Reef Fanning, Men's Flip Flop

Product Information

Flip-flops for the beach: You may be tempted by glitzy glam flatties to show off on the beach, but remember they’ll soon get covered in sand and mud – and you may end up spending hours a day in them, with swollen, sweaty feet (sorry, but it’s true). So the key is to balance looks with practicality. Go for a light pair (or two) that won’t weigh down your luggage, made from featherweight rubber that rinses easily and dries fast, with a soft toe post to keep your ’flops secure without rubbing. Mahabis meet all these demands spot on. Yes, you should. Flip-flops, like slippers, will expand after a few wears, so it’s best to err on the tight side when buying. Slip-ons shouldn’t constantly be slipping off.

British-made Oofos are ergonomic to the power of 10. They’re not just comfy, they’re so comfy you won’t want to take them off – and you really will be able to walk all day in them. READ NEXT: The best slipper boots, mules and pumps you can buy The best flip-flops you can buy in 2022 1. Havaianas Slim Animals Flip Flop: Best women’s beach flip-flops And so to Reef’s Fanning flip-flops. These sturdy slip-ons look fantastic and have an actual bottle opener on the sole. But they’re not just for show (and play).The contoured EVA footbed gives anatomical arch support and there’s an airbag – yes, an airbag – in the heel for extra comfort. The strap is made of pretty solid stuff, too, with cruelty-free faux leather and textile to provide maximum durability, comfort and good looks. Nike’s Benassi Slides aren’t waterproof. They dry off fast enough, but will feel a bit soggy if you submerge them in the pool or sea. On the upside, their EVA (or “Phylon”, to use Nike’s branding) rubber is much softer than waterproof plastic, so they won’t rub your feet or make you sweaty like a pair of old-fashioned jelly shoes would. They also mould to your feet over time, which means it’s worth putting up with a slight pinch at first.

Best flip-flops: At a glance

Havaianas hand-makes all its flip-flops in Brazil using natural gum rubber, so you might expect them to cost a pretty penny. But they’re more affordable than we’d have assumed – and a lot more durable than they look. Havaianas’ lightweight cushioned footbed is comfy enough for schlepping around the house and mooching up and down the beachfront, and they’re hard-wearing enough not to lose their shape after one season. There’s also a fab rice pattern tread to stop you slipping. However, they’re not designed for a lot of walking, so if you’re planning to explore a city you’ll want a more supportive ’flop, such as a FitFlop. Havaianas are as affordable as a really good-quality pair of flip-flops can be, though, and they look fabulous. You wouldn’t want to walk far in them, though, and some users complain that the strap rubs, especially if your feet are on the wide side. But they’re great all-rounders whose classic appearance suits most outfits and occasions.

Today’s flip-flops come in a surprisingly wide range of styles for different needs. There are sassy designer slip-ons for summer parties, ergonomic support flip-flops for hiking, and soft rubber soles for pool and beach. Love them or hate them, Crocs are seriously comfy and durable – and these sport-stripe ’flops actually look rather fab. The snug-fitting footbed contains hundreds of tiny dimples (made from patented “Croslite” EVA) that massage your feet as you walk, which is surely worth the price alone. There’s no mistaking who made these lightweight sporty sliders, thanks to the large Nike swoosh that takes up nearly the whole single strap. That may put you off if you prefer your clothes to look a little less corporate. But they’re a joy to wear, and probably the most comfortable flip-flops in our lineup. The padded strap has a soft jersey lining to cuddle the top of your feet, while the foam midsole is supportive enough for walking in comfort.

Free your toes and slip on our favourite flip-flops to stay cool, comfy and stylish on the beach, in the garden and by the pool

Gum rubber is the perfect material for beach flip-flops. It’s a natural product made by harvesting sap from Hevea brasiliensis (aka rubber trees) without the need to chop them down. It’s durable, supple and waterproof without being so non-absorbent that it makes your feet clammy.