Flip-flops for wearing around town: Super-cheap flip-flops will be murder for your feet on pavements. As well as falling apart fast, they’ll be slippery and unsupportive, leaving you with aching arches and ankles. So, invest in a supportive footbed and soles with decent depth and traction. Great-looking urban flip-flops such as the Teva Mush offer style and substance.
Flip-flops for the swimming pool: Whether the pool is outdoors on holiday or indoors at your year-round sports centre, you’ll need soles with good traction to stop you slipping, plus quick-drying lightweight material for slipping into your gym bag.
Flip-flops for hiking: Yes, there really are flip-flops that you can walk miles in without rubbing the skin off your feet, torturing your toes and wrecking your arches. ’Flops from companies such as FitFlop, Reef and Oofos offer the kind of support and cushioning you’d normally expect from trainers. Even if you’re just off on a city break, your feet will thank you for packing a pair of unconventional Oofos over diamante flatties, believe us.
Flip-flops for water sports: A foolish flip-flop fan and his or her surfboard are soon parted. But if you’re determined to join the legions of flip-flopping surfies, then look for excellent traction when wet, quick-drying material and soles thick enough to protect your feet from sharp objects. The new Reef Fanning ’flops in our lineup will do just nicely.
What materials are best for flip-flops?
Synthetic rubber, usually moulded polyurethane, is the most common material for flip-flops. Cheap polyurethane lacks durability and absorbency, but it’s OK for the swimming pool as long as the sole is textured for traction. Polyurethane is a good choice for straps and soles without breaking the budget.
Gum rubber is the perfect material for beach flip-flops. It’s a natural product made by harvesting sap from Hevea brasiliensis (aka rubber trees) without the need to chop them down. It’s durable, supple and waterproof without being so non-absorbent that it makes your feet clammy.
EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) is a rubber product, and can be made from synthetic or gum rubber. It’s supportive but much softer than plasticky polyurethane, making it ideal for inner soles, ergonomic footbeds and comfy toe thongs.
Leather is more durable than rubber, and can be treated to be super-soft or tough and waterproof enough to outlive you. Animal lovers will be pleased to hear that Birkenstock now uses cruelty-free faux leather (“Birko-Flor”) for many of its uppers.
Fabric flip-flops are usually a mix of synthetic (such as polyester) and natural (such as cotton) fibres, flat-woven for optimum stretch and lifespan. Fabric straps are a popular choice for beach flip-flops, giving a classy, masculine look that provides stability and comfort.
Will I need to break in my flip flops before my holiday?
Yes, you should. Flip-flops, like slippers, will expand after a few wears, so it’s best to err on the tight side when buying. Slip-ons shouldn’t constantly be slipping off.
Unlike most shoes, flip-flops are built to get drenched, so help them along by filling a bucket with water and giving your ’flopped feet a good dunking. Also go for short walks so you can spot and fix any sore spots before you jet off on your hols.
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The best flip-flops you can buy in 2022
1. Havaianas Slim Animals Flip Flop: Best women’s beach flip-flops
Price when reviewed: From £22 | Check price at Havianas
Havaianas hand-makes all its flip-flops in Brazil using natural gum rubber, so you might expect them to cost a pretty penny. But they’re more affordable than we’d have assumed – and a lot more durable than they look.
Havaianas’ lightweight cushioned footbed is comfy enough for schlepping around the house and mooching up and down the beachfront, and they’re hard-wearing enough not to lose their shape after one season. There’s also a fab rice pattern tread to stop you slipping. However, they’re not designed for a lot of walking, so if you’re planning to explore a city you’ll want a more supportive ’flop, such as a FitFlop. Havaianas are as affordable as a really good-quality pair of flip-flops can be, though, and they look fabulous.
We’re partial to this funky animal print in the women’s classic Slim range, but Havaianas come in a huge selection of designs, with ranges for men, women and kids, including the vibrantFarm Summer design on the Havaianas website (UK size 7+ only, alas).
Key specs – Material: Gum rubber sole, polyurethane strap; Colours available: 2; Sizes available: 3 (UK 2-9)
