We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Shopping Fashion Shoes Sandals The 13 Best Flip-Flops for Men of 2024, Tested by Real People Our winner is Gubarun Men’s Sport Flip-Flop By Olivia Avitt, Olivia Avitt Olivia is a writer and content creator that has written about a wide range of subjects, including health, beauty, relationships, culture, and music. When she's not working, you can find her perusing coffee shops, reading, or catching up on reality TV. People Editorial Guidelines Alyssa Brascia, Alyssa Brascia Alyssa Brascia is a staff shopping writer for PEOPLE with two years of experience in the digital media industry. Her expertise lies in the realm of fashion and beauty, where she covers the best products that your wardrobe and makeup vanity need like the best lip oils, boyfriend jeans, workout sets, ballet flats, and more. People Editorial Guidelines and Cai Cramer Cai Cramer Cai Cramer is a shopping writer at PEOPLE.com with 2 years’ experience in journalism and digital media. She regularly tests the best and buzziest products in the beauty and lifestyle spaces and has researched and written about moisturizers, blow dryers, clothing, and luggage, among many other popular products. People Editorial Guidelines Updated on July 16, 2024 04:05PM EDT In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews What to Know Behind the Scenes FAQs Why Trust PEOPLE? What Is People Tested? Photo: People / Jacques Lizotte If your summer plans include spending time at the pool or on a sandy beach, flip-flops are an essential item. Instead of picking up a flimsy pair that may only last for one vacation, you can invest in high-quality flip-flops that will provide years of comfortable (and stylish!) wear. (Can men's flip-flops really be stylish? Jason Mamoa has a flip-flop and T-shirt collab with So iLL x On the Roam, so we say yes.) Top Deals Our best overall pick, the Gubarun Sport Flip Flops, are currently 42 percent off at Amazon. Wearing inexpensive or poorly made flip-flops can exacerbate or create injuries, so it's worth choosing a high-quality version. “Avoid flip-flops made of cheap material that are excessively thin or flat to prevent problems such as extensor tendonitis,” says Cory Clement, DPM, an LA-based podiatrist, “In addition, the flatter the sole, the more our intrinsic foot muscles work harder to grip the sandal which can lead to hammertoes and even bunions.” We tested 16 pairs of the best flip-flops for men by wearing them to the pool, on hikes, around the house, and everywhere in between. We evaluated each pair for comfort, fit, support, durability, and value. We continued wearing them for five months and have updated the list below with our findings. These are the best flip-flops for men that PEOPLE Tested. Our Top Picks Best Overall: SALE Gubarun Men's Sport Flip Flops at Amazon $50 $29 Jump to Review Best Overall, Less Expensive: Adidas Comfort Flip-Flops at Amazon $32 Jump to Review Best Overall, Runner-Up: Reef Voyage Le Flip-Flop at Amazon $70 Jump to Review Best Budget: Crocs Crocband Flip Flops at Amazon $30 Jump to Review Best Everyday: Teva Reflip Sandal at Amazon $40 Jump to Review Best Thick Sole: Reef Swellsole Cruiser Flip Flop at Amazon Jump to Review Best Design: OluKai Ohana Beach Sandals at Amazon $75 Jump to Review Best Leather: Rainbow Sandals Leather Arch Support Sandal at Amazon $60 Jump to Review Best Everyday, Less Expensive: The North Face Base Camp Flip-Flop ll at Amazon $39 Jump to Review Best for the Pool: Sanuk Beer Cozy 2 Flip-Flop at Amazon $40 Jump to Review Best Overall Gubarun Men's Sport Flip Flops PHOTO: Amazon $50 $29 at Amazon Star Qualities Arch support and medium-thick soles make these comfortable from the first wear Caused no blistering, redness, or rubbing throughout our tests Textured rubber outsoles give the flip-flops strong traction Great value for the price compared to other flip-flops we’ve tried Red Flags Couldn’t find any Not too thin, not too thick — these flip-flops were exceptionally comfortable from the first wear, with no rubbing, blisters, or pain. That’s what made these stand out — even the most comfortable flip-flops we tried caused a little bit of discomfort to start with, but not the Gubarun flip-flops. They fit true to size, with the ample space at the front to prevent us from scraping our toes on the ground while walking. The soles are made from a firm yet cushioned rubber that provides moderate arch support and comfort, even when walking long distances. The outsole is flexible enough to prevent the flip-flop from popping up and slapping the pavement, which helps minimize the “thwacking” sound this shoe style is known for. Plus, the textured rubber outsole provides great traction on the ground, even on wet surfaces, making these perfect for days spent poolside. We’d expect these flip-flops to be priced higher than they are given the comfort and durable materials — so, they’re a spectacular value. If we had to find one thing to change about them, we’d say that they’re not as attractive as some of the dressier styles we tried, but for daily comfort, these are a vacation must-have. Colors: 11 | Sizes: 7.5–16 | Materials: Rubber PHOTO: People / Henry Yung PHOTO: People / Henry Yung PHOTO: People / Henry Yung PHOTO: People / Henry Yung PHOTO: People / Henry Yung Best Overall, Less Expensive Adidas Comfort Flip-Flops PHOTO: Amazon $32 at Amazon $28 at Adidas.com View on Footlocker.com Star Qualities Very affordable for the quality Super lightweight Smart design and sturdy materials; feel like they’ll last a long time Red Flags Straps felt a little tight for those with wider feet Not ideal for extended wear Adidas is known for high-performing footwear, and these flip-flops are a fantastic showcase of that. They’re lightweight but sturdy enough for everyday wear on all kinds of terrain, and they're super comfortable — add them to the list of great travel accessories. Made with flexible EVA on the bottom and a smooth polyurethane footbed, they feel soft and well-made. There aren’t a lot of particularly noticeable ergonomic features, but there are some subtle smart design elements that boost comfort and make you feel supported, including a slight dip at the toes and a curved heel bed that cradles your feet just right. As far as arch support, there is a slight rise where the straps naturally tuck under the soles, so it creates a modest boost. The straps are a little bit narrow (sorry, wide-footed folks), but they are very soft and didn’t cause any chafing, blisters, or discomfort, even after long wear. Another plus: The Adidas flip-flops did not require a break-in period, which is common with flip-flops, especially between the toes. These aren’t exactly the kind of shoes you’d want to wear if you plan on doing a lot of hiking or walking, as the support isn’t extraordinary. However, they are high quality, reasonably priced, and would be a great option for everyday errand running, heading to the beach, or slipping on after sports practice. How They've Held Up The comfort level of these flip-flops has remained the same from the day we got them to the day we recorded our final thoughts at the end of our five-month testing period. They’ve been our trusted companions for everything from housework to errands, and they continue to look brand new, too (despite a bit of fading on the footbed brand logo, which would have happened anyway). Our one wish is that this pair had a darker sole, so as to not display any dirt or scuffs, but we still didn’t think that its bright white sole docked any points for us. All in all, you can’t beat the price (or the performance) when it comes to these Adidas flip flops — they also make for a great gift for men. Colors: 7 | Sizes: 5–13 (whole sizes) | Materials: Synthetic, polyurethane, EVA PHOTO: People / Elizabeth Leonard PHOTO: People / Elizabeth Leonard Best Overall, Runner-Up Reef Voyage Le Flip-Flop PHOTO: Zappos $70 at Amazon $43 at Walmart $70 at Zappos Star Qualities Thick and sturdy sole Made of real leather True to size Red Flags Feel heavy Causes chafing and blistering during break-in period The Reef Men’s Voyage Le Flip-Flops got our vote as the second best overall because of how comfortable they were even after wearing them all day long. While most flip-flops aren’t exactly known for being sturdy, these have thick soles that protect your feet from all surfaces, from slippery concrete to sand and grass. They’re made of 100 percent authentic leather and feel luxurious. The bottom of the shoe has significant ridging as well, which provides excellent traction whether you’re walking on wet surfaces or rugged terrain. These ranked as runner-up due to their break-in period — the straps caused blistering and were rough between the toes at first. They also feel a bit heavy, and there is minimal cushioning in the footbed, which could be a pro or a con depending on your preferences. The price for these flip-flops is on the high side — this is one of the more expensive pairs we tested. However, we can confirm they are very well made and feel durable. They run true to size, so just choose your typical shoe size when purchasing these sandals. If you’re looking for a pair of men's flip-flops that will last you for many seasons, these are a great option. How They've Held Up Several months may have passed while we tested these flip-flops, but you’d never be able to tell by just looking at them. These flip-flops have held up against wear and tear extremely well, and their appearance and comfort level have made them our go-to’s. We can even say we’d repurchase these, should we feel like their pristine, leather facade had faded over the seasons of wear (or if we simply wanted another color). Colors: 4 | Sizes: 6–13 (whole sizes) | Materials: Leather, rubber People / Sophie Mendel Best Budget Crocs Crocband Flip Flops PHOTO: Amazon $30 at Amazon Star Qualities Made from lightweight, comfortable foam Sleek design can be dressed up or down Red Flags Post in between the toes may feel a little awkward The Crocs brand is known for making comfortable shoes, and these flip-flops are no exception. They’re well-priced, surprisingly attractive, and comfortable underfoot — made from the Crocs’ signature foamy material that repels water. We loved their light weight compared to other flip flops we’ve tried, and our feet never felt sweaty or overheated in the shoes. Given the sleek design, we could dress them up with a pair of nice shorts and a polo shirt to take them from the beach to the beach club. We’re also impressed with the budget-friendly price. Our only qualm was the flip-flop’s thong that goes in between the toes, which was a little thick for our liking. But that might not be an issue for everybody, and for the price, these flip-flops are a great value. Colors: 20 | Sizes: 4–13 | Materials: Foam PHOTO: People / Michele Hanson PHOTO: People / Michele Hanson PHOTO: People / Michele Hanson PHOTO: People / Michele Hanson PHOTO: People / Michele Hanson Best Everyday Teva Reflip Sandal PHOTO: REI $40 $35 at Amazon $40 at REI View on Teva.com Star Qualities Breathable; kept our feet cool Sturdy, high-quality design Red Flags Requires several wears to adequately break in Not a very wide size range If you’re looking for a pair of solid, high-quality flip-flops that will still look good after a season or two of use, then the Teva ReFlip sandals are worth a try. They have a heavy-duty construction and are less flimsy than other flip-flops we’ve tried. They offer great traction across slippery surfaces: We had no issues walking through dirt or sand in these sandals. Another reason to love the Teva flip-flops is the strong arch support, which makes long-distance walking even more comfortable. They did take us a few wears to break in — the straps were slightly stiff at first — but the shoes grew more comfortable with every wear as they molded to our tester’s unique foot shape. Overall, the Teva ReFlips are comfortable, supportive, and sturdy enough for everyday use. Colors: 11 | Sizes: 8–13 | Materials: Recycled EVA, recycled polyester PHOTO: People / Sarah Naftzger PHOTO: People / Sarah Naftzger PHOTO: People / Sarah Naftzger PHOTO: People / Sarah Naftzger PHOTO: People / Sarah Naftzger Best Thick Sole Reef Swellsole Cruiser Flip Flop PHOTO: Reef View on Amazon $75 at Zappos View on Reef.com Star Qualities Thick, cushioned footbed is comfortable and lightweight Thoughtful details like memory foam padding under the straps Red Flags More expensive than most flip-flops on our list Thick-soled flip-flops can help you feel more sturdy walking across rocky beaches, traversing city streets, or even gardening in the backyard. The Reef Swellsole Cruiser flip-flops have a thick, cushioned sole that feels cloud-like to walk on, with a higher lift than most other flip-flops we tried. The soles provide moderate arch support that feels comfortable and natural underfoot. The bottoms of the flip-flops have a sneaker-like grip, and their structure seemed well-made with no signs of wear during or after our testing. We loved the attention to detail, like how the memory foam padding under the main foot strap is designed to prevent it from rubbing. Their smart, high-quality design might be why the flip-flops are more expensive than most others we tested, but given their comfort, they’ve earned our recommendation. Colors: 12 | Sizes: 6–13 | Materials: Synthetic upper with memory foam liner, EVA footbed PHOTO: People / Jacques Lizotte PHOTO: People / Jacques Lizotte PHOTO: People / Jacques Lizotte PHOTO: People / Jacques Lizotte PHOTO: People / Jacques Lizotte Best Design OluKai Ohana Beach Sandals PHOTO: Amazon $75 at Amazon $75 at Nordstrom $75 at Zappos Star Qualities Soft straps and an ergonomic design makes them easy to slip on Thick, supportive sole felt comfortable all day Cushy insole and enhanced grip for traction Red Flags Not true to size, and tend to run small Thick insole is heavier than others we tested The OluKai 'Ohana is perhaps one of the most durable and well-made pairs of flip-flops we tested. Although there is minimal cushioning, there is quite a bit of arch support in just the right part of the footbed, which is refreshing, considering many shoes have an awkward arch placement that leads to uncomfortable wear. The soft straps also have quite a bit of flexibility and an ergonomic design so they are easy to slide on and off if you’re looking for a slip-on shoe that you can wear around the house as well. As far as traction, the thick soles are ridged on the bottom so that you can feel safe and secure walking on all kinds of terrain. One thing to note, they do run small — for reference, we typically wear a size 10.5 but ordered an 11, and even that was a little snug — so it may be best to order a size up to make sure you have enough room. Also, because these high-quality sandals are on the heavy side, they might not be ideal for tossing into a weekend bag or packing into a suitcase. These are also one of the most expensive flip-flop sets we tested. However, they are very well made, durable, and supportive, so we still highly recommend them. Colors: 14 | Sizes: 7–18 (whole sizes) | Materials: Synthetic, EVA, rubber PHOTO: People / Jamie Hergengrader PHOTO: People / Jamie Hergengrader Best Leather Rainbow Sandals Leather Arch Support Sandal PHOTO: Amazon $60 at Amazon $60 at Nordstrom View on Tnuck.com Star Qualities Slim design feels super lightweight Leather and rubber materials feel sturdy and durable Padded insole provides good arch support Red Flags Rough break-in period when it came to the leather Treasured for softness and durability, leather shoes of any kind have a luxurious feel that’s worth the price. These Rainbow flip-flops are no exception. They feel high quality in every way, from the straps to the footbed. The soles themselves are thick and padded yet lightweight and don’t feel clunky on your foot. There is also significant arch support that keeps you comfortable even during long-term wear. While there is minimal cushioning, after wearing them a few times, the leather starts to mold and adjust to your foot’s unique shape so that the sandals become softer and more comfortable. On that note, while the sandals fit true to size, there is a bit of a break-in period with these — the leather feels tight at first, which is a little uncomfortable, but after a short break-in period, they soften and adjust. The leather used is high quality, and the sandals are designed and crafted with intention, which is why we rated this pair the best out of all the leather pairs we tested. The price is reasonable, considering these sturdy sandals are a long-term investment that will get you through many hot summer days. How They've Held Up Throughout our months-long testing period, it’s been hard to get these off our feet (in the best way). The quality of these shoes is noticeable from the second you put them on, from how they look to how they feel on our feet. There’s been little to no wear and tear visible on the shoe itself, and we’re super comfortable in them now that the break-in period has passed (pretty standard for most leather shoes). All that is to say that we’ll be placing another order once we think this durable pair has seen better days. Colors: 16 | Sizes: Small–XXX-Large | Materials: Leather, rubber PHOTO: People / Dylan Thompson PHOTO: People / Dylan Thompson Best Everyday, Less Expensive The North Face Base Camp Flip-Flop ll PHOTO: The North Face $39 at Amazon $39 at Zappos View on The North Face Star Qualities Foam material molded to each foot shape Super easy to slip on Tri-lug sole held up well over months of testing Red Flags Due to flat insole, there’s no arch support Straps felt a little tight on our feet The North Face Base Camp Flip-Flops are designed with longevity in mind. They are made of foam material in the footbed that molds to your foot and cradles its unique shape. This feature allows you to wear them all day with hardly any foot fatigue. And while they do feel lightweight, they aren’t so lightweight that you don’t feel like you’re wearing them. This is largely because they stay firmly on your feet, so you don’t have to worry about being slowed down with your steps or tripping over yourself. The velvet-like straps, while a bit tight, are also incredibly soft and don’t cause blisters or chafing. The EVA footbed is made up almost entirely of foam; however, there isn’t much arch support. But the foam provides cushioning and adjusts to your foot’s natural shape for a comfortable fit. The North Face makes products designed to withstand the elements — and these flip-flops are no exception. Durable, high quality, and easy to slip on and off, these sandals are reasonably priced and ideal for everyday use. They’re also sleek and stylish and come in a wide variety of colors, which is a major plus. How They've Held Up We wore this pair while simultaneously testing another pair, but this one stood out as the most comfortable shoe for lounging. Over the months of long-term testing, we did, in fact, test its abilities to perform as an outdoor shoe, which it did well, but its comfortable insole and soft straps make this one preferable for everyday wear, even indoors. The tri-lug outer sole continues to provide excellent traction. We recommend them for times when you may be standing in one place (such as working at a standing desk) or shuffling around the house for a while because its EVA footbed does wonders for tired feet. Colors: 8 | Sizes: 7–14 (whole sizes) | Materials: Synthetic, EVA, rubber PHOTO: People / John Somerall PHOTO: People / John Somerall PHOTO: People / John Somerall Best for the Pool Sanuk Beer Cozy 2 Flip-Flop PHOTO: Amazon $40 at Amazon $40 at Nordstrom $40 at Zappos Star Qualities Super lightweight thanks to memory foam material Straps are soft and comfortable Foam sole is squeak-proof Red Flags Minimal arch support Not ideal for rocky terrain due to airy footbed You’ll find your inner peace in the Sanuk men’s flip-flops. Made from memory foam-like material equipped with air pockets, you’ll feel like you’re walking on a cloud with every step. The material also makes them very lightweight and foamy, like your favorite brew (which is where the shoes get their name). There is a bit of arch support, but it’s nothing to write home about — and they wouldn't be ideal on a rocky terrain. However, the cushioned footbed makes up for that, as your feet simultaneously sink into and are cradled by it. The straps are also soft and cause minimal chafing — the fabric wrapped around them keeps them from causing any irritation despite constant contact throughout the day. We ranked these as the best for the pool for a couple of reasons — their softness, obviously, but also their durability and traction. Even on slippery surfaces, they felt very secure, which is crucial if you’re hanging out on a slick pool deck. They're also squeak-proof, which is important after you inevitably get splashed. They fit true to size and are a great value. Also, they’re much quieter than most flip-flops. Although these might be impractical for outdoor adventuring when you’ll be on your feet a lot, they are ideal if you want a pillowy soft pair of flip-flops that can be worn at the pool or on other slippery surfaces. Colors: 7 | Sizes: 6–14 (whole sizes) | Materials: Synthetic leather, memory foam, rubber Most Comfortable Vionic Wander Wyatt Flip-Flop PHOTO: Amazon $80 at Amazon View on Famousfootwear.com Star Qualities Podiatrist-designed arch provided superior support Rubber sole made these orthopedic sandals ultra-durable Red Flags Less-flexible soles and toe-post design gave these had a rougher break-in period The Vionic Men’s Wyatt Toe Post sandals are podiatrist-designed to work for all foot types. Made of synthetic leather on the insole and durable rubber on the outsole (and EVA cushioning on the inside), we voted these the most comfortable because of how easy they are to wear all day long without experiencing foot fatigue or soreness. While shoes with too much cushioning often make your feet feel like they’re sinking, and shoes that are too firm tire out the muscles in your feet, these find an ideal balance between firm support and pillowy softness. Design elements like the deep heel cup and midsole arch support also make your foot feel cradled in all the right places. We also appreciated how easy they were to slip on and off, and the sizing was spot on — there is plenty of room in front of the toes and behind the heels, so you don’t feel like your feet are hanging over in any way. The main downside to these is the break-in period, specifically around the straps. They caused some chafing for the first few days between the toes and on top of the feet, though it went away after two to three days. To avoid any unwanted discomfort, we’d recommend wearing these for short periods the first few times and then longer once they’re truly broken in. These sandals are expensive, but after the break-in period, they were extremely comfortable, and the thick soles and sturdy straps prove that they are built to last. How They've Held Up The main takeaway from our months of testing was indeed the durability of this pair. They continued to look and feel great even after five months of wear, although it took a second to get these broken in (and by a second, we mean a few days of wear). These look sleek and never feel like they’re slipping off of our feet, which is something the toe post helps with (though it was the cause of some irritation during the adjustment period). But now that they’ve formed to our feet, they’re feeling great. Colors: 7 | Sizes: 7–13 (whole sizes), 8.5, 9.5, 10.5 | Materials: Synthetic, EVA, rubber PHOTO: People / Rob Lefebvre PHOTO: People / Rob Lefebvre Best Recovery Oofos OOriginal Sandal PHOTO: Amazon $70 $47 at Amazon $60 at Nordstrom $60 at Zappos Star Qualities Designed with foot and bone health in mind True to size Airy synthetic material made these very lightweight Red Flags Soles are pretty thick, making them harder to pack Thick toe post and synthetic straps take some getting used to Sometimes you just need a little more support, and the OOFOS OOriginal Sandal gives just that. Walking, running, or doing any kind of physical activity on hard surfaces puts stress on foot joints and muscles which can cause pain and increase your risk for injury. These flip-flops run true to size and are made with the OOFOS “Recovery Technology,” which provides extra support and cushioning that cradles the footbed and minimizes the impact of your steps. Because they are recovery sandals, we were surprised by just how light they are — although they are well-made and durable, the synthetic material doesn't weigh your foot down. In addition, these are of great value thanks to their excellent traction that feels secure even on slippery surfaces. Our main issue with this pair is the straps. While there wasn’t much of a break-in period for these, the piece that goes between the toes was thick and a little abrasive, so it did cause some minor discomfort. They’re also fairly thick-soled, which is great for support purposes, but maybe not ideal for packing in checked luggage or carry-on bags or wearing every day. However, if you’re coming home from the gym or playing sports and want to change into something that will take extra care to protect your tired muscles and joints, look no further. Colors: 5 | Sizes: 3–16 (whole sizes) | Materials: Synthetic, OOfoam sole Best Cushion Hoka Ora Recovery Flip PHOTO: Hoka $60 at Nordstrom $60 at Zappos View on Shoemall.com Star Qualities Absorbent straps are great to wick away moisture Double-layered cushioned insole feels like a foamy dream They're very lightweight. Red Flags Steep price We were surprised by how lightweight these are, considering that they do have a clunkier look. However, the Hoka’s give the best of both worlds by being lightweight on your feet and equipped with a generous amount of plush softness, which is why they won our vote as “Best Cushion.” The Hoka Ora’s run true to size, so choose your typical shoe size when ordering. Equipped with dual-layer construction, cushioned midsoles, and an EVA top layer, the Hoka Ora Recovery Flip makes you feel like you’re walking on a cloud with each step. Also, the jersey material straps have moisture-wicking properties, which is a game changer on hot summer days and provides extra softness. Even though this pair does have a softer feel, there is still a decent amount of arch support. The Hoka flip-flops are on the pricier side, but we felt that the quality of this high-performing shoe makes it worth the higher cost. How They've Held Up If you love a platform or want a bit more cushion than some of the other flip-flops on this list provide, then this is the shoe for you. But if you’re more of the less-is-more state of mind, then you may not fall for this pair. Its ergonomic design and ultra-cushioned soles made us feel a bit unsteady at first, but its comfort was undeniable once we got used to them. There was a bit of fraying on the straps over time, but nothing we could knock too many points off for. If you’re a Hoka sneakers devotee, you’ll love these sandals. Colors: 6 | Sizes: 7–14 whole sizes | Materials: Jersey, EVA, rubber PHOTO: People / Henry Yung PHOTO: People / Henry Yung What to Know About Men’s Flip Flops Comfort If you don’t feel comfortable in your shoes, it’s impossible to enjoy what you’re doing, especially if you’re spending a lot of time on your feet. If you’re going hiking, biking, swimming, or on any other kind of adventure this summer, uncomfortable shoes will certainly put a wrench in your plans. Considering the material of the flip-flop, how firm or flexible it is, and the level of arch support are all critical factors that will make a difference in how you feel, especially after wearing flip-flops for men for long stretches. While every flip-flop for men on this list is comfortable, the Vionic Wyatt Sandal earned the top spot for comfort. Fit How a flip-flop for men fits you is largely individualized. Do you have high arches or flat feet? Do you have a wider foot, or do you tend to fit better in a narrow shoe? These are all things that impact if shoes fit you, even if you’ve picked the “right” size. In flip-flops for men, look at not only how wide the footbed is but also how stretchy the straps are, especially if you have wide feet. Also, a shoe may promise to prioritize arch support, but if the design is too high or too low for your arches, it could make them incredibly uncomfortable for you. The best way to know if a flip-flop for men fits right on you is to try them on and test them before you purchase, so you can see how it molds to your foot’s unique shape. Support If you don’t have proper arch support in your shoes, it can lead to a number of issues, including back pain and muscle tension. While you may think that all flip-flops for men are destined to be flimsy and flat, on the contrary, there are plenty of brands that are designed to have quality arch support. “Good built-in arch support in the sandal is key in both men’s and women’s flip-flops," Dr. Clement says. However, everyone’s arches are different — if you have particularly high or low arches, you will require a different level of support, so keep that in mind when trying on and picking out a new pair of flip-flops for men. Our pick for flip-flops for men with the best design, OluKai Ohana Men's Beach Sandals, have a thick sole and quite a bit of arch support. Durability Whether you’re hiking, swimming, lugging your beach wagon across the sand, or running errands, you want shoes that last. You may buy a new pair of inexpensive flip-flops for men every season and not think twice about throwing them out come Labor Day. But, it’s better both for the environment and your wallet to invest in a pair of flip-flops for men that will last for many seasons. Also, nobody wants to be out and about or on vacation and have a strap on their shoes break or wear them down until there are holes in the bottom. Consider the materials used to make the shoes, as well as reviews for how they perform against the elements, to determine if the flip-flops for men you’re considering are truly durable. Our top pick for durability, the Chaco Lowdown Flip-Flop, is sure to hold up no matter where your summer takes you. Value While it is true that you get what you pay for, it’s also possible to find a good pair of flip-flops for men that won’t break the bank. As we said — spending your money on a pair of flip-flops for men that you’ll just end up throwing out in a few months is a waste. Comparing your options for price and quality is important to find the best deal on flip-flops for men that are comfortable, durable, and will last for as long as possible. Behind the Scenes We tested 20 pairs of top-rated flip-flops for men for comfort, fit, support, durability, and value. Our initial testing period took place over two weeks. We did our best to simulate long-term wear to get a real sense of each pair’s pros and cons. Wear: Testers wore the flip-flops about five to seven times for at least five hours on various terrains, such as pavement, grass, dirt, sand, wet tile, hardwoods, etc. They looked for things like blistering and chafing, staining on the skin from the dye on the shoes, and how the shoes themselves withstood water, sweat, and prolonged wear. Long-Term Testing: After that initial two-week testing period, we narrowed it down to the comfiest flip-flops for men and continued to test them at home for five months. During this time, we wore them regularly both indoors and outdoors, and then we evaluated how they felt over time as well as how they held up to regular use. Frequently Asked Questions What is the difference between sandals and flip-flops for men? Flip-flops are a type of sandal. What makes a flip-flop different from a sandal is, of course, the eponymous sound it makes with every step. But it’s also different from a sandal in the sense that it's attached to your foot by the Y-shaped strap that goes between your toes, while a sandal usually has extra reinforcements (either on your heel or other parts of your foot) that secure it in place. However, flip-flops for men can come in various materials, including rubber, straw-lined, leather, and suede. Can you wear flip-flops with men's jeans? Is wearing jeans with flip-flops really that big of a fashion faux pas? Yes, it is. While you can get away with wearing sandals with jeans in very specific cases — like if the jeans are rolled above the ankles and if they’re a more casual wash — flip-flops for men are usually too casual to pair with jeans, no matter how distressed or relaxed the rest of your outfit is. If you’re going to wear flip-flops, we recommend saving them for the beach, pool, or another summer setting where you’ll be wearing shorts. Is it okay for runners to wear flip-flops? Wearing any kind of inexpensive shoe with minimal support can increase your risk of discomfort and injury, but runners should be especially cautious of cheap flip-flops. Because flip-flops are often more slippery and flat, they can force the bones in your feet to work overtime if they’re trying to grip the footbed. This is where the real risk comes in — forcing your foot’s muscles and bones to work harder than usual can lead to injury if you wear them regularly or for long stretches.And while you shouldn’t wear flip-flops while actually running due to obvious safety reasons, it’s safe to wear them occasionally. If you’re worried or want to take special care to invest in the health of your feet, opt for a pair of flip-flops that are designed with arch support in mind. On the other hand, our best recovery flip-flops for men, Oofos OOriginal Sandal, is a great choice for runners to wear to recover after running. Our Expert Panel Cory Clement, DPM is a Los Angeles-based podiatrist. Why Trust PEOPLE? Olivia Avitt is a writer and content creator who has written about a wide range of subjects, including health, beauty, relationships, culture, and music. When she's not working, you can find her perusing coffee shops, reading, or catching up on reality TV. For this piece, she compared the comfort, fit, support, durability, and value of some of the best flip-flops for men on the market based on our testing. For additional insight on how to choose the best flip-flops, she interviewed Cory Clement, DPM, an LA-based podiatrist. Clement provided insights on the importance of high-quality flip-flops that properly support the feet. Staff shopping writers Alyssa Brascia and Cai Cramer later updated this story with additional picks and long-term insights that our testers recorded after five months of extended wear to test for longevity and durability. What Is People Tested? We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs. But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square. In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase. The 9 Best Men’s Slip-On Shoes of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Sources PEOPLE uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Niams health information on sports injuries. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Huang, Y.-ping, Peng, H.-T., Wang, X., Chen, Z.-R., & Song, C.-Y. (2020). The arch support insoles show benefits to people with flatfoot on stance time, cadence, plantar pressure and contact area. PLOS ONE, 15(8).