Flips flops were once just for the beach but are now everyday casual wear. They have come a long way in comfort and support.

The best flip flops are lightweight, easy to transport, and leave your feet free and in the open air.

However, before you head down to your nearest big box store to grab a pair, take a look at our top-rated flip flops for men and women! We have done the research so you don’t have to.

Let’s get started.

Best Flip Flops

	Teva Men’s Pajaro Flip-Flop	Okabashi Men’s Surf Flip Flops	OluKai Men’s Ohana Flip Flops
Sizes:	7 US – 14 US	6.5 – 13	7 – 18
Men/Women:	Mens	Mens	Mens
Upper:	Leather/Textile	Microplast	Synthetic
Sole:	Rubber	Microplast	Rubber
Rating:	4.5 / 5.0	4.1 / 5.0	4.6 / 5.0

For more of my beach gear recommendations, have a look through these popular Outside Pursuits guide links: Beach Chairs, Beach Tents, Beach Shoes, Sandals.

Quick Answer: The 10 Best Rated Flip Flops For 2021

Best Flip Flops For Men

1. Teva Men’s Pajaro Flip-Flop
2. Okabashi Men’s Surf Flip Flops
3. OluKai Men’s Ohana Flip Flops
4. Chaco Men’s Marshall Flip Flop
5. Reef Fanning Bottle Opener Flip Flops For Men

Best Flip Flops For Women

1. Under Armour Women’s Marbella VII Flip Flop
2. Birkenstock Gizeh Birko-Flor
3. The North Face Women’s Base Camp Lite Flip-Flops
4. LUKAI Womens Lala Flip Flops
5. Astral Women’s Rosa Flip Flops

Here is a feature comparison of my top flip flops with a comparison table and our buyers guide below will help you choose a pair of flip flops for you.

Best Men’s Flip Flops

#1 Teva Men’s Pajaro Flip-Flop

Teva has come out with a wide array of sturdy, comfortable footwear for decades, but the Pajaro is still one of our favorites. This sandal isn’t made just for casual strolls on a hot summer day; this model is made to work!

Coming in various shades of brown, you don’t have many options as far as colors go, but the performance will definitely compensate for that.

As far as comfort goes, we found it hard to surpass. The support and stability these provide is great, and the ergonomically-designed straps are nice and wide. Rather than cutting into the foot, they cradle them and keep the shoe in place.

The footbed is slightly sunken in, and as it’s treated with an anti-microbial, you don’t have to worry about weird odors emanating from them.

The nylon shank that goes through the entirety of the sole adds great stability and keeps sharp obstacles from stabbing through.

When you take a look at the construction, you can tell they mean business. Everything is heavily sewn and welded together, which is ultra-durable, but a bit heavier than most models.

However, due to this design, you can wear them in the woods, on the beach, and everywhere else in-between. If you want the best flip flops for men, this is them.

#2 Okabashi Men’s Surf Flip Flops

If you’re a vegan, or just care about the environment or just really appreciate comfortable flip flops, then check out the Okabashi Surf Flip Flops.

These 100% vegan/recyclable shoes are truly one-of-a-kind. While they’re made to be sturdy, once you finally wear them out, you can send them back to the company so they can use them to make more! Talk about sustainable!

That’s all great, but how do they feel?

In a word: Wonderful.

If you have issues with flat feet or just need extra arch support, these have you covered. They have a heel cup and a toe rest as well, quickly making the best flip flops with arch support when we just want something comfortable and supportive.

What’s more impressive is their reflexology-inspired massaging footbed which works to boost blood flow in your feet. This ultimately helps with recovery and reduces the chances of soreness!

As they’re made of complete microplast, you can wear them in just about any environment. Once you’re done for the day, simply toss them in the dishwasher and they’ll come out looking as good as new.

The non-fade color won’t be at risk, either.

#3 OluKai Men’s Ohana Flip Flops

If we were to create what we consider to be the best flip flop, the OluKai Ohana would come pretty close, but would still be a little bit better.

As far as men’s flip flops go, these come in a wide selection of colorways, so you can also choose something that suits your personality. OluKai is definitely a brand that knows how to make flops, and the Ohanas are quite possibly their most impressive masterpiece.

Let’s start off with the main attraction: the footbed. It is anatomically compression-molded with an EVA midsole and an ICEVA drop-in footbed.

This gives a kind of custom fit which holds the foot in place gently. The support it provides will make sure that even on all-day adventures, your feet will feel rejuvenated and ready for action.

Don’t be confused by how soft the footbed feels; this pair is made for rough and tough environments. The non-marking rubber outsole is thick and sturdy, with just enough flex to move naturally with your feet.

The coral reef lug design is a thoughtful addition, boosting grip to work perfectly on slick surfaces. We also thought it was cool that this model is vegan-friendly, so it is available to just about anyone.

#4 Chaco Men’s Marshall Flip Flop

We have to say, it was kind of difficult choosing between the OluKai and the Chaco Ecotreads. While the former scored higher in comfort, these were a bit better in terms of durability.

If your main priority is sturdiness, then they can’t be competed with. In fact, it’s not uncommon for the Ecotreads to last well over a decade!

We’ll say upfront that the price tag is a bit steep, but if they’re going to last that long, it’s more than worth it for the best men’s flip flops.

As we said, comfort isn’t the highest right when you receive the pair. You’ll definitely have to break them in, as the footbed and the straps start out kind of stiff.

After a few weeks you’ll notice that they begin to mold to the shape of your feet, so you’ll end up with a completely personalized fit. You can count on them keeping this shape for years and years.

The rubber sole is just thick enough to protect against rocks and other hard objects, while giving a bit of flex after they’re properly worn in. The tread isn’t phenomenal, but it will still keep you on track while hiking or camping.

#5 Reef Fanning Bottle Opener Flip Flops For Men

The Reef Fanning has not just been a cult favorite, but a crowd favorite going back at least 10 years. That being said, they didn’t change much on the design because they didn’t need to.

The best flip flops for flat feet have great anatomical arch support, trendy design, and a bottle opener?

That’s right, there’s a church key bottle opener right into the middle of the rubber outsole so you always have access to a cold beverage!

The footbed is made to absorb great amounts of impact, with a contoured compression molded EVA foam footbed. The kind of rubber feeling against the bottoms of the feet work to make sure your feet stay in place well.

The outsole is also made with Reef Icon Herringbone Rubber to ensure excellent amounts of traction when you’re on uneven surfaces.

The 360-degree heel airbag also aids in absorbing shock, and is enclosed in a soft polyurethane. If we had our way, we’d probably take the airbag out as it doesn’t seem to do much in terms of visuals or comfort, but it is what it is.

As the upper consists of a synthetic nubuck, it won’t rub harshly against your skin, and can be taken in the water without worry of ruining it.

Best Women’s Flip Flops

#1 Under Armour Women’s Marbella VII Flip Flop

If you’ve ever wanted to walk on a memory foam mattress all day long, the Under Armour Marbella VI Thong Speaker may be able to help you out.

We ranked it as one of the most comfortable flip flops due to the plush feel and sporty design. The model comes in over 10 bright colors, too, such as teal, neon coral, bright pink, and more.

Made with two thick layers of performance 4D foam, the footbeds will feel like you’re floating over the ground rather than impacting it. Every time you step, your feet sink in just enough.

If you’re going on long walks around an amusement park or on vacation, these are great to make sure your feet don’t tire out quickly.

The anatomical contours of the foot bed also help worth with the arches and curves rather than against them. The synthetic straps are soft and smooth, made also with a squishy foam lining to pad the tops of your feet instead of chafing them.

While we wouldn’t suggest using them on slippery or rough terrain, the sculpted EVA outsole does provide an acceptable amount of traction and flexibility.

#2 Birkenstock Gizeh Birko-Flor

Birkenstock has made the tops of various lists, and the Birkenstock Gizeh Thong Sandals have made our best flip flops for women list.

There are tons of models out there that we loved, but this one surpassed them all in terms of durability, comfort, and style all packed into one.

If you’re just wearing your new flip slops out of the box, you’re probably thinking we’re liars for calling these comfortable. The truth is, for the first few weeks, they’re quite stiff.

They have to be broken in, but once you hit this point, you’ll have a cork footbed that is perfectly molded to your feet.

The luxurious materials they’re made out of last years upon years, but do quickly soften up with regular use. The design is unique, and can easily go from dressy flip flops to being used in the outdoors.

As the footbed is lined with suede and the straps with fleece, they’re surprisingly welcoming and perfect for extensive use.

With flip flops, it can be difficult to achieve stability. The contoured footbed and a deep heel cup make sure to hold feet perfectly in place.

The arch supports that run along the length and in the center of the shoe help with this, too. Adjust the strap to your liking, and you’re ready to go.

#3 The North Face Women’s Base Camp Lite Flip-Flops

The North Face more known for its winter clothing also has a great line up of summer wear. They consistently have stylish, top-of-the-line gear that’s fun to use.

That’s why we weren’t surprised that their Base Camp Lite Flip Flops were some of our favorites. While we could see some room for improvement regarding durability, they scored high in comfort, support, and versatility.

While the Birkenstocks start out rigid but last a long time, the Base Camps were kind of the opposite: starting out plush and comfy but the sturdiness of materials just isn’t there.

The lightweight footbed is plush and the jersey-lined straps felt like some silky sheets against our skin. You can wear them right out of the box without having to deal with any discomfort or blisters.

From the side, it looks like the flops would feel super thick and awkward, but in fact, they provide a very natural, minimal feel.

As the body of the shoe is made entirely of EVA foam, they’re super lightweight and like walking on air. However, they’re not going to hold up as well as a rubber bottom.

If you watch out for poke-y objects such as rogue sticks or sharp pebbles, this won’t be much of a problem. As the best women’s flip flops, they won’t steer you in the wrong direction.

#4 OLUKAI Womens Lala Flip Flop

If you’re searching for comfort and style above all else, then the Olukai Lala deserves your attention. These gorgeous leather flops work well in more formal settings, just as well as around a bonfire.

While they’re not ideal for wider feet, we found them incredibly comfortable for long walks.

Similar to the Birkenstocks, these do take a bit of time to get broken in, but once they do, expect pleasing results. The molded polyurethane footbed is completely covered in full-grain leather.

Not only does this create a super durable design, but a smooth and fresh feel underfoot.

To keep feet from feeling fatigued, the arch support in the center was very much appreciated! It was just hard enough to aid arches without causing irritation or pain.

The straps are made of the same full-grain leather as the footbed, finished off with a microfiber lining to keep feet dry. This made us apprehensive about using them in the water, but if you get some splashes on them now-and-then, it should be fine.

As with any flip flop, the toe post can make or break a shoe. No one wants chafing or raw skin, and the hand-sewn leather post on this model prevents that.

We were overall satisfied enough with the entire design that we’d consider these the best flip flops for walking.

#5 Astral Women’s Rosa Flip Flops

The Astral Rosa, at first glance, is quite a bit different from other products on our guide. This is due to the fact that this one actually features an additional ankle strap.

While it may seem a bit “extra” this small change transformed it into a supportive flop to one that could take on hikes, beaches, jogs, and much more.

Let’s start out by addressing the fact that this wasn’t necessarily the most serene-feeling model we’d tried. While it wasn’t by any means uncomfortable, it just wasn’t as plush as the Under Armour, for example.

The dual-density EVA footbed has a good amount of thickness to it, however, the ridge between the toes and the ball of the foot was a bit oddly-placed.

This wasn’t really an issue, but it’s something that you’ll notice for the first few minutes of having them on.

Finally, the super-grippy, siped outsole was perfect for adventuring. Take them on all kinds of trails and you’ll love how stable and secure they are.

Once you put them on your feet, there will be no question why we chose them as the best supportive flip flops.

Flip Flops Comparison Table

How to Choose the Best Flip Flops – Buying Guide

Flip flops are a piece of footwear that have been sported by people since before we even started recording history. It makes sense, doesn’t it? They’re simple, sensible, and easy to use. Nowadays, we have some models that are a bit more upgraded.

Now that you’re in-the-know about all the best flip flops for women and men, have you decided which are the perfect pair for you? If not, that’s okay. There are quite a few options out there, and choosing footwear can be a tedious process.

That’s why we’ve gone ahead and created the user-friendly buying guide, below. Keep on reading to make sure you’re making the right choice!

Purpose

First off, ask yourself what you’ll be using your flip flops for. Will you simply be wearing them out to get the newspaper or on a hike to the beach? You’re probably not going to be using the same model for both. For this purpose, we’ve decided to create three different categories: urban-wear, water-wear, and hiking/outdoors.

Urban

This category is where most of us fall. These flip flops are your casual shoes that can be worn to a neighbor’s barbeque, walking around downtown, or taking your dog to the park. You’re probably going to take style more into consideration, while traction and stability will take a backseat as you’ll mainly be walking on flat, even ground.

In this category, you’ll find the Olukai Lala and the Birkenstock Gizeh. Both are constructed with leather, which hold up very well, but also look trendy and can be paired with more upscale clothing.

Beach/Water

For the water sport athletes, you’re going to definitely want something other than leather construction. What your main concern will be, is traction and stability as you’ll obviously be walking on wet and/or slippery surfaces.

While flip flops aren’t particularly known to be grippy, there are some people that will be stubborn and wear them anyway so you might as well pick out those that excel in this area.

In addition, look for straps and footbeds that hold your feet in place and won’t easily let them slip around as this can make for some potentially nasty ankle rolls.

In this category, you’ll find the Chaco Ecotreads, the Reef Fannings, and the OluKai Ohana. The Fanning model, particularly performed exceptionally in wet environments, with supreme traction and comfort.

Hiking/Outdoors

Many of the models we just mentioned for water activities also performed well here, due to sturdiness and grip which are both ideal for hiking. As you’re most likely going to run into tough environments along with sharp objects, you want ones that feature tough soles and straps with great tread.

Aside from the aforementioned flops, the Astral Rosas are also excellent mountaineering shoes. They have the straps to hold your feet in place and won’t slip around. However, we really liked the grip on the OluKai Ohanas, which worked exceptionally well on any surface. The Teva Pajaros also deserve a mention, due to their lug tread and the hiking influence you can see in its design.

Materials

The materials of your new flip flops are crucial to how well they perform and how they fit on your feet. If you’re going to be using them for fashion purposes, durability isn’t so much of a selling point, while looks and comfortability will be.

In these cases, just focus on soft and smooth materials like suede/leather or foam.

Foam

Foam is great as it feels like walking on air, but as they’re not very dense, they’re susceptible to compression and won’t last as long. They easily form to the shape of your foot, however, which makes them comfy.

Rubber

If you’re going to be using them outdoors or plan on keeping them around for years to come, we highly recommend rubber soles.

These are the most common types of soles, as they offer elasticity, a bit of cushioning, and keep their grip quite well. This makes them ideal for just about any type of environment, whether it be on the beach or street. However, natural rubber can crystalize and crack after time.

Arch Support

No matter what type of feet you have, you can never go wrong with proper arch support – especially if you’re going to be using your flip flops in rough terrain or sand, which can put excess strain on your feet if you just have a flat piece of material strapped to your foot.

Look for arch support that will make sure your feet don’t fatigue early on in your journey. There are even some which can work to boost blood flow, which will prevent any soreness the next day and even cramping.

Contoured/molded footbeds work to shape specifically to your feet, which will help promote proper bone and joint alignment, which means you’ll put less strain on your body.

Flexibility

When we walk, our feet flex. Which means that if you don’t want your feet to completely cramp up and ruin your good time, you also want flip flops that can do the same. While not every model has the same amount of flex to them, you at least want to be able to bend them. This also makes them more easily portable if they’re not as rigid.

FAQs About Flip Flops

Q: How can I make sure my flip flops stay in good condition?

First, if you’re going to be using them on trails, make sure to avoid or remove any twigs and rocks that get stuck. The longer they’re in there, the bigger the hole/crack they’re going to create. If you can try to avoid them altogether by hopping over them, even better.

In addition, clean them regularly with soap and water.

Q: How can I clean my flip flops?

Just as we mentioned, soap and water can work wonders and isn’t harsh. If they’re leather, make sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions.

Many of these models can actually just be thrown in the wash, which is obviously the easiest option, but can also be rough on them and make them break down quicker. You never want to put rubber in hot washing machines.

Q: How can I clean my leather sandals?

Definitely do not ever put them in the washing machine. Even soap and water can be tricky. What we recommend, is to use baking soda to get rid of any bad odors. Leave it on there for 24-36 hours if you can, and then wipe it off with a wet wipe or a damp wash cloth.

Q: How can I keep them smelling nice?

Some will already come with a cover that prohibits the growth of odor-causing bacteria. However, rubber and plastic are made up of various oils. Once you combine them with the sweat your feet give off, that’s going to get intense.

Just like with the leather models, using baking soda works wonders. Pour on a thin layer and leave it on at least 8 hours. Once you’re done, shake off excess powder, and wipe dry.

Tips On Caring For Your Flip Flops

#1: If you don’t want to use baking soda, try a plastic bag and some fabric softener sheets

Simply toss the flops into a plastic grocery store bag, toss in the sheets, tie it up, and leave it to “soak” overnight. The sheets will absorb the odors, and keep them smelling like you just took them out of the wash.

#2: What’s the best way to break in my flip flops?

Some are obviously going to take longer than others. To avoid chafing your skin and cracking your shoes, start out by taking short walks in them. Don’t force it, as this can cause you pain and cause damage to your flops. Gently bend the flip flop from end to end, making sure it bends at the ball of the foot.

If they can be in the water, subject them to it. The water is going to help the materials soften up and will make them less rigid quicker. You’ll slowly but surely start to see the beds forming to the specific shape of your feet!

#3: If you’re purchasing a model that you want to wear for years to come, then invest in leather or a leather-like material

While they’re oftentimes going to come with a bigger price tag, they’ll ultimately end up saving you money as some last easily over 10 years.

#4: Never wear them for dangerous activities such as mowing the lawn

This may seem like common sense, and while you can wear them for a bunch of activities, lawn mowing isn’t one of them. Wearing them around a string trimmer also isn’t a great idea.

Final Thoughts

So, have you ended up deciding on the best pair of flip flops for you? No matter which ones you select, know that you’ll be receiving one of the highest-quality models out there. As with anything, what’s important is that they suit your body and lifestyle. We hope that our guide has helped you pick the perfect ones, and we will see you again shortly. Thanks for tuning in!

How We Researched

To come up with the top flip flops, we researched a variety of sources for reviews such as Target, Lowes, Bed Bath & Beyond and Walmart along with our own personal experience.

We also consulted online magazines for product research and reviews to get as much unbiased information as we could. To help weed out fake reviews we used Fakespot.com to make sure we only looked at genuine reviews.

With so much quality gear available, we had to narrow it down based on what we felt were the best options for the price. The staff authors have a wide and varied background in adventure travel, hiking and backpacking.

The authors have decades of experience and are eager to share their knowledge with readers.

To help narrow down the selection we used personal experiences along with recommendations from fellow travelers and tour guides.

After extensive research, we came up with our list to help you choose the right one for you.

Sources