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Along with tank tops, ice cream, and plenty of vitamin D, flip flops may be one of the best parts of summer.
We've been testing women's flip flops for over a decade, and we've worn over 50 pairs. We took these flips biking through cities, hiking on mucky backcountry trails, walking through rivers, and running daily errands, all in the name of helping you find the perfect pair.
Hands down, the best flip flops are the Birkenstock Gizeh. No other model combines the comfort, support, and traction so seamlessly, and looks good while doing it.
The best bargain is the Archies flip flop. They feature a unique closed-cell foam and EVA construction, along with arch support and stretchable toe straps that form to the shape of your foot after just a few days of use.
If you want a summer shoe, but can't stand a toepost, we've also tested sandals for casual wear and outdoor adventures.
The Birkenstock Gizeh is a tried and true flip-flop design that is known for its classic style, quality, comfort, and support. Although we'll be the first to admit that the shoe is pretty stiff and rigid when you first try them on, “the design gets better and better the more you wear them,” one tester commented. The suede-lined footbed is specifically designed to mold and contour to the shape of your foot over time, providing a customized fit through the toe ridges and arch, so long as the size is right. The footbed has raised edges all around that further protect the toes, and a deep cup that cradles the heel and holds the feet in an ergonomic position. During our spring testing period, the Gizehs were our first choice of footwear during 24 hours of travel from California to Valencia, Spain. They were easy to slide on and off during the flights, yet supportive enough to keep our feet happy while we transitioned through connections. “The thicker footbed and beefy toe strap provided great support while I transitioned between flights with a heavy pack,” says our tester.
SPECIFICATIONS
Footbed Material
Cork lined with suede
Sole Material
EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate)
Strap Material
Birko-flor (PVC) lined with fleece
Measured Weight (per pair)
13.5 oz
Available Sizes
7 - 12.5 US
The Gizehs require a bit of a strategy to break in when you first get them. They are quite stiff when you first try them on, and we recommend wearing them in short stints until the suede-lined footbed and beefy toe post soften to the shape of your foot. And while we love this stylish design, it does lack some versatility, as consistently wearing them in water could potentially damage their structure and longevity. If you like the style and want a waterproof option for the beach or lake, check out the Birkenstock Gizeh Essentials EVA. The classic Gizeh is definitely an investment; however, purchasing it over a low-end flip flop could save you money in the long run if you compare cost per wear. The construction is far more substantial than your average rubber option, and the shoes can be worn with almost any outfit, in almost any setting. You'll certainly get a ton of use out of them.
The Birkenstock Gizeh is perfect for someone willing to invest in a high quality design that's more supportive than your average flip flop and super comfortable once you break them in. Credit: Trish Matheny
The OluKai Ohana is a time-tested design that's remained at the top of our award-winning lineup season after season. Our testers love that there's no break-in period; the soft, well-cushioned foam footbed, along with the wider fit and thicker, well-padded toe straps, are comfortable from the first wear. We also appreciate that the straps aren't too tight, making this shoe a better choice for those with a high volume feet. If you have high arches or simply prefer more support for tired feet, the arch support in this design is fantastic, even for those who plan to be on their feet all day. “I've owned multiple pairs of this flip flop. I love the all-day comfort, support for my high arches, and the fact that they're water-friendly and pretty small means I can toss them into my bag if I want to shower at the gym after my workout,” says one tester who swears by the Ohana.
SPECIFICATIONS
Footbed Material
Molded EVA with soft ICEVA drop-in footbed
Sole Material
Non-marking rubber or gum rubber
Strap Material
Water-resistant synthetic nubuck leather lined with quick-drying jersey knit
Measured Weight (per pair)
13.7 oz
Available Sizes
5 - 12 US
The Ohana is definitely one of the more expensive flip flops in our review, but we think they're perfect for ladies who are after a more durable design built to perform for many years rather than a cheap flip flop you'll replace at the end of the season. Unfortunately, the same features that increase their durability also increase the overall weight. Compared to other minimalist designs, they're quite heavy and take longer to dry if they get wet. “This is well-constructed, and I love all the fun colors it's offered in,” our tester said. And she's right, from subtle neutral tones to vibrant pinks, teals, and blues, there's a color to match every outfit. And while we have tested several pairs of this flip flop and stand behind its durability, we can say that after several seasons of use, the breaking point tends to be the nylon toe post, and therefore we recommend wearing them in deep mud, thick sand, or any surface that puts a lot of strain on the toe post in order to increase the longevity of your investment. If you don't really care about aesthetics, options like the OOFOS OOriginal are highly comfortable and supportive, just lacking in style points. Other options like the Archies are more affordable and still offer great arch support, though they favor those with narrow feet.
The Archies design puts a supportive twist on your average flip flop, thanks to a little over an inch of dense, closed-cell foam underfoot. Designed by health care experts to increase support, improve alignment, and relieve pain from common foot ailments, these affordable flops have a different feel and help keep your feet from working too hard while you wear them. Although the toe strap can feel tight at first, it stretches to accommodate the shape of your foot, and you'll notice the difference after just a few uses. Plus, the tighter toe strap provides some extra security when the shoe is wet. The fit runs slim and doesn't come in half sizes, so we definitely recommend sizing up if you're in between. While the style is casual, they are available in a variety of color options that range from bold to neutral, and they're so affordable you may find yourself purchasing more than one pair. “I enjoyed wearing these around the climbing crag while I belayed my partner between pitches, especially when I was experiencing some pain in my Achilles,” says one tester.
SPECIFICATIONS
Footbed Material
Memory foam yoga mat
Sole Material
Happy U sponge rubber
Strap Material
Synthetic leather, jersey lining
Measured Weight (per pair)
8.8 oz
Available Sizes
5-11 US
Although the design is specifically meant to support your feet and prevent discomfort, we found that they weren't the shoes that we wanted to wear around all day. While they were supportive enough for running errands, on the way to yoga class, or around the house, we found we needed a little more support if we were gonna be on our feet all day. And while the outsole did an above-average job while dry, the footbed got really loud and slippery when wet, so we took extra caution when wearing them in the water or showering at the gym. We had several testers wear the Archies and those with wider feet found them less comfortable than those with narrow feet. That said, the arch support is better than your average flat-footed bed that doesn't feature any contouring, and they are perfect for casual use. Their lightweight construction makes them super packable for beach vacations and perfect for backpackers who want to get out of their hiking boots around camp. If you're interested in another affordable design that's more secure in the water, check out the Birkenstock Gizeh Essentials EVA.
The Birkenstock Gizeh Essentials EVA is a foam version of the classic leather and cork model that we love. It's super lightweight, doesn't require weeks to break in, and retails for less than half the price of the leather version. If you've wanted the famous contoured Birkenstock footbed but prefer something that is lighter weight and water-friendly, this is a great alternative. The adjustable strap holds the foot snugly while the raised sidewalls protect it from sand, rocks, and sticks. The EVA sole sticks to wet, slippery rocks and grips sandy hillsides with ease. The material is also impervious to water, making this a solid choice for gardening, beach time, and days at the lake.
SPECIFICATIONS
Footbed Material
EVA
Sole Material
EVA
Strap Material
EVA
Measured Weight (per pair)
6.5 oz
Available Sizes
7 - 12.5 US
One of the inherent drawbacks of any foam shoe is that it's less durable. They can also get a bit clammy if your feet sweat — the footbed really cups the foot and holds it snug. This snugness makes it highly supportive and comfortable, but as our tester noted, “It can make funny sounds while walking if the footbed is wet or sweaty.” A light foam shoe likely isn't the one to pick if you want something to last for many years, but this is among the best water shoes we've tried for the price. If you're a fan of Birkenstocks, and want a more versatile daily summer shoe, we recommend the leather version of the Gizeh.
The OluKai Ho'opio Malua is the perfect sleek and stylish flip flop for days at the beach. Our testers love the variety of color choices, ranging from neutral blacks, tans, and whites to reds, greens, and blues, for ladies who want to make more of a statement. They run a bit slim, but are comfortable right out of the box, if the design works for the shape of your foot. The footbed is slightly contoured and provides enough support for women with low to moderate arches, and the surface is secure whether the shoes are dry when running around town or wet from just getting out of the water. The outsole does a great job of gripping dry and wet surfaces, while the snug nylon toe post keeps the shoe on your foot without causing too much discomfort. “I like the thin and minimal design that makes them easy to pack,” says one tester. These would be our first-choice shoes to pack for a beach vacation.
SPECIFICATIONS
Footbed Material
Lightweight PU
Sole Material
Rubber
Strap Material
Synthetic/polyurethane (PU)
Measured Weight (per pair)
12.8 oz (size 8)
Available Sizes
5-11 US
If you have a wider or high-profile foot, the toe strap will feel quite snug, and there is a good chance your toes and heel will splay over the edge. While the fit can be corrected by sizing up, there are just some feet that won't be happy in this design. And while they don't require a break-in period, the low to moderate arch support might not be enough for some people. Lastly, they might seem a bit expensive considering their minimalist construction, but they're sturdier than they look, and we think you'll appreciate their versatile performance as a stylish, water-friendly design. If you're after a more affordable waterproof construction, we highly recommend the Birkenstock Gizeh Essentials EVA or the Archies, but they aren't as durable or versatile as the Malua. For ladies looking for a great flip flop for the beach and everywhere in between, the Malua is worthy of your attention.
The OOFOS OOriginal is marketed as “recovery footwear,” and by that standard, we think they absolutely nailed it. The thick, foam footbed is giving but firm, while the straps feel secure against the tops of your feet. The OOFOS patented footbed geometry claims to enable a more natural motion while cradling and supporting the arch and reducing stress on your feet, knees, and back. Our lead tester wore these shoes on the days following an ascent of Mt. Whitney when her feet and back were quite sore. “Compared to walking around barefoot, I had significant improvement in lower back and leg soreness while wearing these,” she remarked. If you are looking for a lightweight option to wear after long runs, hard workouts, or big days in the mountains, the OOFOS OOriginal should be at the top of your list.
SPECIFICATIONS
Footbed Material
OOfoam Recovery Technology
Sole Material
OOfoam
Strap Material
OOfoam
Measured Weight (per pair)
5.0 oz
Available Sizes
5 - 16 US
The OOFOS OOriginal does exactly what it claims to do—it provides a comfortable, supportive, squishy footbed for your feet to rest and recover on. What it doesn't do is look cool. No matter what color, all of these look a little silly. “They're designed to be practical, not stylish,” laments our tester. If practical is what you are looking for, and you don't mind the bulky, foam aesthetic, these are a great choice. You could also try the Hoka Ora Recovery Flip, a similarly scoring option with a looser-fitted strap.
The Oofos Ooriginal feels like you are walking on a cloud. Credit: Brooke Hess
Product Comparison Table
We want a flip flop that's durable and can go anywhere. Credit: Trish Matheny
How We Tested
We wore these flip flops on countless outings from the city to the mountains to the beach. We waded across rivers and walked up dusty trails to a climbing crag, and wore them while hanging out in the backyard. We packed them for vacation, and wore them to beaches and lakeside hangouts. Throughout all this, we pay attention to key performance areas during all our adventures and lounge days so we can pinpoint the situations where we'd like to wear each one. Our comprehensive testing was divided into five key metrics:
Comfort (30% of overall score weighting)
Support (20% weighting)
Traction (20% weighting)
Versatility (15% weighting)
Style (15% weighting)
For more details on our testing process, see our How We Test article.
Brooke is a professional whitewater kayaker who spends the majority of her time romping around rivers in flip flops. She brought these flip flops on wilderness river trips in Idaho, to climbing crags in the Sierra, and wore them around camp the weekend she climbed Mt. Whitney. She tested them on mud, dirt, rocks, water, and on casual strolls around town.
Trish splits her time between Crowley Lake in the Eastern Sierras and Yosemite Valley. As a current member of Yosemite's Search and Rescue Team, she spends the majority of her time living in camp four and rock climbing as much as possible when she's not out on a rescue. Whether she's hanging around the SAR site, grabbing a shower at one of the Valley's many public facilities, belaying at the base of the crag, or hanging around the Merced, flip-flops are key to enjoying Yosemite, especially during the heat of summer.
Various flips for various adventures. Everyone has their own preference.
Analysis and Test Results
For many of us, that time of year when the weather turns warm enough to ditch the socks, free the toes, and break out the flip flops is a joyous occasion. If you need a new pair, you could just grab something cheap and plastic that will last a season or two, but we think your feet deserve better. Opting for something with extra support, traction, and comfort can help keep your feet and joints healthy, especially if you spend a lot of time in open-toed footwear.
Worse Value
Better Value
What's the Best Value?
Higher cost often correlates with better quality, but materials and features vary by need. Our favorite value options:
Archies: These shoes feature 1+ inches of foam underfoot, support for your arches, along with toe straps that form to your feet after just a few days of wear. These are a significant step up from your typical rubber flip-flop. However, they are still lightweight and low-profile like one, and more importantly, are priced like one.
Birkenstock Gizeh Essentials EVA: These aren't as cheap as some, but the Gizeh-style adjustable toe strap and raised edges offer more stability and protection than other plastic flip flops. Plus, they are water-friendly, and still only half the price of other top-scoring shoes.
Havaianas Slim: If you truly just want a beach/pool/shower shoe to last you a season or two of casual use, then Havaianas are a great option. These Brazilian-born shoes are a classic, and come from a place where people know their beachwear. They are about as affordable as they come, available in a ton of fun colors, and durable enough to last through a few summers. However, they don't offer much by way of arch support or traction, so we don't recommend them for heavy walking days.
The Birkenstock Gizeh EVA excels as a water shoe. Credit: Brooke Hess
Comfort
You'd think that with so few points of contact, finding a flip flop that fits well would be easy. Most of us know that's not the case. The requirements for keeping our feet healthy and happy differ from person to person, so assessing this metric is a multifaceted and involved process. We note how comfortable each pair of flips feels straight out of the box, how cozy they become after some breaking in, and how the materials feel in various situations and terrain. Our favorites for comfort showcase some very diverse shoes, each with its own appeal depending on your foot shape and preferences.
None of the flip flops we tested are uncomfortable, but some are definitely more luxurious than others. Our favorite in this category is the OOFOS OOriginal. It is marketed as a recovery shoe, and is built to be worn after long runs, strenuous workouts, or anytime your legs and back could use a break. It isn't very stylish, but if all you are looking for is underfoot cush, you won't care how your feet look. This shoe feels like you are walking on a cloud. We also loved the OluKai Ohana. It certainly evokes the “ooooh ahhh” factor more than all the others in our fleet. The Ohana has a super soft molded drop-in footbed inspired by the feeling of bare feet in wet sand. The arch support is in the exact spot you want it and feels perfect for a wide variety of testers' arches. Almost every single tester had a smile on their face and positive things to say the moment they slipped on this shoe.
The Olukai Ohana features soft foam and contoured footbed along with lightly padded straps for excellent comfort that just gets better as the shoe molds to your foot. Credit: Trish Matheny
A few close runner-ups are the Birkenstock Gizeh and the Fitflop Lulu. The Birkenstock cork/suede footbed molds to your feet over time. When new, it can feel quite stiff and unfriendly, but with some patience and perseverance, you will be rewarded with a custom footbed that supports you in all the right places. The contoured footbed and upturned sides hug the feet snugly, and the brushed leather on the footbed and the underside of the straps is soft and supple. The Gizeh has a hard rubber toe post that might turn people off of this shoe because it can be quite painful at first. But, at least for us, after a few long days of wear, it ceased to be an issue.
The Birkenstock Gizeh requires one of the longest break in periods but once you put in a little time, the contoured footbed and ridges beneath the forefoot adjusts to the shape of your foot. Credit: Trish Matheny
The Fitflop Lulu is quite simply a delight for your feet, and require no time to breakin. These are stacked with triple-density cushioning that provides enough comfort when you know you'll be hopping around town all day, but want to do it in style. The straps are wide and comfortable, but they run a bit big, making them a good choice for those with high-volume feet. The only caveat is that the wedge-style platform may not be for everyone.
The wedge style design of the Fitflop Lulu is comfortable as soon as you put it on but favors more of a wider foot shape. Credit: Trish Matheny
Another pair worth mentioning for its comfort is the Hoka Ora Recovery Flip. Just like the OOFOS OOriginal, this shoe is meant to be worn after long runs or big days in the mountains. The thick footbed provides a large cushioned platform that feels like a couch for your feet. The gripe we have with these sandals is the sizing. The strap feels loose on your feet, while the footbed isn't as long as we'd like. We read through numerous online reviews that had the same experience; however, all feet are sized differently, so it's possible these will work better for your feet than they did ours!
The Hoka Ora Recovery flip flops are great recovery shoes with a thick, squishy footbed. Credit: Brooke Hess
If you love the design and contouring of the original Gizeh but would prefer an easier break-in period (or no animal products), the foam version of the same sandal, the Gizeh Essentials EVA, is also highly comfortable. The material doesn't feel quite as nice against the skin — especially when wet or sweaty — but the classic Birkenstock contouring is still exceptional.
The Birkenstock Gizeh EVA is great for those seeking a comfortable shoe that also water-friendly. Credit: Brooke Hess
Unlike traditional leather Birkenstocks, the Sanuk Yoga Mat II and OOFOS OOriginal are all comfortable right out of the box. The Yoga Mat and OOriginal share the squish factor that makes you smile the second you slip them on. The Yoga Mat is made from actual yoga mat material, which, as you can imagine, feels like heaven, while the OOriginal is made of OOfoam Recovery Technology, a material specifically made to absorb more impact than your typical shoe.
The Oofos' squishy footbed feels like walking on a cloud. Credit: Matthew Blake
Another notable mention is the Crocs Crocband. This flip flop is about as minimalist as it comes. There are no fancy bells and whistles on these Crocs—just a simple rubber footbed that feels good under your feet. The Teva Olowahu is also notable here. It's made of lightweight EVA foam, ensuring that it doesn't weigh you down. The straps come in all sorts of fun colors, and the footbed just seems to get more comfortable the more you wear them.
The Teva Olowahu comes in all sorts of fun color options and the footbed seems to mold to your feet over time. Credit: Brooke Hess
The Clarks Breeze Sea is soft to the touch but firm and supportive, and it offers an adjustable thong strap. It requires zero break-in period, and the straps are gentle on the inside, ensuring that you never get a blister.
The Clarke Breeze Sea is comfortable and adjustable. Credit: Hayley Thomas
Support
Flip flops aren't generally known for their supportive qualities, but a well-constructed flip flop with a good fit can mean happier feet and less potential for pain or injury over time. Just because sandals are minimal doesn't mean you need to sacrifice foot support completely. We spent a lot of time in these shoes, spending long hours running around town, even taking them on some light hikes to test the limits of where we could go in them.
The Birkenstock Gizeh, with its strategically contoured footbeds, is the understandable winner in this category. Even before the cork-lined suede molds to your anatomy, you will notice how well it hugs each foot and supports the arch. The upturned sides keep the foot cradled in the footbed, so there is never a worry that you will slip off the edge when the shoe is wet, or you're on uneven surfaces like stony beaches or cobblestone streets. These qualities continue to improve as the Birkenstock footbed becomes broken in and personalized.
The Birkenstock Gizeh features a ton of custom support once you break them in. Our testers love the suede-lined footbed along with adjustable toe strap that's perfect for a variety of foot shapes and sizes. Credit: Trish Matheny
The OluKai Ohana scored just as well. They are superbly made with a drop-in footbed and a nice, wide base. Our testers found the arch support of the Ohana to be the best of all the sandals we tested.
The Ohana is one of the most supportive designs that we tested thanks to a contoured footbed and shock-absorbing foam under foot. Credit: Trish Matheny
Another model that offers excellent support and stability is the OOFOS OOriginal. The highly cushioned footbed has a unique shape that offers more cushioning in the center of the foot and tapers out towards the toes and heel. This extra cushioning provides soft yet effective arch support right where you want it. Your back and legs will thank you at the end of the day.
The curvature of the outsole helps rock your feet from heel to toe with every step. Credit: Matthew Blake
A few other runner-ups in this category are the Birkenstock Gizeh Essentials EVA and the Chaco Classic Flip. Both have a unique and supportive contoured footbed. The Gizeh EVA offers the same foot-hugging shape that Birkenstock is known for, just in a lighter, squishier package. The Chaco Classic Flip offers a firmer footbed with medium-sized arch support and a slightly concave cup for your heel. However, this new version of the Chaco Classic Flip has an uncomfortable tag on the inside of each shoe's strap that rubs the foot. For this reason, we don't recommend the new version as much as older models of this sandal.
The contoured footbed of the Birkenstock Gizeh EVA is great for those seeking more support in a unique and more affordable design. Credit: Brooke Hess
The Archies design also features additional support for those with high arches, as the unique closed-cell foam provides a densely cushioned footbed that, combined with stretchable toe straps, allows the shoe to literally mold to the shape of your foot for customized support.
The contoured footbed, texture, arch support, thicker foam, and tighter toe strap make the Archies more supportive than your average affordable pair of flops. Credit: Trish Matheny
Also worth mentioning are the Olulkai Maluas, which aren't nearly as supportive as the Ohana but do include support for low to moderate arches, as well as ridges beneath the toes for better alignment.
The Malua provides low to moderate support through a lightly contoured footbed and ridges beneath the toes.
Versatility
There is nothing wrong with wanting the right tool for every job, but how great is it when you find a shoe that can handle a wide variety of daily activities. Some flip flops are great for days spent at the beach or poolside, while others are good to bring to the gym to wear in the shower post-workout. Some models can be a fantastic everyday summer shoe, but aren't water-friendly. We gave points for shoes that we could wear the most often, to the most places, and with the most outfits. Of course, we think that flip flops can be the perfect shoe for any occasion if you have the right mindset.
The OluKai Ohana is a well-designed shoe. It has a nice look to it, goes with various outfits, and can handle most terrain. Similarly, all the Birkenstock models can easily take you from the beach to lunch and back again without a hitch. You might even get away with wearing the Gizeh to a casual outdoor wedding. However, niether of these shoes is really made for getting wet, so you'll want a different model if you spend alot of time in the water.
Whether you're belaying between pitches at the crag, working in the garden, or out running errands, the Ohanas are great for a little extra support.
Another versatile option from Olukai that we love is the Malua. This simple design is perfect for those seeking a great beach shoe as it offers great performance in and out of the water. The footbed doesn't absorb water like the Ohana, but the traction is just as good. Although they're kind of heavy for a flip flop, we love the durability and quality found in the design.
The Malua features a water-friendly design that's stylish enough to wear around town.
The waterproof qualities and comfort of the Gizeh EVA make it a great flip flop for lake hangouts and pool days. The Sanuk Yoga Mat does not have particularly great outsole traction, but we found that this was one of the shoes we reached for most often in our months of hands-on testing. It is of higher quality than your average plastic flip flop but casual and comfortable enough to wear with almost anything. On top of that, it is light enough to throw in your pack if you think you might need a second pair of shoes. Similarly, the Havaianas Slim are just too easy to slip on when you're headed out the door to run a quick errand, or want to wear your sneakers on the way to the beach, but not at the beach.
The Sanuk Yoga Mat II is a simple, yet effective flip flop. Credit: Brooke Hess
The Archies are great lightweight shoes that pack easily and provide a little extra support than your average flip. They come in a variety of fun color choices that range from neutral to bold options, and feel stable underfoot even when wet.
The Archies flip flops are a water-friendly design that's lightweight, packable, and available in a lot of color choices.
The Chaco Classic Flip is another semi-versatile shoe. It can handle most uneven terrain as long as the footbed stays dry. Weighting only 7.6 ounces for the pair, they're pretty lightweight and highly durable, just as Chacos are known for. They offer good all-around support for most feet, so throwing it in your crag bag to slip on between climbs or your beach bag for your walk back to the car is pretty convenient.
Toss the Classic Flip in your bag for an active day or strut around town - you won't be disappointed. Credit: Hayley Thomas
Style
The flip flops in this review represent a wide array of styles, from rugged and athletic to delicate and feminine. We poll a sizable group of women during our testing, and unsurprisingly, the more athletic-looking flips end up lower on almost everyone's list, while minimalist, low-profile shoes garner more neutral opinions, and higher quality leather options tend to feel the most stylish. But at the end of the day, it's going to come down to what you like best.
It's probably no surprise that the Gizeh also finishes very high in the style department. Although the look of Birkenstocks doesn't appeal to everyone, many find it to be a classy shoe that looks beautiful with a lot of different outfits. If you like the look of the Gizeh, but want fun poppy colors to choose from, consider the Gizeh Essentials EVA version.
The Birkenstock Gizeh is a stylish design that can be dressed up for a casual wedding or simply worn halfway across the world for more support while you check out the sites. Credit: Trish Matheny
The OluKai Malua has a beautiful design on the outsole, a lightweight PU footbed, and high-quality materials, along with color choices ranging from neutral to vibrant. While we love it for the beach, we think the more delicate style is also great for casual outings around town.
For a beach-friendly shoe, the Malua features a ton of color options that ups its style points. Credit: Trish Matheny
If you are in the market for a simpler flip flop, the Havaianas Slim and the Rainbow Single Layer Premier are available in tons of colors and rock a minimal look that has been trending recently.
The yoga mat material of the Sanuk Yoga Mat II is quite pleasant on the bottoms of your feet Credit: Brooke Hess
The Teva Olowahu is an easy flip flop to love with cute interlaced straps and a cushy foam footbed. Whether you're sporting your favorite shorts, jeans, or a cute dress for the evening, the Olowahu can easily be dressed up or down. And when you consider the modest price tag, picking up a pair is practically a no-brainer. Fit-wise, we find that the pinkie toe tends to pop out the side on some foot shapes, so be aware that these straps, cute as they are, won't work for everybody.
The Teva Olowahu is a fashionable shoe at a good price point Credit: Brooke Hess
A few runner-ups in this category are the OluKai Ohana, Clarks Breeze Sea, and Reef Cushion Court, all of which are offered in a variety of colors and won't detract from most outfits.
We tested 16 different flip flops for this review. Credit: Brooke Hess
Traction
You don't often associate flip flops with traction. It's unlikely that you will be hiking, running, or climbing in these shoes. But if you consider that flip-flops are often worn in and around water, traction becomes much more important. Wet river rocks can be very slick, as can the smooth, wet concrete around the pool. We consider both the traction of the shoe to the ground, as well as how securely our foot stays in place on top of the shoe, as slips can happen on either side.
While none of the options in our test suite offer a highly textured outsole, there are a few decent performers. The Birkenstock Gizeh, Gizeh Essentials EVA, OluKai Ohana, and Olukai Malua all offer good bottom and footbed traction. The Birkenstocks all have a very high lip around the entire shoe to keep your foot in place, and the textured sole prevents slipping and sliding. The Ohanas have a thick, heavy sole that protects the bottoms of your feet from rocks and sticks. We especially love that the Olukai Malua provides good traction in the water, and would be a great option if you often find yourself wading through shallow creeks or out into the ocean to check out tide pools.
The non-marking rubber outsoles of the Ohana provide great traction even when wet. Credit: Trish Matheny
The Chaco Classic Flip has excellent bottom sole traction, and the footbed is decent depending on conditions. The footbed is very curvy and hugs the feet nicely, but the firm LUVSEAT PU material gets a little slick when wet. We even found ourselves slipping around in the shoes a little while walking on wet grass.
The new version of the Chaco Classic Flip has a tag inside the straps that is quite uncomfortable and also negatively impacts the shoe's footbed traction. Credit: Brooke Hess
The Clarks Breeze Sea doesn't have a particularly textured sole, but the material is stickier than you would think while walking around on wet river rocks and hiking up and down dirt hills. Unfortunately, the footbed of the Clarks Breeze Sea felt quite slippery when wet, and the raised platform of the footbed made a slippery heel much more consequential while walking on uneven terrain. The OOFOS OOriginal Sport and Sanuk Yoga Mat II are very spongy, so they provide decent traction on uneven ground but not on wet, slick rocks.
The Clarks Breeze Sea have a little texture on the bottom to help with traction. Credit: Hayley Thomas
How to Choose The Best Flip Flops for Women
We've compiled four key considerations, including style, support, and budget, to help narrow your flip flop selection. This is a summary of our complete women's flip flops buying advice.
While most flip flops are breathable and easy to wear, some are best suited for running errands around town, while others are best at the beach in and around the water. While most flip flops provide some level of versatility, it is worth considering what type of use you want out of your next pair. Flip flops such as Birkenstocks, which are largely comprised of cork and suede, are much better off as casual, everyday shoes, while a flop made out of rubber and synthetic materials will hold up much better to activities around water.
Contrary to popular belief, there are some flip flops that can help support the natural shape of your feet, so you don't have to settle for flat rubber thongs if you don't want to. For those with issues such as flat feet or pronated feet needing arch support and more supportive soles, look at the footbed shape, the material used, and the cushioning provided. Many flip flops come with moldable and contoured footbeds that help form to the shape of your feet. If you are less concerned about foot support and just need something for quick use, there are less expensive options that will work just fine.
Finding a flip flop you trust while hopping around river rocks, checking out tidepools, or just walking around town requires a different kind of traction than you'd look for in a hiking shoe. The stickiness of the material matters more than you think here, as a rubber or EVA surface with little texture but great contouring can keep your foot in place much better than one with a plastic coating. Of course for the outsole, you can look for key characteristics such as the pattern/thickness of the tread to avoid slipping around in your flops.
Some flip flops require a break-in process to shape and conform to the feet. Additionally, certain straps might feel stiff and tight initially, but through wear and use, they will break in and loosen enough to fit comfortably. Before deciding on a pair of flops, consider whether you have any trips or special occasions planned and have the time beforehand to break them in.
We hope our review and testing notes have been helpful in selecting your next pair of flip flops. Credit: Trish Matheny
Conclusion
Finding just an ordinary pair of flip flops for warm weather is by no means difficult, but finding the right pair, complete with superior support, traction, and comfort, is a different story. Our expert team of testers put our contenders through many thousands of steps on all kinds of terrain to gain a deep and comprehensive understanding of each pair. And we do it all to ensure that you can make the best choice possible for your feet, your style, and your pocketbook. Maximize your spring and summer experience with some open-toed shoes that can handle every facet of a well-lived life!
Our footwear reviews don't stop at flip flops. We've also taken the time to assess everything from water shoes for women to an impressive lineup of the top women's trail running shoes and even women's slippers when it's time to get cozy. No matter what adventure is on the horizon, we can help your feet stay comfortable and supported.
