While once synonymous with summer holidays and beach attire, the best flip-flops have graduated to the fashion crowd.
The summer sandal’s sartorial ascension arguably began with The Row’s Dune rubber thong sandal – but more humble Havaianas styles have proved equally popular. The £35 rubber flip-flops are now as ubiquitous in the city as they are at the coast.
There are also more elevated takes on the trends – quite literally, with a kitten heel or wedge – or playful jelly iterations and studded styles, à la Valentino.
While nineties and noughties-inspired chunky silhouettes have dominated in recent years, barely-there flip-flops are the style to note this summer. Think Alaia’s invisible-sole flip-flops, and Khaite or Saint Laurent’s slimline leather options.
If spending circa £500 on such a slight sandal raises eyebrows, mid-range labels, including Ancient Greek Sandals, Reformation and St Agni, should be on your radar, alongside even more affordable high street offerings from Zara and Mango.
As for styling tips, take a cue from Zoe Kravitz – the undisputed queen of thong sandals – who styles hers with baggy trousers and cami tops, cycling shorts and T-shirts, or cascading maxi skirts and vests (it’s all in the proportions). Kendall and Kylie Jenner wear heeled styles with capri pants while Hailey Bieber makes a case for jeans and thong sandals.
Best flip flops at a glance
Havaianas flip-flops – £30, Asos.com
Ancient Greek Sandals jelly flip flops – £125, Mytheresa.com
Archies flip flops – £35, Archiesfootwear.co.uk
Tory Burch heeled flip flops – £165, Mytheresa.com
Free People thong sandals – £35, Freepeople.com
Put your best foot forward this summer with the flip-flops below.
Havaianas flip-flops
Forget the Havaianas of your childhood; the iconic brand has embraced its new fashion status with plenty of elevated styles, including this square-toe silhouette.
Buy now £30.00, Asos.com
Ancient Greek Sandals jelly flip flops
Hailey Bieber, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Selena Gomez have all put their stylish seal of approval on Ancient Greek Sandals. You’ll have likely seen the label’s jelly flip-flops all over your Instagram feeds – they’re as comfortable as they are coveted.
Buy now £125.00, Mytheresa.com
Archies flip flops
Aussie brand Archies is a favourite among those looking for understated arch support. The flip flops are affordable, come in a variety of colourways, and boast built-in arch support engineered to promote proper alignment.
Buy now £35.00, Archiesfootware.co.uk
Tory Burch heeled flip flops
This heeled iteration of the jelly flip flop style delivers on both practicality, thanks to a demure kitten heel, and on elegance. The Tory Burch shoes feature rubber uppers with the New York brand's logo and a stylish square open-toe silhouette.
Buy now £165.00, Mytheresa.com
A. Emery flip flops
A. Emery can always be relied on for minimalist staples, like this pair of sleek black flip-flops. Crafted from smooth black leather with wide straps and a moulded sole, it’s the perfect smart style for the office.
Buy now £160.00, Mytheresa.com
Free People thong sandals
A near-identical alternative to The Row’s eye-wateringly expensive Dune flip-flops, this Free People pair boasts the same red sole and black thong straps.
Buy now £30.00, Freepeople.com
Mint Velvet betty cream flip flop
This Mint Velvet pair of flip-flops takes the guesswork out of summer eveningwear. Finished in a creamy shade with a wearable kitten heel, the shoes boast a wide thong strap.
Buy now £99.00, Mintvelvet.com
Charles & Keith beaded thong flip flops
Made with soft, smooth leather, these elegant heels boast thong straps and glamorous beaded detailing. The perfect shoe for dressing up on a summer holiday.
Buy now £89.00, Charleskeith.co.uk
Schuh wedge flip flops
These wedge flip-flops are gloriously noughties-coded. The chunky wedge combines with slender thong straps, while the flat heel prevents you from sinking into grass during summer occasions.
Buy now £35.00, Schuh.co.uk
Free People tapered flip flops
Every wardrobe can benefit from a pair of red flip-flops, adding colour and character to your summer outfit. This Free People pair boasts jelly thong straps and comes in a bunch of other shades.
Buy now £38.00, Freepeople.com
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