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After buying and testing more than 35 pairs of women's flip flops over the past 11 years, we've learned a lot. Here we present the 13 best options on the market. We know you have a ton of flip flops to choose from, so our dedicated testers wore these minimal sandals everywhere they went for months. We biked through cities, hiked mucky backcountry trails, and braved our daily responsibilities, all while granting our toes the freedom to wriggle in the open air. Along the way, we took notes on each pair's comfort, traction, support, versatility, and style.
The Birkenstock Gizeh isn't the sandal we expected to sweep up our top award, but we couldn't deny its top-notch performance after putting it through our rigorous testing process. It excels in every test we subject it to. This supremely well-made shoe offers the most support and stability of all our tested models, and it becomes more comfortable the longer you wear it. We are impressed by the traction while hiking around on all manner of terrain, and while the aesthetic isn't for everyone, most find it highly stylish.
The Gizeh is an investment, and you need to be prepared for a longer break-in period while the footbed molds to your feet. The toe post is also quite stiff and requires getting used to, but it does soften with time. Those who are patient will reap the rewards with the most durable, comfortable, and supportive summer shoe.
The Birkenstock Gizeh Essentials EVA is a foam version of the classic leather and cork model. It's super lightweight, doesn't require weeks to break in, and retails for less than half the original price. If you've wanted the famous contoured Birkenstock footbed but can't stomach the usual price tag, this is a great alternative. The adjustable strap transforms what would otherwise be just another slippery foam sandal into something that can handle uneven terrain with relative ease. The material is also impervious to water, making this a solid choice for gardening, beach time, and more.
The drawback of this foam version is that it's less durable and breathable. There's also less oxygen flow because of the design — it really cups the foot and holds it snug. Although this snugness makes it highly supportive and comfortable, it also means it can create an unpleasant sound while walking if the footbed is wet or sweaty. A light foam shoe likely isn't the one to pick if you want something to last for many years, but this is among the best we've tried for the price.
Footbed Material: EVA (yoga mat material) | Weight (pair): 12.8 ounces
REASONS TO BUY
Made from yoga mat material
Comfortable
Wide straps
Very affordable
REASONS TO AVOID
Lacks support
Subpar traction
Not good for harsh terrain
The Sanuk Yoga Mat is a fun twist on a simple flip. This shoe is made from yoga mat material and is soft, squishy, and forms to the foot like memory foam with every step. While it does not have much in the way of arch support or any footbed contouring, the general squishiness of the footbed provides comfort and some stability. The wide straps are made of synthetic leather lined with a silky feeling jersey material. They are soft and malleable, ensuring that you will be left without a blister in sight. The nicely stitched strap gives this flip a casual yet put-together look, making it a great accessory to any casual warm-weather outfit.
Because the Yoga Mat is flat and lacks any footbed contouring, there is zero arch support. The footbed traction is surprisingly good, but the outsole traction is subpar. The general support this shoe offers works just fine for flat, easy terrain, but as soon as things get technical, it's rendered less functional. The Yoga Mat is meant for casual use. If you are looking for something to throw in your gym bag, backpacking pack, or stroll down to the beach, then this is a great option at a killer price.
The OluKai Ohana is a very comfortable flip flop that takes zero time to break in, feeling amazing right out of the box. It's highly durable, the contoured footbed is stable, and it offers decent traction both on the bottom sole and the cushy footbed. The design runs a bit big and wide, so it's an excellent choice for those with meatier feet or wider toe-boxes. Overall, we find very little to not love about this shoe — it checks all the boxes and performs admirably through all our tests.
Although it leans towards the pricier side, the Ohana is a flip for those that want a more durable long-term option and don't mind paying a few extra bucks for something that will last. It is also worth noting that the heavenly comfort this shoe provides is well worth the price tag. It takes a bit of time to dry after getting wet, but this flip feels fantastic to wear regardless. It is a well-constructed sandal that comes in many fun colors and is sure to please for years to come.
This lightweight adjustable pair of flip flops is a true pleasure to wear. The thick burley thong straps are soft against the top of your feet, and the foam footbed is giving but firm. The Clarks Breeze Sea requires no break-in period, the arch is very supportive, and the slight heel keeps your feet safe from sharp obstacles. The hook-and-loop velcro closure is incognito, easy to use, and makes the shoe highly adjustable. The Breeze Sea is true to size, and the adjustable leather straps make it a great fit for wide and narrow feet alike.
While the footbed traction is great, the bottom sole traction suffers in the presence of moisture. The somewhat utilitarian style is sleek and clean, and the Breeze Sea comes in many colors, but it is not a particularly versatile shoe in the looks department. Still, if you are looking for an adjustable flip flop that offers high comfort and a featherweight profile, this is a popular shoe for a reason.
The Clarks Breeze Sea is a comfortable and adjustable flip.
The hybrid Astral Rosa is a game-changer. Say goodbye to the days of needing flip-flops AND sandals — now you can have it all in one. Wear the Rosa without the ankle strap for a simple sporty flip, or add the strap for more stability and security when the terrain gets more technical. From the campsite to the trail to the water, this well-tractioned and versatile shoe could become your go-to for every warm-weather activity.
Despite our love for the Rosa, a drawback is that the ankle strap occasionally loosens while walking. We found this complaint voiced in several online customer reviews as well. The molded contour line between the ball of the foot and toes is also awkwardly placed for some people. But in most respects, the pros outweigh the cons. No other model in our review is quite as well-suited for those true adventurers that desire gear that can go the extra mile.
Whether dressed up for a night on the town or scouting out flowers in mountain meadows, the Gizeh is a comfortable and stylish friend.
Credit: Hayley Thomas
Why You Should Trust Us
This review is headed up by Penney Garrett and Hayley Thomas. Both are avid climbers, yogis, and hikers. Penney is a bit of a flip flop freak, preferring any excuse to remove her socks and get sun on her toes. Hayley travels around the US in her van with her partner and their two dogs. From hanging on the beach to hiking in the backcountry to city strolls, these flips got a chance to flop on all different kinds of terrain.
Before we slipped any feet into these flip flops, we went to considerable lengths researching the market to select the best models available from an initial product pool of more than 100. Once we decided which ones to test, we wore them on countless outings from the city to the mountains to the beach. Whether wading across rivers or walking up dusty trails to a climbing crag, we paid attention to comfort, support, traction, versatility, and style. All-in-all, this comprehensive review should leave you well equipped with the knowledge you might need to acquire the perfect pair of flip flops.
The beautiful and functional (though expensive) Birkenstock Gizeh out for a day in nature.
These fun and funky shoes are worth every penny.
While they are great on casual terrain, these flips fail to offer support and traction in more demanding landscapes.
Analysis and Test Results
For many of us, that time of year when the weather turns warm enough to ditch the socks and break out the flip flops is a joyous occasion. If you need a new pair, you could just grab something cheap and plastic that will last a season or two, but we think your feet deserve better. Admittedly, choosing the right sandal is less important than finding the right trail running shoe or the best fitting hiking boot, but opting for something with extra support, traction, and comfort can help keep your feet and joints healthy — especially if you spend a lot of time in open-toed footwear. Read on to learn about the pros and cons of the pairs we rigorously tested.
Buying flip flops can mean spending a few measly bucks, dropping as much as you would for a closed-toe pair of shoes or anything in between. Because of this, it's important to consider your priorities and lifestyle when making a purchase. Spending more money doesn't always mean a better product, though there does tend to be a correlation when it comes to shoes. That being said, certain materials and features that are crucial for one person may not be a great fit (literally) for someone else. And while some people will gladly pay a bit more for a stylish choice, others will prioritize attributes like comfort or traction. No matter what angle you're approaching this from, we realize that price tends to be a major determining factor.
Depending on your budget and preferences, several options in our lineup present an excellent balance of price and performance — the cornerstones of true value. The Sanuk Yoga Mat is cushy and easy to wear — no breaking in needed — and won't set you back hardly at all. If you want out-of-the-box comfort but need a little more footbed support, the Birkenstock Gizeh Essentials EVA is a bit more money but offers a more mindfully constructed shoe. If a squishy foam footbed just won't cut it, the adjustable Clarks Breeze Sea is a comfortable, supportive option for a similar price. Lastly, we have the OluKai Ohana, which is one more step up the price ladder and offers amazing comfort and far superior durability.
After a backpacking trip in the hot sun we were so happy to get the Yoga Mat on our tired feet.
Credit: Penney Garrett
Comfort
The requirements for keeping our feet healthy and happy differ from person to person, so assessing this metric is a multifaceted and involved process. Comfort is highly subjective, and the scores we award in this category reflect factors observed over time. We note how comfortable each pair of flips feels straight out of the box, how cozy they become after some breaking in, and how the materials feel in various situations and terrain. Our favorites for comfort showcase some very diverse shoes, each with its own appeal depending on your foot shape and preferences.
None of the flip flops we tested are uncomfortable, but some are more luxurious than others. Our favorite in this category is the OluKai Ohana. It certainly provides the "ooooh ahhh" factor more than all the others in our fleet. The Ohana has a super soft molded drop-in footbed inspired by the feeling of bare feet in wet sand. Almost every single tester had a smile on their face and positive things to say the moment they slipped on this shoe.
The unique wet sand footbed of the OluKai Ohana is the perfect remedy after a long day of hiking.
Credit: Matthew Blake
A few close runner-ups are the Birkenstock Gizeh, Clarks Breeze Sea, Sanuk Yoga Mat, and the OOFOS OOriginal Sport. The Gizeh footbed molds to your feet over time; when new, it can feel quite stiff and unfriendly, but you will be rewarded with some patience and perseverance. The contoured footbed and upturned sides hug the feet snugly, and the brushed leather on the footbed and the underside of the straps is soft and supple. The hard rubber toe post is the one thing that might turn people off of this shoe because it can be quite painful at first. But, at least for us, after a few long days of wear, it ceased to be an issue.
Breaking in the Gizeh takes a bit of work, but you will be rewarded with a cozy supportive sandal that you won't want to take off.
Credit: Matthew Blake
If you love the design and contouring of the original Gizeh but would prefer an easier break-in period (or no animal products), the foam version of the same sandal, the Gizeh Essentials EVA, is also highly comfortable. The material doesn't feel quite as nice against the skin — especially when wet or sweaty — but the classic Birkenstock contouring is still A+. The Clarks Breeze Sea is soft to the touch but firm and supportive, and it offers an adjustable thong strap. It requires zero break-in period, and the straps are gentle on the inside, ensuring that you never get a blister.
The Clarke Breeze Sea is not only comfortable but it is very lightweight.
Credit: Hayley Thomas
Unlike traditional leather Birkenstocks, the Sanuk Yoga Mat and OOFOS OOriginal are all comfortable right out of the box. The Yoga Mat and OOriginal share the squish factor that makes you smile the second you slip them on. The Yoga Mat is made from actual yoga mat material, which, as you can imagine, feels like heaven, while the OOriginal is made of OOfoam Recovery Technology, a material specifically made to absorb more impact than your typical shoe.
The squishy footbed of the OOriginal makes you feel like you're walking on clouds.
Credit: Matthew Blake
The Teva Olowahu, Teva Voya Flip, and the Rainbow Single Layer Premier are also notable here. The Olowahu and Voya are both made of lightweight EVA foam, ensuring they don't weigh you down. The Rainbow has a finished leather layer over a memory foam footbed that molds to your feet over time, making these flips more comfortable as you wear them.
The Voya sports EVA outsoles and a foam footbed, making them lightweight.
Credit: Matthew Blake
Support
It's easy to think that support and stability aren't particularly important with a simple summer shoe, but a well-constructed flip flop with a good fit can mean happier feet and less potential for pain or injury over time. Just because sandals are minimal doesn't mean you need to sacrifice foot support completely. We test each flip on advanced hikes that ordinarily demand appropriate hiking shoes to push every pair to the limit. We climb rocks, trudge through mud, and navigate treacherously steep downhills. We also walk on a lot of hot hard pavement, ride bikes, and even wade around in rivers to test their versatility. We put these shoes through rigorous testing, learning a ton about their strengths and weaknesses in the process.
The Gizeh, with its strategically contoured footbed, is an understandable winner in this category. Even before its cork-lined suede molds to your anatomy, you will notice how well it hugs each foot and supports the arch. The upturned sides keep the foot cradled in the footbed, so there is never a worry that you will slip off the edge when the shoe is wet or you're on uneven terrain. And, as the Gizeh becomes broken in and personalized, these qualities continue to improve. Whether on a hiking trail or strolling through town, this shoe does not disappoint.
Dressed to impress with comfort, stability, and traction. Though the Gizeh looks like a dressy urban shoe, it definitely holds its own out on rough terrain.
Credit: Matthew Blake
The Clarks Breeze Sea impressed us with a highly adjustable thong strap that provides exceptional support. The footbed foam is soft, and the rest of the shoe is stiff, ensuring a supportive platform.
The adjustable strap on the Breeze Sea makes fitting this flip to any foot effortless.
Credit: Hayley Thomas
The Astral Rosa also scores highly in this category, offering something none of the other contenders do: a removable ankle strap that converts a basic flip into a full-on adventure-ready sandal. No matter what you have in store for the day, the Rosa can be ready. Without the strap, the Rosa doesn't score as well, but with it, we are impressed.
From the river to the trail, the Rosa is great for the versatile summer adventurer and weekend warrior.
Credit: Penney Garrett
Another model that offers excellent support and stability is the Vionic Tide II. This shoe has built-in orthotics that, when fitted correctly, hold the foot snugly and securely (this shoe does run quite big, so if you're in-between sizes, we recommend sizing down, as we did). Even on steep and unpredictable hikes, we felt confident with each step. The embedded orthotics create a very high arch support, though, which is something important to keep in mind when considering this model — it's a feature that can feel amazing on some feet and quite painful on others.
The Tide II is one of the more supportive options in our test suite.
Credit: Matthew Blake
A few other runner-ups in this category are the OluKai Ohana, and the Birkenstock Gizeh Essentials EVA. These flips have one thing in common — their curves. Each has a unique and supportive contoured footbed. The Gizeh EVA offers the same contoured foot-hugging shape that Birkenstock is known for, just in a lighter, squishier package. The Ohana is superbly made with a drop-in footbed and a nice wide base.
The Gizeh EVA is comfy and stretchy right from the get-go with little-to-no break in period.
Credit: Penney Garrett
The Oofos OOriginal Sport is another flip worth mentioning. It offers support in the form of a platform, ample squishiness, and a slight arch. The bottom of the shoe is curved, and the platform helps keep you safe from rocks and sticks.
The curvature of the outsole helps rock you feet from heel to toe with every step.
Credit: Matthew Blake
Traction
Often people fail to think about traction when purchasing footwear they don't associate with hiking, running, or climbing. But if you're anything like us, you'll end up using your flip flops for impromptu hikes, crag approaches, or random scrambles. If that sounds like your lifestyle, then it's to your benefit to have a shoe that won't leave you slip-sliding all over the place and fearing for your ankles. All our tested sandals perform decently, but a handful of them rise to the top and impress us with their extra stickiness.
Traction performance is not limited to the bottom sole, also known as the outsole. It includes the top sole or the footbed, which is often forgotten about. Footbed traction can be compromised by the presence of moisture or steep inclines, so we take note of each flips' performance during muddy treks, river walks, and steep hikes.
The Astral Rosa is great for hiking and scrambling mainly because its optional ankle strap adds excellent security and footbed traction. A sandal with a backstrap will always feel stickier than a regular flip flop, and, when assessing this flip without the ankle strap, we find it to be considerably less impressive than several other models in our review. That said, the outsole traction is decent enough, and the full package is divine.
The Rosa has excellent traction with its supplemental ankle strap and just mediocre traction without.
Credit: Matthew Blake
While none of the options in our test suite offer a highly textured outsole, there are a few decent performers. The Vionic Tide II, Birkenstock Gizeh, Birkenstock Essentials EVA, and OluKai Ohana all offer good bottom and top sole traction. The Vionic has a more traditional flip flop design with no fancy features, but when fit correctly (it runs big, so size down if you're unsure), it has impressive traction that will help you feel confident on loose gravel or uncertain terrain. The Birkenstocks both have a very high lip around the entire shoe, which helps keep your foot in place, and the textured sole helps keep you from slipping and sliding.
The outsole traction on the Ohana is decent but we especially love the way the grippy footbed feels.
Credit: Matthew Blake
The Clarks Breeze Sea and Olukai Paniolo don't have particularly textured soles, but the bottom of both of these shoes are made of somewhat sticky rubber, which helps. They also have decent top sole traction. The Oofos OOriginal Sport and Sanuk Yoga Mat are very spongy, so they provide decent traction on uneven ground but not on wet, slick ground.
The Clarks Breeze Sea have a little texture on the bottom to help with traction.
Credit: Hayley Thomas
Versatility
There is nothing wrong with wanting one tool for every job, but if you are an outdoorsy person, you understand that rarely can you control the elements. Sometimes when you're out for, what was supposed to be a dry, flat walk, your adventure takes a turn and has you crossing rushing rivers or hiking through loose, steep terrain. While it can be nice to plan for these events and dress accordingly, it's even nicer when you just so happen to be wearing something that works on a variety of terrains.
In order to test versatility, we make sure to walk through water in shoes that were clearly not meant for moisture and hike up scree in flips designed for more casual use. We also utilize each shoe for its intended use, but that is less exciting.
Our clear winner in this category is the Astral Rosa. The Rosa won by a landslide, and it's all due to that removable heel strap we keep mentioning. This strap makes scrambling around uneven, steep terrain or through water a breeze. On top of that, it's removable if you decide you want a simple, strapless flip, though threading it in and out of the main straps can be a pain. We find the simplest way to wear it in "flip flop mode" is to push the ankle strap forward and slide the foot in underneath.
The Rosa takes the cake for versatility with its removable ankle strap.
Credit: Matthew Blake
The OluKai Ohana is a well-designed shoe. It has a nice look to it, goes with various outfits, and can handle most terrain. Similarly, the Rainbow Single Layer can easily take you from the beach, out to lunch, and back again without a hitch.
Above-average traction and decent style make the Ohana a relatively versatile summer shoe.
Credit: Matthew Blake
The waterproofness and comfort of the Gizeh EVA make it a great flip flop for lake hangouts and city strolls alike. The Sanuk Yoga Mat does not have particularly great outsole traction, but we found that this was the shoe we reached for most often in our months of hands-on testing. It is higher quality than your average plastic flip flop but casual and comfortable enough to wear with almost anything. On top of that, it is light enough to throw in your pack if you think you might need a second pair of shoes. It would have scored higher if it could truly handle more demanding terrain, but it is designed to provide cozy plushness and more than delivers in that department.
The Sanuk Yoga Mat is an easy casual choice at an affordable price.
Credit: Matthew Blake
The Clarks Breeze Sea is another semi-versatile flip flop as the fit is adjustable, and it comes in a ridiculous amount of color options. Some women experience swelling of the feet during their menstrual period or pregnancy, so the adjustable thong strap can come in handy more than you may realize. One of our testers sprained their ankle during our testing months and could still wear the Breeze Sea while recovering, despite the bandaging and swelling. Now that's a flip flop that will really stick with you through thick and thin.
Adjustable strap make the Clarks Breeze a sure fit for any foot, even a broken one.
Credit: Hayley Thomas
Style
The flip flops in this review represent a wide array of styles, from rugged and athletic to delicate and feminine. We poll a sizable group of women during our testing to generate our style scores as objectively as possible. The data we gather reveals a broad spectrum of opinions, but not surprisingly, the more athletic-looking flips end up lower on almost everyone's list.
It's probably no surprise at this point that the Gizeh also finishes very high in the style department. Although the look of Birkenstocks doesn't appeal to everyone, many find it to be a classy shoe that looks beautiful with a lot of different outfits. Be aware that a quality leather shoe like this one will take some breaking in. Don't get frustrated if they hurt at first because the longer you wear them, the more comfortable they will become. If you want the look of the Gizeh without all the hassle, consider the Gizeh Essentials EVA for a foam version.
The well constructed Gizeh gives any outfit a classic and timeless look.
Credit: Matthew Blake
The beautiful stitching on the footbed, hand-wrapped toe post, high-quality materials, and vibrant colors combine to deliver a truly lovely shoe in the OluKai Paniolo. We've seen this shoe after many years of use, and like any quality leather item, it gets more beautiful — and much softer — the longer it's worn.
Who doesn't love a gorgeous summer shoe that will get better-looking and more comfortable the longer you wear it? The Paniolo is an impressive leather flip with artful detailing.
Credit: Penney Garrett
The Sanuk Yoga Mat is notable here too. It is a somewhat plain flip flop but the synthetic leather, neat stitching, and checkered detail set it apart from your average rubber one.
The Yoga Mat is a classic flip flop, but little characteristics like the detailed lining and synthetic leather strap make give it a leg up in the style department.
Credit: Matthew Blake
If you are in the market for a simpler, rubber flip flop, the Havaianas Slim is available in tons of colors and rocks a minimal look.
The Havianas may not be the most comfortable but they are a classic flip that comes in a ton of fun colors.
Credit: Hayley Thomas
The Teva Olowahu is an easy flip flop to love with cute interlaced straps and a cushy foam footbed. Whether you're sporting shorts, jeans, or a cute dress for the evening, the Olowahu can easily be dressed up or down. And when you consider the modest price tag, picking up a pair is practically a no-brainer. Fit-wise, we find that the pinkie toe tends to pop out the side on some foot shapes, so be aware that these straps, cute as they are, won't work for everybody.
Super cute and comfortable, the Olowahu is an easy flip to fall in love with, especially for the price.
Credit: Penney Garrett
A few runner ups in this category are the OluKai Ohana, Clarks Breeze Sea, and Teva Voya Flip, all of which are offered in a variety of colors and won't detract from most outfits.
The Clarks Breeze is a very utilitarian shoe, but the leather straps and fun colors make them easy to match with any outfit.
Credit: Hayley Thomas
Conclusion
Finding just an ordinary pair of flip flops for warm weather is by no means difficult, but finding the right pair, complete with superior support, traction, and comfort, is a different story. Our expert team of testers put our contenders through many thousands of steps on all kinds of terrain to gain a deep and comprehensive understanding of each pair. And we do it all to ensure that you can make the best choice possible for your feet, your style, and your pocketbook. Maximize your spring and summer experience with some open-toed shoes that can handle every facet of a well-lived life!
The right flip flop can make or break an outdoor adventure.
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GearLab is founded on the principle of honest, objective, reviews. Our experts test thousands of products each year using thoughtful test plans that bring out key performance differences between competing products. And, to assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves. No cherry-picked units sent by manufacturers. No sponsored content. No ads. Just real, honest, side-by-side testing and comparison.
