5 Of The Best Brands For Flip Flops

Slipping feet into flipflops can either be wonderful or it can be hell. It is, of course, lovely to have enough sun to be able to discard our customary trainers or boots with socks and finally get some air to our toes. Equally though, there can be few people who haven’t had to limp miserably to the nearest pharmacy for a bumper pack of Compeed as our unaccustomed skin acclimatises or, even worse, been forced to hopped home as the thong between the toes breaks altogether. The best pairs, however, should be comfortable and should last more than a summer; in this country, after all, we only need them a few short weeks a year and, if they are replaced annually, that’s bad news both for our bank balances and for sustainability.

These are the flipflop brands we really rate.

Havaianas

Anyone with even the most passing interest in summer footwear will be familiar with Havaianas. The Brazilian brand knows a thing or two about hot weather comfort, having been selling flipflops since 1962. Back then, it only made one style: the traditional Japanese Zori, which featured a thin sole of rice straw fastened with fabric straps. The nineties, however, saw a big shift, with surfers first cottoning on to the brand, later followed by the rest of the world, to which it began exporting in 2007. Of course, there are more styles available now than just a flipflop (think espadrilles and slides), but our heart will always be with a Havaianas thong, available for men, women and kids. When it comes to this brand, we say go bright or go home. We’re loving the pink electric Havaianas Tops, which come in at a wallet-friendly £12. Explore the full range here.

Archies Footwear

Every testimonial for Archies Footwear’s flipflops eulogises the same thing: that these are the best pair of flipflops its 50,000-plus five-star reviewers have ever owned. And there’s a reason for that: its founder is an Aussie with a background in physiotherapy and, having grown tired of warning clients to avoid the typical flat flipflops, decided to make his own that came with inbuilt support. He says, ‘I set out on a mission to create a pair of flip flops that not only offered orthotic support, but a pair that my mates and I would happily wear. I was determined to fix the long list of issues associated with ‘regular’ flip flops and redefine what your pair ought to be!’ Made using specialised closed-cell foam material and a patented footbed, the shoes mould to your feet as your wear them, cradling arches so that they put your ‘feet in the most biomechanically appropriate position possible.’ There are flipflops and slides available, and we especially like the Arch Support Flip Flops in Mint which come in at £35. Plus, they are moulded from one piece of material, so there will be no thong breakages to ruin your day at the beach. Explore the full range here.

Fitflop

Remember when Fitflop launched back in 2007? We do. They were heralded as a game-changer, complementing your body by being biomechanically engineered to support body structure, joint alignment and natural movement. The only problem was, well, they were a bit ugly. Fast forward 16 years, and all the ergonomic benefits for the wearer are still there, and they’ve slimmed right down, simplified and now they look good too. We like the IQUSHION Ergonomic Flip-Flops, which cost £28. As they explain, ‘With heel and ball of foot impact pillows, contoured arch curves, and our exclusive, high-rebound rubber, our IQushion™ have changed the flip-flop game.’ Products for men and kids are available too. Explore the full range here.

Birkenstock

There was a time, long ago, when Birkenstock was reserved for the sandal and sock wearing hiker, and no one with the slightest regard for fashion would have considered donning a pair. Thankfully, that all began to change around the turn of the millennium, and the about-face has been to the gain of those who prize comfort and aesthetics everywhere. Now Birkenstock has a new range of sandal available: the Honolulu, which is modelled on the tradition cork sandal synonymous with the brand but made from light and flexible EVA. Shock-absorbent, waterproof, and skin-friendly, we can attest to the fact that they are the most instantly comfortable sandals we’ve ever owned. (There are also slides available in Eva too.) We like the Honolulu in faded lime, which cost £40 but, we think, will last and last. Perfect for a day at the beach. Explore the full range here.

Hoka

Hoka’s Ora flipflops are designed to help feet recover – whether from a triathlon or any kind of over exertion. They say, ‘We put a HOKA ONE ONE® oversized midsole and Meta-Rocker into a flip flop and improved the toe straps with a more anatomically friendly fit. It hugs the foot and provides sleek comfort and support. Your tired feet just got rescued. You’re welcome.’ Plus, we think they look pretty good too. We like the Ora Recover Flip in Summer Song and Amber Yellow, which cost £50. Explore the full range here.

By Nancy Alsop
June 2023