Trip Planning Tech & Gear The 11 Best Flip-Flops for Men of 2024, Tested and Reviewed From hiking to travel, here are the best open-toed sandals for 2024 By Nathan Borchelt Nathan Borchelt American University Nathan Borchelt has been working in the travel industry for more than 15 years as a writer, photographer, editor, and product manager. He covers everything from trail cameras to ski equipment. TripSavvy's editorial guidelines Updated on 08/03/23 We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. TripSavvy / Dylan Thompson Nothing beats the beautiful simplicity of a good pair of flip-flops. You slide your feet in and get going, your feet free to breathe and get wet while your soles and toes are protected from the ground below. But baked into that seeming simplicity is a bevy of technical features that provide ample grip on wet or uneven surfaces as well as elements that cater to specific activities, whether that be merely walking on loose sand, braving a technical hiking trail, or providing some much-needed comfort after a long run. The best flip-flops—like the Reef Men's Voyage Le Flip-Flop, which won praise for its high-quality materials and a near-custom fit after a short break-in period—excel at all things without you realizing it. But with lesser pairs, you'll quickly know what's not working, whether due to painful chafing, over-engineered or non-existent arch support, or unexpected slippage. In all, we tested 16 pairs of men's flip-flops—11 made the cut, and five missed the mark. During our thorough testing process, we noted whether or not each pair required a (sometimes painful) break-in period, took note of its traction on a variety of wet and dry surfaces, and paid particular attention to the arch support, whether or not the toe post caused chafing, and evaluated the durability of the materials to validate that each one justified its price tag, wearing them in a variety of conditions and activities. The Rundown Best Overall: Reef Voyage Le Flip-Flop at Amazon ($49) Jump to Review Best Overall, Runner-Up: Vionic Wander Wyatt Flip-Flop at Amazon ($60) Jump to Review Best Budget: Adidas Comfort Flip-Flops at Amazon ($30) Jump to Review Best for the Beach: OluKai Ohana Men's Beach Sandals at Amazon ($75) Jump to Review Best Leather: Rainbow Sandals Leather Flip Flops at Amazon ($60) Jump to Review Best for Hiking: Merrell Breakwater Flip-Flop at Moosejaw.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best Hiking, Runner-Up: Chaco Lowdown Flip-Flop at Amazon ($55) Jump to Review Best for Camping: The North Face Base Camp Flip-Flop ll at Amazon ($39) Jump to Review Best for Water: Sanuk Beer Cozy 2 Flip-Flop at Amazon ($40) Jump to Review Best for Support: Oofos OOriginal Sandal at Amazon ($60) Jump to Review Table of contents Expand Our Picks Final Verdict Other Flip-Flops We Tested How We Tested What To Look For FAQ Why Trust TripSavvy Best Overall Reef Voyage Le Flip-Flop Zappos View On Amazon $49 View On Zappos $70 Our Ratings Comfort 5/5 Fit 5/5 Support 5/5 Durability 5/5 Value 5/5 What We Like Durable High-quality materials A near custom-fit once broken in What We Don't Like Some chafing during break-in period Crafted from real leather with a three-layer rubber sole for a confident grip, the men’s Voyage Le Flip-Flop from Reef won praises for how well it molded to our tester’s feet, almost as if they were custom-made—but that was after a short break-in period. It took about two days and getting the flip-flops wet to reduce the chafing our tester noted at the strap in front and between the toes. The water-friendly shoe provided ample traction on wet surfaces thanks to the high-density sawtooth rubber outsole, which also amped up the durability; while a contoured foam deck and a medium-density midsole provided solid out-of-the-box comfort, even though the flip-flops don’t boast particularly rigid arch support. The classic styling works in various settings, and the high-quality materials mean you’ll get several seasons of rigorous use before having to find another pair. Sizes: Whole sizes from 6 to 13 | Materials: Leather, rubber TripSavvy / Sophie Mendel Best Overall, Runner-Up Vionic Wander Wyatt Flip-Flop Amazon View On Amazon $60 View On Zappos $80 Our Ratings Comfort 5/5 Fit 5/5 Support 5/5 Durability 5/5 Value 5/5 What We Like Plush EVA midsole Solid traction Ample support What We Don't Like The break-in period took a few days Designed with podiatrists, the Vionic Men’s Wander Wyatt Flip-Flop boasts a cutout arch design for solid support under foot, reducing over-pronation to fend off pain in the heel, knee, and lower back—a detail that our high-arched tester loved. Our tester also reported that, at first, they felt heavier than other pairs, but they noted that the high-quality materials were welcome, and the weight became “barely noticeable” throughout testing. The medium-width flip-flops did take a few days to break-in but barely chafed. The EVA footbed was plush and comfortable, and the grip underfoot was solid on dry and wet surfaces. Sizes: 7, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 10.5, 11-13 | Materials: Synthetic uppers, EVA, rubber TripSavvy / Rob Lefebvre Best Budget Adidas Comfort Flip-Flops Amazon View On Amazon $30 View On Academy.com View On Adidas.com $18 Our Ratings Comfort 5/5 Fit 5/5 Support 5/5 Durability 5/5 Value 5/5 What We Like Cradling footbed No break-in period whatsoever Water-friendly What We Don't Like Not ideal for longer hikes Despite their modest price point, the Adidas Comfort Flip-Flops don’t crimp on comfort. Our tester noted that although they lack “fancy ergonomic features,” a slight dip at the toes and the supportive footbed allowed the flip-flops to cradle their feet, and the no-break-in period was a welcome addition. The quick-drying materials are water-friendly and provide ample grip—for trips to the beach or pool, they’re great, though our tester said they wouldn’t wear them on long hikes. Nevertheless, these flip-flops are ideal to slip into your carry-on luggage. As with most Adidas products, they have a decidedly sporty aesthetic, which may not resonate with some travelers. Sizes: Whole sizes from 5 to 13 | Materials: Synthetic, polyurethane, EVA TripSavvy / Elizabeth Leonard The Best Men's Sandals Best for the Beach OluKai Ohana Men's Beach Sandals Zappos View On Amazon $75 View On Backcountry.com $75 View On Dick's $75 Our Ratings Comfort 5/5 Fit 4/5 Support 5/5 Durability 5/5 Value 5/5 What We Like Slight arch support Very grippy outsole High-quality materials What We Don't Like A bit heavy Relatively pricey Inspired by the feeling of bare feet in wet sand, the Ohana flip-flops from OluKai provided out-of-the-box comfort with no break-in period necessary, thanks in part to the soft nylon toe post. Ready for the beach, the water-resistant straps and quick-drying lining mean the sandals can get wet without chafing, while the non-marking rubber outsole with its coral reef lug design provides some of the best grip of all the sandals we tested. Our tester did note, however, that they were much heavier than other flip-flops, a trade-off for the higher-quality materials and that slightly more aggressive outsole—and though they suffered from sticker shock when looking at the price, the high-end materials indicate that they’ll last for years. Also, note that sizing felt slightly off—if you’re in between, go up a full size. Sizes: Whole sizes from 7 to 18 | Materials: Synthetic nylon, rubber TripSavvy / Jamie Hergenrader Best Leather Rainbow Sandals Leather Flip Flops Amazon View On Amazon $60 View On Nordstrom $60 View On Moosejaw.com $39 Our Ratings Comfort 4.5/5 Fit 4.5/5 Support 5/5 Durability 5/5 Value 5/5 What We Like Lightweight, low profile High-quality materials What We Don't Like It took a few days for the leather to loosen Crafted from a single layer of premium nubuck leather, the Single Layer Wide Strap with Arch Flip-Flop from Rainbow comes with double-stitched leather straps and a chafe-resistant nylon toe piece secured with a bonded nylon thread, making them one of the most durable options available. The single-layer midsole includes arch support and has been triple-glued for maximum durability, while the non-slip bottom finds solid traction on wet surfaces. Our tester reported that it took a few days of constant use for the leather to soften up, so don’t be surprised if they feel tight when you first wear them. Sizes: Small to XX-Large | Materials: Nubuck leather, nylon, rubber TripSavvy / Dylan Thompson Best for Hiking Merrell Breakwater Flip-Flop Amazon View On Moosejaw.com View On REI $46 Our Ratings Comfort 5/5 Fit 5/5 Support 5/5 Durability 5/5 Value 4/5 What We Like The rocker profile provides a natural fit with solid arch support The outsole is ready for rugged terrain What We Don't Like Only available in one color Outfitted with 5-millimeter lugs in the Vibram Megagrip outsole, the Breakwater Flip-Flops from Merrell are ready for all but the most technical hiking terrain—our tester wore them on a four-mile hike for their first outing and reported that they require no breaking in, thanks in large part to the contoured profile. A slight rise in the arch provided support, and a dip at the ball and a rocker curve at the toes promoted a natural foot strike on the trail, along with EVA midsoles that provide a bit of cushion. Yet, despite the rugged construction, our tester was pleased with how lightweight the sandals felt, with a low-profile design and woven web straps that didn’t cause any friction. The aggressive outsole was also plenty grippy on wet surfaces, making them equally suited for the beach, pool, or tricky hiking trail. Sizes: Whole sizes from 7 to 15 | Materials: Webbing, EVA, Vibram Megagrip rubber The Best Men's Travel Shoes Best Hiking, Runner-Up Chaco Lowdown Flip-Flop Amazon View On Amazon $55 View On Dick's $55 View On Roadrunnersports.com Our Ratings Comfort 4.5/5 Fit 5/5 Support 5/5 Durability 5/5 Value 5/5 What We Like Lightweight Low-profile A solid, grippy outsole What We Don't Like Minor slippage when sweaty The low-profile Chaco Men’s Lowdown Flip-Flop is 40 percent lighter than the other sport sandals in Chaco’s line, but you still get a robust, high-rebound EVA midsole and the brand’s LUVSEAT arch support, details that resonated with our tester. Initially, the sandals fit a bit tight, but they broke in nicely after about a week. In fact, after the break-in period, our tester reported that the fit was even a bit loose, which led to their feet slipping slightly inside the sandal when their feet started to sweat. The grip under foot is solid, thanks to a 3-millimeter lug pattern in the outsole—but that minor slippage caused some concern. Sizes: Whole sizes from 7 to 15 | Materials: Polyester webbing, EVA, rubber TripSavvy / John Somerall Best for Camping The North Face Base Camp Flip-Flop ll The North Face View On Amazon $39 View On The North Face View On Zappos $39 Our Ratings Comfort 5/5 Fit 4.5/5 Support 5/5 Durability 5/5 Value 4.5/5 What We Like Simple, low-profile design Midsole molds to the shape of your feet What We Don't Like Some may want more robust arch support Nothing provides a much-needed respite from your hiking shoes better than a solid pair of camp-friendly flip-flops, and the Base Camp Flip-Flop II from The North Face is precisely that. Our tester loved the instant comfort and fit and noted that, as they continued to wear them, the egg-crate-textured EVA footbed contoured to the specific shape of their feet. The sandals include an anatomical arch support design; however, our tester noted that those with high arches might want a more rigid pair of sandals. Underfoot, a tri-lug rubber outsole provides solid grip on wet surfaces, though these aren’t the sandals for hiking on technical terrain. The PU-coated synthetic strap didn’t chafe and were “velvet-like,” with a fit that felt like the flip-flops were hugging our feet. Sizes: Whole sizes from 7 to 14 | Materials: Rubber, EVA, synthetic strap TripSavvy / John Somerall Best for Water Sanuk Beer Cozy 2 Flip-Flop Amazon View On Amazon $40 View On Zappos $40 View On Sanuk.com Our Ratings Comfort 5/5 Fit 5/5 Support 5/5 Durability 5/5 Value 4/5 What We Like Inexpensive Very plush feel Quiet What We Don't Like Not particularly supportive Its name alone—Beer Cozy 2 Flip-Flop—already calls to mind tossing back a cold one, ocean- or pool-side, and these sandals are truly made for the water, with synthetic leather straps, a soft neoprene lining, yoga-mat-material footbeds, and no-slip rubber outsoles. Our tester loved how they weighed practically nothing and felt more comfortable than other flip-flops thanks to the soft, cushioned footbeds. And while the arch support felt slight, their feet sank into the sandals, providing ample comfort and support. Nylon-webbed toe posts helped avoid chafing, and the sandals require no breaking in. But our tester really loved that when the shoes spring back on their heel, they're nice and quiet. Sizes: Whole sizes from 6 to 14 | Materials: Synthetic leather, neoprene, yoga mat material, rubber Best for Support Oofos OOriginal Sandal Amazon View On Amazon $60 View On Zappos $60 View On Oofos.com Our Ratings Comfort 4.5/5 Fit 5/5 Support 5/5 Durability 4.5/5 Value 5/5 What We Like Plenty of plush relief and support No break-in period What We Don't Like Profile may be too beefy for some travelers The flagship product in the OOFOS line of footwear, the OOriginal Sandal utilizes the brand’s foam tech to absorb more than 37 percent more impact than traditional footwear, along with a patented footbed design that reduces stress on the knees, ankles, and the lower back—and our tester reported that it’s not just marketing. Indeed, the flip-flops lived up to the hype, providing ample support, whether used while hiking, running errands, or as a post-run recovery shoe. It has a relatively large stack height—and would never be mistaken for a low-profile shoe, but they’re far lighter than they look, thanks to the machine wash-friendly use of closed-cell foam. The outsole isn’t as grippy as hiking-specific footwear but still performs well on slick surfaces. Sizes: Whole sizes from 3 to 16 | Materials: Proprietary foam The Best Men's Water Shoes for Hiking Best for Recovery Hoka Ora Recovery Flip Hoka View On Backcountry.com $60 View On Zappos $60 View On Roadrunnersports.com Our Ratings Comfort 4/5 Fit 5/5 Support 5/5 Durability 5/5 Value 5/5 What We Like Seriously plush comfort once broken in Rocker promotes proper foot strikes What We Don't Like High stack height and oversized midsole won’t match everyone’s aesthetic Designed to hug your feet and provide relief after a hard run or hike, the Hoka Ora Recovery Flip comes with the brand’s signature oversized midsole, a Meta-Rocker profile, and a soft EVA top layer for immediate step-in comfort. The new edition has updated its toe post for an improved fit our tester felt was a pleasure to wear. Despite looking like the “monster truck of flip-flops,” the Oras were surprisingly light, with ample arch support—something our tester had to get used to at first, but they broke in quickly and almost felt like wearing sneakers, only with jersey textile straps for the uppers. Below the cushy top layer rides a more rigid midsole and outsole for durability, stability, and a solid grip on wet surfaces. Sizes: Whole sizes from 7 to 14 | Materials: Jersey textile, EVA, rubber Final Verdict Reef’s Men’s Voyage Le Flip-Flops won praises for their high-end materials, short break-in period, and overall versatility. But if you’re looking for a pair of flip-flops that provide solid traction and comfort without breaking the bank, consider the aptly-named Comfort Flip-Flops from Adidas. Other Flip-Flops We Tested In addition to the 11 men’s flip-flops that made our final cut, we also considered five other pairs. Our tester loved how the OluKai Ulele Men’s Beach Sandals felt, but their flashy aesthetic didn’t resonate, and the price tag seemed high. The Hari Mari Scouts got dinged because our tester experienced chafing and redness after a few hours of use, leading to blisters at the point where the toe strap joins the larger foot strap. And while the Walk Hero Flip-Flops with Orthotic Arch Support were designed specifically to provide stability, the high arch support actually bothered our tester, especially on longer walks, leading to soreness within ten to 20 minutes. The UGG Brookside Flip-Flop also proved to cause a bit of chafing and redness during the first test application, but that faded during the initial break-in period. Still, the tester thinks the sandals could use a bit more arch support. Finally, though the Reef Fanning Sandal does come with a bottle opener integrated into the outsole, the weight that this feature adds caused tugging at the toe post, which made it feel like the sandal was digging into the webbing between their toes. How We Tested We distributed a total of 16 flip-flops to our army of testers and asked them to evaluate each product during a rigorous two-week testing period, where they wore the flip-flops for at least five hours during a variety of activities in a range of locales, including walking on wet and dry surfaces, loose sand, running errands, and—when applicable—on extended hiking trails. The fit and overall comfort was then rated on a one-to-five scale, paying particular attention to whether or not there was a break-in period, how true-to-size each product fit, and whether there was any noticeable damage to the footwear post-testing. We also evaluated the level of arch support by seeing how much each pair bent in the middle and how the feet felt after extended use. TripSavvy / John Somerall In addition to evaluating the quality of the materials, we also evaluated the weight, aesthetics, level of cushion, and support. Then each was rated on a one-to-five scale across the key characteristics: comfort, fit, support, durability, and value to help inform our overall selection. What to Look for in Men's Flip-Flops Materials The uppers of flip-flops are constructed of either synthetic fabrics (woven nylon, synthetic leather, or rubber) or all-natural leather. The latter material often requires a bit more time to break in as the leather stretches to conform to your feet, while synthetics typically provide out-of-the-box comfort. Pay particular attention to the toe post materials, as this is the part of the footwear that can cause the most chafing. Midsoles are typically made of cushiony EVA or some other proprietary foam material, which improves the overall comfort and often provides a bit of bounce or energy transfer (a nice feature for hiking). The outsoles are usually constructed of rubber contoured to provide grip on wet surfaces. More engineered flip-flops, like those focusing on hiking or camping, also integrate lugs underfoot to provide better grip on uneven surfaces. Comfort To evaluate the comfort level, focus on two aspects of the flip-flop: the upper and midsole. The former should fit your feet comfortably and—most importantly—not create any sort of rubbing sensation, which can lead to chafing and blisters, especially at the toe post and the parts of the strap that bridge your feet. The midsole is where you get two key elements of a flip-flop: the arch support and cushioning. For those with high arches, a bit of integrated support (or bend) in the product is welcome, though some tend to overdo this feature, which can lead to foot fatigue. Cushioning, usually with EVA foam, provides a bit of comfort (or a lot, in the case of recovery-style flip-flops with over-sized midsoles), which helps soften the impact of your foot strike, and also provides a bit of bounce-back and typically adjusts to the contours of your feet as you continue to wear them. In general, the more volume in the midsole, the more comfortable. All-leather models also provide a more custom-like fit after some use, as materials begin to stretch and conform to your feet. Intended Use All higher-quality sandals should be able to get wet without impacting performance, dry quickly, and find grip on wet surfaces—the typical conditions found when wearing flip-flops. But if you plan on using them for hiking, look for flip-flops that provide solid arch support, a snug fit, and an outsole with lugs extending from the rubber, which drastically improves traction on uneven surfaces. If you have high arches, be sure to confirm that the arch support works as intended (and that they won’t cause foot pain), while those looking for recovery-style solutions (which are typically worn after a long run) should have over-engineered midsoles with lots of foam (and cushioned arch support) to make you feel like your exhausted feet are sitting on clouds. Frequently Asked Questions How do I care for and wash flip-flops? A high-quality pair of flip-flops should be able to handle prolonged exposure to water, which also means they’re fairly easy to spot-clean as needed. Some products are machine-washable, but others—like those made of all-natural leather—should be cleaned with products that are made for that material. When in doubt, refer to the manufacturer’s care instructions, and always be sure they air-dry completely before packing them away. Are flip-flops bad for your feet? Simply put, flip-flops can be bad for your feet, especially if you go for a cheap pair without any real cushioning in the midsole or any sort of arch support. But higher-quality flip-flops are designed to work with your feet, providing a bit of soft cushioning, ample grip, and arch support, which promotes a more natural walking stance to avoid foot fatigue. Why Trust TripSavvy Nathan Borchelt has been rating, testing, and reviewing outdoor and travel products for decades and has been fortunate enough to road-test men’s flip-flops in various warm-weather locales. In preparing this article, he worked with a handful of product testers, compiling their testing feedback and ratings to help inform the profile and review of each pair of men’s flip-flops, integrating their insights into additional research on each product. 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