Picture this: it's a glorious day, the skies are blue and you're ready to embrace the long-awaited week of British summertime.
What’s missing? The perfect pair of flip flops. These trusty summer companions are a staple in every warm weather wardrobe, even if the opportunities to wear them may have been a little, well, lacking recently.
But, nonetheless, you'll be needing a pair of flip flops for the sunshine at some point, whether that's on home turf or somewhere a little more exotic. Whether you’re heading to the beach, lounging by the pool or just running errands on a warm day, a good pair of flip flops is a must-have.
The best flip flops combine durability with comfort. Look for options made from high-quality rubber or EVA foam, known for their cushioning and flexibility. These materials offer great support for your feet, ensuring you can wear them all day without any discomfort.
For an eco-friendly choice, some brands offer flip flops made from recycled materials or sustainably sourced natural rubber
A thick, contoured sole can also make a world of difference, providing arch support and reducing the risk of foot pain. Flip flops with a textured or patterned sole also offer better grip, so you won’t find yourself slipping around on wet surfaces.
If you’re planning on wearing them for extended periods, a sole with good shock absorption is a definite plus.
Straps are another key feature. Opt for flip flops with padded or fabric-lined straps to prevent blisters and chafing. Adjustable straps are a bonus, allowing you to customise the fit to your liking.
We've rounded up all of the best women's flip flops
Fitflop IQUSHION D-LUXE Padded Leather Flip-Flops
Not only are they bright and colourful, but they're also a little more beneficial to your feet than your standard flip flops. Fitflops’ IQUSHION D-LUXE style hugs your feet with deluxe 360-degree comfort. Pillowy from top to bottom, the padded rounded straps are crafted in premium butter-soft nappa leather, with luxe-leather wrapped soles and soft leather-lined footbeds bringing them all together.
The brand's featherlight, pressure-diffusing iQushion midsole is ergonomically shaped with high-rebound, air-foam cushioning as well as impact pillows front and back, and natural arch support.
Buy now £50.00, Fitflop
Havaianas Slim Flip Flop
Keep it classic with these Havaianas Slim Flip Flops. A best-selling version of Brazil's original and authentic flip-flops made especially for women, they're thinner to give a more elegant shape and come in three colours with a tonal glitter strap. While some flip flops are renowned for breaking after the first wear, these promise to stay in tip-top shape through plenty of holidays, no matter how hard on your feet you are.
Buy now £30.00, John Lewis
Ancient Greek Sandals Saionara leather flip flops
We’ll never say no to a pop of red here at ES Best. All of Ancient Greek Sandals’s footwear is handcrafted by local artisans from chemical-free leather. We adore the subtle platform, which gives a little bit of lift and creates more of a separation between the wearer and the city streets.
Buy now £125.00, Net-A-Porter
The Row Ginza leather and suede platform flip flops
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen’s The Row is beloved for its elevated basics and the Ginza leather sandals are at the heart of this. The silhouette is a favourite among the fashion set and if they don’t already own a pair (or even if they do), they will be sure to update their footwear collection with this season’s leather and suede take on the original.
Buy now £980.00, Net-A-Porter
Free People Around Town Flip Flops
Thin, metallic flip flops were all the rage in early 2000s Southern California, and we couldn’t be happier that they’re making a comeback. The Around Town Flip Flops have a shimmery effect that immediately elevates their otherwise casual aesthetic, making them suitable for nights on the town – should you be brave enough to attempt flip flops at the bar.
Buy now £50.00, Free People
Giuseppe Zanotti Cruel patent-effect flip flops
It’s a cruel summer indeed, and these cruel patent-effect flip flops by Guiseppe Zanotti fit the bill perfectly. We can imagine the it-girls of Charlie XCX’s 360 music video slipping these on to run some oh-so-casual errands.
Buy now £268.00, Farfetch
Crocs Classic Platform Flip Flops
No brand has had a revival in recent years quite like Crocs. And, if you can’t bring yourself to invest in one of the more clunky designs, the brand’s flip flops might just act as a stepping stone. The Classic Platform Flip Flops in Oxygen Blue could easily be mistaken for any other flip flop brand but have the added bonus of featuring that enviable comfort that all Crocs lovers mention.
With a platform design and room to add a variety of accessories (if you’re so inclined), this vibrant blue pair promises to contrast beautifully against your soon-to-be-tanned toes.
Buy now £25.00, Amazon
Calvin Klein Platform Flip Flops
Calvin Klein has been known for effortlessly stylish, sleek and sexy minimalism since its foundation in 1968. These platform flip flops by the iconic brand would look fabulous with a pair of boyfriend-style Levis and a casual Calvin Klein vest top.
Buy now £31.00, Calvin Klein
Accessorize Wavy Seagrass Flip Flops
A splash of colour instantly makes you feel like it's holiday time, even when the weather outside is distinctly British. These Accessorise flip flops add just the right amount of colour. Slipping effortlessly into your straw tote for long days on the beach, they're designed with a seagrass footbed and feature orange trims for a bold look and wavy embroidery through the footbed.
Buy now £4.50, Accessorize
Nike Calm flip flops in black
Available in a few different colours, these understated Nike Calm flip flops in black have V-shaped straps and subtle Nike branding on the sides. A little more stylish than your standard flip flop without stealing the attention from the rest of your outfit, these lightweight flip-flops are easy to style and easy to pack. While the water-friendly design makes them ideal for the beach or pool, the minimalist look is elevated enough to wear around the city.
Buy now £34.00, ASOS
Matt & Nat ALBERTA Vegan Flip Flops
These ALBERTA Vegan Flip Flops come in a classic design that's suitable for all kinds of adventures. Cruelty-free yet impressively budget-friendly, they're available in olive or black and made in Italy from vegan leather. Ultra-chic and comfortable, they tick all the boxes for a go-to flip flop this summer.
Buy now £13.20, Matt & Nat
Verdict
The Fitflop IQUSHION D-LUXE Padded Leather Flip-Flops are our favourite summer-ready shoes. We love the padded leather straps and anatomically shaped footbeds. The chunky design and extra cushioning provide stylish support, making them perfect for all-day wear, from beach outings to casual strolls.
