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Summer’s quickly approaching, which means flip-flops will be hitting the streets, beaches, campgrounds, and pools. Lightweight, water-resistant, and affordable, the flip-flop is an easy, casual shoe to throw on for most warm-weather activities. Whether you’re looking for cheap flip-flops to pack for a weekend or you’re in the market for a post-workout sandal, we uncovered the nine best flip-flops for men, as recommended by men who wear them.
How to choose the best flip-flops for men
What should I look for when buying men's flip-flops?
First, you want to look for flip-flops made from durable materials like rubber or leather; both are materials that can withstand regular use. Check the flip-flops' soles for traction to prevent slipping. Consider the footbed’s comfort and the strap or thong support. Last, pay attention to the size and fit for a comfortable and secure wearing experience.
Are there any specific features to look for in men's flip-flops?
Look for flip-flops with cushioned footbeds or arch support for added comfort during extended wear. You also want to look for flip-flops with adjustable straps or thongs, allowing you to customize the fit according to your preferences. Some flip-flops also incorporate features like water resistance, quick-drying materials, or antimicrobial properties, which can be good for specific activities or environments.
What should I avoid when purchasing men's flip-flops?
Avoid certain factors that may compromise their quality and comfort. For instance, steer clear of flip-flops with thin, flimsy soles that may wear out quickly or provide inadequate support. Avoid materials that may cause discomfort or irritate the skin, such as rough or poorly finished edges. It's best to avoid flip-flops with loose or weak straps that may cause instability while walking.
How can I ensure the right fit when buying men's flip-flops?
Start by determining your foot size and choose flip-flops that correspond to that measurement. Pay attention to the length and width of the footbed, ensuring your toes don't hang over the edge and your feet don't feel cramped. Consider flip-flops with adjustable straps or thongs to customize the fit further. If possible, try the flip-flops on and walk around to ensure they feel secure and provide ample support without causing discomfort. Cooks Flips advises that you measure the length of your foot length, then add one inch to that measurement. Compare that number to the measurement of the foot bed of your flip-flop for best results.
Our top flip-flops for men
Best budget flip-flop for men: Flip-Flop Sandals for Men Partially Plant-Based
What we like: If you’re on a tight budget, this price tag can’t be beat.
What we don’t like: Don’t expect much support from these sandals.
For an under-$5 flip-flop, these Old Navy sandals have impressively high ratings and reviews. These flip-flops rank 4.75 out of 5 stars with customers being generally pleased with the quality, plus, these flip-flops are now partially plant-based. “Great for my husband when he needs to go outside with wet grass,” writes one reviewer. Another reviewer says, “Inexpensive but gets the job done.” A perfect option for the man who wants a cheap, no-frills, and casual flip-flop.
- Material: EVA footbed and outsole partially made with renewable sugarcane
- Weight: N/A
- Comfort: N/A
- Support: N/A
- Durability: N/A
- Sizes: 6-13
- Colors: Black; Grey; Navy
- Price: $4-4.99
Flip-Flop Sandals for Men Partially Plant-Based
Best durable flip-flop for men: Teva Mens Katavi 2 Thong Sandal
What we like: The sturdy construction of this flip-flop makes it a great shoe to wear on a camping trip.
What we don’t like: With two color options, the choices are limited.
Steve Morrow, travel blogger, outdoor enthusiast, and founder of Paddle About, says, “Katavi 2 from Teva are my go-to flip-flops, and here's why: They pair nicely with jeans or shorts, and they’re lightweight, durable, and comfortable. They are snug on my foot and they don't slip off like many cheap flip-flops.” These flip-flops feature a suede upper, a contoured EVA midsole, and a rubber outsole for traction and grip.
- Material: Supple suede upper; EVA midsole & nylon shank; rubber outsole
- Weight: N/A
- Comfort: N/A
- Support: N/A
- Durability: N/A
- Sizes: 7-14
- Colors: Bungee Cord; Grey
- Price: $60
Teva Mens Katavi 2 Thong Sandal
Best camping flip-flop for men: The North Face Mens Base Camp Flip-Flops II
What we like: North Face is a trusted name in outdoor gear.
What we don’t like: Reviewers say these are true to size, but that they tend to fit a bit narrow.
For an outdoor-ready shoe, you can’t go wrong with a brand like North Face. “I have the North Face Men’s Base Camp Flip-Flops II and they’re great!” says Jeremy Yamaguchi, CEO of Lawn Love. Perfect for camping or for wearing after a hike (we don’t recommend hiking on uneven terrain in any open-toed and backless shoe), these flip-flops are made from North Face’s “hyper-durable expedition equipment.” According to the web page, these have “lightweight tri-lug outsoles for extra grip without the extra bulk.” “They are the most comfortable pair of flip-flops I’ve ever owned,” says Yamaguchi. “They are durable while being lightweight, so I never feel like they are going to break.”
- Material: Outsole made from partially recycled rubber; synthetic strap; EVA footbed
- Weight: 7 oz.
- Comfort: N/A
- Support: N/A
- Durability: N/A
- Sizes: 7-14
- Colors: Multiple color options
- Price: $39
The North Face Mens Base Camp Flip-Flops II
Best leather flip-flop for men: Rainbow Mens Single Layer Premier Leather Flip Flops
What we like: The premium nubuck materials and the soft footbed that molds to your feet over time.
What we don’t like: At $59.99, this pair has a higher price point than most flip-flop styles.
Danny Margagliano, a Florida-based realtor who was also a professional surfer, says, “As a person who has been around the beach my whole life, there’s no better flip-flop than Rainbow leather sandals,” Margagliano says. “Rainbows are heavier than foam sandals and they mold to the shape of your foot after wearing them for a few weeks. One of the best things I love about the sandals is that they can be worn with board shorts and a T-shirt or with slacks and a button-down shirt.” Dan Bailey, president of WikiLawn, agrees that Rainbow makes premium leather flip-flops: “I love the Premier Leather Single Layer Flip Flop, but you can't go wrong with anything they produce. It's comfortable and stylish, making it perfect for anyone!”
- Material: Top grade nubuck leather
- Weight: N/A
- Comfort: N/A
- Support: N/A
- Durability: N/A
- Sizes: 7.5-15
- Colors: Many color options
- Price: $59.99
Rainbow Mens Single Layer Premier Leather Flip Flops
Best for the pool and beach flip-flop for men: Crocs Classic Crocs Flip
What we like: Crocs is a trusted brand name in water-resistant footwear.
What we don’t like: Some reviewers report these fit large.
Most shoppers are familiar with Crocs’ water-resistant, buoyant, and quick-dry material—which is ideal to wear to the beach or at the pool. Oregon-based Peter Martinez, fashion designer at Leather Skin Shop, says, “These have a simple, classic design that is easy to wear with any outfit, and a molded footbed that provides good arch support. They are also waterproof and easy to clean.”
- Material: Croslite foam construction; TPU toe posts
- Weight: N/A
- Comfort: N/A
- Support: N/A
- Durability: N/A
- Sizes: 4-15
- Colors: White; Navy; Black; Light Blue
- Price: $20.99-$29.99
Crocs Classic Crocs Flip
Best ergonomic flip-flop for men: Archies Arch Support Flip-Flops
What we like: Specifically designed for people with plantar fasciitis, achilles tendonitis, arthritis, sole pronation, or knee pain.
What we don’t like: Reviewers report that there’s an uncomfortable breaking-in period before the footbed begins molding to the foot.
With a near-perfect 4.9 out of 5 star rating and a whopping 62,485 reviews, Archies flip-flops feature 2.2cm of orthotic support and an elevated heel to reduce stress on the calf. “Absolutely love these flip-flops—I've got a collapsed arch on one foot and the support is amazing!” writes one reviewer. “They were a bit weird for a couple of days, but once they are worn in and molded to your feet, they are so comfy! I've recently compared them to my Havaianas and there’s no turning back.”
- Material: Specialized Closed-Cell Foam Material
- Weight: N/A
- Comfort: N/A
- Support: N/A
- Durability: N/A
- Sizes: 4-15
- Colors: Multiple color options
- Price: $40
Archies Arch Support Flip-Flops
Best for wide feet flip-flop for men: OluKai Mens Ohana Sandals
What we like: The sizing is more inclusive.
What we don’t like: Some wearers may find this style to be too loose.
Because of its width (although the product description page doesn’t explicitly say so) these flip-flops are ideal for larger-footed folks—based on the 4,670 reviews, shoppers report that these fit wide and roomy. (Most men’s sandals cap at size 15; these are offered up to a size 18.) Marcus Fernandez, an attorney and co-owner at KFB Law, says, “My top choice is the OluKai 'Ohana, which are not only stylish and versatile, but also provide an exceptional level of comfort and support, thanks to their anatomical footbed and water-resistant materials,” he says. “Furthermore, OluKai is committed to supporting various environmental initiatives and giving back to the community, so purchasing their products is a step toward social responsibility.”
- Material: water-resistant straps; soft nylon toe post; non-marking rubber outsole
- Weight: N/A
- Comfort: N/A
- Support: N/A
- Durability: N/A
- Sizes: 7-18
- Colors: Multiple color options
- Price: $75
OluKai Men's ‘Ohana Sandals, Size 7, Pacifica
Best casual flip-flop for men: Birkenstock Honolulu EVA
What we like: Birkenstock is a trusted name in sandals and footwear.
What we don’t like: This is a popular style; depending on stock availability, sizes and colors may be limited.
“I love my Birkenstock Honolulu flip-flops!” says Christen Costa, CEO of Gadget Review. “When it comes to durable, high-quality footwear, Birkenstock is one of the most reliable companies out there. I like these flip-flops because they are less expensive than most other Birkenstock products, yet they are just as comfortable and still mold to your feet,” he continues. Longtime fans of Birks are sure to be familiar with the leather strap-and-buckle slides, but the brand’s line of lightweight EVA sandals have found a cult following as well.
- Material: Waterproof EVA
- Weight: N/A
- Comfort: N/A
- Support: N/A
- Durability: N/A
- Sizes: 6-13.5
- Colors: Black; Navy; White; Metallic Silver
- Price: $34.95
Birkenstock Honolulu EVA
Most comfortable flip-flop for men: Adidas Comfort Flip-Flops
What we like: For shoppers who prefer a sportier flip-flop, these are well-designed and stylish.
What we don’t like: Because this is a popular style, sizing is limited (be sure to sign up for restock alerts).
Just as the name of this flip-flop suggests, this pair from Adidas is specially designed for comfort. “Tyler Seeger, managing director of Retirement Being, says, “One thing that I love about these amazing flip-flops is their appealing, sporty appearance. But, best of all, these flip-flops do not rely solely on good looks—they are lightweight, comfortable, and have great traction. Overall, they’re versatile and convenient for summer, whether you're heading to the beach, lounging by the pool, running some errands, or even just staying at home since they can provide you with support and comfort in any situation.”
- Material: Synthetic upper; Plush polyurethane footbed; EVA outsole
- Weight: N/A
- Comfort: N/A
- Support: N/A
- Durability: N/A
- Sizes: 5-13
- Colors: Core Black (one option only)
- Price: $32
Best flip-flop with a bottle opener for men: Reef Mens Fanning Flip-Flops with Bottle Opener
What we like: If you need to open a beer bottle, you can do so with this flip-flop.
What we don’t like: Depending on where you’ve walked, you might not want to put your mouth on a bottle that was opened with the bottom of a shoe.
Reef, the surf-inspired sandal and apparel company, knows how to bring fun into its shoe collection. These Fanning flip-flops have a built-in bottle opener in the sole of the shoe. They’re a hit with shoppers, too: These rank a 4.6 out of 5 stars based on 2,079 reviews, with most reviewers praising comfort and support above all else. “The signature cushioned footbed sets the Reef Fanning flip-flops apart from the rest,”writes one reviewer “The arch support and heel cup provide unparalleled comfort for those long walks on the beach or casual strolls around town. The rubber outsole provides excellent grip on various surfaces so I never have to worry about slipping. My feet have never felt so pampered!”.
- Material: Synthetic nubuck upper; Padded jersey liner; EVA footbed; rubber outsole; bottle opener built into the footbed
- Weight: N/A
- Comfort: N/A
- Support: N/A
- Durability: N/A
- Sizes: 4-17
- Colors: Multiple color options
- Price: $65
Reef Mens Fanning Flip-Flops with Bottle Opener
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Are flip-flops bad for your feet?
Flip-flops, by design, aren’t made with much support (though many of the flip-flops we’ve sourced on this list provide some arch support). Therefore, long-term wear of these sandals should be done at your discretion. According to WebMD, “Wearers [of flip-flops] can suffer foot pain due to lack of arch support, tendinitis, and even sprained ankles if they trip.” Like with any kind of footwear without much built-in support, it’s advised you use your best judgment—for instance, you’ll want to avoid flip-flops for sporting activities, but for a stroll, these summer shoes are great. One thing to keep in mind: The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) recommends tossing your flip-flops after a year if they show signs of severe wear.
Can I wear flip-flops every day?
A lot of folks prefer to wear flip-flops in the summer or for specific occasions like going to the beach or showering at the gym—so if your feet can handle it and if the activity calls for flip-flops, you can wear them every day.
Should men wear flip-flops?
Of course, anyone can wear flip-flops! Though, often, this question is asked because it’s a matter of whether flip-flops are appropriate to wear for certain occasions. Flip-flops are considered casual, so use your best judgment. For instance, you may want to avoid flip-flops for formal events.
Which flip-flops are best for walking?
Whether you’re going to the grocery store or pool, be sure to look for flip-flops with plenty of arch support, great traction on the soles, and comfortable straps that don’t dig into your foot. The APMA doesn’t recommend walking long distances, doing yard work, or playing sports in flip-flops.
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