solid out-of-the-box comfort, even though the flip-flops don’t boast particularly rigid arch support. The classic styling works in various settings and the high-quality materials mean you’ll get several seasons of rigorous use before having to find another pair.

Sizes: Whole sizes from 6 to 13 | Materials: Leather, rubber

TripSavvy / Sophie Mendel

Best Overall, Runner-Up

Vionic wander wyatt flip-flop.

Suitable for many common foot ailments

Functional traction system

Several colorways

Lengthy break-in period

Designed with podiatrists, the Vionic Men’s Wander Wyatt Flip-Flop boasts a cutout arch design for solid support underfoot, reducing over-pronation to fend off pain in the heel, knee, and lower back—a detail that our high-arched tester loved. Our tester also reported that at first, the shoes felt heavier than other pairs, but they noted that the high-quality materials were welcome, and the weight became “barely noticeable” throughout testing. The medium-width flip-flops did take a few days to break in but barely chafed. The EVA footbed was plush and comfortable, and the grip underfoot was solid on dry and wet surfaces.

Sizes: 7, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 10.5, 11-13 | Materials: Synthetic uppers, EVA, rubber

TripSavvy / Rob Lefebvre

Best Budget

Adidas comfort flip-flops.

Foot doesn't slip around inside

Ready out of the box

Not ideal for use on uneven terrain

Despite their modest price point, the Adidas Comfort Flip-Flops don’t scrimp on comfort. Our tester noted that although they lack fancy, technical features, a slight dip at the toes and the supportive footbed allowed the flip-flops to cradle their feet, and the shoes didn't need a break-in period. The quick-drying materials are water-friendly and provide ample grip—for trips to the beach or pool, they’re great, though our tester said they wouldn’t wear them on long hikes. Nevertheless, these flip-flops are ideal to slip into your carry-on luggage . As with most Adidas products, they have a decidedly sporty aesthetic, which may not resonate with some travelers.

Sizes: Whole sizes from 5 to 13 | Materials: Synthetic, polyurethane, EVA

TripSavvy / Elizabeth Leonard

Best for the Beach

Olukai ohana beach sandals.

Slight arch support

Excellent traction

Relatively pricey

Inspired by the feeling of bare feet in wet sand, the Ohana flip-flops from OluKai provided out-of-the-box comfort with no break-in period necessary, thanks in part to the soft nylon toe post. Ready for the beach, the water-resistant straps and quick-drying lining mean the sandals can get wet without chafing, while the non-marking rubber outsole with its coral reef lug design provides some of the best grip of all the sandals we tested. Our tester did note, however, that they were much heavier than other flip-flops, a trade-off for the higher-quality materials and that slightly more aggressive outsole—and though our tester suffered from sticker shock when looking at the price, the high-end materials indicate that they’ll last for years. Also, note that sizing felt slightly off—if you’re in between, go up a full size.

Sizes: Whole sizes from 7 to 18 | Materials: Synthetic nylon, rubber

TripSavvy / Jamie Hergenrader

Best Leather

Rainbow sandals leather arch support sandal.

• Comfort 4.5 /5

Lightweight, low profile

High-quality materials

Takes time to wear in

Crafted from a single layer of premium nubuck leather, the Single Layer Wide Strap with Arch Flip-Flop from Rainbow comes with double-stitched leather straps and a chafe-resistant nylon toe piece secured with a bonded nylon thread, making them one of the most durable options available. The single-layer midsole includes arch support and has been triple-glued for maximum durability, while the non-slip bottom finds solid traction on wet surfaces. Our tester reported that it took a few days of constant use for the leather to soften up, so don’t be surprised if they feel tight when you first wear them. 

Sizes: S to XXL | Materials: Nubuck leather, nylon, rubber

Best for Hiking

Chaco lowdown flip-flop.

Lightweight

Vegan friendly

Good traction

Moisture underfoot can be problematic

The low-profile Chaco Men’s Lowdown Flip-Flop is 40 percent lighter than the other sport sandals in Chaco’s line, but you still get a robust, high-rebound EVA midsole and the brand’s LUVSEAT arch support, details that resonated with our tester. Initially, the sandals fit a bit tight, but they broke in nicely after about a week. In fact, after the break-in period, our tester reported that the fit was even a bit loose, which led to their feet slipping slightly inside the sandal when their feet started to sweat. The grip underfoot is solid, thanks to a 3-millimeter lug pattern in the outsole—but that minor slippage caused some concern.

Sizes: Whole sizes from 7 to 15 | Materials: Polyester webbing, EVA, rubber

TripSavvy / John Somerall

Best for Camping

The north face base camp flip-flop ll.

The North Face

• Value 4.5 /5

Simple, low-profile design 

Ready to wear

Rugged traction

Some may want more robust arch support

Nothing provides a much-needed respite from your hiking shoes better than a solid pair of camp-friendly flip-flops, and the Base Camp Flip-Flop II from The North Face is precisely that. Our tester loved the instant comfort and fit and noted that, as they continued to wear them, the egg-crate-textured EVA footbed contoured to the specific shape of their feet. The sandals include an anatomical arch support design; however, our tester noted that those with high arches might want a more rigid pair of sandals. Underfoot, a tri-lug rubber outsole provides a solid grip on wet surfaces, though these aren’t the sandals for hiking on technical terrain. The PU-coated synthetic strap didn’t chafe and was “velvet-like,” with a fit that felt like the flip-flops were hugging our feet.

Sizes: Whole sizes from 7 to 14 | Materials: Rubber, EVA, synthetic strap

Best for Water

Sanuk beer cozy 2 flip-flop.

Inexpensive

Very plushy

Perfect for wet environments

Not particularly supportive

Its name alone—Beer Cozy 2 Flip-Flop—already calls to mind tossing back a cold one, ocean- or poolside, and these sandals are truly made for the water, with synthetic leather straps, a soft neoprene lining, yoga-mat-material footbeds, and no-slip rubber outsoles. Our tester loved how they weighed practically nothing and felt more comfortable than other flip-flops thanks to the soft, cushioned footbeds. And while the arch support felt slight, their feet sank into the sandals, providing ample comfort and support. Nylon-webbed toe posts helped avoid chafing, and the sandals require no breaking in. But our tester really loved that when the shoes spring back on their heel, they're nice and quiet.

Sizes: Whole sizes from 6 to 14 | Materials: Synthetic leather, neoprene, yoga mat material, rubber

Best for Support

Oofos ooriginal sandal.

• Durability 4.5 /5

No break-in period 

Reasonable traction

Beefy profile won't appeal to all

The flagship product in the OOFOS line of footwear, the OOriginal Sandal utilizes the brand’s foam tech to absorb more than 37 percent more impact than traditional footwear, along with a patented footbed design that reduces stress on the knees, ankles, and the lower back—and our tester reported that it’s not just marketing. Indeed, the flip-flops lived up to the hype, providing ample support, whether used while hiking, running errands, or as a post-run recovery shoe. It has a relatively large stack height and would never be mistaken for a low-profile shoe, but they’re far lighter than they look, thanks to the machine-wash-friendly use of closed-cell foam. The outsole isn’t as grippy as hiking-specific footwear but still performs well on slick surfaces.

Sizes: Whole sizes from 3 to 16 | Materials: Proprietary foam

Best for Recovery

Hoka ora recovery flip.

• Comfort 4 /5

Smart balance between give and resistance

Promotes proper foot strikes

Thick silhouette is an acquired taste

Designed to hug your feet and provide relief after a hard run or hike, the Hoka Ora Recovery Flip comes with a Meta-Rocker profile, a soft EVA top layer for immediate step-in comfort, and an oversized midsole characteristic of all Hoka shoes . The new edition has updated its toe post for an improved fit our tester felt was a pleasure to wear. Despite looking like the “monster truck of flip-flops,” the Oras were surprisingly light, with ample arch support—something our tester had to get used to at first, but they broke in quickly and almost felt like wearing sneakers, only with jersey textile straps for the uppers. Below the cushy top layer rides a more rigid midsole and outsole for durability, stability, and a solid grip on wet surfaces.

Sizes: Whole sizes from 7 to 14 | Materials: Jersey textile, EVA, rubber

Reef’s Men’s Voyage Le Flip-Flops won praise for their high-end materials, short break-in period, and overall versatility. But if you’re looking for a pair of flip-flops that provide solid traction and comfort without breaking the bank, consider the aptly named Comfort Flip-Flops from Adidas .

We distributed a total of 15 flip-flops to our army of testers and asked them to evaluate each product during a rigorous two-week testing period, where they wore the flip-flops for at least five hours during a variety of activities in a range of locales, including walking on wet and dry surfaces, running errands, and—when applicable—on extended hiking trails. We paid particular attention to whether or not there was a break-in period, how true-to-size each product fit, and whether there was any noticeable damage to the footwear post-testing. We also evaluated the level of arch support by seeing how much each pair bent in the middle and how the feet felt after extended use.

In addition to evaluating the quality of the materials, we also evaluated the weight, aesthetics, level of cushion, and support. Then each was rated on a one-to-five scale across the key characteristics—comfort, fit, support, durability, and value—to help inform our overall selection.

In addition to the men’s flip-flops that made our final cut, we also considered these other pairs.

OluKai Ulele Men’s Beach Sandals : Our tester loved how these sandals felt, but their flashy aesthetic didn’t resonate, and the price tag seemed high.

Hari Mari Scouts : This pair got dinged because our tester experienced chafing and redness after a few hours of use, leading to blisters at the point where the toe strap joins the larger foot strap.

Walk Hero Flip-Flops with Orthotic Arch Support : While the Walk Hero Flip-Flops were designed specifically to provide stability, the high arch support actually bothered our tester, especially on longer walks, leading to soreness within 10 to 20 minutes.

UGG Brookside Flip-Flop : Unfortunately, these UGGs proved to cause a bit of chafing and redness during the first test application, but that faded during the initial break-in period. Still, the tester thinks the sandals could use a bit more arch support.

Reef Fanning Sandal : Though it does come with a bottle opener integrated into the outsole, the weight that this feature adds to the sandal caused tugging at the toe post, which made it feel like the sandal was digging into the webbing between our tester's toes.

What to Look For in Men's Flip-Flops

The uppers of flip-flops are constructed of either synthetic fabrics (woven nylon, synthetic leather, or rubber) or all-natural leather. The latter material often requires a bit more time to break in as the leather stretches to conform to your feet, while synthetics typically provide out-of-the-box comfort. Pay particular attention to the toe post materials, as this is the part of the footwear that can cause the most chafing. Midsoles are typically made of cushiony EVA or some other proprietary foam material, which improves the overall comfort and often provides a bit of bounce or energy transfer (a nice feature for hiking). The outsoles are usually constructed of rubber contoured to provide grip on wet surfaces. More engineered flip-flops, like those focusing on hiking or camping, also integrate lugs underfoot to provide better grip on uneven surfaces.

To evaluate the comfort level, focus on two aspects of the flip-flop: the upper and midsole. The former should fit your feet comfortably and—most importantly—not create any sort of rubbing sensation, which can lead to chafing and blisters, especially at the toe post and the parts of the strap that bridge your feet. The midsole is where you get two key elements of a flip-flop: the arch support and cushioning. For those with high arches, a bit of integrated support (or bend) in the product is welcome, though some tend to overdo this feature, which can lead to foot fatigue.

Cushioning, usually with EVA foam, provides a bit of comfort (or a lot, in the case of recovery-style flip-flops with oversized midsoles), which helps soften the impact of your foot strike, provides a bit of bounce-back, and typically adjusts to the contours of your feet as you continue to wear them. In general, the more volume in the midsole, the more comfortable. All-leather models also provide a more custom-like fit after some use, as materials begin to stretch and conform to your feet.

Intended Use

All higher-quality sandals should be able to get wet without impacting performance, dry quickly, and find grip on wet surfaces—the typical conditions found when wearing flip-flops. But if you plan on using them for hiking, look for flip-flops that provide solid arch support, a snug fit, and an outsole with lugs extending from the rubber, which drastically improves traction on uneven surfaces. If you have high arches, be sure to confirm that the arch support works as intended (and that the shoes won’t cause foot pain). For recovery-style solutions (which are typically worn after a long run), the shoes should have over-engineered midsoles with lots of foam (and cushioned arch support) to make you feel like your exhausted feet are sitting on clouds.

A high-quality pair of flip-flops should be able to handle prolonged exposure to water, which also means they’re fairly easy to spot-clean as needed. Some products are machine-washable, but others—like those made of leather—should be cleaned with products that are made for that material. When in doubt, refer to the manufacturer’s care instructions, and always be sure they air-dry completely before packing them away.

Simply put, flip-flops can be bad for your feet, especially if you go for a cheap pair without any real cushioning in the midsole or any sort of arch support. But higher-quality flip-flops are designed to work with your feet, providing a bit of soft cushioning, ample grip, and arch support, which promotes a more natural walking stance to avoid foot fatigue.

If you have wide feet, look for adjustable straps that can help you dial in the perfect fit (the same goes for especially narrow feet). Taking the silhouette of the footbed into account can also help; those versions with a more natural shape—including a wider toe box—and a generous footprint will be more likely to accommodate a wider foot comfortably.

Nathan Borchelt has been rating, testing, and reviewing outdoor and travel products for decades and has been fortunate enough to road-test men’s flip-flops in various warm-weather locales. In preparing this article, he worked with a handful of product testers, compiling their testing feedback and ratings to help inform the profile and review of each pair of men’s flip-flops, integrating their insights into additional research on each product.

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Best Flip Flops of 2023

• Best Flip Flops
• Comparison Table

Flip flops are the most comfortable piece of footwear a human can put on. Maybe not for extreme hiking, nor heavy labor, and likely not for six or so months out the year — depending your climate — but for everything else, they’re peachy. Backyard barbecues, the beach, a walk with the dog, groceries around town, you get the idea. If the weather is good, and you desire ease and comfort, we find the flip flop to be ideal.

The footwear style has also been around the longest, with leather thongs dating back to Ancient Egypt (and further), and has continued to make slight improvements over the years. We list the best flip flops of 2019 below — some are best for water activities, others for city comfort, and still others for hiking. Find the pair that suits your sole, and relax.

A fan of flops.

Comparison Table of Best Flip Flops

The best flip flops, rainbow sandals single layer premier leather.

• 5.5 oz per sandal (women’s)
• Best For: Urban Hiker , Car Camper

Rainbow Sandals are a staple in California, and have made their mark on anyone who likes the beach. The Single Layer Premium Leather model (with arch support) is the iconic sandal, and is as basic as it gets. Leather straps connect to a single thong-style sandal, your foot rests on premium Nubuck leather, there is a slight arch, and the outsole is a basic rubber. Rainbow Sandals, especially the leather models, are known for molding to your feet, thus requiring a break-in period. The company has a famous “Lifetime of the Sole” guarantee, so if you wear through the sole before anything else breaks, you can get another pair. This doesn’t happen often.

See the Women’s Rainbow Sandal Single Layer Premium Leather

See the Men’s Rainbow Sandal Single Layer Premium Leather

Astral Filipe (Women’s Rosa)

• 6.5 oz per sandal (men’s)
• Best For: Day Hiker , Urban Hiker , Car Camper , Wilderness Backpacker , Ultralight Backpacker

The Astral Filipe (and Women’s Rosa) is a water- and hike-ready flip flop that conveniently converts to a hiking sandal with a removable strap. Astral is known for water products, and the Filipe uses its G Sticky rubber compound in the outsole and in specific areas of the footbed to seriously increase traction when wet. The Filipe has a cushioned synthetic leather strap and toe post in true flip flop fashion, and the removable ankle strap is made of polyester and has a ladder lock to dial in fit. At roughly 6 ounces this is a very capable flip flop, and excels at both comfort and ruggedness. The lifetime warranty helps, too. The only downside is misplacing the strap if you’re not wearing it.

See the Men’s Astral Filipe

See the Women’s Astral Rosa

Birkenstock Arizona

• 10 oz per sandal (men’s)
• Best For: Urban Hiker

The Birkenstock Arizona sandal is iconic. It’s known for two key things: comfort, and a hippy’s definition of style. The sandal is a go-to for casual urban hikers, mostly because it’s well-made, comes in a variety of styles and colors, and is outrageously comfortable. This comfort is due to the footbed, which Birkenstock has used since 1774. You read that right. Solid support in key places combine with a cork midsole to create a sandal that molds well to your feet, and the EVA outsole is soft yet firm, giving you a cushy step. The upper is made of a number of materials, including leather, Birko-Flor, Birkibuc, and EVA, all of which are comfy. Two adjustment points keep the sandal as fitted as you want. There’s no toe hold, and no back, so these aren’t meant for active pursuits. Also, the Arizona is not great with water. All that cork can absorb too much, and you won’t want to let it dry in the sun.

See the Women’s Birkenstock Arizona

See the Men’s Birkenstock Arizona

Olukai Ohana

• 8 oz per sandal (men’s)
• Best For: Day Hiker , Urban Hiker , Car Camper

The Olukai Ohana flip flop is one of the most well-rounded sandals around. It is comfortable, durable, has decent traction, and is styled simply and evenly across both genders. The base model is synthetic all the way around, with a footbed that is easy to walk in even when wet, and traction that can grip in rocks, streams, gravel, or dirt. There is arch support and a natural curve at the toe. Olukai also makes a leather-strap version of this sandal, if you prefer that. All that well-rounded-ness will cost you though, and they are a bit heavy for flip flops.

See the Women’s Olukai Ohana

See the Men’s Olukai Ohana

Chaco Flip EcoTread

• 8.5 oz per sandal (men’s)

The Chaco Flip EcoTread is like a flip flop on steroids. Chaco is known for incredibly durable and comfortable hiking sandals , and that design approach shows in the Flip EcoTread. The flip flop uses Chaco’s classic LUVSEAT midsole, which provides a ton of support and is what made Chaco, Chaco. The straps have subtle color, but they’re comfortable and will last. The soles are made with a 25% recycled rubber compound (thus the “ECO” part of the name), and they have a 2mm lug depth. They are great in water, great with traction, and are solid enough to hike in if you want. The ECOTread Flips are heavier than most flip flops by a couple ounces, but they’ll last longer than most on this list. If you like the Chaco support, you can’t go wrong.

See the Women’s Chaco Flip EcoTread

See the Men’s Chaco Flip EcoTread

Teva Mush II

• 3.5 oz per sandal (women’s)
• Best For: Urban Hiker , Car Camper , Wilderness Backpacker , Ultralight Backpacker

The Teva Mush II flip flop is a steal for name-brand, memory-foam-esque sandals. The design is a classic thong sandal that’s all about light weight (under 4 ounces) and excellent comfort. That comfort is due to the Mush footbed and EVA constructed midsole and outsole. The footbed remembers your foot after each use and morphs into your perfect sandal. The outsole is a bit stiffer, providing a solid surface to walk on. For the price, these are excellent, but don’t expect ample traction, support, or durability. Also, they absorb water pretty seriously, so aren’t great as shower sandals. We recommend them for Wilderness Backpacker and Ultralight Backpacker as camp shoes due to their weight — do not try to backpack in these!

See the Women’s Teva Mush II

See the Men’s Teva Mush II

Reef Fanning

• 9 oz per sandal (men’s)

The Reef Fanning flip flop, made famous by pro surfer Mick Fanning, is arguably the king of synthetic beach sandals. The wide toe strap is made of synthetic nubuck leather, offering a supple feel that grips well. The footbed is comfortable, slightly squishy, and does not slip when wet at all. The sandals have solid arch support and use a “heel airbag” enclosed in soft PU at the heel. This gives support without being hard on the foot, and is unique. Finally, the sandals have a bottle opener built into the footbed. Beyond great traction, this allows you to crack a cold one on the sand or at the BBQ. This functionality works well, but can cause a slip in overly rocky terrain.

See the Women’s Reef Fanning

See the Men’s Reef Fanning

Sanuk Yoga Sling 2

• 6 oz per sandal
• Best For:  Urban Hiker

The Sanuk Yoga Sling 2 is arguably the ultimate yogi flip flop. It uses a two-way stretch knit top to secure your foot, and it actually does a decent job. The fit is easy once you get the hang of it, and it keeps the sandal right on your feet. Sanuk uses the yoga mat footbed that it’s known for, which is squishy, comfy, and has a distinct feel. The outsole is very basic, so we don’t recommend for any extended hiking. The Yoga Sling 2 is a comfortable fashion statement, and only made for women. We love it for walking around town (likely heading to yoga), or extended road trips, but wouldn’t take it anywhere where solid activity is necessary.

See the Women’s Sanuk Yoga Sling 2

OOFOS OOahh Slide

• 4.6 oz per sandal (men’s)

The OOFOS OOahh Slide sandal has a lot going on, just in the name. OOFOS is a company founded on the idea of recovery — shoes made for after the run or hike. They use a proprietary closed-cell foam in all sandals called OOfoam, which claims to absorb 37% more impact than normal foam materials used in footwear. The OOaah Slide sandal is the thong-less version (the OOriginal is the thong version). The upshot? They are crazy comfortable. They feel great on tired feet, work well in water, and are crazy light. Due to the weight and recovery aspect, we think they may be the ultimate camp shoe for backpackers.

See the OOFOS OOahh Slide

Sanuk Beer Cozy 2

The Sanuk Beer Cozy 2 takes after the original Beer Cozy, a flip flop designed to chill. Sanuk is known for using yoga mats (literally) as the footbeds of their shoes — to much acclaim. The Beer Cozy 2 takes after this tradition, giving it a very squishy, soft, and cozy vibe. The new version added some arch for more support, and a slightly updated toe strap, which is made of synthetic leather and lined with soft neoprene. The outsoles are called Happy U, and do a good job around town. Overall these sandals are comfy, but a little pigeon-holed. There are lighter flip flops, more supportive flip flops, softer flip flops, and better flip flops for trekking. That said, if you love that yoga mat feel, and love Sanuk, this is a great choice. Men’s only.

See the Men’s Sanuk Beer Cozy 2

Havaianas Flip Flops

• 4 oz per sandal

Havaianas Flip Flops are on this list because they’re classic, basic, and cheap. The sandal comes from Brazil, and has an international audience. They are made of rubber, contain relatively no “spec” information, are low-to-moderately comfortable, and last a couple years (maximum), depending on use. While we don’t recommend them for any serious hikes, the Havaianas Flip Flops are the perfect go-to for your absolutely basic flip flop.

See the Women’s Havaianas Flip Flops

See the Men’s Havaianas Flip Flops

Flip Flops Features

We touched on uses above, but we want to be clear that a flip flop can be quite versatile, depending on the model. None of them will get you as far as our hiking sandals , but the right flip flop can get you through most of life if you’re dedicated. Here are the best uses for a flip flop:

• Water:  Most flip flops were made to deal with water. From sandy beaches to river dunks, flip flops are easy to slip on and off around the water, dry quickly, usually float, and actually mold to your feet more with water.
• Urban:  In the right climate flip flops can be great for casually strolling around a city. Especially if the streets are clean.
• Barbecue : We think a backyard or park barbecue may be the perfect environment for a flip flop. You can slip them off to feel the grass beneath your feet, or throw ’em on for a little support and to keep your feet clean.
• Travel:  We love lightweight flip flops for travel. They are typically light, fold up easily, or carabiner to a pack in an instant. Throw them on when the weather is right, or use them occasionally for a change-up in footwear. This includes communal showers! Having just one pair of shoes for an entire trip is not ideal.
• Backpacking Camp Shoes : Some flip flops excel at being chill shoes to wear after a long backpacking trek. You want a flop that is light as possible, with decent support and some traction.
• Camping : Flip flops are ideal camping shoes. You’ll probably take boots or hiking sandals with you too, but a pair of flips to slide on and off in the night, and during the entire day, is a no-brainer.

Flip flops work for a huge variety of activities, but are decidedly casual.

Toe Post or No Toe Post

Flip flops have one key factor that puts people in two camps — toe post or no toe post. The toe post is the technical term for the thong-like fabric that sits between your big toe and the index toe. Basically: do you want something between your toes?

Toe posts are most common for flip flops. Do you want synthetic or leather? Reef Fanning and Rainbow Sandals pictured here.

If you do, you’re in luck — most flip flops have toe posts. In fact, some people would argue that a flip flop  has  to have a toe post. We are not those people. But we do list a lot of flip flops with toe posts, because they are more common.

The other kind of flip flops have nothing between your toes, but a strap that goes over them. You’d be surprised how passionate people are about this issue. We list a couple flip flops without a toe post, notably the Birkenstock Arizona , which has two large straps, and the OOFOS OOahh Slide , which has a large strap (and which is offered with a toe post, too). These are both more casual, comfort-oriented flip flops.

Reasons to Use a Toe Post — Or Not

To help make this decision, the main thing we recommend is  trying on a pair of flip flops.  You’ll know almost immediately if you like the toe post, or if it rubs you the wrong way (literally). But we’ll give you a few pointers on why a toe post is loved and hated:

• Solid grip : Toe posts give your feet a solid thing to grip when walking, thereby making the sandal sit permanently close to the forefoot. This can be comforting and give you more a sure step. See the Astral Filipe , Chaco Flip EcoTread , and Olukai Ohana for traction plus a toe post.
• Angled straps : Because the toe post sits right in the beginning of your foot, the attached straps angle nicely outward over your feet. This usually feels “right”. Most sandals without a toe post have a large cross strap, which feels more like a shoe covering than a sandal.
• Wears Quicker : A toe post takes more frequent abuse than a strap over your toes, which means that it may be the first piece of the sandal to break. If it does break, you basically can’t wear the sandals any more. It’s much harder for a large covering strap to break, and if it does the sandal company may repair it for you, because they’re really not supposed to break.

Whatever you decide is most comfortable is the way to go. A flip flop company’s reputation can be built on the comfort of a toe post, and some require breaking in to feel excellent, but most should not chafe too bad.

When it comes to activity, style, and how you want your feet to feel, we find the material of a flip flop to matter. Explore the most common materials below. Note that these refer mostly to the material of the upper straps and webbing, not the outsole or mids, which we’ll get into below.

Leather is the original sandal material, and it has stood the test of time. Leather molds to your feet, lasts a long time, is a natural product underfoot, and just feels good. Some leather sandals, like Rainbow Sandals , are great in the water and actually mold to your feet through sweat and the sea. Other sandals, like the Birkenstock Arizona , use leather (suede) and are not meant for the water. Know which leather your sandal has.

Pro Tip : Leather sandals are often stiff out of the box. Wear them in and, if your sandals do well in water, use a bit of it to start the molding process. They will quickly become the most comfortable sandals you own.

Are you a synthetic or leather flip flopper? Synthetic tends to be lighter, breathe better, and dry quicker. Leather conforms to your foot, can look nice, and is more comfortable. Teva Mush and Rainbow Sandals here.

Synthetic Leather

Synthetic leather is often listed as a material. What does this really mean? It’s a synthetic material that’s made to feel like leather. Why? Leather feels great. Synthetics compare, but never quite live up to the real thing. That said, most of the sandals on this list use synthetic leather because it’s cheaper to produce, easier to work with, forgoes the animal rights issue, dries quickly, and feels pretty good.

The strap on the Reef Fanning Low is “synthetic leather”, meaning it is made to feel like leather, but keeps the properties of synthetic, like quick drying. Overall very comfortable.

You’ll find this most commonly in the large straps of a sandal, which rub against the skin. For excellent examples of synthetic leather, look at the Olukai Ohana , Astral Filipe , Reef Fanning , and Sanuk Beer Cozy 2 .

Polyester is a common material for flip flop straps, especially those that need to dry quickly. They are often thin and water-ready. While they’re not as cushy as synthetic leather, they feel good and weigh very little. The Chaco Flip EcoTread and Teva Mush II use polyester webbing.

These Oboz Selway sandals (not on our list due to stiffness) have polyester webbing for straps. They are a bit stiff, but grip extremely well.

You can find neoprene in some flip flops, especially those focused on comfort and water sports. The neoprene is often in a piece of the upper strap, is very soft against the skin, and lasts a long time. The Astral Filipe uses neoprene effectively.

Nylon is the most common material for the toe post of a sandal, especially in more active footwear. It doesn’t rub, lasts a long time, and is quite strong.

The footbed of a sandal is the key component for long-term comfort. Flip flops have relatively few parts, and the part that you’ll literally spend the day on is the footbed. Due to this brands often have unique footbeds. Get one that provides the right arch support for you, can excel during your main activities, and one that lasts.

Look at the shape of the arch support, and wear them a bit, to determine just how well it will suit your foot. Both of these sandals provide relatively small amounts of arch support (and overall cushion). Others on this list, like the OOFOS Slide, provide a ton .

Some notable footbeds found in the sandals above are:

• Chaco LUVSEAT : Found in the Flip EcoTread, the LUVSEAT footbed and midsole are renown from Chaco, and provide tons of support and are podiatrist approved. They are heavy though!
• OOFOS OOfoam : Found in the OOaah Slide, OOFOS created proprietary Impact Absorption Technology that helps feet to recover after runs. It’s incredibly light, cushy, and helps your feet recharge.
• Sanuk Yoga Mat : Sanuk’s whole mission is founded on the comfort of yoga mats as footbeds. The Yoga Sling 2 and Beer Cozy 2 use yoga mats as footbeds, and provide that uniquely squishy feel.
• Birkenstock : Birkenstock is known for footbeds of many comforting materials, including cork and leather, and for their highly supportive and detailed design. If Birkenstock footbeds feel good initially, they will feel  great  over time.
• Teva Mush : The Mush II from Teva utilizes their well-known “mush” footbed, which is crazy comfy EVA foam. It has lots of give for your feet, and makes you feel like you’re walking on giant sponges — in a great way.

The Teva Mush footbed is crazy mushy. Thus the name. This is with some light pressure.

Outsoles are all about traction, and are therefore very important in every other kind of footwear, like hiking boots and sandals . For the flip flop, an outsole is just not as important. Does it matter? Yes. Is it critical? No.

Flip flops are not built for heavy trekking, and therefore aren’t required to grip on literally everything. That said, you want an outsole that will last and  give some traction on wet or sandy rocks.

Outsoles do matter, but not as much as in other footwear. The uber-used Rainbow Sandals here don’t provide much traction, but man are they comfortable. Meanwhile the Oboz Selway has a solid (if strange looking) lug pattern. The more active sandals on this list have more rugged outsoles.

The Olukai Ohana, Astra Filipe, and Chaco Flip EcoTread soles all have the most rugged, terrain-gripping design, and can be used for hiking in addition to general flip floppiness.

One slightly gimmicky standout in the outsole category is the Reef Fanning (and Fanning Low), which include a bottle opener. You can crack a cold one with either flop. It’s a bit silly, but does come in handy.

The Reef Fanning and Fanning Low come with a bottle opener built into each sandal. It’s nice, occasionally.

How to Buy Flip Flops

Flip flops are found pretty much everywhere, from brick and mortar department stores to surf shops to outdoor recreation hubs. Each will have different models with different abilities, but overall a good flip flop is not hard to find.

Online Retailers vs Real Stores

While you should try on most footwear before buying, flip flops may be bought online in solid confidence. If you know your toe post preference and what material flop you want, any of the above sandals will perform well.

That said, trying on a sandal in person is going to provide a better understanding of how they feel, which is still essential.

If you know your model or brand, check out online retailers for serious discounts .

Used Flip Flops vs New Flip Flops

Some outdoor items are fine used — backpacks, tents, headlamps, to name a few. However, footwear is not the best category for used goods. Unless they are in pristine condition, we don’t recommend buying used footwear. That’s even truer for flip flops, because whoever wore it before you probably sweat directly into the shoe, which, despite frequent washes, still constitutes a very “used” feeling.

Future of the Flop

As we said at the beginning, the flip flop is arguably the oldest footwear on the planet. It has remained an easy way to keep your soles from bleeding, and will remain that for years to come.

While we don’t see a ton of innovation in the flip flop space, we have noticed that they are getting more specific in their use. A handful of flip flops on our list are actually decent at light hiking, and will last for years. Others are built for yoga, or the beach, or even from recovering after a long hike or run.

As outdoor gear continues to expand, the gear will get more specific. This is true of the flip flop, and we are stoked. Get the flip flop that best fits with your lifestyle, and then wear it. Cause they’re chill.

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10 Most Comfortable Flip Flops for Walking

Backpacking , Beach , FASHION , Travel Sandals , Travel Shoes

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Chances are you have a pair of flip flops in your closet, but they’re not just supportive enough when you’re on the go. We’ve rounded up a list of the best travel flip flops offering support and comfort on your next beachside vacation!

Best Supportive Flip Flops for Women

Table of contents.

Regardless of your style, you probably have at least one pair of flip flops in your closet somewhere. Flip flops, also known as jandals, sandals and thongs in some parts of the world, are some of the most practical and easy to wear footwear choices for beach destinations. However, not all travelers can wear regular styles due to their lack of support.

It’s not easy to find comfortable flip flops that are also supportive. But when it’s hot and you’re hanging out by a pool or near the sea, these types of sandals are sometimes the easiest and most breathable shoe options. In fact, in places such as Southeast Asia, this is the type of shoe worn by both locals and tourists alike.

Alternative sandal options:

• The Best Sandals for Travel this Summer
• 11 Beach Sandals for Hot Weather Vacations
• 10 Stylish Dress Sandals for your Beach Getaway
• Best Slide Sandals Just in Time for Summer Vacation

What are the Most Comfortable Flip flops for Travel? These are the Top 10

Reef Cushion Breeze Sandal

Reef Comfy Flip Flops with Light Support

The best Reef sandals for comfort are the ones shown above: the Cushion Breeze. Our readers love them!

While the style has a flat sole with light support, what makes this one of our picks for the most comfortable flip flops for travel is the soft footbed. Plus, they have a wide array of styles including all of these . So comfy! Buy it here!

You only need three pairs of shoes for any trip. Find out how with Pack Light Stylishly !

Vionic Rest Bella Toepost Flip-Flop Sandal

Vionic Comfortable Flip Flops with Arch Support

Vionic is a reader favorite and the above option is easily one of the best comfortable flip flops styles available! 

Vionic has several flip flops in addition to the one shown above such as this traditional design with moderate arch support. They’re beach friendly and lightweight. The only downside is the high price for Vionic sandals. However, you can’t put a price on comfort and support, especially when it comes to quality. Buy it here!

Traveling to a hot weather destination? Read our full list of the best beach sandals —it includes Fitflops, too!

Clarks Breeze Sea Flip Flops

Clarks Flip Flops with Support for Walking

While we haven’t tried them yet, our readers say the Clarks Breeze Sea are good walking flip flops. Reviewers say that the contour curve in the instep is just enough to be supportive, in a cushy way. As a bonus, the strap is adjustable making them ideal for a range of food widths. Buy it here!

Perfect for the beach or poolside trips, these are the perfect alternative to regular flip flops !

Sanuk Yoga Joy Tonal Flip-Flop

Sanuk Comfort Flip Flops with Yoga Mat Footbed

The Sanuk Yoga Joy is perfect for travelers searching for very comfortable flip flops that also have a more traditional style.

These flip flops are durable, waterproof and perfect for a day on the beach. But they’re versatile comfort flip flops, so you can get away with wandering the beachfront market (though we’d avoid hiking in them).

This design gets rave reviews not just for comfort, but also because of its simplistic style, versatility and color options. Buy it here!

iQushion Ergonomic Flip-Flop 

FitFlop Ergonomic Flip Flops

If you’re not a fan of a raised shoe, FitFlop also has a more traditional style with a thinner sole. Their iQushion style shown above has a jelly upper with a micro-bubble foam ergonomic footbed, making them super cute flip flops. Sounds dreamy! Buy it here!

Skechers On-The-Go Sunny Flip Flop

Skechers Flip Flops with Arch Support

While Skechers has always had a sporty flip-flop, we recently found this smaller yet supportive style . The pinnacle of this comfy flip flop womens style is that It features a foam footbed, which sounds amazing!  Buy it here!

Skechers also has a similar design of flip flop in this slim sole. 

Teva Olowahu Flip-Flop

Teva Lightweight Comfort Flip Flop

While not the most feminine design, Teva gets top marks from our readers. This pair of lightweight flip flops is extremely long-lasting, and easy to toss in your bag for backpacking or beach trips. They have a range of designs if you like prints, but you can also get a classic all-black style, too. Buy it here!

Olukai Ho’opio Flip Flop

Olukai Supportive Flip Flops

Olukai is known for their comfortable support flip flops. They have so many styles like the Ohana but the Ho’opio is one of the most popular styles and for good reason. Take this on your next trip to Hawaii or Cabo San Lucas and get ready to experience true comfort! Buy it here!

Read a full review on these women’s flip flops !

Vionic Tide II Toepost Sandals

Vionic Supportive Dress Sandal

Another reader favorite, Vionic get five-star reviews from our readers for being one of the most comfortable flip flops for walking with arch support. They win bonus points for offering a wide range of styles and colors. Because of their flatform style sole, they also offer a bit of extra height for girls that long for their heels when they travel.

The biochemically engineered footwear brand has been such a hit with comfort shoe seekers that it’s extended its range to also offer ballet flats , sneakers , and boots , too! Buy it here!

Crocs Kadee II Flip Sandal

Most Comfortable Crocs for the Beach 

You might be surprised to see that a brand like Crocs has shoes that…well, don’t look like “Crocs”. The above style has been around for some time but it continues to be one of the most comfy flip flops for walking.

My one gripe with Crocs is that they don’t offer half sizes so it’s a bit more challenging to get the right fit. However, with 5-star Croc flip flops reviews in the thousands, it seems that most women don’t have this issue. Buy it here!

Take a look at the other Crocs female travelers love – I guarantee you’ll be surprised (in a good way)!

Comfortable Flip Flops Comparison Chart

Here’s a quick overview of each of these flip flops:

[wpsm_comparison_table id=”107″ class=”center-table-align”]

What Are The Best Flip Flops for Walking Long Distances?

The best flip flops for you will highly depend on your comfort level requirements, personal style, and your destination. While comfort is incredibly important, so is your desire to wear them! Luckily, several flipflop brands have started making more supportive styles. This is my favorite sandal for style and light comfort!

If you don’t love any of the options we’ve talked about here, you can check out TFG reader recommendations for flip flops !

Does Wearing Flip Flops Cause Plantar Fasciitis?

It’s possible that prolonged wearing of flip flops could cause plantar fasciitis, especially if it lacks arch support. These are our reader recommendations for the best shoes with arch support .

If you have any concerns, you should check with your doctor!

What Are The Best Flip Flops For Plantar Fasciitis?

If you are looking for comfortable flip flops and have plantar fasciitis, you’ll want to go with a flip flop that offers more arch support. But make sure you test them out before heading on your next vacation, you don’t want to commit to shoes you’re not comfortable wearing!

TFG readers told us what their favorite travel shoes for plantar fasciitis in this article .

Why Are Flip Flops Practical for Some Trips?

They’re also a practical addition for long term travel, backpacking, and RTW trips . This is because these types of adventurers also tend to be budget travelers that stay in economic accommodation such as hostels and guesthouses. A pair of practical and waterproof flipflops to wear in the shower might protect you from picking up foot fungus or other infections.

As a bonus, comfortable flip flops womens brands are now creating cuter styles than the standard rubber type you’re probably used to. A versatile choice, they’re easy to wear with regular outfits in addition to a bathing suit.

Compass Rose Packing Cubes

What’s the Best Way to Pack My Flip Flops?

Our readers use anything from shoe bags to packing cubes to pack their sandals. You can usually get about two pairs in each bag maximizing space and the quantity of organizers you need to buy.

The most recommended option is to use packing cubes because if you’re reading this blog you probably already own a set. If you don’t, Compass Rose Packing Cubes are the perfect size option to pack your sandals!

Buy the Compass Rose packing Cubes here !

What are your picks for the most comfortable flip flops for travel? Share in the comments below!

For more tips on travel shoes, please read:

• Comfortable Ballet Flats
• Most Comfortable Shoes
• Comfortable Walking Sandals
• Comfortable and Cute Walking Shoes

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16 comments.

Great suggestions!

I decided it was finally time to invest in a good pair of flip flops if I wanted to keep wearing them. Went with Olu Kai and I’m very happy with my decision!!

Super helpful

I love the Reef Cushion Breeze Sandal–I swear by them!

I live at the beach. I’ve tried most of the shoes in this post, and returned all of them except the Teva Olowahu flip flops. They are my favorite flip floor and I wore them as my primary shoes when I lived in Bali. I love them for travel. They are secure, ultralight, pack flat and they are cute!

The two-strap design holds my feet securely, even when the soles are wet. They do become dusty in sand, but the soft materials prevent sore spots from the sand, and they don’t collect small stones. I can wear them to launch the boat, driving when they are wet, climbing steep stairs and hills, etc. They can even handle the incredible down-pouring rain in SE Asia. They dry quickly, so they can be scrubbed in the shower, wiped down and worn to dinner.

I have the Sanuk Comfort Flip Flops with Yoga Mat Footbed. They are really comfortable.

My favorite flip flop has an arch support, a comfortable sole, thin straps, and can be worn for hours of walking and standing. Look at their flip flops here. https://freeworldaustralia.com/collections/all?page=1

I only wear Clark flipflops. High quality construction and comfortable bed. Velcro width adjustment very handy!

Thanks for sharing your recommendation with us Elizabeth!!!

Give the ABEO Balboa flip flop a try…they are THE most comfy..esp if you have plantar fasciitis or other arch issues. I have 8 pairs of them!! Perfect for Florida (any place, any time, any outfit!).

`Hi Laurie, thank you for sharing your recommendation with us! ?

After seeing a post last year you made I got the exact style ipanemas above shown but in the nude / leather sort of colour. I’d never heard of them before, only the other Brazilian flip flip brand but in my opinion these seem far better quality and more stylish. The colour I got is great as they literally go with anything from jeans to nice dresses, and they don’t look like flip flops on first glance. On a hen do earlier in the year I had them on and one of the girls was surprised I wasn’t worried about getting them wet until I showed her the matieral! She thought they were leather! I love them & they have been invaluable to my current trip & a few days ago made a huge difference to me when having to swim / walk and climb up the rope ladder for the rear entrance to Maya Bay! They weren’t my Tevas but they certainly made a difference as everyone else with standard open flip flops had to go barefoot which judging from their winces etc wasn’t pleasant on the rocks. Also as the design is so simple, but yet so elegant with that little metal detail they are great for evenings out dressing up with a nice black dress. Perfect!

Spenco flip flops are extremely comfortable with arch and metatarsal support, and not as stiff as Vionics.

Archies are super comfortable arch support flip flops https://archiesfootwear.com/

I swear by all of my Vionic flip flops and sandals! I even bring a pair for cold weather travel to use in place of slippers. I hate to walk around barefooted and my Vionics are supportive and keep my feet off of dirty floors. If you need arch support, they are the way to go.

I LOVE my Archie’s! I’m surprised they aren’t on this list

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The Best Gear for Travel

By Wirecutter Staff

Traveling well can be one of life’s great pleasures, whether you’re alone or with family and friends.

But what does it mean to travel well? We’d say that along with traveling safely (of course), traveling well involves avoiding hassle, carrying a single bag (if possible), and bringing only the necessities.

“Traveling well is a fine balance between finding inspiration in the unknown while being grounded in something,” said Wirecutter founder Brian Lam. “Sometimes that is a memory of home, a family, a significant other, friends, etc. Sometimes it’s just the familiar, reliable stuff in your bag.”

Over the past 10 years, we’ve spent hundreds of hours researching and testing dozens of products to find the most dependable items that will help you travel well. On top of that, we sought the advice and wisdom of Doug Dyment, author and creator of OneBag—a traveling businessman and public speaker, he has logged millions of miles over the past few decades—as well as travel-gear reviewer Eytan Levy, the Snarky Nomad.

And we relied heavily on the experiences of Wirecutter staff, an especially mobile group of individuals. Our staffers have worked remotely from every continent except Antarctica—the five most frequent flyers among us travel about half a million miles in any given (normal) year.

The research

Flying/riding, just in case, travel tips.

A well-packed bag is one that contains less than you think you need but everything you actually need. If possible, fitting everything into one carry-on and personal item will give you more freedom compared to checking a bag or two. You’ll be glad you did if (and when) things don’t go according to plan. While carry-on-only isn’t feasible (or advisable) for every trip—especially extended business trips or weddings where you need multiple outfits to maintain appearances—if in doubt, it’s better to cut.

Carry-on backpack (non-roller)

Cotopaxi Allpa 35L

A versatile small pack for a week or a weekend.

The Allpa’s clamshell design makes organizing your things simple. The strap design lets you easily wear this durable bag on your back or carry it in your hand while you’re on the move.

Buying Options

Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L

An easily customizable large bag for long trips and expensive gear.

This bag was built with photographers in mind, but most travelers will appreciate its easy accessibility and clever tuck-away straps, and the elegant way the bag expands and contracts depending on how much you’ve packed. The accessory cubes cost extra, though.

We spent six months testing 22 bags, and in the end we chose two as our top picks for travelers determined to never check luggage again: the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L (for most trips) and the larger Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L . Both bags are exemplary carry-on travel backpacks that are designed for comfort, durability, and organization.

The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L features an easy-to-pack clamshell design and highly adjustable straps that make it a great all-around bag for any traveler who’s dedicated to packing light, or for a smaller person who wants less to carry. Handles on all four sides of this bag make it easy to grab no matter where you’ve stowed it, and the Allpa’s straps are contoured to comfortably fit people who have large or small chests. It’s not a specifically gendered design, but our female tester noticed the improvement right away.

The bag is protected by a full lifetime warranty and has the build quality to back that up. Its front panel is made of a waterproof, TPU-coated 1,000-denier polyester (a strong fabric covered in a flexible plastic coating), which means you can lay it on its back in a wet field or in gravel without worrying about moisture soaking through or jagged edges ripping the fabric. The rest of the paneling is made with 1,680-denier ballistic nylon, which feels similar to a strong canvas but with a more prominent weave. After four years of testing, this single backpack (plus a personal item to store under the seat) has replaced nearly every travel bag or piece of luggage that Kit Dillon, Wirecutter’s senior staff writer who covers luggage, uses.

One caveat: The Allpa has a minimal amount of administrative organization—places to keep pens and papers, spaces to hold tickets, and so forth—which is where the personal item comes in handy. As the name suggests, “personal items” are very, well, personal, and no one bag will work for all travelers; we offer a range of recommendations in our full guide to them .

The larger Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L is the Swiss Army knife of backpacks: adjustable, customizable, and (if you spring for the extra cubes and organizers) an almost perfect system for a photographer or gearhead on the move. Most bags’ expanding mechanisms aren’t worth the extra zipper they’re built on, and they look about as attractive as a boiled ham splitting out of its plastic packaging. Not so with the Peak Design: It looks just as good fully packed at 45 liters as it does compressed to a 30-liter daypack. You can access the bag through a back panel, which doubles as a computer and tablet pouch, as well as through a front one, if you unzip the pass-through divider. You can also get into the main compartment via two wing-like trapezoidal flaps that run along each side of the pack. In its natural shape, the Travel Backpack holds 35 liters, but an expansion zipper lets the bag swell to 45 liters.

If you want to use the bag as a daypack, you fold in the top corners and snap them down, reducing the bag’s volume to a slim 30 liters. It still feels larger than a normal daypack, but we think that’s a small compromise for the ability to use one backpack as both your travel bag and your daily explorer. The bag itself consists of 400D nylon and polyester fabrics—it feels tough, but not as tough as the Cotopaxi Allpa. As for flaws, it is expensive, especially if you commit to the entire system of packing cubes and camera cubes . The adjustable design and multiple zippers do add complexity, and complexity adds potential weaknesses, though Peak Design covers all of its bags with a lifetime warranty.

Finding the right bag is a personal choice, and no single bag will appeal to everyone. That’s why we have picks in our full review of carry-on travel bags that can double as traveling offices , bags that are easy to carry while you’re walking long distances , and budget options for travelers who want to give the one-bag strategy a try.

Carry-on bag (rolling)

Travelpro Platinum Elite 21″ Carry-On Spinner

Great features, great value.

This spinner carry-on offers the best balance of size, value, reliability, and durability, with high-end details. It’s backed by a lifetime warranty.

Since 2015, we’ve researched several dozen suitcases and gone hands-on with the 67 most promising candidates in a variety of tests—including having active flight attendants test bags for us in a fake plane fuselage in their training facility. We determined that for most people the  Travelpro Platinum Elite 21″ Expandable Spinner  offers the best balance of features, durability, and price for most flyers who log less than 25,000 miles annually.

It features smooth-rolling, user-replaceable wheels; solid and comfortable, telescoping handles; and a hard-wearing nylon exterior propped up by a solid internal chassis. The Elite only improves on past iterations in the Platinum line by reducing the size of the stowed handle (which used to jut out about an inch) and adding a second zippered, exterior pocket for easy access on the go and a USB pass-through extension that lets you insert your own battery pack for charging your phone. And at 7.8 pounds when empty, this carry-on bag is about half a pound lighter than its predecessor. Compared with other bags in this price range, you also get surprisingly high-end components and a warranty that covers anything, even airline damage, for the life of the bag (as long as you register the suitcase within 120 days of purchase, which is easy to do on any smartphone).

Upgrade pick

Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential 22″ Carry-On Expandable Spinner

For frequent flyers.

If you fly more than 25,000 miles a year, invest in a bag with unique features, superior details, and plenty of expandable room. This manufacturer guarantees your satisfaction.

If you fly more than 25,000 miles annually and you’re willing to invest in a higher-quality product, we recommend the Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential 22-Inch Carry-On Expandable Spinner. It can fit more clothing than any bag we tested, thanks to a cavernous interior and clever expansion and compression system that can adjust to variable levels beyond open and shut. Over a five-year period before the pandemic, Wirecutter’s founder, Brian Lam, put more than 150,000 miles on his. His only complaint was that longer pants will need an extra fold, or to be rolled. In taller bags, pants will only need to be folded over once.

Checked luggage

If you need to pack more stuff than a carry-on and a personal item can hold, our first piece of advice would be to reconsider whether you need that extra outfit “just in case.” But you’ll have times when you need to travel with several pairs of shoes, formalwear, a winter coat, special equipment (like diving or camping gear), or all of the above. In these cases, there’s no way to avoid checking a bag.

Osprey Farpoint 55 Men’s Travel Pack

The best travel backpack for those with taller torsos.

Comfortable, adjustable, and carry-on capable, the Farpoint has everything we needed for a week, or even months, of travel.

Osprey Fairview 55 Women’s Travel Pack

The best travel backpack for those with shorter torsos.

Comfortable, adjustable, and carry-on capable, the Fairview has everything we needed for a week, or even months, of travel.

If you’re going somewhere where you’ll need to walk a lot (particularly if there’s dirt or cobblestone roads), we recommend a travel backpack. We like the Farpoint 55 and the sized-for-smaller-torsos Fairview 55 because they’re comfortable and have plenty of room to store, and separate, our essentials. The front of the main pack unzips like a suitcase, so you can easily fit and access a week’s worth of clothes and toiletries. The daypack, which attaches to the front of the larger pack, has room for camera gear, daily essentials, and a small laptop (via a built-in sleeve). It’s also easy to stow. The main pack’s straps can tuck behind a zippered flap, so they won’t catch on anything if you check your luggage.

These bags are made of a heavy-duty recycled polyester that stands up even to long trips–one of our testers has traveled with a Farpoint 55 for years, across dozens of countries for months at a time, without damaging it. If something does happen, though, Osprey has a lifetime warranty.

Travelpro Platinum Elite 25″ Expandable Spinner

The best checked bag for most travelers.

The bag provides a luxury feel at a reasonable price, with a capacity, warranty, and reliability that should suit most travelers. The 25-inch model should offer plenty of room for most people without going over airline weight limits.

If you don’t plan on walking around while carrying all your stuff, the  25-inch Travelpro Platinum Elite Expandable Spinner Suiter is our favorite piece of checked luggage for all of the same reasons we loved the carry-on size: It has excellent organizational features, it’s especially durable, and it has a better warranty than anything in its price range.

Luggage tags

Ovener Silicone Luggage Tag

Strong and easy to see.

Rugged silicone and a metal cable mean this tag (which comes two to a pack) may well outlive your luggage. The brightly colored case displays its owner’s name but keeps other personal information out of sight.

A good luggage tag should be durable, simple to use, and discreet. Ultimately, a tag should allow someone to get your luggage back to you quickly and easily, and it should withstand the wear and tear of being thrown onto conveyor belts time and again. After researching the top-rated and best-selling models, reading existing luggage-tag reviews, and comparing fourteen tags , we recommend the Ovener Silicone Luggage Tag for most travelers because it’s the only one we’d trust to survive being smashed by other bags, jammed into walls, and generally abused by baggage handlers. It’s the most durable tag we tested, and it comes in a wide selection of colors to help any bag stand out from the rest.

The Ovener tag’s silicone body seems nearly indestructible and is available in a rotating selection of colors (you get two tags per pack). Whereas other tags also feature metal cables, this tag has a metal grommet to keep the cable from eventually wearing through the silicone case.

Should you lose your bag, the Ovener makes it easy for a Good Samaritan to find your contact information. To fully access the info card, you have to unscrew and remove the metal strap; this lets the card slide out of the case. Most luggage tags we tested secure their info card in this way. It isn’t a difficult or time-consuming process, but it is an extra step compared with using a tag that displays all of your information openly. Still, for anyone who wants to keep their contact information out of view, the extra step is worth it.

Another approach to increasing privacy is to hide information in a QR code, as the Dynotag Smart Deluxe Steel Luggage Tag  does, or to provide a user ID number, as the Okoban UID Luggage Tags do. But these seem like overly complex solutions to a problem that doesn’t really exist.

Compression sacks

Originally designed for reducing the bulk of lofty sleeping bags, compression sacks are stuff sacks modified with additional nylon end caps that can be pulled together by strings or straps to remove air and create a smaller, denser package that’s easier to pack. Most travelers use compression sacks to condense socks, underwear, and other stuff you don’t mind getting wrinkled into a package with half as much overall volume. For example, an 8- to 12-liter sack can compress a fleece jacket and a long-weekend’s worth of socks and underwear into something that fits in one hand. They also make a decent pillow in a pinch.

Osprey StraightJacket (8L)

Easier access, less compression.

It has a full-length zipper on its side that allows access to the bag’s entire contents. However, it doesn’t compress as tightly as traditional designs.

Most compression sacks require you to empty out the stuff at the top to get to the stuff below it, but the side-zipper design on the Osprey StraightJacket allows access to the entire contents of the bag at once. The compression straps attach sideways, and are less likely to get tangled and twisted like on most compression sacks with lengthwise straps. It can also sit up on its own, and the handle design lets you break it out as a last minute carry-on to avoid an overweight-baggage fee. However, it doesn’t compress down as compactly as the traditional designs we tested so it’s not the best option if compression is your top priority.

GobiGear’s SegSac takes a different approach to solving the same access issue: It has four inner dividers that run the length of the sack in order to keep your socks separate from your underwear, winter accessories, towel, what have you. This means you don’t have to take out your T-shirts to get to your socks. Unlike the Osprey, it compresses just as much as a normal compression sack, but it loses points for versatility because the segmentation prevents it from handling large items like a down jacket or sleeping bag.

Packing cubes

Packing cubes could change your life. (Okay, maybe just your traveling life.) Packing cubes are basically bags to hold your clothes that you organize within your luggage. Though seemingly superfluous, they’re brilliant in action. If you imagine your suitcase as a dresser, you can think of these cubes as individual drawers: Put all your underwear and socks in one container, all your shirts in another, and your workout clothes in yet another. Then pull out only the cube you want. They make packing and repacking wonderfully simple.

Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Cube Set

Well built with easy access.

Simple and solidly constructed, these packing cubes keep your bag organized while you’re traveling.

The three-piece Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Cube Set keeps a week’s worth of clothes organized and moves easily from suitcase to hotel dresser. We’ve been recommending the previous version of these cubes for years, and after testing this updated set, we now recommend this version.

The full-size cube is great for shirts, shorts, and insulating layers. The half-cube and quarter-cube are perfect for underwear, socks, and other thin fabrics such as stockings or sleepwear. These cubes are made of 300-denier polyester (a strong fabric) and stay upright when empty, so they’re easy to pack. The Pack-It cubes’ windows are made of the tightest mesh link we tested—better for resisting snags—and the smooth zippers close easily around all corners, even when a cube is overstuffed.

The Eagle Creek cubes have the ability to unzip fully to allow full access to their contents while sitting in a dresser drawer. That means your clean clothes stay protected against some potentially dicey motel dressers. In 2022, Eagle Creek updated the design of these cubes, and now the company no longer uses YKK zippers, which are widely accepted as the best around . That said, we couldn’t tell any difference between Eagle Creek’s zippers and other brands’ YKK zippers, even with a magnifying glass, and their performance was indistinguishable. (For what it’s worth, an Eagle Creek product manager assured us that the proportion of zipper-related warranty claims hasn’t changed since the company made the switch from YKK.)

Most travelers are likely to be well served by the Reveal set. But if you value lightness above all, the more expensive Eagle Creek Pack-It Isolate Cube Set is about 50% lighter than similar-size competitors (just over 1 ounce for a medium cube, whereas the Eagle Creek classic style weighs about 4 ounces). Unlike the Reveal set, this set is water resistant. However, the Isolate design’s thin sides—which don’t allow the cubes to stand up on their own—make those cubes a bit more challenging to pack than the Reveal cubes.

Buying the right gear can help organize your existing travel kit, but it’s a red herring if your goal is better portability. “It’s mostly the clothing that allows you to reduce what you need to carry,” explains veteran traveller Eytan Levy, better known as the Snarky Nomad . That’s because clothing, which is very voluminous, makes up the bulk of what’s in your bag. He recommends traveling with basic-looking clothes because you can always buy or rent something nice in a pinch, whereas lugging around formalwear just in case will always be a pain. It also helps if you can avoid cotton and stick to merino and synthetic fabrics, which dry faster. This allows you to do laundry by hand in the sink as needed to reduce the amount of clothes you need to carry.

Travel underwear

Good travel underwear keeps you feeling fresh and clean, even when your destination is gritty.  To find the best , we researched an array of underwear designed for men and women to find 37 pairs meeting our criteria: moisture-wicking and breathable, quick-drying, odor-resistant, stretchy, stylish, and cut to fit a variety of body types.

We then conducted rigorous pretesting (wearing the underwear for two days at a time, machine-washing them repeatedly, and tracking their drying speed when hung on a clothesline) before taking them out into the real world. Our testers went backpacking 215 miles throughout Portland, Oregon; hiking in the Canadian Rockies, including walking from the lowest point in the Continental US to the highest; and road-tripping to the national parks of the West. Testers who flew to their destinations wore the underwear on the plane, too.

Afterward, we checked for signs of wear, such as seam breakage and pilling on the fabric. As we continued to test the finalists, we repeatedly checked for durability problems. In addition to comfort and fit, we noted whether each pair seemed lightweight and packable.

ExOfficio Men’s Give-N-Go 2.0 Sport Mesh 6″ Boxer Brief

Best for most men.

Durable, quick-drying, and relatively inexpensive, this soft-fabric version of ExOfficio’s time-tested Give-N-Go undies will get the job done for years.

May be out of stock

The ExOfficio Give-N-Go 2.0 Sport Mesh 6″ Boxer Brief is the best men’s underwear for travel because it balances fit, comfort, odor-proofing, and value better than anything else we’ve tested. The Sport Mesh fabric excels at breathing and wicking and has better odor-resistance than other fabrics. It feels soft on the inside and smooth on the outside so it slides against your pants instead of creating friction, reducing potential for chafing. It also features a sculpted crotch area that gives wearers some much-appreciated support, without feeling stifling. These boxer briefs dry quickly, pack compactly, and weigh less than almost all the other boxer briefs we tried—basically they’re everything you’d want from a pair of excellent travel underwear.

Patagonia Women's Active Hipster

Best for most women.

These light, stylish, quick-drying hipsters stay in place whether you’re walking, flying, or hanging upside down.

The Patagonia Active Hipster doesn’t appear special upon first glance. Only after trying everything else and living through their failures to stay put did we remember what “special” really means in a pair of underwear: Feeling as if you’re wearing nothing at all. The Patagonias have the best fit, comfort, and style out of all the panties we tested. The nylon material is fast-wicking and better than most synthetics for odor-proofing, making it well suited for athletic activities. The Active Hipster is lightweight and packable, and is the fastest-drying underwear we tested—making them perfect for minimalist travelers who go weeks at a time with just one or two pairs. But these same characteristics make them great for any traveler looking for comfortable, packable panties, regardless of where you’re going or what you’re doing.

Budget pick

Uniqlo Men Airism Boxer Brief

Comfortable, compact, and fast-drying, these are a great value but don’t fit quite as nicely and aren’t as supportive in the crotch.

Uniqlo Women Airism Ultra Seamless HipHugger

Similar fabric to the Men’s Airism, with a no-ride cut for women, these underwear are the least expensive of any we tested and among the best performing.

If you want to spend as little as possible without sacrificing performance, the Uniqlo Airism line has long been a great choice for men and women who can wear sizes small and medium. In recent years, both lines have expanded their size range somewhat (men to 3XL, and women to XL). If these fit, you can replace an entire underwear drawer on a tight budget, as long as you can deal with the slightly odd cut and less-effective odor-control treatment.

If you’ve never traveled with merino wool socks, you’re missing out. These aren’t the scratchy wool socks your grandpa wore in the army; they are soft and stretchy ones that have natural sweat-wicking and odor-resisting properties that keep your toes comfortable under all conditions—even when wet. This combination of odor, moisture, and temperature regulations makes them ideal for traveling. "Because of its natural anti-bacterial properties, washing merino wool on a daily basis isn’t absolutely necessary,” explains Snarky Nomad , "after letting it air dry overnight while you sleep, it’ll seem brand new.” The only major downside is that merino tends to be a bit pricier than synthetic counterparts. But it’s a worthy trade-off, since you can go for longer with fewer pairs.

Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew Lightweight Hiking Sock (Women’s)

The best quality for women.

The best mix of comfort, durability, and cushioning in a versatile height.

Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew Lightweight Hiking Sock (Men’s)

For the best quality.

The same great versatile sock as the women’s model, but in different color options and more sizes.

Darn Tough’s Light Hiker Micro Crew socks (both the men’s and women’s versions) have been our favorite hiking socks for years. Darn Tough made its name through its quality guarantee : “Our socks are guaranteed to be the most comfortable, durable, and best fitting socks you can buy. In a nutshell, if you wear a hole in them, we will replace them free of charge, for life.” Pacific Crest Trail thru-hikers (hardcore backpackers who walk from Mexico to Canada in one continuous trip) praise them for their durability, comfort, and blister resistance. When you hold a pair of Darn Toughs next to a pair of Smartwools (which only have a two-year guarantee ), the difference is clear. The Darn Toughs are more tightly knit, the yarns are finer and feel sturdier, and the stitching is tighter.

Darn Tough Women's Coolmax Hiker Micro Crew Midweight Hiking Sock

The best non-wool women’s hiking sock.

This midlevel cushioned sock for women is the best synthetic option for most climates and terrains.

Darn Tough Men's Coolmax Hiker Micro Crew Midweight Hiking Sock

The best non-wool men’s hiking sock.

This synthetic men’s sock is perfect for day hiking in most weather.

If you are sensitive to wool, prefer a vegan product, or want a cooler option for the summer, we also like the Darn Tough Coolmax Hiker Micro Crew Midweight Hiking Sock, which comes in women's and men’s sizes.

We appreciated how breathable this sock felt. While wearing the Coolmax Micro Crew in hot summer weather, our testers’ feet stayed dry and sweat-free. The shorter micro-crew height makes the Coolmax Micro Crew suitable for both boots and shoes, too. And like all Darn Tough socks, this model comes with a lifetime warranty.

Indosole Flip Flops (women’s)

A quality flip flop in women’s sizes.

These stylish beach sandals come in a wide range of colors. Be careful, though: Indosole sizes tend to run a little small.

Indosole Flip Flops (men’s)

A quality flip flop in men’s sizes.

These beach sandals are the same as the women’s version but cut a bit wider; we still think they run a little smaller than regular shoe sizes.

A good pair of travel flip-flops should be lightweight, comfortable, and waterproof. The men’s and women’s Indosole Flip Flops offer the best combination of quality, comfort, and easy packability. Unlike many flip flops, which slap against the ground with every step, the subtle arch support of this flip flop kept it secure against our feet. Plus they’re made from waterproof, recycled materials. Keep in mind, though, that our testers found these shoes to run a bit small, so we suggest sizing up for the best fit.

Clothesline

While doing laundry at home can be a large weekly event, OneBag author Doug Dyment recommends approaching travel laundry as a part of your daily routine, especially if you’re trying to pack as little as possible: “The laundry should be more like cleaning your teeth—something you do everyday. It only takes about five minutes to do it. Every night, do your socks and underwear and you’ll have clean socks and underwear everyday.”

A secure, hassle-free option

The Flexo-Line attaches easily to a door handle or faucet and grips garments securely between its loops.

Check out OneBag’s laundry packing list if you want specific tips on how to do it and what you’ll need, but it’s a pretty simple setup: All you need is a toiletry bottle of powdered detergent, a towel to help expedite drying, and a travel clothesline to finish the drying process while you sleep at night.

Specifically, you want a braided—not twisted—surgical latex clothesline with looped ends, which means you want a Flexo-Line . The Flexo-Line can stretch up to 7 feet long, which is enough to span most hotel bathtubs, and it has loops that you can attach easily to a door handle, bath spigot, or faucet. The braided construction is superior to twisted designs made from other materials because the latex does a better job of gripping garments securely between the loops, which means you don’t need any additional clothespins.

Dyment has tried them all, but the Flexo-Line is the one he comes back to. As he explained to me in an interview, “There are others that are fine, but there are far more that are not fine.” More specifically, Dyment says to avoid anything that’s not made of latex , because clothes will inevitably slip out of them. He also says to never, ever trust a suction cup: “They don’t work, period.” If the Flexo-Line is unavailable, Dyment says that the Rick Steves collection from Kiva Designs also makes a nice braided line that is a bit more expensive. If you have a latex allergy, Dyment recommends going with a length of cord ( paracord is nice because it’s durable and you can use it for other things as well) and stainless steel safety pins meant for cloth diapers , because they take up far less space than a clothespin and won’t rust. In fact, it’s worthwhile to get these items even if you can use a latex line because they’re great for making luggage repairs and performing other MacGyver-ish tasks in a pinch. To hang up the clothesline, we recommend using a bowline knot on one end and a taut line hitch on the other. These knots work well together because the bowline creates a simple, slip-proof loop to anchor one end while the taut line hitch allows you to adjust for tension and locks tightly in place. If you could commit any two knots to memory forever, these are the ones to learn.

Laundry detergent

Minisoak Travel Packs

A travel size version of the best delicates detergent.

Perfect for traveling because you don’t even need to rinse it out.

When you’re washing your underwear in a hotel sink, you want a fast and easy experience. For this, we recommend the no-rinse detergent Soak . That’s right, we said no rinse . You just add a drop to the sink, fill with water, and leave your garments to soak. Then press out the water and hang. Done.

In our tests of delicates detergents , Soak cleaned almost as well as our top laundry detergent, Tide; plus, it comes in individual packets of powder  that are great for traveling, as well as in  travel-size bottles of the liquid version . In addition to unscented, it's available in a variety of scents, although Lacey and Celebration are not the most descriptive of scent names. They all smell nice, not overpowering. Soak also comes in an assorted travel pack with two single-use packets of each scent, if you want to test-drive one or two before you buy. In that mini size, you get eight packets for $11 currently, but you really need only a squeeze, not the the whole packet, to wash a couple of pairs of socks and underwear.

One downside to Soak is that you won’t find it in a grocery store or big-box store. But it is available online at Soak’s site . And if you really want to walk into a store and put your mitts on a bottle, you can find it at most local yarn stores.

Don’t feel like buying Soak or bringing along a bit of your own detergent? Shampoo also works pretty well for cleaning garments in a pinch, so make use of that free bottle from the hotel. But a caveat: Neither Soak nor shampoo contains enzymes , which are biological molecules in laundry detergent that break down certain stains. If you have especially stinky or stained clothes, you might need to break out the Tide .

When we first published this guide, this section addressed only toiletry kits and bottles, razors, and packable towels. The times, and traveling, became more complicated. One thing we've learned in the past few years is that face masks can be useful whenever you’re sick and don’t want to share your misery. Fortunately, compared with early 2020, medical-style N95s and KN95s (which many experts recommend as the best protection) are widely available. They’re easy to tuck into a bag, which we do now whenever we travel. 

Toiletry kit

We’ve researched dozens of travel toiletry bags and dopp kits over the past several years, and we tested 23 of the top-rated contenders in our most recent round of tests. After packing and unpacking a week’s worth of travel-size toiletries, conducting spill tests, and living out of the top performers on the road, we have a few different picks that stand out thanks to their style, packability, and quality of construction.

Sea to Summit Hanging Toiletry Bag (small)

A space-saving hanging bag.

This lightweight, well-organized bag fits a week’s worth of travel-size toiletries into a compact package. It’s meant to be hung, which makes it good for tight spaces, but it doesn’t have much in the way of internal structure.

The Sea to Summit Hanging Toiletry Bag (small) is compact and durable. It’s small enough to stash in a backpack or laptop bag, but it holds enough travel-size toiletries to keep us supplied for a week. You can open it and hang it from a shower curtain or towel rod to easily see and grab your items. It comes with a shatterproof mirror, two micro-mesh zip pockets and an open pocket for toothbrushes, lip balm, and tweezers, and a large compartment for bulky lotions and hair-care items.

L.L.Bean Personal Organizer Toiletry Bag

For more stuff and longer trips.

With a 6.4-liter capacity and over a dozen compartments, this toiletry bag has a place for everything—and everything will stay put during transit, too. It can also accommodate non-travel-size bottles.

The L.L.Bean Personal Organizer (medium) is a great option for longer trips and people who travel with full-size bottles. Its 6.4 liters of storage spread across a dozen compartments means there’s a dedicated place for pretty much everything you could want to bring on a trip—it even has a removable mesh shower caddy for shampoo and body wash. This level of organization is crucial for larger toiletry bags because, as we discovered after years of traveling with our picks, contents that aren’t securely fastened can shift around in transit, which increases the chance of spilling. The downside of all this organization is that the L.L.Bean weighs 14 ounces when empty, so it’s not ideal for carry-on travel.

If neither of these bags seems right for you, read our full review of the best toiletry bags and dopp kits to learn more about our picks and everything we tested.

Toiletry bottles

Sea to Summit TPU Clear Zip Pouch with Bottles

These six TSA-friendly bottles are sturdy and smartly designed, dispensing liquids more precisely than any of the other bottles we tested.

For traveling with liquids in your carry-on, the Sea to Summit set is your best bet. All six bottles conform to TSA size limitations; three of them can hold 3 ounces of liquid each, and three can hold 1.5 ounces each, for a total of 13.5 ounces. Despite the set’s name, the bottles themselves are made not of thermoplastic polyurethane—“TPU" refers to the zip pouch—but a high-density polyethylene material, much like what you’d see used in most plastic milk jugs. It has an almost-smooth, semi-transparent surface just textured enough that it’s not slippery when wet. The plastic is also flexible enough that you don’t have to squeeze very hard to get your shampoo or liquid soap or whatever going. An insert at the mouth of each bottle helps regulate the flow, and the screw tops prevent liquids from leaking in transit.

Razor (faces)

Gillette Mach3

The best manual razor for most faces.

This classic razor’s three widely spaced blades provide the best balance of speed, smoothness, and safety. Its handle is comfortable and well designed, and replacement blades can be had for a fair price.

We researched more than 100 and tested 11 manual razors for our full razor guide , concluding that the Gillette Mach3 is our top pick for manual razors. Although the three blades require a little extra time for a closer shave, it performs comparably to the latest and greatest offerings for as little as half the price.

The Gillette Mach3 provides the best balance of speed, smoothness, and safety. The Mach3’s simple, round handle is easy to grip and maneuver, and its three blades offer a close shave without over-irritating the skin or getting clogged with hair. And the price of Mach3 blades—$2 per cartridge or less, whether you buy them online or in a store—came close to, or even beat, the pricing of shave-club rivals, and the Mach3 shaved better than those competitors.

Razor (legs/body)

Gillette Venus Smooth

The best body razor.

This classic Venus is one of the easiest razors to grip and maneuver and its three-blade design keeps the blades remarkably free of hair.

Disposable razors (both the completely disposable and replaceable-cartridge variety) are fine to take through airport security , and among them we like the Gillette Venus Original best for traveling. Although it’s now the runner-up pick in our guide to body razors —it was formerly the top pick—we believe that its simple aloe lubricating strips, which don’t become tacky when wet, make the Venus more travel friendly than our new top pick . Plus, as with any Venus, the Original’s body is compatible with any other Venus head and many heads from Gillette’s facial razors, making replacement heads easier to find when you’re on the road.

The Original’s head has three blades separated by considerable slats of space, making it far easier to clean the head between strokes. The Original is intuitive to hold and secure to maneuver, thanks to a contoured handle with corrugated chevrons of rubber. Though our testers have a wide range of hand sizes, no one found the Original difficult to grasp. Despite the significant ribbing, it doesn’t feel too bulky. Gillette claims its razors have lasted for five weeks; we think one razor for a weeklong trip should be fine.

(Know that, confusingly, the Venus appears for sale on some retail sites under the name Venus Close and Clean or Venus Smooth. It’s the same razor. If you’re unsure which Venus model you’re looking at, check for the Original’s three blades and trademark sea-foam blue color.)

Towel (packable)

PackTowl Personal

The best all-around packable towel.

The PackTowl Personal Towel is lightweight, soft, absorbent, quick to dry, and odor-resistant.

We put 20 top-rated towels through a battery of tests including regular shower use, a trip to the beach, camping, and a 48-hour stay in a ziplock bag under the hot Hawaiian sun. After all was said and done, the Packtowl Personal Towel is still the best all-around travel towel for most people. In addition to being the softest lightweight towel we tested, it was more absorbent than competitors made of similar materials. It had the best odor-resisting abilities and comes with a convenient mesh carrying pouch. We also have alternate picks for ultralight and all-natural towels below.

The Personal Towel’s suede-like material was the softest of the thinner towels. The Personal Towel also had superior absorption when compared with other similarly constructed towels such as the Sea to Summit DryLite —in our tests, it absorbed 2.8 times its weight in water, while the others absorbed between 2.3 times and 2.7 times.

One of just two we tested that featured an added antimicrobial treatment, the Personal Towel was only a little musty smelling after 24 hours in a sealed ziplock bag, and remained unchanged at 48 hours.

If you’re looking for a budget option, consider the Rainleaf Microfiber Towel , which is a tad smaller than our other picks and is made from a seemingly lighter-feeling fabric. Unlike most budget options, it has an antibacterial coating and still managed to carry a pleasant smell after being testing in different environments.

Regardless of how you get to your final destination, it’s likely you’ll be stuck in a seat that’s less than ideal. Travel gadgets that claim to reduce this misery, such as compression socks, are popular. But when they take up precious luggage space for the duration of your trip—not just the flight or train ride–they need to be worth every cubic inch of space. The less you can make do with, the better off you’ll be.

Neck pillow

Travelrest Nest Ultimate Memory Foam Travel Pillow

More support for most necks.

Its tall memory-foam walls let it offer more support than any other pillow we tested. It’s also shaped to sit flush against a headrest, and it compresses to a manageable size.

The uniquely angled back on the Travelrest Ultimate sets it apart from other travel pillows we tested because it can lay flat against the seat back. Most other pillows have a rounded back, which pushes your head away from the headrest. The Travelrest also has rubber grip dots to prevent slipping while sleeping. This pillow’s spongy memory foam cushions the entire circumference of your neck, preventing your head from leaning far in any direction, and its adjustable Velcro strap ensures it can fit most necks. The pillow’s cozy velour exterior is removable and machine-washable. Although it doesn’t pack flat, the Travelrest weighs less than a pound and compresses to a quarter of its size when rolled into its Velcro-strapped carrying case. Our only complaint is that the Travelrest’s high walls, though supportive, can push over-ear headphones off of the ears of people with shorter necks.

Noise-cancelling headphones

Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700

The best over-ear noise-cancelling headphones.

The Bose 700 headphones deliver excellent noise cancellation in a comfortable, lightweight design that’s traveler friendly—but they carry a high price.

The Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 over-ear set has the most versatile active noise cancellation we’ve ever tested. With 10 levels of noise reduction to choose from, everyone should be able to find a setting that meets their needs. We also enjoyed the lightweight and comfortable design and the easy-to-use controls. What distinguishes the Bose 700’s ANC is the amount of adjustability it gives you: Most noise-cancelling headphones offer controls for only on/off or maybe high/low/off, but with the Bose 700 pair you can set the ANC level from 0 to 10, so you have more flexibility to dial in the ideal setting for your comfort. The 20-hour battery life, while not the best we’ve seen, is more than sufficient to get you to most destinations. We have additional options—including earbuds and surprisingly good budget options for  over-ear headphones and earbuds —in our full guide to noise-cancelling headphones .

Mack’s Slim Fit Soft Foam Earplugs

For blocking out the most noise.

These blocked the most noise in our controlled testing and got the most votes from our subjective sleep panel.

When you’re traveling, it can be difficult to fall asleep to unfamiliar noises. That’s why we spent several hours researching new contenders and tested four top-rated models while sleeping in a house that was next to an airport in order to determine that Mack’s Ultra Soft Foam earplugs are the best earplugs  for sleeping.

The Mack’s 37.1 dB noise reduction rating was the highest among the models we tested. According to Cooper Safety , that’s enough to reduce the volume of a gas lawnmower to that of a normal conversation. What made the Mack’s earplugs so effective is the fact that we could insert them and rest assured that they would stay in the whole night. Meanwhile, the Howard Leight MAX1 might be a favorite from crowdsourced sleep-aid review site Sleep Like the Dead , but the earplugs would inevitably fall out in the middle of the night. Thus, they failed to block out the noise of planes landing and taking off throughout the night, despite the MAX1’s 33 dB noise reduction rating. The Howard Leights also made our ears ache on occasion, whereas the Mack’s has a tapered shape that was consistently comfortable night after night.

The Mack’s Slim Fit Soft Foam Earplugs cost about 20¢-35¢ per pair when purchased in a 50-pair pack. They come in a plastic case is about the size of a large coffee mug, which is small enough to toss in a large bag or suitcase. Many other ear plugs like our runner-up, the 3M’s E-A-Rsoft OCS1135 , can only be ordered in industrial-size lots that, while perhaps appealing to those who travel constantly (or run a hostel), are annoying to store and often lack a reusable container of any sort.

Nidra Deep Rest Eye Mask

For air travelers and back-sleepers.

The lightweight and contoured Nidra mask is a light-blocking win for most face shapes, with deep eye cups that allow the wearer to blink freely and arrive feeling refreshed.

When bright lights hamper peaceful shut-eye, we recommend the light-blocking, contoured Nidra Deep Rest sleep mask. Of the 14 masks we tested , the Nidra blocked the most light on the most faces. It’s contoured to rest on your face like a pair of soft goggles, with fabric lenses that sit around your eyes (instead of directly over them). This design provides more space for your eyes to flutter during REM sleep, ensuring that you come through red-eye flights with less redness in your eyes. Makeup wearers will also appreciate that, with the Nidra’s elevated eye cups, there’s a smaller chance of smudging.

Alaska Bear Natural Silk Sleep Mask

A flat, silk mask.

A silken exterior material, a flat design, and an adjustable strap make this mask a fit for almost any face, but it puts pressure on the eyes.

Mzoo Sleep Mask

A smooth, contoured eye mask.

Soft, structured, and contoured, this mask stays on all night and prevents any light from seeping through

If the Nidra Deep Rest doesn’t fit your face quite right, we also recommend the Alaska Bear Natural Silk Sleep Mask and the Mzoo Sleep Mask . The Alaska Bear mask lacks contoured eyecups and thus applies some pressure to the eyes overnight like any regular eye mask does. But its flat design easily conforms to fit your face, and its silk exterior feels smooth and soft against skin (the padding is made of cotton). Its relative lack of structure makes it more difficult to knock off when you’re tossing and turning.

The Mzoo mask’s eyecups have a convex gap so your eyes can open and close. That gap is surrounded by a memory foam padding that rests on the perimeter of your eye sockets. The effect is such that you don’t feel like your eyes are being forced closed, but there is a bit of compression near your temples, eyebrows, and cheekbones. Most—though not all—of our testers found this sensation soothing. One liked how the contour of the eyecup kept the mask from brushing against their eyelashes, which makes it a good choice for people who wear eyelash extensions.

Few things are better than landing at an airport, turning on your phone, and having it just work. No hassles, no stress, no worries about brutal roaming fees. You can check in with loved ones, scope out the route to your lodgings, and maybe post an Instagram story or two—because your phone works just like it does at home. This is especially freeing, and it makes travel so much easier. (Of course, phones aren’t the only useful tech to bring: Check out our accessories reviews for guides to the best cables ( USB-C , Lightning , and Micro-USB ), Wi-Fi hotspots , Bluetooth speakers , and more.)

Unlocked mobile phone

One of the most useful gadgets for international travel is an unlocked smartphone that’s compatible with cheap, prepaid phone plans you can sign up for at your destination. Unless your carrier offers plans including high-speed data that you can access internationally (i.e., you’re with T-Mobile or Google Fi), traveling with a phone under contract with a major carrier means paying an arm and a leg for data. Being able to access data-guzzling apps like Google Maps or Google Translate on the fly is worth the hassle to unlock a phone. Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp are free, easy ways to communicate with people you meet on your trip and people from home. Plus there’s checking email, TripAdvisor, banking, social media, and so on.

An “unlocked” phone means you can buy prepaid SIM cards in the country you’re visiting, letting you access their local network for significantly less money than the roaming fees incurred by your home carrier. With a prepaid SIM, your phone effectively becomes a new phone with a new (now local) phone number. Instead of seeing “Verizon,” “AT&T,” or “Sprint” at the top of your phone, you might see “Vodafone,” “Yes Optus,” “M1,” or whatever provider you choose in the country you’re visiting. The first thing to check is if your phone will work where you’re going. If you’re unsure if your phone will work where you’re going, check the Wikipedia page for your phone or contact your provider.

Your phone will also require a removable SIM. (If your phone has an eSIM, as all new iPhones do, check out our blog post about those.) Most countries require a passport or other ID to buy a prepaid SIM without a contract, but switching the SIMs is easy. Most stores will do it for you while you’re there. Depending on the country/provider, this could take as long as 10 minutes but is often faster. The next question is easily the most complicated: Can you unlock your phone? Each carrier has different rules and criteria. Generally, if you have a brand new, expensive phone, they may not let you unlock it (there’s usually a waiting period after the purchase date). But if it’s a little older, or if you’ve paid it off, they probably will. The thing to remember is that a provider can deny an unlock request without giving a reason. You might be lucky, though; certain phones on certain providers are unlocked by default. Here are Verizon and AT&T’s pages on unlocking. Alternately, you can buy a pre-unlocked phone just for travel. Amazon and Best Buy, for example, sell unlocked phones. This is also a good option if you think you might lose your expensive phone and a cheaper one will suffice while you travel.

Plug adapter

Epicka Universal Travel Adapter

Best universal travel adapter.

With four plugs that will work in most countries, plus faster-charging USB ports (and more of them) than its competitors, this adapter is the best all-around choice.

You save $4 (17%)

In a sea of almost-identical travel adapters, the Epicka Universal Travel Adapter stands out, combining the best of the features we look for. It contains the three most common international plugs and a US-style plug, which should cover you in the majority of countries around the world. It has the most USB ports—four of the standard USB-A and one USB-C—of any universal adapter we tested, and it charged more of our devices faster. A replaceable fuse and an included spare should take the brunt of any accidental, unfortunate, or shockingly bad connections. The Epicka is fairly compact and well built, and it even comes with an extra USB cable and a nylon case.

However, no universal travel adapter is truly universal, and they’re all a lot bulkier and more expensive than simple plug adapters. If you want the smallest adapter possible, or if you’re going someplace where a universal adapter won’t work (more on that in a minute), a plug adapter could be what you need.

Ceptics International Worldwide Travel Plug Adapter 5 Piece Set

The best plug adapter.

Individually, these tiny plug adapters are smaller, lighter, and cheaper than any universal travel adapter. To juice up multiple devices, though, you’d need a separate multiport charger too.

The tiny plug adapters from Ceptics are barely larger than the prongs they convert. Small, simple, and cheap, they’re perfect for someone who wants to carry only the adapter they’ll need and who already has a multiport USB wall charger they like. Like our universal adapter picks, this set contains the three most common international plugs and the US plug. However, it also includes a somewhat rarer plug used in some European countries that has two thick, cylindrical prongs. This means that the Ceptics set will likely cover you in even more places—as long as you pack the appropriate plug adapter. These charts should help you find the shape you need before you order.

However, getting your gear to work in different countries isn’t quite as simple as it should be, and there’s no single solution that’s guaranteed to work for everyone. Our picks should work for you, but you may have some random piece of equipment, or be traveling to some country, for which our “good for most” picks just won’t work. (Case in point: One Wirecutter editor visited Iceland a few years back. The house she stayed in had outlets unlike anything on those charts, and the plug adapters she had used elsewhere in Reykjavik didn’t fit at all. It turns out the mystery sockets belonged to an obscure Italian system from the 1960s that was popular in Iceland for a time. Luckily, the hosts had power strips in the house that her adapters fit into.) The world is a big place, and when it comes to electricity and wall outlets, there’s a lot of variation. That’s important to keep in mind.

Whether two-prong or three-prong, an adapter just changes the shape of your plug, not anything about the electricity coming through the wires. However, this usually isn’t a problem because almost every power brick that comes with modern electronic gear is capable of accepting both the 110-volt standard used in the US and the 240-volt commonly used abroad. If your device has a power block on the cord, it likely says something like  “100-240 V ~ 50/60 Hz”—that’s the all-clear to use it without a voltage converter so long as the range covers the voltage of the country you’re visiting . This includes the vast majority of modern laptop and USB chargers.

Products without some sort of power block at the end or with a non-detachable cord—in particular, things with heating elements like hair dryers and curling irons—are more likely to need a voltage converter. Putting 220 V through a US 110 V device would be like attaching a firehose to a drinking fountain—you’re likely to blow your face off. But voltage converters are tricky devices, and most of the inexpensive ones have awful (or dishonest) reviews. Since hotels and hostels will often have hair dryers and most newer gear can do the full range of voltages, we strongly recommend that, whenever possible, you only bring items that work with a much simpler (and more reliable) adapter.

Wire/gadget organization system

Now that every device has a battery, every battery has a charger, and every charger has a cable—never mind power-plug adapters if you’re traveling abroad—the sheer quantity of accessories needed just to keep your gadgets running can take up more space than the devices themselves. And unless you organize them, you can bet on having to blindly fish them out of the least convenient spot at the bottom of your bag. Recently, our pick for carrying tech necessities, the Incase Nylon Accessory Organizer, which had been out of stock for a few years, returned to the Incase website and appears to be in stock. If you prefer mesh to easily see your contents, , we also like the Container Store Micro Mesh Pouches .

The Incase cable organizer is a poly-nylon blend, so it’s durable. It is a soft-shell bag, however, so its contents can distort the bag’s shape when it’s full. But the bag’s edges remain rigid—so the seams don’t pucker—its contents don’t fall out, and zipping and unzipping the bag is still easy. We have other picks in our full guide to bag and cable organizers , including a roll-up bag and a stylish duo of cosmetics travel pouches ; we’ll also start testing other options to replace this one.

USB battery packs

A USB battery pack (also called a power bank) can keep your small electronics—from phones and cameras to tablets and more—going while you’re on the road. Although the length of your trip will determine exactly how much extra juice you’ll need to have on hand, whatever your requirements, we have a great USB battery recommendation for you. The Belkin Boost Charge Plus 10K weighs about half a pound, and its rounded edges make it easy to hold or slip into a pocket. Its USB-C Power Delivery (PD) port can charge most handheld devices and recharge itself at top speed (with the right USB-C cable and wall charger), and it can pass power to another device while being recharged from a wall outlet. It only comes in one color, but it has enough capacity to fully charge most smartphones up to three times, as well as built-in USB-C and Lightning cables that are easy to slide in and out of their holsters.

If you’re traveling for leisure, try not to get too wrapped up in technology because you might miss what you’re actually there to do: experience a new place. OneBag’s Doug Dyment said in an interview, “Wearing headphones and staring at a screen is like putting a digital wall around yourself when you’re traveling. It makes you seem unapproachable and uninterested in what’s around you.” That may be a good thing if you do truly want to be left alone, but Dyment went on to say that some of his most memorable traveling experiences were the result of just looking lost and getting help from the locals. “One minute, you’re a lost foreigner in an unfamiliar village, then someone asks if you need directions. Before you know it, you’re eating dinner with his family.”

Travel binoculars

Athlon Optics Midas ED

The overall best binoculars.

Amazingly affordable with great optics, these binoculars have performance comparable with that of many models that cost thousands more.

Our top pick for binoculars is durable and great for near-home hikes. In hot or dusty environments that may call for a clearer optical boost, the Athlon Optics Midas ED 8×42 binoculars deliver top quality. Its focus dial offers a wide range of depths that makes it easier to see whatever it is you desire—birds, grass or darkened areas of the forest. Our recommendation comes with the assistance of a professional ornithologist who spent over 100 hours putting 17 pairs of binoculars to the test in the mountains of Southern California and the rain forests of southern Mexico.

Although the Celestron TrailSeeker ED binoculars don’t offer a clear edge-to-edge view to the same degree of the Athlon Optics Midas EDs , they’re a comparable runner-up model that’ll be lighter on your wallet if having binoculars while traveling is a must. The TrailSeekers are equipped with great light-gathering qualities, close focus, and impressive optical resolution. Or, if you’re concerned about saving space, we liked the Pentax AD 8x25 WP binoculars. While not quite as powerful as our other picks, this compact pair of binoculars is well made and easy to fit into a carry-on while traveling via plane.

Ebook reader

Amazon Kindle (2022)

The best e-reader for most people.

Amazon’s most affordable Kindle is also its most portable, and it’s finally been upgraded with sharper text on its 6-inch screen and support for USB-C charging. Those features bring it in line with much-pricier e-readers.

The entry-level Amazon Kindle finally got an upgrade and is now our favorite e-reader , with the same crisp display and USB-C charging as the pricier Kindle Paperwhite has (and with double the storage space of the previous entry-level model). Amazon’s well-stocked ebooks store remains its biggest selling point, along with the ease of checking out library books via Libby and sending them directly to a Kindle.

Even if you don’t have time for pleasure reading on your trip, it’s worth investing in a Kindle because many major travel guides are available in fully searchable ebook formats now. Furthermore, e-texts will also work on your phone, tablet, and computer, thanks to the Kindle ecosystem.

Packable daypack

Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Travel Day Pack

A pack that fits in your palm.

Toss this lightweight, phone-sized packable bag into your luggage or coat pocket, and you’ll never get caught without a spare bag again. If you need something to carry every day, though, we think you’ll prefer one of our more-structured picks.

Packing a stowable daypack, one that stuffs down to fit in your luggage when not in use, is a relatively small investment of space in exchange for a high return of function and flexibility. After researching dozens of packable daypacks across a spectrum of portability, features, and prices, and then packing, unpacking, loading, wearing, and drenching the top-rated finalists during multiple rounds of testing, the Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Travel Day Pack is the smallest and lightest packable backpack we recommend. Packed up, it is very discreet: nearly the size of a keychain accessory.

The bag itself is a no-frills sack made from a paper-thin siliconized Cordura nylon, which means it’s very light and water-resistant. It has reinforced stitching at stress points, allowing the Ultra-Sil to carry more weight than you would expect. That said, since this pack is made of such thin, light material, carrying large or awkwardly shaped loads is somewhat uncomfortable, especially when compared with our more structured picks.

If comfort or waterproofing is important to you, check out the alternative picks in our review of packable daypacks for travel .

Field Notes 3-Pack Original Kraft Memo Books

For ultimate portability.

Field Notes are cheap but contain high-quality paper that earns praise from pen and stationery geeks across the web.

For writing your adventures as you travel, you can’t beat the portability, practicality, and romanticism of a pocket notebook. There’s nothing better in that category than Field Notes (three-packs available in a variety of styles and types ). These pocket-sized notebooks are widely praised for their excellent paper quality, and the Pen Addict’s Brad Dowdy tells me “Field Notes is pretty much the runaway pocket notebook champ.” Dowdy has praised it for the lack of feathering or bleedthrough with almost any pen, as well as for the light brown ruled lines, which are easier to write over than solid black. Austin Smith of Art Supply Critic told us in an email that his recommendation is “Field Notes has it, no question.” The Well-Appointed Desk has reviewed a slew of different Field Notes variants for those looking for something a bit more interesting.

Field Notes Expedition

A weather-resistant option.

Weather-resistant Expedition Field Notes are great if you’re writing in wet conditions, but don’t get them if you don’t need them. The synthetic paper feels weird and can cause some inks to smear.

If you think you’re going to be writing in foul weather, Field Notes also has the waterproof Expedition version with pages made from a synthetic water-and-tear resistant paper. You should only get these if you really need them, because otherwise, they just feel unnaturally slick and are more prone to smearing ink. At least one user has said that the paper shows less soaking through when wet than the similar Rite in the Rain books . The one caveat is that the synthetic paper will only work with pencils and certain inks ; thankfully, the Uni-ball Jetstream RT , our pick for best pen , definitely makes the grade.

Things can go wrong while you’re traveling, both where you are and where you’re not. Though you can’t prepare for every worst-case scenario, the peace of mind that a little bit of preparation grants will allow you to focus on what’s in front of you, instead of having to worry about what could go wrong. But preparation doesn’t simply mean buying more stuff just in case; it also means making efficient use of what you already have.

Merchant & Mills for Purl Soho Rapid Repair Kit

For the best combination of sewing tools.

The Merchant & Mills Rapid Repair Kit is the only travel kit we found that had objectively high-quality thread and scissors.

There’s nothing quite like a wardrobe malfunction to put a damper on vacation, especially when traveling with limited clothing. A good travel-size sewing kit allows you to mend a popped button or ripped seam on the fly—or even tackle more pressing issues like fixing a tent, sleeping bag, or backpack. After 15 hours of research, interviews with sewing teachers and avid home sewers, and tests of six travel and full-size kits, we found the Merchant & Mills for Purl Soho Rapid Repair Kit had by far the best tools and was the easiest to keep organized. Standard travel sewing kits usually contain mediocre thread and plastic-handled scissors that break easily. They can also be hard to keep organized (a truth we confirmed when testing six top-rated travel and full-sized kits). The Merchant & Mills set was the only one that had high-quality thread, all-metal mini scissors (don’t worry, the TSA shouldn’t stop you ), and a durable tin case (about the size of a deck of cards) to keep everything well organized.

Because the sewing pins are neatly stuck into paper inside a slim envelope and the three needles are housed in a mini glass vial, this kit also limits the risk of losing a sharp object in your bags. We found the Merchant & Mills needles easier to thread than others (no need for a fussy needle threader!) and we also like the vintage-looking safety pins that come clipped together along with two small white buttons. Although this kit only comes with black and white thread, the thread is strong and there’s more of it than you’d get in a flimsier set with shorter strands of multiple colors. We do think it would be nice if the kit included a more durable measuring tape than the paper one included, but overall everything about this kit is leagues ahead of anything else we considered. We didn’t find editorial reviews for any of the kits we tested, but the Merchant & Mills rapid repair kit was recommended by several sewing bloggers and is sold in many reputable indie fabric shops.

Repel Windproof Travel Umbrella

The best umbrella for most people.

This is a solidly built, easy-to-find umbrella that holds up in high winds. It also comes in a variety of colors.

price may vary by color or style

An umbrella you take traveling should be small, light, sturdy, and affordable. After putting in 66 hours of research and evaluating a total of 48 umbrellas across five rounds of testing (including one thunder-snowstorm), we found that the Repel Windproof Travel Umbrella is the best umbrella for most people. Its durable, nine-rib construction held up admirably against gale-force winds, and it’s as sturdy as umbrellas that sell for more than twice as much.

The Repel folds up to an 11½-inch long, 14-ounce package that fits easily into most bags and glove boxes. And it forcefully expands at a touch of a button to reveal an ample 37-inch-diameter canopy that protects your head and torso from precipitation in all but the windiest of conditions. Its lengthy, textured handle is easy to grip for hands of all sizes. We also appreciate that the Repel comes in a wide variety of colors, so it’s easier to pick yours out of a crowded umbrella bucket. Finally, despite its affordable price, it’s backed by a lifetime replacement guarantee, but only if you purchase directly from Repel and register the item under the company’s warranty.

Packing method for clothes

While packing cubes and other organization tools are helpful for maximizing your bag’s usable space, efficient packing is also achievable without the aid of tools and compartments. One Bag’s Doug Dyment tried all manners of folding aids and compression products but was unsatisfied with their claims of compression and wrinkle prevention. Frustrated, he developed his own method of packing clothes compactly called the Bundle Method, which he’s used and perfected over several decades of traveling.

The Bundle Method involves layering your shirts and pants at opposing angles on a flat surface, then wrapping them around a small “core” parcel (e.g. a packing cube full of underwear and socks). We won’t get into details, but Dyment does on his website ; you can watch this easy-to-follow video from NBC . The resulting bundle is compact and has no sharp creases that will require ironing out later on. Additionally, Dyment explains that “the slight tension created in the fabric by the wrapping process, along with the anchoring of the resulting bundle, greatly reduces the chances of wrinkling.” You then put it in your bag and use the tie-down straps to provide just enough pressure to keep it together.

While simple to perform, this packing method isn’t something you can master in one go. It takes a bit of practice, but once you get it, it’s like riding a bike. The downside is that you can’t just leave your clothing packed and expect to be able to access your underwear without fully unpacking your clothes first. But unpacking is a good habit to get into anyway, as it allows your clothes to breathe and avoid wrinkles or mildew. Wirecutter founder and frequent traveler Brian Lam says that unpacking the moment he enters a room has a grounding effect that allows him to feel a bit more at home in a new environment.

If this sounds like too much of a hassle for you, you can do what we did before we found out about bundling: roll up your socks and underwear tightly and place them in packing cubes, then put your wrinkle-prone items (shirts, pants, skirts, dresses, jackets) in a garment folder—we used the Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Garment Folder . This is also travel guru Rob King’s preferred method of packing. Though the garment folder is not quite as space-efficient as the bundle method due to the added bulk of the folder and folding board, the plastic backboard does go a long way towards preventing wrinkles. Just be aware that if you leave your clothes in there for longer than a day, they’ll begin to develop unsightly creases that require an iron to get rid of.

A big thank-you to the Hotel Lucia in downtown Portland, Oregon, for lending us a suite to use for the photos in this guide.

This article was edited by Ria Misra and Christine Ryan.

Meet your guide

Wirecutter Staff

Mentioned above

• There’s more to a great in-flight personal item than being small enough to stuff under a plane seat. Here’s how to choose the right one for your travel needs. The Best Underseat Luggage and Personal-Item Bags  
• The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L is our backpack pick for most travelers. We also have picks for other travelers, including those who want to carry a bit more. The Best Carry-On Travel Backpacks  
• After 10 years of airport dashes and overhead-compartment stashes, the Travelpro Platinum Elite is still the suitcase we want to carry. The Best Carry-On Luggage  
• After researching 30 models, we found that Travelpro Platinum Elite 25″ Expandable Spinner is the best suitcase for most travelers who check bags. The Best Suitcases for Checking  
• We chose five luggage tags that will help you identify your belongings in a sea of similar suitcases. The Best Luggage Tags  
• After researching and traveling with packing cubes for more than five years, the Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Cube Set is what we keep in our luggage. The Best Packing Cubes  

Further reading

How to Sleep Well (or at Least Better) While Traveling

by Christine Ryan

Our sleep and travel editors recommend gear for coping with travel-induced insomnia, vetted through hours of testing and years of personal experience.

The Gadgets We Bring on Every Trip

by Haley Perry

You don't have to be a digital nomad to travel like one. Here are a few gadgets and accessories to make travel as painless as possible.

Road-Trip Essentials

by Eve O'Neill

We spend a lot of time driving each year, and this is our list of essential road-trip gear to include in your packing list.

Air Travel Is Chaos. This Gear Will Help Get You Through the Exasperating Delays.

by Elissa Sanci

These things don’t make your flight take off any faster, but they can make the wait a little more tolerable.

Every product was carefully curated by an Esquire editor. We may earn a commission from these links.

The 12 Flip-Flops You'll Want to Buy This Summer

Sometimes you just have to.

best OG flip-flops

Havaianas top flip-flops.

best comfortable flip-flops

Teva mush ii flip-flops.

best thick flip-flops

Oofos ooriginal flip-flops.

Here's the thing: Flip-flops do a job, and they do it well. They keep the bottoms of your feet covered when you're loping across the hot sand on the way to that perfect spot down the beach where you can lay out a towel and relax in front of the waves. They shield your soles from scorching cement as you shuffle from the pool to the poolside bar. And, sure, they will also keep you from making direct foot-to-sidewalk contact should you choose to wear them on your morning coffee run , a move that we here at Esquire will neither endorse nor rebuke. Plus, it's worth noting that they make pretty decent house shoes .

The world has come around, flip-flop haters. Maybe it's time for you to do the same (or just get another pair of sandals ). And if you've always been pro flip-flop? Well, just do your best not to gloat, then pick up a pair or two from the list below. The more the merrier.

Havaianas has been making flip-flops for a long, long time and the Brazilian brand still puts out one of the best pairs around.

A soft, cushy footbed and nylon straps mean you'll be about as far from those plasticky, uncomfortable drugstore flip-flops as you can get.

If you're big into both flip-flops and recovery footwear, boy do I have exciting news for you.

J.Crew Striped Flip-Flops

J.Crew has been making gear for beachside escapades since 1983, the kinds of classic styles that'll last summer after summer. This highly-rated flip-flop is proof.

Hoka ORA Recovery Flip-Flops

Hoka does a damn-fine recovery flip-flop, too, with a thick, cushiony sole and a strap that won't leave you accidentally barefoot with one too-big step.

Brunello Cucinelli Pool Grosgrain Flip Flops

It's all about easy, breezy elegance with Brunello Cucinelli. These flip-flops, with a leather insole and grosgrain upper, are easy to dress up—well, as much as flip-flops can be dressed up—with a linen button-down and some khakis.

Prada Rubber Thong Sandals

For some stompers that are cool and classic, Prada's platform flip-flops are just what the season calls for. A little bit edgy, a little bit funky, and entirely, timelessly drippy.

Orlebar Brown Haston Logo-Debossed Rubber and Cork Flip Flops

No one does summertime like Orlebar Brown. The brand is dedicated to chic, classy, elevated vibes, and these flip-flops are exactly that. With a striped cork footbed and logo-debossed straps, this is how you do understated elegance when the sun is out.

Rainbow '301Alts' Flip-Flops

Turns out that guy from college who was way too good at hacky sack was onto something—these flip-flops are a riot.

RRL Leather Flip-Flops

A flip-flop that's equal parts rugged and rakish. Perfectly balanced, as all things from RRL tend to be.

OluKai Tuahine Waterproof Flip-Flops

Olukai is a name to know if you're in the market for a pair of flops, and its Tuahine style incorporates contoured arch support for extra comfort with a waterproof exterior.

Birkenstock Ramses Sandals

If you thought that you were forced to choose between flops and Birks, behold, a revelation: you can flop your Birks! Glory be!

What To Consider

At the end of the day, flip-flops are best-suited to certain environments and vibes, so make sure the pair you choose aligns with your lifestyle. If, for example, you want a pair of flip-flops for vacation, a pair with a good, durable sole that can withstand a lot of walking will do you well. For hikes and outdoor adventures, grab something sturdy, and for the beach or pool, get something waterproof. If you're dressing your flip-flops up, make sure you can dress them up—a plain ol' rubber pair won't do here.

How We Chose

Nothing says "summer is here!" like flip-flops do, and over the years, I've gone through many pairs of flip-flops. Some have withstood the test of time, and some have gained my unequivocal, wholehearted endorsement.

The rest of our staff at Esquire has a healthy rotation of sandals they love, too. So to put together this list of our picks, I chose flip-flops I've personally tried, tested, and loved, as well as flip-flops that my fellow Esquire editors have tried, tested, and loved. I scoured the ratings and reviews for every pair here from thousands of online buyers, too, so trust me when I say you won't find sandals that have gone through this many checks anywhere else.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I dress up my flip-flops?

Firstly, make sure you've gotten a pedicure recently. After your toes are taken care of, lean into the summery vibe of the shoe; if you want to look chic, reach for your linens and seersuckers, whether those are tailored shorts or oversized button-ups. You can never go wrong with a white linen shirt, some shorts or khakis, and your best flip-flops for summer.

What are some of the best flip-flop brands?

We're already biased towards the 12 brands and styles listed above, but if you want to narrow it down even further, some of the most widely trusted, reliable makers of flip-flops include Birkenstock, Havianas, and Teva.

Why You Can Trust Esquire

We’re not going to say something is great unless it’s actually great. Every product in Esquire’s round-ups is carefully curated by our fashion and e-commerce teams.

When it comes to flip-flops, you can rest assured that we’re hand-selecting styles that we’ve personally tested, tried, and loved, along with styles that the rest of our stylish colleagues here at Esquire endorse for their own wear. We’ve had to go through a lot of trial and error, and these flip-flops are the ones that are simply the best.

Every pick on this list (and our other lists!) comes from years of wearing different things, seeing what we love and what we don’t, and going from there. No two tastes are the same, and no two men are the same. Your proverbial mileage may vary. But if you’re looking for the right place to start, with advice from folks who and care (possibly too much!) about this sort of stuff, this is the place to be.

@media(max-width: 73.75rem){.css-1ktbcds:before{margin-right:0.4375rem;color:#FF3A30;content:'_';display:inline-block;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-1ktbcds:before{margin-right:0.5625rem;color:#FF3A30;content:'_';display:inline-block;}} Best of Men's Summer Fashion 2023

The Best White Sneakers to Wear with Everything

11 Chinos That Look Great, No Matter the Season

The Sunglasses Brands Stylish Guy Should Know

The Best Summer Suits for Men

18 Polo Shirts to Restore Your Faith in Polos

The Best Swimsuits for All Your Aquatic Adventures

The 20 Best Waterproof Sneakers for Rainy Days

18 Cuban Collar Shirts To Keep You Cool All Summer

The 16 Best Sunscreens to Wear Every Day

The Best Board Shorts to Buy Now

The 14 Best Hats to Wear All Summer Long

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• People Tested

17 Best Flip Flops for Women of 2024, Tested at the Beach and Beyond

Merrell, Clarks, Reef, Sanuk, and other brands you need to know

Olivia is a writer and content creator that has written about a wide range of subjects, including health, beauty, relationships, culture, and music. When she's not working, you can find her perusing coffee shops, reading, or catching up on reality TV.

In This Article

• Our Top Picks
• Others We Tried
• What to Know

Behind the Scenes

Why trust people, what is people tested.

People / Sarah Roberts

Summer is officially in full swing, so it's time to book that pedicure you've been putting off and invest in a quality pair of flip flops. Whether you’re running errands on a hot day, lounging on your back patio, or booking a well-deserved vacation in the sun, a good pair of flip flops is essential for all your summer adventures. Just be sure to treat yourself to a  foot mask or peel  before slipping into a pair.

The More You Know

"Avoid flip flops made of cheap material that are excessively thin or flat to prevent problems such as extensor tendonitis,” says LA-based podiatrist Cory Clement, DPM . “In addition, the flatter the sole, the more our intrinsic foot muscles work harder to grip the sandal, which can lead to hammertoes and even bunions.”

To save you time scrolling through endless ads and reviews, we tested over 26 pairs of women's flip flops for comfort, fit, support, durability, and value. We took them to the streets, the beach, and on road trips to see which ones were worthy of the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval. We continued to wear them for five months and have updated the below list to reflect the best of the best.

Best Overall

Reef solana flip flop.

Super soft footbed

No irritation, blisters, or chafing during testing

Comfortable for all-day wear

Could have more arch support

We can’t say enough good things about these stylish, yet utilitarian sandals from Reef, and that’s why they’re our top pick. The comfy, non-slip insole gave us enough cushion and support for all-day wear, and the non-porous upper made these flip flops quick drying — an easy transition from pool to sidewalk. (Hence why they dethroned our last year's best overall winner, the Clarks Breeze Sea Flip Flop ). 

The true test of this pair’s durability was when our tester’s dog got ahold of them for a few seconds, after which no marks were left or seams were ripped at the hands of sharp puppy teeth. 

Though this pair features classic thong straps, we never felt the irritation or chafing that typically accompanies this style. We did wish that there was a bit more arch support built into the shoe, but we still felt as if our feet were supported and comfortable throughout days-long outings in these flip flops (so really, we’re just being nitpicky). 

It was easy to transition these sandals from the pool to dinner thanks to their elevated look, and the price feels fair for the great quality and appearance of these easygoing shoes. 

Colors : 2 | Sizes : 5-11 | Materials : TPE footbed, rubber outsole, recycled plastic toe post

Best Overall (Cheaper)

Sanuk yoga sandy sandals.

Strappy details are aesthetically pleasing

Easy to pack

Lightweight and comfortable

No raised arch

Material absorbs water

There’s so much to love about these ultra-comfy Sanuk sandals, so we’ll start from the top. We became fans of the double-layered yoga mat material insole that kept our feet supported, stabilized, and most importantly, comfortable for full days of wear. The strappy details, which add a stylish touch, are made from stretchy nylon swimsuit material that made this style that much more comfortable in the long run.

Though these didn’t cause us any sort of discomfort, we did think they could stand to have  some arch support — especially for those overpronated feet. We also think it’s worth mentioning that these aren’t the best wet-to-dry sandals (the Reef Cushion Court excelled here), as the absorbent material tends to harbor water. However, we really couldn’t get enough of the cloudlike comfort that these Sanuk flip flops offered.

Colors : 3 | Sizes : 5-11 | Materials : Nylon/jersey upper, memory foam yoga mat footbed, recycled rubber outsole

People / Mandy Meindersma

Most Comfortable

Merrell women's hut ultra flip.

Great for all-day wear

Stabilizing sole with substantial tread

Extremely cushioned footbed

Tendency to hold water

“These are definitely one of the most comfortable flip-flops I've ever worn, next to my Birkenstock sandals ,” our tester wrote. She wore these flip flops for walks on the beach, airport trips, a sightseeing vacation in Vegas, and more. Their comfort can be attributed to the foamy footbed — a supportive, comfortable, and foot-cradling insole — and its high-traction tread, both which kept our tester light on her feet all day long.

Though this chunkier style looks like it could be on the heavy side, these shoes were light as a feather and never slowed our stride. They performed well across all terrains, including sand, grass, pavement, and wet tile, and never gave us trouble or pain — though they did seem to retain water when wet. Aside from this, the entire experience of wearing these ultra-cushioned flip flops felt like “walking on a cloud,” according to our tester.

Extra Perks

This shoe is vegan-friendly and treated with odor-repellant.

Colors : 7 | Sizes : 5-11 | Materials : FloatMax foam, algae biomass performance foam, EVA midsole and outsole, recycled webbing

People / Toni Sutton

Still Great

Clarks breeze sea flip flop.

Velcro-adjusted straps for custom fit

Thick soles provided extra support for all-day wear

Foamy footbeds kept us comfortable

Heavier than others we tested

Editor’s Note: These Clark flip flops were one of our top picks last year, and we still love them so we’re keeping them on this year’s list.

The Clarks Breeze Sea flip flops aren’t just a one-summer shoe — they combine durability and comfort so that you can get all the benefits of quality flip flops at the same time. While they aren’t necessarily airless like the Sanuk Yoga Mat Flip Flops , their extra weight is largely attributed to the thicker sole material, which feels extra durable. It has an EVA midsole for shock absorption, as well as an extra layer of foam on top for extra padding and support. And besides the straps being super cute, they also have velcro for a custom fit, and the comfy strap material prevents uncomfortable chafing.

How They've Held Up

If there’s one thing that we’re taking away from our five months with these flip flops, it’s that these are some durable shoes. While they felt firm at first, they later molded to our feet like memory foam. We were impressed by how hardwearing they were, never showing so much as a scuff or indent though we wore them nearly every day. Keep these in rotation with your most comfortable heels .

Colors : 5 | Sizes : 5-12 | Materials : Ortholite footbed, EVA outsole, soft textile lining

People / Bridget Annear

Best for Travel

Tkees flip-flop sandal.

Very flat, easy to pack

Comfortable despite little padding

Chafe- and blister-free wear

Run a bit small

Lacking arch support

Packing shoes is one of the most tedious parts of getting ready to go on a trip — but we’ve found flip flops that are the easiest to pack, leaving even more room for extras (like your favorite one-piece swimsuit ). These chic, shiny flip flops are super thin without being flimsy, which makes them easy to stack in a carry-on suitcase or tote and take on your next vacay. We wore them on long walks, to the beach, and while running our everyday errands and didn’t feel as if they were slipping off or irritating our feet in any way.

We will say that because they are so flat, and therefore easy to pack, they lack arch support and an overly plushy footbed, which flip flop devotees may want. (We’d suggest the Birkenstock Gizeh EVA Sandals , in that case.) They also seem to run about a half-size too small, so we’d suggest sizing up. However, these were some of the most basic, yet attractive flip flops we tried, and we think they’d be the perfect shoe for everything from pool days to resort dinners on your next trip away.

Colors : 21 | Sizes : 5-11 | Materials : Synthetic leather

People / Sarah Naftzger

Most Lightweight

Sanuk yoga mat flip flops.

Made from super-soft yoga mat material

Plush yet supportive

Enough traction to wear on wet surfaces

Minimal structured support (more stylish than orthopedic)

Overly cushioned, so not ideal for all day wear

These featherweight flip flops have a footbed made from yoga mat material, which means that they’re some of the most comfortable shoes we’ve ever slipped into. And although they’re plush and ultralight, they do still offer arch support. The Y-shaped straps are made from faux leather and have an extra layer of soft fabric lining them, which keeps your feet from chafing or blistering. 

While they’re not the shoes you’d want to wear during a long day on your feet, they feel like a dream for short outings, like walks along the beach in your favorite swimsuit . And if you’re looking for a beach essential and are worried about getting around on slick pool tiles or sandy boardwalks, the sturdy grip of the bottoms of the shoes, coupled with the thick straps that cling to your feet, means that you don’t have to feel unsteady on slippery terrains.

After five months of testing, we’re still loving these affordable flip flops. They formed to our feet after so much summer wear that we transitioned these into our house shoes in the winter. And even though they became pretty worn into the soles of our feet, they never became uncomfortable.

Colors : 8 | Sizes : 5-11 | Materials : Synthetic upper, faux leather straps

People / Lydia Price

Best Design

Birkenstock gizeh eva sandals.

Birkenstock 

One of the most lightweight options we tested

Anatomically shaped footbed for excellent arch support

No break-in period

Relatively expensive

Like all Birkenstock shoes, these flip flops have an anatomically shaped, molded footbed — designed to cradle your feet perfectly. And because these are a little more soft, they work for many foot types, whether you’re flat-footed or have a high arch. Because the thong straps themselves are made out of comfortable foam, they don’t chafe or cause blistering, which is huge considering many flip flops can be irritating between the toes. 

There wasn’t an awkward period of breaking them in — we noticed that within as little as an hour they started to mold to our feet, which saved us from the dreaded discomfort of adjusting to a new shoe. While these come at a fairly steep price compared to other shoes we tested, they are the kind of sandal that you can wear all day long, which is in large part due to their expert design. And after giving them a fair test, we determined this makes the price worth it.

Colors : 5 | Sizes : 4-13 (whole sizes) 4.5-13.5 (half sizes) | Materials : Molded EVA foam

People / Karen Chen

Best Strappy

Teva olowahu flip flop.

Straps are thin, so they’re easy to pack

Cushioned footbed has a plush fee

Performed well on different terrains

Little to no arch support

Hard to slide on and off

The Teva Olowahu flip flops are very lightweight and the straps are soft, so they easily slide into any suitcase or tote bag without taking up too much space. Although they don’t have much arch support, they’re fairly cushioned and super soft for long days. The straps, thankfully, didn’t cause any chafing, and we noticed that they stretch and mold to the foot over time, which is a plus. However, the toe strap is a little tight and they don’t exactly slip on, so it does take some stretching to get them on your foot the first few times. 

These women's Tevas did well on different terrains — from cement to grass to sand. But though the cushioned footbed has a plush feel, it doesn’t offer much more than that. However, these easily packable and lightweight shoes are a great addition to slide into your weekender bag at the last minute for treks to the pool or beach.

We still agree that these are not shoes for long walks, but we do recommend them for days spent relaxing by the pool. Their flatness makes them easy to pack, yet their strappy design is eye-catching, which makes these shoes feel like a surefire option for our next resort stay.

Colors : 13 | Sizes : 5-12 | Materials : EVA, rubber sole

People / Taylor Fox

Best Ergonomic

Fitflop iqushion flip-flops.

Plush yet lightweight support

Pillows on the front and back cradle your feet

Easy to slip on and off

Slightly uncomfortable between the toes

Thin straps may not feel secure enough

What stood out to us about this Fitflop pair were the barely-noticeable design features like air-foam cushioning and impact pillows that made these sandals uniquely ergonomic. Its specialty footbed felt supportive yet didn’t weigh down our steps, and the extra padding in the front and back stabilized us when walking on bumpy terrains. 

We were equally impressed by its anatomically shaped footbed, which provided great arch support and minimized the foot fatigue we’d feel in flat or flimsy flip flops. However, we did experience a bit of irritation from the toe straps, but it faded once we got used to the new shoes.

Colors : 12 | Sizes : 5-11 | Materials : Snake-embossed rubber, EVA foam

People / Jamie Hergengrader

Best Unisex

Crocs classic ii flip flop.

Just as lightweight as Crocs clogs

Footbed’s bump details boost circulation

Slightly awkward arches

Crocs are beloved by many — especially fans of slip-on shoes — but are their flip flops as good as their iconic clogs? We’re happy to announce that yes, the Croc flip flops have all the same qualities as the OG shoe — like Croslite foam and bump details in the footbed for boosted circulation. 

We love how lightweight and cushioned they are, and the bump detailing makes it feel like you’re getting a gentle massage with every step. While the arches sit at a little bit of an awkward height, they also provide gentle support, like most Crocs do. These also required no break-in period and caused little to no discomfort on the first few wears. Keep in mind that these do feel a bit big and wide on your foot, but that’s how they’re designed (in fact, they’re pretty true-to-size).

No different than our classic Crocs clogs , these have become our go-to for quick errands and traveling. They feel just as durable as when we first got them, even after testing them on every terrain accessible to us  (sand, concrete, wood, carpet, you name it). After all of that, they reflect little to no signs of physical wear and tear.

Colors : 4 | Sizes : 6-15 | Materials : Thermoplastic (EVA), EVA sole

Best Support

Aerothotic orthotic flip flops.

 Amazon

Excellent arch support

Shock-absorbing footbed

Noticeable reduction of foot fatigue and discomfort

Irritation from straps after first wears

Design caters to medium-high arch

These shoes are loaded with supportive features like cupped soles, toe grips, and gel-like conditioning under the footbed that softened our steps. The bottom of the shoe itself is made of thick plastic and has a square-shaped heel, which also protected the bottoms of our feet from any harsh terrain. However, keep in mind that these shoes cater to people with a medium-high arch, so they may not fit the same on every foot. 

Although this pair is a bit bulkier than others we tested, everything from the straps to the soles felt structured, durable, and most of all, comfortable. We will note that the underlining of the straps caused a little bit of irritation on the tops of our feet during the first few wears, but it eventually subsided. We thought this shoe came at a great value, especially for its fatigue-relieving benefits. If this is a specific pain point for you, then these flip flops are certainly worth the purchase. 

How They’ve Held Up

We loved the comfortable support of these shoes so much that we’re wearing them both inside and outside of the house (depending on the season). There’s been no deterioration in the straps or soles of these shoes, and the traction is still top-tier.

Colors : 20 | Sizes : 6-11 | Materials : Polyurethane

People / Jeanne Geer

Best Everyday

Skechers on the go 600 sunny flip flop.

Thick, durable soles

Lightweight wear

Comfortable across various terrains and weather conditions

On the expensive side

Not easy to pack

If you’re someone who likes wearing flip flops all day, this pair from Skechers is a great option. These thick, sturdy, and durable sandals were the perfect weight to absorb the feeling of rocks or gravel underneath without weighing us down or feeling bulky. The straps were soft and didn’t cause any chafing, and we appreciated the footbed’s moderate arch support. 

We tested these across multiple terrains in rain and shine — and they held up beautifully through it all. Because these are so thick, they’re ideal for long days of walking or time spent standing in one spot (think summer parades or sports games). However, the size of them makes them a bit hard to pack. They’re a little pricey for flip flops at $45, but if you plan on wearing them every day — like a great pair of sunglasses — you’re certainly going to get your money’s worth. 

Colors : 9 | Sizes : 5-12 (regular sizes) 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 (wide sizes) | Materials : Goga mat footbed, rubber sole

People / Jillian Sederholm

Best for the Pool

Havaianas slim flip flops.

Barely-there lightweight feel

Cushioned insole adds extra comfort and protection

Great traction on outsoles

Lacks arch support

One of our favorite features of the Havaianas Slim Flip Flops is how lightweight they are. The cushioned insole provides a solid layer of comfort and protection from the ground with every step. The bottoms are also ridged, which offers a good amount of traction on slippery surfaces like a pool deck. 

While these are lightweight and comfortable, they have minimal arch support, which means they aren’t the best for running errands or spending a lot of time on your feet. However, they slip on and off easily, don’t leave any blisters, and are relatively plush to the touch (all with a pretty cheap price tag), so they’re an excellent option for your short-term summertime activities. (Extra perk: They're slim enough to slip into a tote bag to take on the go.)

These simplistic shoes were what we’d expect from a standard summer sandal, but they deliver consistently comfortable wear every time. We’ve yet to see a decline in the wear and appearance, which leads us to believe that they’re pretty durable despite their slender look.

Colors : 13 | Sizes : 5-12 | Materials : Rubber

Best Elevated

Olukai ‘aka beach sandals.

Unique strappy details make these dinner-appropriate

Grippy bottom and water-friendly material ensures no slipping at the pool

Super comfortable without having a casual flip flop appearance

A bit on the narrow side so not great for those with wide feet

These elevated Olukai flip flops can do it all. The patented Wet Grip Rubber bottom makes them a great choice for the pool, and the unique knotted design and “bikini-inspired straps” make them equally appropriate for a date night or vacation dinner. One of our editors even wore these sandals at a music festival and found them comfy enough to dance in for hours.

If you have wide feet or need a lot of arch support, these may not be the sandals for you, but if you’re looking for a comfortable, versatile sandal that doesn’t sacrifice style, this is a great pick.

Editors Say

These white Olukai flip flops are chic. I live in Hawai’i, where flip flops reign supreme, but I get tired of throwing on the same casual pair as I’m headed out the door. These flip flops make it look like I put a little extra thought into my outfit, making them a great choice for dinner with friends or an elevated pool day. — Erin Johnson , associate editorial director

Colors: 5 | Sizes: 5-11 | Materials: Not listed

Best Casual

Teva mush ii flip flops.

Flexible sole adjusts to your foot

No blisters or chafing during testing

Thick straps kept them in place

Straps felt tight during the first few wears

We were taken aback at just how lightweight and soft these Teva flip flops were. The ultralight, flexible sole allowed them to conform to our feet fully, but they were by no means flimsy. The thick thong straps kept them in place so they didn’t slip as we walked, yet we didn’t experience chafing or blisters while breaking them in.

Although there aren’t a ton of color options, these are great sandals for casual wear while running errands or while on vacation. It doesn’t hurt that the straps are super cute, too.

​​We spent a lot of time (one year, to be exact) in hot climates with these shoes and they withstood everyday wear with ease. The squishy soles molded to our feet, making our daily treks around town more comfortable than ever, and the straps didn’t stretch out (an issue we’d faced with some other styles).

Colors : 4 | Sizes : 5-12 | Materials : Polyester webbing, EVA sole

People / Cecilia De La Paz

Best Cushion

Reef cushion court flip flops.

Soft, foamy footbed with great arch support

Fast drying for pool or beach days

Going on one year of testing with no complaints

Inconsistent sizing

The Reef Cushion Court flip flops are made from a thick foam material, which makes them very soft and cushioned — but that doesn’t mean that they’re not supportive. Though plush, the insole is sturdy enough to provide great arch support without sacrificing comfort. The straps, which are made of vegan leather, were also soft and visually elevating. 

Another perk was how quickly these sandals dried, making them perfect to take from the pool to the boardwalk. One thing to keep in mind is that there were slight inconsistencies in the sizing, so we recommend sizing up by at least half a size.

These flip flops are incredibly versatile. We’ve gone from wearing them outside in various terrains to using them as gym locker room shoes — all through which they have remained comfortable, durable, and totally waterproof. We can see this hardwearing pair lasting us several years (and when they do walk their last miles, we’re going to replace them with the exact same style).

Colors : 13 | Sizes : 5-12 (whole sizes) 7.5, 8.5, 9.5 (half sizes) | Materials : Cushioned foam, vegan leather strap, rubber sole

People / Ellie Hertel

Best Slip Resistant

Okabashi maui flip flops.

Footbed grips your soles for extra security

Slip-proof outsole is ideal for poolside wear

Comfortable arch support

Confusing sizes

The Okabashi Maui Flip Flops achieve the one thing that we really need summer sandals to do — be slip-resistant on a water-soaked pool deck. Its non-slip and non-marking rubber sole gripped onto the bottoms of our feet and the surface below to prevent injury on slick surfaces, which made this pair a standout from the start. 

But this isn’t all we loved about these grippy shoes. They have a sculpted arch and heel that keeps you comfortable and stable all day long, and its textured insole made us feel like we were getting a gentle massage. 

One of our only qualms was the confusing sizing, which is categorized by small (US 5-6), medium (US 6-7.5), medium-large (US 8-9), large (9.5-10), and “LL” (US 11-12). The awkward sizing breaks made it hard to find our true size, so if you’re between two, we’d suggest sizing up.

From indoor shoes to grassy outdoor slip-ons, these flip flops have been a cloud of comfort for our feet. Not only have they stayed soft and supportive, but they’ve remained in tip-top shape despite puppy nibbles and yard work scuffs. We can pretty confidently say that we’ll be taking these into the next few summers ahead.

Colors : 11 | Sizes : 5-6, 8-9 (whole sizes) 6.5-10.5 (half sizes) | Materials : Microplast

People / Skye Senterfeit

Other Women’s Flip Flops We Tried

• Chaco Chillos Flip Flop : These flip flops were lightweight, had supportive arches, and most of all, were super durable. They required a bit of a break-in period, but that only lasted for the first two wears. They dried quickly, which made them easy to take from water to land, and they have a thick, cushioned footbed that protected our feet when walking on rough terrain. We recommend sizing up because this style runs a bit small.
• KuaiLu Yoga Foam Flip Flops : From the first wear, these sandals felt supportive and luxe — as if they were molding to our feet. They were comfortable during everyday errands and the substantial traction made us feel confident on a variety of terrains, from sidewalks to grass. The padding was just enough to where it didn’t feel too bulky, but it wasn’t thin, either. We’d suggest sizing down for your best fit. 

What to Know About Women’s Flip Flops

Wearing uncomfortable flip flops can wreak all kinds of havoc on your body, from back to neck pain, muscle aches, and tightness. Wearing comfortable shoes is an investment in your overall physical wellness. Depending on your lifestyle, you’ll most likely wear flip flops during leisure time, like traveling or hanging out around the house. Pick a pair that feels good to you so that you can fully enjoy these moments in life without distraction or discomfort. Taking into account how the straps feel on your feet, how the sole bends, and how cushioned the footbed is is key for figuring out whether or not a shoe truly feels comfortable to you.

From wide to narrow, high arches or flat feet , it’s important to know your foot type so that you can pick the shoes that work best for you. Looking at how stretchy the straps are, how wide the footbed is, and the height and width of its arch are all things you should consider when picking your next pair of flip flops. (From our findings, shoppers with wide or flat feet would benefit from the Crocs Classic Flip Flop while narrow feet with high arches would appreciate the OluKai ‘Aka Beach Sandals .)

If any of these things don’t align with the anatomy of your foot, then you will experience discomfort that will make you not want to wear them at all. Also, if you’re doubtful about which size to pick, it’s a pretty safe bet to size up by half a size so that you have extra room and flexibility.

Arch Support

Experts recommend prioritizing arch support when shopping for both women's and men's flip flops because wearing shoes with minimal support can lead to things like exacerbated back pain and muscle tension. Unlike walking shoes , flip-flops often have minimal support due to flimsy, flat footbeds. But if you need a little extra boost, you should look at how easily the sole of the shoe bends and the shape of the arch. Finding shoes with a design that prioritizes support (like the Aerothotic Orthotic Flip Flops ) is the best way to make sure your feet are supported and protected. 

Whether you’re headed to a rocky beach or a slippery pool deck, having shoes that will go the distance is the best way to make the most of your adventures. Thick soles, secure straps, and high-quality materials are key components of shoes that last. We liked the Clarks Women's Breeze Sea best for their durability. They worked well in several terrains due to their thick, sturdy soles that protected our feet and comfortable insoles that never let our feet feel the unevenness of the ground below.

With all that being said, you ultimately get what you pay for — while it may seem ridiculous to pay more than $10 for a pair of flip flops, paying more for high-quality materials means you’ll be able to wear them year after year, as opposed to having to throw them out after a few months. Thinking about what your money is getting you — like comfort and durability — will help you determine the value of the shoes you’re purchasing. 

People / Anna Popp

In order to discover the best flip flops for women this year, we tested over 6 pairs over the course of two weeks (on top of last year’s tests, where we tried 20 pairs for over five months). We based our judgements upon the following qualities: 

• Versatility: During the first two-week period, we wore the flip flops about 5-7 times for at least 5 hours each on various terrain, such as pavement, grass, dirt, sand, wet tile, hardwood floors, etc., to see how each fared in different circumstances.  
• Comfort: We looked for things like blistering, chafing, dye stains on our skin, and if the shoes did or didn’t need a break-in period to start feeling comfortable. Each tester also noted how heavy each pair felt on their feet, as weightier pairs often lead to irritation down the road.
• Durability: During this testing period, we evaluated how each shoe withstood water, sweat, and prolonged wear. We looked closely at how each tread fared on different kinds of terrains and weather conditions, and if there were any signs of wear and tear on the shoes by the end.
• Value: The final, and arguably most important quality, was if we thought the performance, price, and design of the sandals added up. We were not shown the prices of our pairs until the very end of the initial two-week testing period, where we then decided whether or not they were worth that amount of money (or if we’d pay more for the performance).  

But we didn’t stop there — we continued to wear some of these shoes for up to a year to truly test the longevity, continuous performance, and overall comfort of these flip flops.

We later updated this list according to our findings, and will continue to do so as the years go on and more styles make their summer debuts.

Frequently Asked Questions

This ultimately depends on what kind of wear you’re hoping to get out of your flip flops. If you’re going to be wearing them to the beach or the pool, a plastic or rubber material will be your safest bet. Because they’re easy to dry off and resist water, plastic flip flops won’t get soggy or moldy from water damage. However, if you plan on wearing them every day out and about, leather flip flops are high quality, soft, and durable, so you'll get many seasons of wear out of them.

There are a lot of things to take into account when picking the right flip flop for you. Things like your foot shape and lifestyle will impact your choice. If you have higher arches and need extra support, look for shoes that are designed to provide extra comfort with arch support and cushioning. If you have sensitive skin and find that your feet blister a lot in new shoes, opt for fabric straps as opposed to rubber, which tend to chafe more on skin. If you have a wider foot, you’ll probably want straps that have a little more stretch so that they don’t feel as tight on your feet.

Flip flop sizes tend to be standardized into small, medium, and large, which can make it hard to pick a pair that is your right size. Flip flops are meant to be a little more roomy and flexible, so it’s a safe bet to size up to make sure that they are comfortable and aren’t too tight.

Oliva Avitt is a freelance content creator and commerce writer for PEOPLE. She writes about all topics, including home, beauty, and fashion. For this article, she used our real-world testing insights and spoke with board-certified podiatrist Dr. Cory Clement about the importance of high-quality flip flops and their relation to overall foot health.

Staff writer Alyssa Brascia updated this story with our testers’ year-long insights, where they recorded their observations of the shoes’ performances over a longer period of time to speak to their durability. She also added in additional picks from our 2024 testing process.

This article was edited by associate editorial director and Hawai'i resident Erin Johnson , who lives in flip flops. She has tried (and approves of) multiple flip flops of this list. Her favorites come from Sanuk, Reef, Merrell, and OluKai.

Meet Our Expert

Cory Clement, DPM is an Los Angeles-based podiatrist and foot surgeon. He commented on what to look for in a supportive pair of flip flops.

We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.

But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.

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The Best Flip-Flops for Women of 2024

Whether you’re looking for cute flip-flops for a beach vacation , the best flip-flops for outdoor adventures, or just the most comfortable flip-flops to run around town, this toe-free footwear can serve multiple purposes. We know it can be hard to pick out shoes online, so our experts have rigorously tested eight styles of flip-flops for women and we have all the inside scoop to share.

Our tester, Brandy Jo Hastings, is a beach-loving outdoor adventurer who lives in Florida and has worn flip-flops for 4 decades. Over the years, Brandy has tried many great ones, but just like Jimmy Buffett in Margaritaville, a few flip-flops have also blown out during use.

Drawing on her personal experience and trial and error, Brandy has prioritized what to look for in women’s flip-flops. She has spent the last 2 months trying multiple styles to determine the best for various situations.

We’ve walked a mile (or 10) in your shoes and thoroughly tested each to share the things we love and don’t love about each. We tested each flip-flop for comfort, traction, and performance in dry and wet situations. We also tested support, style, packability, and versatility. We’ve listed our favorites below and compared each in our comparison chart .

If you haven’t worn flip-flops much or feel overwhelmed by all of the options, check out our in-depth buyer’s guide and FAQ to help you learn what to consider when searching for the best flip-flops for you.

• Best Overall Flip-Flops for Women: OluKai ‘Ohana Flip-Flops
• Best Budget Flip-Flops for Women: Teva Olowahu Flip-flops
• Best Flip-Flops for Women for All-Day Comfort: HOKA ORA Recovery Flip
• Best Beach-to-Brunch Flip-Flops for Women: Chaco Classic Flip

OluKai ‘Ohana Flip-Flops

• Strap Traditional Y-strap
• Number of colors available 16

• The most number of color options available based on all of the ones we tested
• Super comfortable for all-day wear
• Quick drying
• No break-in period
• Footbed gets hot when left out in the heat
• A little squeak when they get wet

Having one pair of go-to shoes that work for so many occasions is nice. The OluKai ‘Ohana ($75) is your ride-or-die flip-flop. It is ready to wear straight out of the package, and there’s no break-in period. You can wear these for extended periods, as they have a contoured footbed that cradles your feet and offers just the right amount of support. You can feel confident that your feet will still be happy even after walking for hours. 

We also loved that they were thin enough to pack for a beach vacation easily. Don’t feel like you have to put them in your suitcase, though. We also wore these for full days of traveling and running through airports. The tread on the soles performed well when our tester was running and trying to make a connecting flight.

Our team tested all of the flip-flops by leaving them out by the pool on a hot Florida day and saw that our black pair of OluKai ‘Ohanas was one of the top two that didn’t perform as well in this test. When testing by touch and with an infrared digital thermometer, we realized this was one of the shoes that got the hottest.

Our tester loved these so much, this wasn’t a deal breaker. After several times with burned feet over the years, she’s learned to flip them over or cover the footbed with her beach towel so they aren’t exposed to the brutal sun. You can also just throw these water-resistant shoes in the water to cool them down quickly.

Also, we noticed that these shoes have a smoother footbed than others. This led to a squeaking sound when walking after they got wet. Luckily, they dry quickly, so it’s not a deal breaker.  

If you’re looking for versatile flip-flops known for comfort, you will love the OluKai ‘Ohana . They were great for everything from the beach to running around town. With their more sporty look, we don’t consider these the most dressy. However, they still pair well with everything from shorts to swimsuits to casual sundresses. Lucky for us, too, they come in 16 colors: the most color options available in all the flip-flops we tested.

Teva Olowahu Flip-Flops

• Strap Y-strap Hybrid
• Number of colors available 6

• The unique strappy style makes this the most fashionable of the ones we tested
• Lowest priced flip-flop of the ones we tested
• Quick-drying straps made from recycled plastic
• Non-traditional tan lines due to the straps
• Not as easy to slide on quickly
• Toe post rubbed between toes

We were surprised to find that the cutest flip-flops also ended up being the lowest priced. We found the Teva Olowahu Flip-flops ($34) comfortable enough to throw on with a swimsuit and walk along the shoreline picking up seashells but also cute enough to dress up a little. Our flip-flop expert even paired these with a tropical dress to wear to a beach wedding in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The straps on these made us love them, but there are also some things to consider with this unique design. While this Y-strap style goes between your toes, these flips also come with additional straps and seven attachment points. Those extra straps can result in some interesting tan lines. To avoid that, just lather your feet in some reef-safe sunscreen before heading out in the sun, and you’ll be fine.

Also, the additional straps make it a bit challenging to slide them on quickly. What’s an extra 5 seconds for fashion though? We didn’t find that to be a big deal at all. But, it was worth noting because you have to sit down and ensure all toes go where they are supposed to go.

The straps on this one didn’t provide any major discomfort when they were dry, but that was a little different once they got wet. While the straps across the top of our tester’s feet were rubbed a little when wet, the toe post (the part of the strap that goes between your big toe and the rest of your toes) caused the most problems because of its position.

Unlike the other traditional Y-strap flip-flops that had the toe post that cradled its widest side between your big toe and second toe, the Teva Olowahu has the thinnest edge positioned to meet the skin between your toes and you can really feel the rub when it is wet.

Luckily though, the straps dried quickly. Even if they are dry, we found that you can still feel the rub between your toes if you are walking for extended periods of time also, but these shoes aren’t really made for that purpose.

If you’re looking for fashionable flip-flops to wear on the town, the Teva Olowahu is a great choice. They are cute and comfortable but aren’t the best for watersports or rugged activities. While they do offer fashion and some function, we lean more toward the fashionable side with this one. The straps on this one are also made from recycled plastic, and they are vegan, so these are a great choice for those who are focused on sustainability too.

HOKA ORA Recovery Flip

• Number of colors available 5

• Most comfortable of all of the flip-flops we tested
• Lining inside of straps provided additional comfort
• Recognized by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) as a product that is beneficial to foot health
• A little bulky to pack in a suitcase or throw in a beach bag
• Footbed gets hot when left in the sun

The HOKA ORA Recovery Flip ($60) was the most comfortable flip-flop we tested. HOKA is known for the Meta-Rocker in the soles of its athletic shoes, and you’ll find that same unique feature in its flip-flops. This technology that is unique to HOKA and the oversized cushioned midsole made these a dream to wear all day.

If you are a runner or hiker, you’ll also discover that these are great to throw on after being active as they warmly embrace your tired, achy feet. The American Podiatric Medical Association has even recognized its benefits, and you’ll see these shoes listed on the APMA website with a seal of approval.

Besides the soles that made us feel like we were walking on a cloud, we must also point out the stellar straps. These traditional Y-strap flip-flops have three points where they attach to the shoe, but the toe strap is a little longer and comes up higher on your foot than the others we tested.

This allows the wide strap going across your foot to sit back a little further. This created a completely different feel that we loved. The lining inside the strap was soothing as well and never caused any discomfort, no matter if it was wet or dry.

While the oversized sole provided so much comfort, it also brought some challenges. We loved these so much and wanted to take them everywhere. However, their bulky size made packing them a little difficult. They weren’t as thin as most of the other flip-flops we tested and took up a lot of space in our suitcase and beach bag.

The footbed on the black pair we tried also retained the most heat out of all those tested when left out by the pool on a hot Florida day. It wasn’t unbearable, but it was noticeable. We just tossed them in the water to cool them down and put them on. That led us to find that the wet footbed did cause a little squeak when we walked, but these shoes have a great tread and we never felt unstable walking on the pool deck with these when they were wet.

The HOKA ORA Recovery Flip is ideal for active people who want something to throw on after working out to rest their achy feet. However, these are the most comfortable flip-flops that we tested overall. We would recommend these to anyone just looking for an all-purpose, quality pair of flip-flops that are also great for walking for extended periods of time. They are a sportier design, so it is harder to dress them up, but they are great for walking, everyday casual use, or recovery.

Chaco Classic Flip

• Number of colors available 4

• Good for those who need a little arch support
• Thin design makes it easy to pack for your beach vacation
• Footbed provided great stability when worn in the water
• There is a break-in period for the straps
• Not a good option for those with wider feet

The Chaco Classic Flip ($65) has a contoured footbed that delivers Chaco’s LUVSEAT arch support. We noticed the great support as soon as we slipped these shoes onto our feet. We really loved the footbed and sole on this one. While it is not as thick as some of the other flip-flops we tested, we saw this as a plus.

Our tester was able to easily throw them in her overly packed suitcase to bring them along on her island vacation.

While these were thinner, the design of the sole and footbed was not lacking. The firm footbed and sole both had textured surfaces and great traction. These offered excellent traction and stability when wet.

Even though these performed awesomely in aquatic situations, they were also quite stylish. These have a somewhat sporty design but aren’t clunky and are super cute flip-flops.

We did find that these flip-flops have a break-in period, though. Our tester made the mistake of wearing these for the first time on a day that involved a lot of walking. She quickly learned that may not have been the best excursion to break them in. She wore them for about 5 hours that day and realized within the first hour that the straps were creating blisters on the tops of her feet.

The next time she wore them, they were completely fine though, and didn’t cause any blisters or discomfort. Every time since then has been fine, too. The straps just needed that initial break-in time.

Despite that first impression, we’re so glad we continued to test them and didn’t give up on them. The more we wore these, the more we loved them. It is important to note, too, that our tester doesn’t have wide feet and still experienced this break-in period with the straps. The footbed fit her perfectly, but we don’t feel this would be the best option for those with wider feet.

The corrective footbed in these is recognized by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) and is great for those who want a cute flip-flop with arch support. These are also great for those participating in aquatic activities who are looking for extra traction.

In addition, although the Chaco Classic Flips ranked high in performance and function and are good for your feet, we thought these were cute and had a lot of versatility. They are perfect to wear straight from the beach to brunch or as an everyday go-to shoe.

OOFOS OOahh Slide

• Strap Slide
• Number of colors available 8

• Largest range of sizes of the flip-flops we reviewed
• Easy to slide on
• Good for wide feet
• Machine washable
• Lighter colors show dirt easily
• Not the best for wearing in the water

The OOFOS OOahh Slide ($60) is made from the OOFOS OOfoam technology, shock absorbers meant to absorb impact, and provide the perfect blend of stability and cushion. The company claims that it absorbs 37% more impact than traditional footwear. While we don’t have a way to test that exact number, we can say that this one was very comfortable.

This style is also a slide with a wide strap across the top of your foot but doesn’t have the Y-strap going between your first and second toes. This eliminates the possibility of any irritation between your toes. There won’t be any irritation on the bottom of your feet either even if you leave these outside.

These performed the best in our heat test. While any shoe left in the hot sun will get hot, according to our infrared thermometer, these didn’t get as hot as the others.

These flips are a great option for those with wider and larger feet. Of all of the women’s flip-flops we tested, the OOFOS OOahh offered the largest size range (5-16). All of the others only went up to a size 11 or 12.

Our tester found that the strap that goes across your foot had a little extra room between her feet and the strap, so these were made a little wider. This makes it a little less secure on narrow feet, but of the ones we tried, this was the best flip-flop for wide feet.

While the OOFOS OOahh Slide is awesome and provides a lot of comfort, we found a couple of drawbacks. They were easy to slip onto our feet, which also made it easier for them to fall off.

The textured footbed holds your foot in place, but without the additional Y-strap between your toes like the standard flip-flops, there is less to hold your feet in place when you are active.

We also tried the OOFOS Ooriginal ($60) , which is made from the same OOfoam technology but has a Y-strap that goes between your toes. This one had a similar feel since it was made of the same materials, but the different strap held our feet more securely in place.

These flips also showed dirt on the lighter color that we tested. It didn’t rinse off as easily as the other flip-flops and had a dingy color after we put them through the wringer working in the yard and walking in the sand at the beach. However, this one claimed to be machine washable, so we tested it out. After one wash, they looked as good as new again.

The OOFOS OOahh Slide (and its sister, the OOFOS Ooriginal ) is a great option for anyone looking for a comfortable slide to wear daily. We found these to be soothing to wear after a day on our feet and think they serve as a great recovery shoe for those with tired feet.

Podiatrists feel the same way, and this is another that APMA has recommended as being beneficial for those with foot problems. The wider style and strap make these the perfect flip-flops for women with wider feet.

Reef Cushion Breeze

• Number of colors available 3

• Super comfortable
• Inner lining under the strap and on the toe post is made from recycled water bottles
• Dries quickly
• Has a little squeak when it gets wet
• Limited color options

The Reef Cushion Breeze ($40) is still one of our favorite flip-flops for women, although it is less than half the price of the most expensive one we tested. The footbed is one of the most important places where we measure comfort, and this shoe doesn’t disappoint. It offers a nice cushion to your feet.

Another great thing to point out about the Reef Cushion Breeze is the comfort of the Y-strap. It is made from vegan leather but has a soft webbing liner under the strap that is actually made from recycled plastic bottles. The toe post (the part of the strap that goes between your big toe and the rest of your toes) is also made from that material as well.

As hard as it is to think of a plastic bottle adding additional comfort to your flip-flop experience, it truly does. It is not abrasive at all and is really comforting. We didn’t experience any discomfort or blistered feet with this one. We also totally love the sustainability of this flip-flop. It feels good to be doing our part to help the planet.

While we would love to help the planet even more and order this in every color possible, our options are limited. This flip-flop only comes in three colors and we would love to see a larger number of hues available. The colors offered are versatile enough to pair well with a variety of outfits though.

Another thing we noticed when wearing these is that they squeak a little when wet Our lead tester first noticed it when getting stuck out in a Florida rainstorm. The footbed is not textured like some of the others, and she wasn’t as confident in her feet staying put. The sole does have some texture, though, and still made her feel stable in the rain.

She tested it again in the pool to ensure the squeak wasn’t a part of the breaking-in period, but it did occur again. It’s a little annoying to hear, but since they dried pretty quickly, the sound didn’t last long.

The Reef Cushion Breeze is a great option if you are looking for a comfortable everyday flip-flop that doesn’t cost a lot. We feel these are quality flip-flops offered at a value price. They aren’t fancy, but they are great for everyday use and seem to do well with extended wear.

KEEN Bali Slides

• Strap Slide/Hybrid

• Toes are protected from stubbing them on rocks
• Great traction and foot stability when in the water and crawling over rocks and logs
• Treated with Eco Anti-Odor for odor control
• Covered big toe can take awhile to get used to
• Straps are the slowest to dry of the ones we tested
• Limited number of color options

The Keen Bali Slide ($85) was the most nontraditional of the styles we tested. While this is technically considered a slide since it doesn’t have the Y-strap that goes between your toes, it doesn’t have the traditional single strap that goes across your foot and connects to the sole on either side of your foot. Instead, the strap covering your foot has five points where it attaches to the sole and even has a covered toe.

We felt the additional coverage over the toe was helpful when used in areas with more terrain. And, our tester saved herself from many stubbed toes playing in the water as she waded through the river and climbed over rocks and logs.

In true KEEN fashion, these provided great traction and stability on all of our adventures in the water and across various terrain. When walking in and around the pool, the river, and on slick rock surfaces, the Keen Bali Slides didn’t fail us, and we never felt like we were going to fall.

Even though this is a slide, we never felt like we were going to slide out of it because the multi-strap design held our feet in better than other slides. The thick aqua grip rubber of the footbed and outsole gave us even more stability.

While the covered toe area is what saved us from stubbed toes, it did take some getting used to. Even when worn in the water, it never rubbed us to the point of blisters or irritation, but it’s not a feeling we were accustomed to. Our big toe was covered with a strap and the additional rubber support on the end of the shoe, while our pinky toe was covered by a side strap. Our other toes were free and exposed.

Our tester didn’t notice the strap on her pinky toe, but the light pressure on her big toe was noticeable. It rubbed her big toe in the spot right past where the toenail connected to her toe. It wasn’t painful but was a feeling she never got used to and always felt when wearing these shoes.

Compared to the other flip-flops we tested, this one’s sturdy straps took the longest to dry. However, these performed well in the water, and wet straps didn’t phase us. These shoes were made for water adventures, and we enjoyed the security they provided.

The aqua grip rubber on the Keen Bali Slides makes them a good option for active, water-loving people. They perform great in aquatic situations and terrain and provide the traction that you need. These are the best flip-flops for adventurers looking for performance and a shoe they can easily slide on. These are also a great option if you’re looking for a slide that holds your foot in a little more.

Flip-Flops for Women Comparison Chart

How We Tested Flip-Flops for Women

When looking for the best women’s flip-flops, we considered eight styles that varied in price, style, and function. We know that certain flip-flops perform best in certain situations. So, we tested them to see if they held up to their individual advertised strengths.

We also tested them against a variety of standardized criteria to compare all of them thoroughly. We looked for things such as comfort, fit, arch support, tread, stability, and versatility.

We wore each in a variety of conditions: by (and in) the pool, ocean, springs, and rivers, at the beach, fishing, metal detecting, hunting for seashells, walking for extended lengths of time, out and about doing errands, and even trying to escape a rainstorm. We walked on sand, grass, and concrete, and across rocks and boulders. We also tested to see how each performed in and out of the water.

One pair claimed to be machine washable, and we tested that claim. Our tester even set them out in the blazing sun and used an infrared digital thermometer to see which got the hottest. We also discovered which needed break-in time, and we got the blisters so you don’t have to.

Let’s face it — we all love to look cute in our flip-flops, too. We searched for products that worked well when dressed up a bit and looked at the number of color options available for each.

Our primary tester, Brandy Jo Hastings, is a Florida resident who wears flip-flops almost every day of her life. A beach bum, she took these on multiple trips to her favorite Florida beaches: New Smyrna, 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.

We 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, and Arkansas.

Brandy wore these flip-flops for 2 months. In addition to rigorous tests, she rotated them through her daily life to see how each handled for extended periods. Days in each pair gave her a good perspective on the best women’s flip-flops. She left no stone unturned when testing these flip-flops, and she even trekked over many rocks and boulders as a part of her testing.

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

The perfect pair of flip-flops is a must for your summer wardrobe. 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.

You may also want a good pair of flip-flops for post-workout recovery. Or, cute flip-flops to pair with a sundress for a dressier look. Some flip-flops are versatile and perform well in various situations, while others are best for specific uses. 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.

The straps are one of the most important things to think about 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.

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.

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 aren’t going to have this design.

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.

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 found beneficial to foot health. They even offer a Seal of Acceptance for these products. Some of the flip-flops listed on their website include 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 are going to give you more support and bring more comfort when worn for longer periods of time.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 16 colors available: most of all, the flip-flops we tested.

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.

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 KEEN Bali Slides and the Chaco Classic Flip .

A couple of other things we 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 that you may find is that even with water-resistant flip-flops, sometimes you’ll have 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.

In our years of wearing flip-flops, we’ve learned that a good pair of flip-flops can last long. They also tend to be much more comfortable than super cheap ones, providing a better experience overall. 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.

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.  

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.

Many flip-flops don’t come in half sizes, and knowing which way to go when ordering shoes can be difficult. We always recommend sizing up if you normally fall in between a half-size. This will prevent your toes and heels from hanging over the edges. 

Flip-flops with a comfortable footbed with a contour that fits your foot and tread that gives you security where your shoe meets the ground are the best for walking.

You’ll also want to consider the straps’ comfort to ensure they aren’t rubbing your feet as you walk. Our testing found that the HOKA ORA Recovery Flip was the most comfortable flip-flop when walking. HOKA is known for the Meta-Rocker in the soles of its athletic shoes, and you’ll find that same unique feature in its flip-flops. The OluKai ‘Ohana was also very comfortable for walking extended distances.

Many flip-flops can be dressed up and paired with a dress. Our best budget flip-flops for women are the Teva Olowahu flip-flops, which have a cute strappy design that can be paired nicely with a sundress. The Chaco Classic Flip is another great option with a sleek design that can be dressed up. It was named our Best Beach-to-Brunch Flip-flop.   

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

Slides differ from traditional flip-flops because they omit a Y-strap that goes between your toes. The OOFOS OOahh Slide is a good example of a standard slide that has a wide strap that attaches to either side of the footbed.

Some slides vary in style, though, such as the KEEN Bali Slides, which have straps that attach at five different points of the footbed and cover your big toe. However, these are still considered slides since there is no Y-strap between your toes.

Flip-flops are an excellent option for the beach. They are easy to slip on and off if you want to feel the sand between your toes. These are great items to pack for your trip to the beach. Some perform better in aquatic and terrain situations you may encounter on the beach.

The best type of flip-flop depends on how you will be using it. While the OluKai ‘Ohana ranked as our best overall women’s flip-flop, some of the other best flips flops included: Reef Cushion Breeze , HOKA ORA Recovery Flip-flops , KEEN Bali Slides , Teva Olowahu Flip-flops , Chaco Classic Flip , and OOFOS OOahh Slides .

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Brandy is a contributing writer for multiple print and online publications, including GearJunkie. She also owns and operates OutdoorTravelWriter.com , is a reporter for an Orlando based radio station, and works for a tourism technology company. Prior to that, Brandy spent many years in destination marketing and held multiple roles in radio and television. She’s a member of Outdoor Writers Association of America, and enjoys writing about all of her favorite outdoor destinations-especially if they involve sand and sun. She also loves sharing her tips on the best gear to experience the outdoors to the fullest. Based in Florida, Brandy is our resident beach bum and can often be found beachside with her metal detector in hand. When she’s not searching for washed up treasure and bottle caps, she can be found hiking, paddling, or trying to rush through an airport on her way to her latest travel destination.

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Some Very Good Flip-Flops For This Flip-Flop Summer

You can arguably make a case for the shoe of summer being a pair of flip-flops. Easy to wear and comfortable, they’ve long been a warm-weather staple made for days at the beach or running errands when it’s too hot for sneakers. While they’ve fallen in and out of favor over the decades, for many, they’re a classic wardrobe item, much like a white T-shirt or black tank top . In recent years, more fashion-conscious types began incorporating these sandals into their outfits, both on and off the beach. Now it’s common to see flip-flops all dressed up for dinner — they’ve even made an appearance on the red carpet . Made with rubber, suede, leather, and other materials, including eco-friendly foam, you’ll find variations that feature low heels, high wedges, and platforms that fall somewhere in between.

While you can find flip-flops nearly everywhere, some are better than others, at least according to the 11 women we asked. From model Gabrielle Richardson’s sexy take on the sandals to stylist Beverly Nguyen’s luxury favorite to the avant-garde pair I’ve come to love for its ability to go from the beach to museum hopping, these are the best women’s flip-flops.

Best classic rubber flip-flops

Founded in Brazil in 1966, Havaianas is one of the best-known flip-flop brands, so it should come as no surprise, then, that Havaianas were the pick of several of our contacts. Lisa Buhler, the founder of e-commerce site Lisa Says Gah , says, “You can’t beat the classic black Havaianas.” Dora Fung, editor-in-chief of 10 USA , says she lives in hers. “They’re inexpensive, have great colors, and they don’t rub at my toes at all. I also find them very sturdy. I’ve had flip-flops that can barely keep together until August, but these are solid.” For model Gabrielle Richardson , they reflect a current obsession — “I feel like we’re in a Brasilmania moment right now and the little logo is so cool.”

Best (less expensive) classic rubber flip-flops

Brand consultant and stylist Laurel Pantin, who writes the shopping newsletter Earl Earl , ranks Havaianas high on her list but a close second are these by Old Navy. “I’ve been wearing these since middle school. The straps are nice and thin, plus they don’t have any visible branding,” she says. In an array of colors and patterns, they’re a solid bet if you don’t like spending a ton of money on summer shoes and look more expensive than their $5 price tag.

Best comfortable flip-flops

One of the biggest critiques of flip-flops is that they offer little arch support due to their thin, flat soles. These by Axel Arigato are made with sugarcane-based plastic foam and feature a thicker sole, both of which offer more support and cushioning. Says fashion writer and stylist Michelle Li, “These are my favorite weekend sandals for running around New York City. They keep my feet comfortable while still adding an interesting color to an outfit, thanks to shades like hot pink and Kelly green.”

Best (less expensive) comfortable flip-flops

If you’re looking for an inexpensive style that’s similar to the Axel Arigato flip-flops, these by Melissa also feature a heftier sole for foot support. “I love the silhouette of these! They look like you could be walking on clouds,” says Nana Agyemang, CEO of EveryStylishGirl , an organization dedicated to the advancement of Black and brown women in media and fashion. Also a selling point? A wider choice of colors like lime green, electric blue, and black, which Agyemang says gives her options for days she wants neutrals versus days where she feels like adding a bit of neon to her outfit.

Best minimalist flip-flops

As someone who thought she’d never come around to flip-flops, stylist Beverly Nguyen has fully embraced the style. “A few years ago, I wouldn’t even wear flats, but I had a brief stint in L.A. not too long ago, and I had to adopt a more casual wardrobe that still felt sophisticated and formalish. These Toteme sandals proved to be a staple that I could wear running from the farmers’ market to the beach and straight to cocktails,” she says. Nguyen likes them with oversize jeans for errands or silk dresses for evening events. As for the ultrathin straps, they were a selling point due to their minimal design, and she swears they’re comfortable for her, but acknowledges everyone’s feet may be different.

Best (less expensive) minimalist flip-flops

Justifying a few hundred dollars on barely there flip-flops isn’t for everyone so Laura Reilly, creator of the shopping newsletter Magasin , likes this $55 version by Tkees that remind her of Toteme and The Row. “They’ve been my go-tos for a few years now. I’m really into how near-to-nothing they are. They’re practically two-dimensional, like you used Adobe Illustrator to draw lines onto your feet,” she says. Though the thin sole gives them the appearance of being uncomfortable, Reilly says the opposite is true, as she finds them comfortable enough to easily get in 10,000 steps whether in New York or on vacation.

Best packable flip-flops

Having taken ten flights over the course of the last two months, finding a pair of flat-packing flip-flops was crucial. These by Chaco are inexpensive, lightweight, and take up minimal space in a suitcase whether I’m checking in luggage or bringing a carry-on. I use them in lieu of slippers in hotel rooms when I’m skeptical of how clean the carpets are. In the Bahamas, they withstood saltwater and sun with minimal fading while the cushioning offered ample lower-back support when I found myself running around on a work trip.

Best luxury flip-flops

Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen went from wearing Haviananas in the early aughts to creating the fashion person’s favorite luxury flip-flops with The Row’s Ginza sandals. It has a devoted following for its combination of thick straps and soft, suede sole. Nguyen considers these another wardrobe staple that have held up beautifully over time, justifying the steep price tag. “I’ve worn my pair over 100 times, which from a financial point of view, equates to about $9.00 a wear. Well worth it!” she says.

Best wedge flip-flops

Stylist and fashion editor at Who What Wear Indya Brown fell hard for a pair of designer platform flip-flops but balked at the price. Instead of spending $300, Brown turned to Zara for a dupe that was similar in silhouette. Featuring a lofty four-inch heel and thick straps, she noted, “They capture that cool girl feeling with its Y2K-inspired silhouette and are quite comfortable due to the thick neoprene sole.”

Best heeled flip-flop

Kitten-heel flip-flops were a popular choice among the group, as nearly every woman who replied to our query chimed in with their favorite pair. While Toteme’s version was a favorite, the dark horse choice is by Frame, a brand better known for its denim but also offers solid leather shoes at a moderate price point. “I love how sexy they look while being comfortable enough to wear nonstop in New York City this summer,” says Richardson, who describes herself as super-active and on her feet all day. The model loves to pair it with maxi dresses but she notes they’re versatile enough to go with the rest of her summer wardrobe and could even be wedding appropriate.

Best flip-flops that don’t look like flip-flops

As someone who prefers gigantic skirts by Comme des Garçons all year round, the perfect flip-flop for me needs to be equally design focused, which is where this pair by Jil Sander comes in. Chunky and featuring an extra strap across the foot to help with walking, it has all of the comfort and ease of a flip-flop but enough heft to be as interesting as the skirt it’s worn with. Geraldine Chung, founder of LCD , a boutique that carries emerging designers, is also a fan of these, noting, “They’re the best companion to voluminous dresses like my favorites by  Cecilie Bahnsen or Henrik Vibskov .”

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The 12 Best Beach Sandals of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Hit the sand with one of these pairs of travel editor-approved beach sandals.

In This Article

• Our Top Picks

Our Testing Process

• Tips for Buying

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why Trust T+L

Travel + Leisure/Taylor Fox

While you can certainly get away with wearing any type of shoes to the beach, a pair of sandals fit to combat sand and salt water is the best option — unless you want to slide your wet bare feet into sandy sneakers. For beachside picnics, long walks by the shore, or just to get you across scalding hot sand, Travel + Leisure editors shared their favorite beach sandals for any trip to the water. 

We’re big fans of various types of beachy footwear like waterproof slides, sleek leather flip-flops, and sporty sandals to get us to the sand in comfort and style. Brands like Chaco, Reef, and Birkenstock came highly recommended, but we also tested options from other popular footwear brands you’ll want to try for your next beach adventure. 

Best Overall

Reef water vista slide.

Fully waterproof, these TPU slides make getting in and out of the water (and rinsing sandy feet) a breeze.

There is a slight break-in period. 

A waterproof sandal like the Reef Water Vista Slide is essential for beach trips when your feet are likely to get wet and sandy. Made of TPU plastic with an EVA foam footbed, these slides can be submerged in water without running the risk of damaging the material. As a bonus, water beads off the sandals, so they’re quick-drying, too.  

The sandals also come highly recommended by T+L outdoor gear editor, Taylor Fox . “I love a waterproof shoe when I'm headed to the beach so I can rinse my feet off while in the shoe to minimize the amount of sand I'm walking away with,” she said. Best of all, the shoes don’t squeak when they’re wet and the stylish faux-woven design makes it easy to go from the beach to a restaurant without looking too casual. 

The Details: Size 5 to 11 | TPU and EVA | Waterproof

Most Stylish

Olukai la‘i t–bar.

We reach for these sandals time and time again due to the elevated look of the T-shaped straps and tortoise-shell buckle.

The white material get dirty quickly. 

When I’m on a beach vacation, I always pack a pair of shoes that I can wear for multiple occasions like these stylish OluKai sandals. From the beach to brunch, the sandals can be dressed up or down thanks to the elevated details like the tortoise-shell buckles and wide T-shaped straps. The best part is that the open-toed shoes offer plenty of cushioning and support with a soft PU footbed and dip in the heel and toe-box that cradles the foot for extra support. Plus, the wave-patterned texture on the outsole adds stability around slippery surfaces like pool decks.

The Details: Size 6 to 11 | Rubber and polyurethane | Water-friendly 

Best Color Options

Birkenstock arizona essentials eva.

Birkenstock

Made in trendy colors like lime green and pale pink, you might even want to pick up two pairs of these colorful sandals.

Slides aren’t always the best shoe for walking long distances.

We love this colorful and waterproof version of Birkenstock’s iconic Arizona slide for seaside adventures. Differing from the usual cork and leather materials, these sandals are made with a soft and lightweight foam that makes them easy to pack in a suitcase or slip on for a road trip to the beach. Testing editor Jackie Cucco loves these sandals so much that she got two pairs in different colors. “The waterproof material is perfect for the beach because you can easily rinse them off if they get sandy or dirty,” Cucco said. “Even though they're made of this plastic material, the straps are adjustable with plastic buckles, unlike some other slides.” While we love the adjustable upper straps for getting a secure fit, Cucco notes that these slides aren’t the most supportive for extra long beach walks or hikes.

The Details: Size 5/5.5 to 10/10.5 | EVA | Waterproof

Most Versatile

Ecco cozmo two band buckle sandal.

These slides offer the perfect balance of dressy and casual. 

The sole got noticeably thinner after nearly five months of near-constant use and they are not waterproof.

These Ecco slides are the chameleon of footwear for warm-weathered travel since they can be paired with virtually any outfit. Slides are typically the casual end of footwear but these have sleek leather upper straps for a dressier appearance without sacrificing comfort and convenience. All you have to do is slip these leather and PU slides on and you can be on your way to the beach or dinner in no time. “These are truly the most versatile sandals I have,” Fox said. “I have worn them on the beach everywhere from Costa Rica to Egypt and they are so comfortable and stylish.” After five months of use, Fox noticed the sole was wearing out quickly, which can happen with PU versus hardier rubber soles. 

The Details: Size 4/4.5 to 10/10.5 | Leather and PU

Best Leather

Beek sunbeam leather flip flop sandal.

Thanks to the leather-wrapped foam straps, the flip-flops don’t chafe or rub in the slightest.

Consider spraying these with a leather protector to prolong the life of the materials.

While leather flip-flops might not be the first material you think of for beach footwear, this pair from Beek are incredibly comfortable and durable, according to T+L associate director Morgan Ashley Parker . “My biggest complaint with flip flops is the uncomfortable straps rubbing the top of my foot and in between my toes,” she said. “This pair has foam straps wrapped in leather so they feel so soft and don't irritate my feet at all.” Parker used a leather protector spray on the sandals and after getting them wet and sandy, the leather straps and footbed still look in tip-top condition. The flip-flops also have a layer of foam cushioning in the footbed for even more comfort while walking to and from the beach. 

The Details: Size 5 to 12 | Leather, memory foam, and rubber  

Best Durability

Teva 90s hurricane xlt2 revive.

With a thick rubber sole and sturdy polyester straps, we’re confident these sandals are made to last.

We wish they had a toe loop for even more support and stability.

Whether you’re hiking, walking, or biking to the beach, these Teva sandals are fit for rigorous seaside adventures. The grippy outsole is made with thick rubber for tackling uneven and slick surfaces, and the upper straps will keep your foot locked in with hook-and-loop buckles. When your feet inevitably get wet, the Repreve recycled polyester straps are designed to dry quickly without stretching out, too. 

According to commerce writer Alexandra Domrongchai , these Teva sandals are a staple for any summer wardrobe. “Wearing them to the beach, camping, and around town I've really put these sandals through the test," she said. "They've been covered in sand, dirt, and water and have held up incredibly well. Plus, they wash super seamlessly. Beyond their durability, I also just love how cute they look.” 

The Details: Size 5 to 14 | Repreve polyester, EVA, and rubber | Waterproof

Best for Walking

Ecco sport sandal.

With a thick, double-density footbed, these sandals offer extra comfort and durability.

The heel can cause some chafing when the strap gets wet. 

Ecco’s Sport Yucatan Sandals offer a pillow-like cushioning for your feet, which makes them an excellent option if you’re in search of an ultra-comfy pair of sandals. The sandals boast twice the amount of density in the PU footbed for extra cushioning and longevity in the sole of the shoes for resistance to daily wear and tear. “I wore these sandals during an active vacation to Portugal last year, and they were truly perfect for everything from a day at the beach to a hike along a seaside trail,” senior commerce writer Merrell Readman gushed. “The adjustable straps are great for keeping your shoes in place during your walk to the beach, which is half the battle, and they're well-padded for impressive comfort all day long.” One thing to note is that these shoes aren’t technically waterproof and Readman experienced some slight chafing in the heel from the wet rubber.

The Details: Size 4/4.5 to 12/12.5 | Leather, PU, and rubber  

Best Arch Support

Chaco women's z/2 adjustable strap classic sandal.

The outsole is three millimeters thick with plenty of traction for gripping slick surfaces.

Chaco sandals are only offered in whole sizes.

While I love going barefoot, walking on both hard and soft sand can hurt my feet so I almost always wear Chaco’s classic Z/2 sandal when I’m looking for extra arch support and stability. The outsole is made with a thick rubber material with a variety of grooves and indents for superior traction on slippery surfaces. One of my favorite beach activities is tidepooling, which can require walking on slick and sharp rocks, and I’ve never fallen while wearing these sandals. The polyester straps dry quickly after getting wet and I haven’t experienced any chafing or rubbing with this Chaco style that doesn’t have the toe loop that usually rubs for me. Chaco rotates colors and patterns often but I also recommend getting a custom pair if you want to create your own unique pair. 

The Details: Size 5 to 12 (medium and wide) | Polyester, PU, and rubber | Waterproof

Best Lightweight

Bombas the friday slide.

These featherlight EVA slides are super packable; perfect for a suitcase or beach bag. 

The soft cushioning doesn’t offer much arch support.

Bombas launched a waterproof EVA slide and it’s shockingly lightweight while still offering all the benefits we look for in a beach sandal. The foam material is soft and cloud-like with grooves on the footbed to ensure the foot doesn’t slide around if it gets wet. There’s also plenty of dotted indents on the bottom of the shoes for traction and stability on slick pool decks or beach boardwalks.

“I love how the material seems to mold to my feet for a truly supportive fit, and the style is neutral enough that I’ll be able to wear them everywhere from the beach to the airport throughout the spring and summer,” Readman said. Because the entire shoe is made with soft foam, they don’t offer much in the arch support department, so you may want to wear these when walking short distances only.

The Details: Size 5 to 11 | EVA | Waterproof

Best Traction

Hoka hopara all-terrain shoe.

These water shoes boast a 4-millimeter thick outsole and a rubber toe cap for extra protection.  

They look and feel more like sneakers than sandals.

Not all beaches are made of smooth sand with paved paths to get there, which means more rigorous adventures call for waterproof sandals that can handle all types of terrain like these Hokas. Half sneakers and half sandals, these shoes have thick outsoles to grip surfaces like jagged rocks or slippery riverbeds. Taking foot protection one step further, the toe box has a rubber cap on it to prevent stubbed toes and other possible injuries. We found these shoes to be extremely bouncy and cushioned to walk in, so they also make an excellent hybrid sandal for hiking or other adventurous activities.

The Details: Size 5 to 11 | Rubber, EVA, neoprene, and mesh | Waterproof

Keen Women's Ellecity Backstrap Sandal

For a heeled sandal, these are extremely lightweight, cushioned, and stable for walking. 

The two straps on the foot don’t adjust and may be loose for narrow feet. 

Wedges might not be the first pair of shoes you think to wear to the beach, but trust us when we say you could walk over uneven sand in these stable and ultra-comfortable platform sandals from Keen. The slight heel isn’t quite large enough to cause instability and the rest of the sandals boast a thick platform and adjustable ankle strap to keep your foot firmly planted on the ground with every step. Plus, the rubber, EVA, and leather materials are surprisingly lightweight without sacrificing quality. After testing these sandals ourselves, we found that they were comfortable right out of the box and don’t require a break-in period before you hit the sand. 

The Details: Size 5 to 11 | Rubber, EVA, and nubuck leather

Best Flip-flop

Clarks breeze sea flip flop.

It’s rare to find a flip-flop with adjustable straps to get a secure fit. 

The style might not fit everyone’s preferences.

These sandals prove that flip-flops can actually be comfortable when they’re designed with arch support, cushioning, and adjustable features. Between the EVA foam cushioned midsole and soft synthetic straps that are fully adjustable, these flip-flops cradle and support the foot without causing any discomfort or pain. We also found that the rubber outsole offers superior stability and traction compared to other flip-flops we tested out. Because of the thicker outsole, these sandals are quite a bit heavier than your run-of-the-mill foam flip-flops but we think it’s worth it for a comfortable footwear option that’s built to last. 

The Details: 7 to 12 | EVA, rubber | Waterproof

T+L editors have all felt the pain caused by uncomfortable footwear after a long day on our feet, so we take shoe testing very seriously. We’ve tested hundreds of pairs of shoes, including dozens of sandals from flip-flops to slides. To test each pair of beach sandals, we wore them a number of times on outdoor adventures to beaches, lakes, or rivers, and we also made sure to wear the shoes in other settings like when sightseeing, going out to dinner, or walking through airports. 

We jot down thorough notes on our experiences with comfort, fit, support, packability, and durability to gauge which sandals exceeded our expectations and ones that fell short, and we recommend the best options out of the lot we tried.

Tips for Buying Beach Sandals

Look for waterproof materials.

Even if you don’t swim at the beach, you’ll likely have to rinse sand off of your feet with water or take a quick shower , so it’s wise to have sandals made with waterproof materials. Sandals made with plastic materials like TPU, EVA foam, and rubber repel water and dry quickly. Even sandals made with fabric like polyester and neoprene can still be comfortable while wet and quick-drying.

Consider whether you want to wear them while swimming

If you’re planning to take a dip in the ocean, make sure your footwear is securely fastened to your feet or you run the risk of losing your shoes in the swells. Sandals with ankle and foot straps are your best bet for security purposes and you’ll want to steer clear of running into the waves with slides or flip-flops since they will slip-off right away.

Sand can get deceptively hot, which means you can easily burn your feet while walking barefoot. Not to mention shells, trash, rocks, and other sharp objects can be hidden in the loose grains of sand, so wearing shoes before setting up your beach towel is the best way to avoid potential burns or other injuries from occurring. 

Blood vessels expand when it gets hot, which is why parts of the body will swell in warm weather. T+L chatted with Dr. Nelya Lobkova, DPM, and podiatrist at Step Up Surgical Podiatry, who recommended several ways to combat swollen limbs at the beach. “If your feet tend to swell in warm weather, make sure you are staying active at the beach, walking often, or at least elevating the feet on the beach chair, and staying hydrated,” she shared.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Anna Popp is the associate commerce editor at Travel + Leisure , covering all of the best travel products from carry-ons to comfortable shoes. For this article, Anna shared several beach sandals she uses and loves, and she sought out other sandals that come highly recommended by her fellow travel editors. T+L also spoke with Nelya Lobkova , DPM, podiatrist at Step Up Surgical Podiatry, for beach footwear tips and tricks.

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Crocs Unisex-Adult Mellow Flip Flops, Recovery Flip Flop Slides

Product details

About this item.

• Find Your Size: Mellow Flip Flop Sandals offer a roomy fit. We recommend sizing down (e.g. if you are an 8, size down to a 7).
• Recovery Flip Flops: These recovery shoes for women and men include deep, cupped footbeds, offering sink-in comfort with a slow rebound.
• Iconic Comfort: Crocs Mellow shoes are fully molded with our most comfortable LiteRide technology encompassing the entire shoe.
• Water Shoes: These men's and women's shoes are water-friendly and designed to channel water away.
• Shoes for Men and Women: These comfotable shoes offer a contemporary upper and modern styling for a sleek and simple aesthetic.

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From the manufacturer.

Mellow Recovery Slide

Squishy sink in comfort.

Kick back and relax in our most comfortable slides yet, with a simple yet modern design. This mood-boosting silhouette creates the bliss found in pure comfort with an innovative blend of soft LiteRide foam that lets your feet melt into the footbeds.

• Roomy fit. We recommend sizing down.
• Deep, cupped footbeds, offering sink-in comfort with a slow rebound
• Contemporary upper & modern styling for a sleek and simple aesthetic
• Upper windows for increased breathability
• LiteRide: Revolutionary. Sink-in softness. Innovative comfort.

Mellow Recovery Clog

Squishy slip-on comfort.

Experience the joy of pure comfort as you kick back and relax, immersing yourself in the squishy delight that defines the Mellow Clog.

Mellow Recovery Clog Details

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Looking for specific info.

• Product Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8.19 x 5.51 x 5.51 inches; 10.55 ounces
• Item model number ‏ : ‎ 208437
• Department ‏ : ‎ unisex-adult
• Date First Available ‏ : ‎ February 7, 2023
• Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ Crocs
• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0BQWNSTR4
• #183 in Women's Flip-Flops
• #517 in Men's Sandals

Product Description

Crocs unisex-adult Mellow Flip Flops

Customer reviews

Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

Customers say

Customers like the support, sturdiness, and flip flops of the sandal. They mention that it has good arch support on a flat sole, and is very sturdy. Some say that they double as great shower shoes. However, some customers have issues with clumpiness. Opinions are mixed on appearance, fit, and weight.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Customers like the comfort of the sandal. They say it's very cushiony, the arch support is good, and the whole footbed is soft. Customers also mention that it'll make their feet feel good.

"These are so worth it! So comfy not overly squishy just right! I have flat feet and only crocs are comfortable to me and lightweight enough to wear...." Read more

"Honestly these maybe the best flip flops I have ever owned. Comfortable , cute and good foot support. I can wear them all day." Read more

"Really good flip flops. Arch supports, comfortable , just as we've come to expect from Crocs. However, they do run big so size down...." Read more

"These are comfortable and fit well. They do not compare to Oofas for comfort but would be my 2nd choice...." Read more

Customers find the sandals comfortable and supportive. They say the shoes have enough traction and support to feel secure and safe. Some customers also mention that the top of the shoes has a therapeutic feeling and prevents their feet from hurting.

"...Comfortable, cute and good foot support . I can wear them all day." Read more

"...Now I just got these today. But…first impression, squishy but firm . Like a stale marshmallow (which is also what they look like)...." Read more

"Please make more colors, Crocs! These are great, and provide plenty of support . I do with the straps were a little thinner, but they are perfect!" Read more

"I wear these things everywhere. Super good for my plantar fasciitis and I am able to wear sandals again without dishing out $200 for custom orthotics..." Read more

Customers find the sandals very sturdy, supportive, and comfortable. They say they are nicely made, stable, and lightweight. Some customers also mention that the sandal does not have a break-in period and is comfortable right out of the box.

"...but they are even wide for me so what. Well made though. And comfortable. Be a 5 star if not a wide fit. Just deal with fitment." Read more

"... They aren’t flimsy and won’t mash down when you slip into them. My foot is narrow and thin. I had to send them back." Read more

"...are softer than the regular crocs too, which I really like, they are stable and lightweight...." Read more

"...I wear a 6 in regular Crocs but the 6 here were so big. Nicely made like all Crocs and seem easy to clean." Read more

Customers like the flip flops. They say they are great, excellent, and fun. Some mention that they double as great shower shoes.

" Really good flip flops . Arch supports, comfortable, just as we've come to expect from Crocs. However, they do run big so size down...." Read more

"...They also double as great shower shoes too. Very comfortable to wear after long 12 hr shifts as well." Read more

" Great pair of slides so far." Read more

" Excellent product I wear it all day around the house and outside in warm weather." Read more

Customers have mixed opinions about the fit of the sandal. Some find the sandals fit size-wise, while others say the footbed is too big. Some say the sandal runs big, while other say it's too big and uncomfortable.

"Bought these for my wife and she swam in them. Correct length but really wide . I’m going to keep them for me(nice color right?)..." Read more

"...The ones I purchased are in color pink clay. For me they don't run big they run perfect ." Read more

"I love the flip flops and the color. The fit is kind of snug at the top due to the thick band of the flip flop...." Read more

"These are comfortable and fit well . They do not compare to Oofas for comfort but would be my 2nd choice...." Read more

Customers are mixed about the weight of the sandal. Some mention that it's soft and thin, while others say that it’s heavy and bulky.

"It may look a little bulky , but I promise it's worth it. I'm in my 40s now and comfort is of huge importance to me. I love this croc!..." Read more

"...I have flat feet and only crocs are comfortable to me and lightweight enough to wear . I definitely recommend these!..." Read more

"...The fit is kind of snug at the top due to the thick band of the flip flop . Overall the are comfortable I just need to break them in more." Read more

"...and they were still too big, with chunky sides and thick between the toe piece but if your foot is chunkier to begin with and you want more support,..." Read more

Customers are mixed about the appearance of the sandal. Some mention that it looks great, young, and bulky, while others say that it's ugly, disproportioned, and funny.

"Honestly these maybe the best flip flops I have ever owned. Comfortable, cute and good foot support. I can wear them all day." Read more

"Fit is a little big. Wide on feet. Looked funny " Read more

"...So they are young looking , but they cater to geriatric feet as well. Size down like they suggest, I did, and mine is still a little big...." Read more

" nice and comfy" Read more

Customers are disappointed with the clumpiness of the sandals. They mention that they are clunky, wobbly, and stiff. Some say that the sandal is heavy and floppy.

"...wide and I do not suggest for fast long walks they are a but heavy and floppy , better for real lounging IMO." Read more

"...Because of this they are out of balance and feel heavy to flip flop around in. Returned them." Read more

"They are clunky and hard to drive in, and not nearly as comfortable as Birkenstock flip-flops." Read more

" Too clunky for me . They fit length wise but have too much room on the top." Read more

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Hi! I’m Chantelle, the writer of this blog, and the owner of Flannels or FlipFlops Travel Services. I was born with wanderlust in my soul, and have always enjoyed researching and planning the perfect trips for my friends and family.

I am a travel adviso r and have spent countless hours studying and taking courses with numerous travel partners and locations.

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Vacation is supposed to be fun, not stressful, so let me take on the stress so that you can just enjoy yourself!

Option #1 Full-Service Travel Planning

Planning a trip can be stressful. Let me take the load off your shoulders and plan every detail of your dream vacation.

I have years of experience planning trips and know all the best tips and tricks to help you save money while getting the most out of your vacation.

My goal is to make sure you have an amazing time, without any hassle.

What does this service include:

• A personalized consultation where we work out your preferences, ideas, and budget
• 2-3 Itineraries personalized to you that you can choose from
• I listen to your feedback on the itinerary (or hotel and tour options) and then readjust the itinerary as needed.
• I work until every detail is perfect
• I book everything for you and keep track of all the details you need.
• I process all payments securely for you and provide receipts.
• Before your trip, I will send you a detailed itinerary with all confirmation numbers, addresses, phone numbers, and important information needed.
• During your trip, you will have access to me 24/7 via text and email and I can help with any issues that arise.

What can I book for you?

• Cruises, including excursions, spa services, specialty dinners, pre, and post-cruise hotels, and transportation to the port.
• All-Inclusive Destinations
• Theme Park tickets, reservations, dining reservations, transportation, and hotel stays
• Group Tours
• Individual Travel and multi-location trips.

I love helping and seeing my clients enjoy their vacations stress-free! You may be wondering what the catch is…the answer is, there is no catch!

Did you know that a travel agent fee is already added to most of the online travel you book? So, you pay for a travel agent even if you don’t use one! You may as well let me do the work for you and you can relax.

I do not charge you any extra fee when you book your travel through me!

Click the button below to fill out a quick form to get started on planning your dream trip today!

Option #2 Trip Planning Services: Itinerary Planning

Are you someone that wants to have more control over your trip?

Do you want to handle all of the bookings , but don’t have time to research and plan? This package is perfect for you !

Planning a trip can be so overwhelming. Where do you even start?

Let me take the reins ! I’ll plan an amazing trip for you based on your budget, interests, and personal preferences.

You just follow my detailed instructions and book your trip.

You have access to me before your trip in case, you have any questions or need help with anything.

• I provide you with detailed instructions and how to book each aspect of your trip.

What can I plan for you?

• Cruises, including excursions, pre, and post-cruise hotels, and transportation to the port.
• All-Inclusive Destinations including transportation
• Theme Park tickets, reservations, transportation, and hotel stays

Imagine traveling to all of your dream destinations without all the hassle! I’ll take care of everything for you so that all you have to do is enjoy yourself and relax.

Trust me – I know what I’m doing when it comes to planning trips.

Because I do not do the bookings in this package, I will not earn commission from the vendors. For this reason, I do charge a trip planning fee for your carefully curated and individual itinerary.

Contact me today by clicking the button below to get started on planning your dream vacation!

Which package is right for you?

Are you hands-on, and want to book your own trip, but don’t have the time, expertise, or energy to book it?

⭐️ If so, choose the trip planning services package. You’ll get a say in the details, I will do the research and planning, and you will book the trip.

Do you want an epic vacation without lifting a finger?

⭐️ The full-service package is for you! You’ll still get a say on the details, but I will research, plan, and book the trip for you.

Which package should I choose?

Don’t take it from me, here are what previous clients have said:, definitely recommend, she saved the day , i’ve booked twice, so much easier, will use chantelle again.

• May 29, 2024

Celebrating National Flip-Flop Day with stylish picks

"GMA" lifestyle contributor Lori Bergamotto curates some of the best flip-flops to wear this season, including styles from Havaianas, Reef, Hari Mari and more.

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Why Tourists Need To Be Cautious Of The Clothing They Pack On A Trip To Europe

P acking for a trip is all about planning, organization, and adaptability. From choosing the right fabrics to ensure you always look your best while on vacation to maximizing carry-on space and minimizing over-packing — you always want to make sure you avoid  making packing mistakes that can eventually turn any holiday into a logistical nightmare.

These outfit oversights and packing shouldn't-do's go beyond forgetting to bring a jacket or deciding to pack a brand-new pair of shoes that blister your feet (ouch!). In fact, depending on where you go and what you do, making a clothing mistake could land you in some pretty bad trouble with local officials — and, sometimes, even incur a hefty fine that could ruin the rest of your trip.

From walking around in nothing but a bathing suit to wearing heels at historical sites, there are certain destinations across Europe that take their dress codes very seriously.

Read more: The Complete Guide To Packing Light

Cover Yourself Up In Italy

Sure, Italy might be known as one of the most fashionable destinations in the world. However, travelers looking to go beyond the shops should be aware that certain historic and cultural sites require guests to leave the trends at home and follow a strict, relatively conservative dress code instead.

For example, if you're planning to visit popular tourist spots like the Vatican, the Pantheon, or the Museum of the Dead — along with churches and other sacred places — it's important to read up on the rules to avoid getting caught off guard at the door. Specifically, most of these sites require that you cover up your knees and shoulders (a cardigan or shawl works perfectly during the hot summer months), not wear crop tops or anything with revealing cut-outs, and switch up the low-cut top for a higher neckline that covers more skin.

Similarly, destinations outside of cities like Rome and Milan are also enforcing their own rules in order to crack down on inappropriate attire. For example, Sorrento recently announced that it would start fining visitors up to $546 for walking around town in a bathing suit. Meanwhile, Praia a Mare — in the southern region of Calabria — has gone as far as banning people from walking around barefoot.

Don't Walk Around In Swimwear In Croatia

Similar to Italy, Croatian officials and authorities have been playing their part in ensuring that visitors follow basic etiquette and dress codes — especially when it comes to when and where to wear the right thing. In fact, both Split and Dubrovnik are cracking down on shirtless and bikini-clad tourists walking around cultural and historic city centers. Slapping them with fines of up to $160 for disobeying the public dress code, local officials hope this will dissuade tourists from flouting local norms.

Let's put it this way: You wouldn't want to run into a rowdy group of half-naked tourists on your way to a sacred site or formal venue, right? Well, neither do Croatians who already have to deal with crowds and noise — especially during the summer months.

In addition to this, clothes and accessories that allude to drugs and drug use are also banned from most town centers in Croatia — and can result in a fine or, worse, jail time for anyone seen wearing them.

Kick Off The High Heels In Greece

Dreaming of wearing your best dress with the perfect pair of high heels while strolling around Greece's most beautiful sites? Think again. Since 2009, Greek officials enforce a strict "no heels allowed" policy at popular tourist destinations, like the Parthenon and Acropolis, in order to preserve the archeological sites' integrity and structure.

Since heels tend to be quite sharp and potentially damaging, experts decided that the best way to protect these thousand-year-old monuments was to completely ban visitors from wearing any type of pointy, narrow, or too-harsh footwear that could cause unnecessary wear and tear to the surface. Instead of trying to make a fashion statement, simply pack a pair of walking shoes and you should be good to go.

Along with this, certain churches and monasteries in Greece also require that visitors dress modestly — as in, nothing cropped, low-cut, or revealing — in order to respect the sanctity and traditions. In some cases, wraps are available for rent at the entrance of certain sites.

Slip On Some Speedos In France

Men, this one's for you! Most popular French beaches are all about kicking back and letting loose: think riding world-class waves, playing volleyball surrounded by scenic views, and even catching some rays where the sun don't shine (if you know what we mean...).

However, if you're planning on hitting up a public pool during your time in the country, it's best that you come prepared to show off a little more skin than you're probably used to. Specifically, that means packing a speedo alongside your sunglasses and sunscreen.

Since 1903, France has strongly encouraged that all men and boys who visit public pools wear the tight-fitting swimwear as opposed to loose trunks or board shorts. The reason? Speedos are more hygienic than their baggy counterparts. Speaking to The Daily Star in 2022, Emmanuel Dormois — a head pool attendant in Paris — told the outlet that, while swimming shorts can be worn throughout the day — and accumulate dirt, grime, and sand in the process — speedos are only worn while swimming, which means there's less of a chance that they'll bring something into the pool water.

Ditch The Flip-Flops In Spain

If you're planning on  choosing a rental car during your vacation to Spain, it's important to keep in mind that certain regulations might mean you can't just wear anything behind the wheel — especially when it comes to your footwear of choice.

Specifically, local authorities in Spain have been working toward keeping their roads and drivers safer by dissuading people from wearing flip-flops while they drive, as this could compromise control of the vehicle and increase the risk of accidents.

Although wearing flip-flops while driving isn't technically illegal, your shoe choice could still lead to penalties. According to Spain's Department of Traffic (DGT), driving barefoot or with flip-flops could incur a fine of up to $215 if the driver commits an infraction as a result of impaired driving abilities. Meanwhile, driving shirtless — which goes against the local rule that drivers always need to ensure their safety because if there's an accident, the seat belt can hurt a shirtless driver  — could also result in a fine of roughly $107.

Read the original article on Explore .

Kendall Jenner Proves That Supermodels Can Make Even Flip-Flops Look Glamorous

At least when they’re paired with a Phoebe Philo tote bag

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The Row Beach Flip-Flop

Fresh off a seaside getaway in Mallorca with younger sister Kylie Jenner, Kendall was recently spotted departing Spain on a private jet. Comfort is an obvious must for long travel days, so it’s no wonder the supermodel pulled out a pair of plain black flip-flops from the Row . No, the real wonder is how she made the once-abhorred shoes look utterly enviable with the rest of her outfit.

It certainly helps that a spacious Phoebe Philo tote bag was hanging from her shoulder. Costing upward of $8,000, the mustard-brown tote featured a boxy base trimmed with black leather—a luxe touch to an otherwise low-key look. (This is also far from the first time Kendall has repped the former Celine creative director’s highly anticipated brand ; back in December, she shared a photo of herself on Instagram wearing a chocolate-brown fur coat from Philo’s recent launch.)

As for the rest of her ensemble, Kendall went back to basics in a cropped black T-shirt, black straight-leg leggings, and a snug white hooded zip-up jacket. Extra accessories included a pair of classic narrow framed sunglasses.

This past weekend, Kendall and Kylie took to social media to share some fashion-filled snaps from their trip. In particular, photos captured at sunset on a mega-yacht show off the pair’s individual senses of style, with Kylie posing in a ruched bodycon dress in gray while Kendall lounged in a sleeveless lavender turtleneck gown .

As an associate editor at HarpersBAZAAR.com, Chelsey keeps a finger on the pulse on all things celeb news. She also writes on social movements, connecting with activists leading the fight on workers' rights, climate justice, and more. Offline, she’s probably spending too much time on TikTok, rewatching Emma (the 2020 version, of course), or buying yet another corset. 

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