Regardless of where you fall on this spectrum, there are things that every pair should do well. J.Crew has been making gear for beachside escapades since 1983, the kinds of classic styles that'll last summer after summer. If you don't want to deal with the break-in time of leather (or want to avoid it for other reasons), the Arizona Essentials is a fantastic option at a killer price. In this review, we compile all the details to give you a thorough, big-picture perspective on which models will be best for you. And if you've always been pro flip-flop?
Youve come to the right place.
How can we improve GearLab? Mens Journal has affiliate partnerships so we may receive compensation for some links to products and services. Can the Coros Apex Pro Take the GPS Watch Throne? Footwear is a critical connection between your body and the earth. All of the OluKai flip flops we have tested have incredibly comfortable footbeds. They also aren't the most supportive, as the footbed breaks down and molds to your feet (comfy for some, but not for everyone). And, sure, they will also keep you from making direct foot-to-sidewalk contact should you choose to wear them on your morning coffee run, a move that we here at Esquire will neither endorse nor rebuke. The more the merrier. The brand has a rich shoemaking heritage that they use to create and inspire their unique footwear designs. The EVA foam isn't quite as supportive on the edges, but it is surprisingly well-formed and just firm enough. These sandals have super thick heels to prevent fatigue and help heal sore feet. In our minds, the perfect flop looks good enough to wear to a wedding, is sticky enough to scramble up a rock face, and tough enough to last for years. Avidan Grossman is the Style eCommerce Editor at Esquire, covering mens fashion, shoes, grooming, and accessories. The band and footbed are real, actual fuzzy AstroTurf, while its sole is made up of recycled foam waste and natural rubber. Glory be! They are constructed out of diverse materials, including rubber polymers, foam, nylon, leather, and plastic. A flip-flop that you can take out on a light hike? The Birkenstock Arizona Essentials is an EVA foam version of the classic leather sandal that many know and love. Chaco is well known for their go-anywhere-do-anything adventure sandals, and many design features carry over into their more casual and front-country-centric Classic Leather Flip. All Rights Reserved. the best way to beat the heat is to dress for it. For bargain flip flops these look pretty dang good! For flip flops, it is best to buy your regular size or one size bigger. Barry Samaha is the style commerce editor at Esquire, where he covers all things fashion and grooming. The Filipe is an excellent pair of flip flops with the added security of a unique strap system. Peeling off our climbing shoes and slipping on the Hokua feels like a foot massage. Let us know!
These Reef flip-flops have a secret weapon that'll be useful in more cases than not: a bottle opener. Brothers Fernando and Santiago Aguerre founded REEF in 1984 out of a love for the beach and surfing. Walk into any big box chain store, and you will see hundreds to choose from. Pair them with jeans and casual tee for a relaxed look. Renowned podiatrist, Phillip Vasyli had a genuine passion for making orthotic treatment more affordable and accessible to people in need of pain relief, which is why Vionic was founded; to create stylish footwear with essential stability and addictive support. American fashion house, Kenneth Cole was founded in 1982. The result is this comprehensive review, which you can now use to get into a pair of comfortable and functional flops for yourself. Merrell only have one pair of flip flops in their range, but it is available in four different colours. Most rubber flip-flops need a few weeks of wear to make them bendy and flexible. Tough days on the job were inevitably followed by equally intense days of relaxation by the Tuolumne River wearing, you guessed it, flip flops. In order to view the gallery, please allow Manage Cookies. We made a point to assess comfort straight out of the box, as well as how each felt after a few months of breaking in. Heavy, durable materials are used exclusively on the solid 'Ohana. The fundamental mission of The North Face brand has remained unchanged since its inception in 1966: to provide the best gear for athletes and the modern day explorer, support the preservation of the outdoors, and inspire a global movement of exploration. For such minimal footwear, we believe quality and comfort are paramount to having the best time in your summer kicks. This Panerai Hits the Adventure Watch Sweet Spot, Brighten Your Summer with July's New Fitness Gear, Perform Better with Tommy John 360 Sport Underwear, Dad Grass Tinctures: Sleep, Chill and Recover, This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. A few testers weren't fans of the aggressive arch support, citing that they felt as if they were standing on a tennis ball, so if you're not familiar with the Chaco fit, we recommend trying some on if you have the opportunity. It's like having a flip flop made specifically for your own weird feet. Reebok vs. Nike: Who Makes the Best CrossFit Shoe? There's nothing quite as good as enjoying the outdoors and letting your climbing shoe bunioned feet breathe! Famous for the creation of the boat shoe, Sperry is dedicated to crafting the tools for life's memorable experiences on, off, and by the water. Both rubber and leather are excellent choices for flip flops as they are both durable and stylish. Esquire participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. That being said, models like the Hokua and 'Ohana are fantastic all-arounders that offer excellent grip in any situation. Theres been a rise in golf apparel as of late, so why not hop on the trend with a pair of AstroTurf flip-flops?
This model features the same supportive footbed as Chaco's sandals but with a softer full-grain leather footbed instead of their familiar, less comfortable grid pattern. It's affordable, ergonomically contoured, and the EVA will mold to your feet over time. Sure does! If you thought that you were forced to choose between flops and Birks, behold, a revelation: you can flop your Birks! The comfortable arch support, grippy sole, and snug straps make the Hokua excellent for lazy summer days at the crag. If you need more arch support, there are better options for you highlighted in this review. Function is more important than fashion, and sandals are just good summer shoes. These can be found for significantly less than the retail price listed. If you've never had a pair of ultra-comfortable flip flops, you are truly missing out on one of life's great pleasures. They provide trendy and high-quality garments at an affordable price, because they believe everyone deserves access to good fashion. It's rare to find a bargain basement flip flop that will hold up to any abuse, but the NeedBo NDB is just that. A handful of them make for excellent all-around flips capable in outdoor situations and classy enough for a backyard garden party or even a wedding (or at least the types of weddings we go to). Besides mountain adventures, Brian spends his time sport climbing and bikepacking anywhere he can in the mountainous west. The classy Chaco Classic Leather Flip also isn't cheap, but its supportive arch and footbed could save plenty of wear and tear on your body.
Gear Patrol participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. The quality and comfort of the flip flop you choose is something that will affect your whole body from the ground up.
All the flips we tested are excellent for most situations, though some are more specialized in a particular area. If you are looking for a flip flop that has solid trail hiking capability, the Rainbow might not be the best choice. These will surely hold up for your next vacation, and if you lose them, it's not that big of a deal because they cost about the same as taking your significant other on a date to In-N-Out. Clip these to your harness, and you've got some of the lightest pair of "approach shoes" out there. The best flip flops for men should incorporate premium materials and easygoing wearability. Folks who like to chill out around the house in their flops may feel like the Classic Leather Flip is overbuilt and heavy, but people who like to put a lot of miles under their feet will appreciate the support. But, if you want a flip flop that looks great, won't fall apart, and won't break the bank, the Rainbow Premier Leather is a solid choice. You should be familiar with the Columbia brand name. The Hiapo does have a longer break-in period than simpler, softer models, but once you get through that, they are by far one of the most comfortable sandals we tested.
The lightweight materials are bound to break down quicker than other more durable options such as dense rubber or leather. Not only is it luscious to wear, but it held up well despite our rigorous testing due to being constructed with heavy-duty materials. Does the idea of wearing a pair on a crowded subway car or out to dinner with the in-laws still conjure deep feelings of dread from the very core of one's being? Hawaiian-inspired brand OluKai made a flip-flop that, surprisingly, looks luxurious.
A short sleeve button-up, Patagonia shorts, and the Filipe will certainly have you looking fresh at your next social obligation. We've been testing flip flops for 11 years, with 14 of the very best in this review. When you look closely, the attention to detail is easy to appreciate; they are wonderfully constructed and perform well in every area except water sports. One of the largest apparel brands in the world, Old Navy believes in the democracy of style. Unfortunately, some flips are like t-shirts and are just a cheap vehicle for a company's logo. The off-court choice of athletes across the globe. We have plenty of sophisticated leather flops in this review and plenty of techy sporty models as well, all of which have a premium price that reflects their craftsmanship. Competition for the Editors' favorite was stiff. The high arch may feel funky at first but can provide necessary support in the long run. Of course, choosing to wear flip-flops depends on the occasion. There were some flip flops that had better traction in just one situation like wet concrete, but overall none could compete with the Hokua. While the OluKai models with compression-molded EVA midsoles and ICEVA footbeds became perfectly molded to our feet and more comfortable with time, most started to break down as we clocked miles underfoot. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. While these certainly don't have the durability of the burlier models in this review, they are pretty comfortable and worlds better than cheapo flips. Underrated and hated for far too long, the flip-flop is an essential shoe for the summer just make sure youve got a tasteful pair that can shift between beach trips, barbecues and grocery runs alike. Like a fine wine, the Hokua also only improves with age. GearLab is reader-supported. And, to assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves. Rainbow Sandals uses it here to reinforce its footbed and strap with its naturally soft feel. The ideal flip flop would grip its way up a Tuolumne granite slab, keep us comfortable on a trans-Atlantic flight, and not upset the groom's family at the next backyard wedding, all while keeping our ankles nice and unrolled. Others are cumbersome and rugged, built to last, and with a price tag to boot. Simple, monochrome and rubber, the Top Flip-Flops from Havaianas are par for the course. Founded in 1989, Chacos is committed to creating the ultimate footwear range for outdoor adventures in and out of water. It's also not the most expensive, but it might be a stretch for some to imagine forking out the big bucks for casual footwear. Take these to the pool or toss em on when you go on a quick, lazy errand. Available in four colors, these come with a textured underfoot to let those wet feet breathe, a logo-embossed strap and a denser sole at the heel. The Classic flip also looks mega classy and is great for any get-together or summertime social event, while their more technical no-slip tread and supportive PU midsole are low profile and out of sight. In situations like that, a specialized model like the Hari Mari Dunes II is a smart choice. Put these thongs on your feet when youre poolside this summer. Adidas doesn't have a huge range of flip flops, but the ones they do have impressively deliver in the comfort department. Flip-flops get a bad rapeven from us, as it happens. Regardless of the subjectivity, we felt that this metric was the most critical of all, and it is weighted accordingly. They hit all the buttons.. A must for summer relaxation. However, the price tag on these is not for the weak of heart they will set you back a considerable amount. Looking to upgrade your current rig or new to slacklining key performance areas identified and scrutinized, Birkenstock Arizona Essential is also a high-value option, the world's most carefully tested and objective gear reviews, Comfortable, versatile, stylish, great arch support, Stylish, appropriate for fancy occasions, comfortable, Heavy, expensive, aggressive arch support may not be for everyone, These flip flops are made for the ocean but are capable in any environment, These versatile flops are so comfortable they feel as if they were tailor-made for our feet, These are comfortable for all day wear and some of the fanciest models out there, Strap these to your feet and forget about them, these have serious staying power, For folks who need solid arch support for long days on their feet, these flip flops deliver a solid performance, Full-grain leather wrapped outsole with non-marking molded rubber traction pods, Super comfortable sandals that are as at home on the beach as they are at camp, Take these flops everywhere and your feet will love you for it, These flip flops are easy on your feet, easy on your eyes, but not easy on your wallet, An optional heel and arch strap make this contender super secure and great for hiking, These stylish flip flops are highly versatile and offer loads of arch support, This flip scores well in nearly all of the testing metrics and looks darn good, These are excellent, lightweight, comfortable, and stylish shoes, sure to draw some attention and release some foot tension, A stylish and durable flip flop that offers excellent wet environment traction as well as superior odor control, These flops are durable, comfortable, and versatile, While typical sub twenty dollar flip flops are likely to fall apart and wear holes in your skin on day one, this one offers an excellent performance to price ratio, Comfortable flip flops that are both made from recycled materials and are recyclable when you're done, These flops are decent for lounging on the beach, but you'll want more support and durability if you're always on your feet, Tons of squishy comfort for those who appreciate walking on clouds, These ultra soft flip flops are like clouds for your feet and offer some decent comfort when your feet are beat. Their idea was to create high-quality, super comfortable products that fit the lifestyle they loved; mainly, sandals that could take them to the beach, into town, and wherever they wanted to go in comfort. In regards to versatility, the Hokua also performs great. But it can be surprising how cool they are, how chic they are, and how elegant they are. Everything Dr Scholls does, is done with heart; simply put, they make great shoes with style and comfort for days, using sustainable elements that show the Earth some love. Some might argue that versatility in a flip flop is a bit of a misnomer, but we at GearLab use our flops hard, so knowing how they will perform in different situations is crucial. We may earn a commission from these links. Made in a Hawaii, these incredibly sleek flip-flops, which features EVA foam footbeds and rubber outsole designed with arch support, are just what you need for island adventures. It does most things the expensive options do but without the wallet-emptying price tag. Throw these on for a sophisticated way of saying aloha.". But it doesn't always mean they are comfortable out of the box. Theyll likely help sand and water pass through the underfoot better than a sandal. Hoka does a damn-fine recovery flip-flop, too, this time in a fresh shade of pastel green. The flips we tested span the style spectrum from fine-crafted leather peeled from what must have been extremely healthy cows to rugged outdoor-specific models that look closer to hiking boots than casual footwear. The arch is very high, and folks who spend long days walking on hard surfaces know the benefit (a necessity for some) of a super supportive footbed.
A lot of guys are self-conscious about sandals, but if you like them, you should wear themguys need to have a look that they like, menswear icon Sid Mashburn tells Mens Journal. That said, having the option to transform from a casual flip flop to a secure river-going option is quite handy, and if you don't want to use the straps (but would prefer not to deal with unthreading and removing them), you can always just push them forward over the top of your foot. Tank-ish isn't exactly what you'd expect with a flip-flop, but Suicoke's JONO pair is exactly that. This review is brought to you by the expert duo Matt Bento and Brian Martin. These flip flops are expensive, though their price reflects their quality in about every way. On the non-skid outsole, find a hidden opener located on the inner foot of the right sandal. The attractive Hiapo is so fancy that it seemed (at least at first) to have no place in the mountains. These flops feature great feeling (and looking) leather footbeds and soft leather straps that only feel better as they break in and mold to your feet. Once we've narrowed it down, we wear each pair through water, scrambling across granite slabs, and through all manner of city streets. We landed on the Hokua because it covered the most bases and looked good while doing it. Some of our testers also found the extra strap to be annoying when not in use, and there's always the risk of losing if you are a bit scattered. Havaianas has been spreading Brazilian spirit around the world since 1962, with its iconic rubber sole and bright, colorful, and summer-infused designs. That being said, you could realistically purchase three pairs of NeedBo's for the cost of most others in this review. He is joined by Brian Martin, who is also a Yosemite Search and Rescue alum. Hari Mari's come comfy straight out the box, thanks to its memory foam footbed and straps. The Hokua had the best traction in a wide variety of environments. They certainly wouldn't look out of place hanging out on a pontoon boat or chilling at the beach. This review is chock full of excellent options, with a few that are highly specialized for certain applications. Founded in 1984, Teva created the first sport sandal. Leave it to Teva to craft a rugged thong sandal with a nylon shank thatll keep you stable over rough terrain.
Shipping to Australia & New Zealand only. A big part of the value proposition of these flip-flops is already baked into their name (comfort! While they don't have the absolute best support and stability, over time the footbed has aged to perfection. Sperry has a number of sporty flip flops for men that will seamlessly transition you from boat to beach.