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We’re big fans of flip-flops from Teva, Clarks, and Chaco. Eva Sandals For Woman
It’s time to part ways with your flat-footed flip-flops and invest in a pair that creates a comfortable and supportive foundation, whether your warm-weather plans include lounging by the pool or sightseeing. After Travel + Leisure’s team of writers, editors, and expert product testers tried 36 pairs of flip-flops, we’re here to ease your footwear shopping woes by recommending some of the most comfortable flip-flops on the market today.
Our roster of testers included tropical vacation-goers, hikers, errand runners, and even a flip-flop expert who wears open-toed shoes as their primary footwear living in Southern California. We evaluated the footwear based on traits like comfort, support, traction, and durability to round up the 13 options below from trusted brands like Clarks, Chaco, and Vionic. We’re confident there are ultra-comfortable flip-flops on our list for every traveler's style and budget and trust us, your feet will thank you in the long run.
The adjustable velcro straps make it easy to customize the fit of the flip-flops for extra comfort.
They’re on the heavier side.
From heel to toe, the Clarks Breeze Sea-hanging Flip-flops impressed us with game-changing designs for comfortable and stylish footwear. The flip-flops are a triple threat for comfort and support thanks to the brand’s smooth CushionSoft footbed, absorbent EVA midsole, and thick rubber outsole. After five months of regular wear, we love that the memory foam offers the perfect amount of support, and even bounces back, so you never feel like you're sinking into the shoe. The adjustable straps also won us over by providing a customizable fit that’s rare to find in a flip-flop.
While the sandals are a bit heavier than other flip-flops we tried, the rubber sole feels exceptionally sturdy and the traction on the bottom is ideal for slippery conditions by the pool. After a few weeks of testing this pair, they looked good as new. They're definitely not just a one summer sandal, you'll get years of use out of these as the materials keep year over year.
The Details: Sizes 7 to 12 | EVA, rubber
These flip-flops are super easy to pack in a suitcase thanks to the ultra-lightweight EVA sole and the recycled polyester straps that can lay flat.
The straps were a little tight at first.
These Teva flip-flops are the best pair of lightweight sandals we tried, making them perfect carry-on essentials. Made out of EVA foam, the material is light as a feather but still provides plenty of cushion and support. After five months of wear, these flip-flops totally mold to the feet for custom comfort and support. Although the recycled plastic straps were a little tight at first, they loosened up after we wore the shoes a few times. Since the fabric straps can be folded down, the flip-flops can lay completely flat, which helps save space in luggage. Despite the lightweight material, the flip-flops feel very sturdy and after wearing them around the house and outside for several months, we didn’t notice any wear and tear, leading us to believe that these Tevas will provide plenty of comfort and support for many trips down the road.
The Details: Sizes 5 to 12 | EVA, recycled polyester
Travel + Leisure / Cecilia De La Paz
The sandals are versatile enough to be worn from the beach to dinner.
Travelers looking for elevated flip-flops should consider Birkenstocks Gizeh Eva Sandals. Made with the same lightweight material as sportier flip-flops, this pair boasts a contoured footbed and adjustable straps for a customizable fit. After the first wear, we noticed that the EVA foam molded to the feet and we didn’t see any chafing or redness. Plus, the lightweight and waterproof material makes it easy to pack these in a suitcase for any type of trip. Best of all, we love that the structured design of these waterproof flip-flops gives them a more upscale look so you can not only wear them at the beach or pool, but also to a nicer dinner or stroll through town. We found that the sandals run slightly large, so we recommend sizing down for the best fit.
The Details: Sizes 4/4.5 to 13/13.5 | EVA
The outsole has ample traction for gripping the most slippery surfaces.
These aren’t the most supportive flip-flops we tested.
To avoid a poolside near-wipeout, the outsole traction on the Sanuk Yoga Mat Flip Flops should do the trick. We tested the traction by walking up and down slick surfaces, including poolside in Miami, and noted that the flip-flops felt completely sturdy and stable despite the slippery conditions. After wearing these regularly for five months, we love that the straps and footbed are still extremely comfortable. Designed to feel like wearing a yoga mat on your feet, the ultra-soft sandals are made out of the same plush and lightweight EVA material with sleek vegan leather straps. They have just the right amount of give to feel like you're walking on a cloud without lacking in sturdiness or support. Although the flip-flops feel supportive enough to wear on a day-to-day basis, there isn’t much arch support, so these may not be the best shoes for walking for miles. However, if you’re looking for pool or beachside footwear, these are a great option to have in your closet.
The Details: Sizes 5 to 11 | EVA, vegan leather
The flip-flops have the perfect balance of arch support and soft cushioning.
They run a bit small.
The combination of the raised contoured heel, arch support, and rubber foam cushion from the Reef Cushion Court flip-flops provides plenty of support and comfort for all-day wear. Right out of the box, we love that these flip-flops are instantly comfortable and have zero break-in period. The vegan leather straps are soft and buttery, and they didn’t cause any redness or blistering between the toes. Reef prides itself on its anatomical arch support and it really does work.
The flip-flops also slide on and off with ease. In addition to the ultra-comfortable cushion, we love that the material dries super fast so you won’t have to slosh around in wet flip-flops all day long. After regularly wearing these for five months, we find them to be completely waterproof and don't fade as they get wet. We do think the flip-flops may run slightly small, so we recommend sizing up.
The Details: Sizes 5 to 12 | Rubber, vegan leather
The flip-flops can easily be put on or taken off hands-free.
The strap was slightly irritating between the toes.
The design of the Fitflop iQushion Ergonomic Flip-flops makes it super easy to slip the sandals on and off. The lightweight EVA material is soft and cushioned, but we love that there is still plenty of firm arch support in the raised heel with a contoured footbed to hug the back of your foot. We discovered the traction on the bottom of the sandals is ideal for slippery conditions after wearing them around resort pools and hot tubs. The straps are made out of sturdy rubber, and while we did notice some slight irritation between the toes, it went away shortly after wearing them a few times.
The Details: Sizes 5 to 11 | Rubber, EVA
The design and materials feel very sturdy while doing a variety of activities like walking on the beach or running errands.
They have a larger fit so we recommend sizing down.
Differing in style from their famous clog cousin, we love these affordable and durable Croc Classic flip-flops. Designed with water activities in mind, the EVA foam material is waterproof, floatable, and quick-drying so you can wear the lightweight sandals around any body of water. They can even work well as a pair of shower shoes.
Besides the sleek design, we are big fans of the raised sole with ample arch support and footbed lined with tiny bumps, which feels like getting a massage while wearing the flip-flops around the house and at the beach. To get the best fit, the brand recommends ordering a whole size down from your usual size, and we noticed that the fit is a little wider in the straps and sides. With the right size, these flip-flops are super easy to slip on and off, and the material is soft enough that it doesn’t cause any chafing or irritation. While this pair of sandals is the least expensive we tried, the material is supportive and, after five months of use, they still look new, making it one of the best sets of flip-flops on the market.
The Details: Sizes 6 to 15 | EVA
The footbed is made with a flexible foam that cradles the foot.
After regularly wearing for five months, they're starting to fade and show dirt.
We love that these Adidas flip-flops not only boast the brand’s famous stripes on the straps but also the promise of all-day comfort and support. The footbed is lined with a plush polyurethane foam that molds around the foot for extra support and the sole of the shoe is raised at the heel and made with a thick rubber with excellent traction. After wearing the flip-flops for several weeks, we didn’t experience any type of discomfort or chafing from the straps and the sandals didn’t require a break-in period, meaning these shoes can be worn right out of the box without needing to keep bandages on hand. With sizes ranging from 5 to 13, we found these flip-flops ran true to size and didn’t feel too tight or too loose in the straps. In addition, these flip-flops are exceptionally lightweight without feeling flimsy, and they can easily be tossed in a gym bag or suitcase—a must-have travel essential for Thailand or any balmy location.
The Details: Sizes 5 to 13 | Rubber
The leather material feels sturdy and molds around the foot the more the flip-flops are worn.
There is a fair amount of breaking-in required.
Made with a waterproof full-grain leather footbed and thick rubber soles with traction, the Reef Men’s Voyage Le Flip-flops are fit for poolside lounging or walking on the beach. While there’s not as much cushioning as other flip-flops we tested, we appreciated that the rugged leather lining molds around the foot for added comfort and support. We experienced some blistering and discomfort initially but after a few days, the sandals were completely broken in and provided lasting comfort for the duration of a trip to the Cayman Islands. Despite the break-in period, we feel confident that these premium-feel sandals will only get more comfortable with more use.
The Details: Sizes 6 to 13 | Leather, rubber
The arch support is comfortably placed and the nylon and rubber materials look and feel high-end.
They feel a bit heavy which could make packing them cumbersome.
If you’re on a tropical vacation it’s likely sandals will be your primary footwear, so you’ll want a pair of stylish and comfortable flip-flops like these ones from OluKai. We love the firmer feel of these flip-flops, thanks to the ultra-thick rubber outsole and lightly lined compression-molded EVA midsole. When it comes to arch support, the Ohana sandals have a 2.8-inch raised heel that is located perfectly on the shoe. All of the materials, including the nylon toe post and synthetic straps, are completely waterproof and the generous traction on the outsole felt sturdy when we wore the flip-flops on slick floors. The dense outsole makes it easy to slide on the flip-flops but it also adds a bit of weight you’ll want to consider when packing the shoes. With sizes ranging from 7 to 18 and over 22 earth-toned color patterns, there are a variety of options for every style preference. We wouldn't be surprised if you — like us — eventually become an OluKai stan for its array of practical and stylish shoes.
The Details: Sizes 7 to 18 | EVA, rubber, nylon
The rubber footbed has a firm and supportive high arch for long-lasting comfort.
The fit is a little loose.
For being on your feet all day long, we think the Chaco Men’s Lowdown Flip Flops are the best pair of super supportive sandals. Throughout five months of testing, these shoes became our go-to for camping, gardening, running errands, and lounging by the pool. While the midsole is EVA foam, the rest of the flip-flop material is a tough and firm rubber that feels extremely durable. We're big fans of the contoured sides and raised heel that provide the perfect amount of arch support. The footbed is firm and rubberized with a sleek arch that allows the shoe to fit well against the bottom of the foot. These shoes are very comfortable when stationary and the arch support feels balanced and uniform. While the sandals didn’t cause any chafing or blisters out of the box, the straps were a bit tight and then loosened up quite a bit after we broke the shoes in. However, the flip-flops run true to size and the footbed and straps should mold to the shape of your foot over time.
The Details: Sizes 7 to 15 | EVA, polyester, rubber
The materials and design of the flip-flops feel premium and durable.
The straps caused slight chafing around the big toe.
If you’re in the market for a pair of premium flip-flops, we think these from Vionic are worth the investment. Over five months of testing, the flip-flops scored highly across the board but we particularly love their sleek and comfortable design that stay on your feet and don't slide. The sandals are fitted with cushioning, stability, and arch support top of mind with a soft leather lining, an EVA foam midsole, and dense rubber outsole. We appreciated the high arch of the flip-flop and felt that it was placed perfectly for helping support the foot when worn for long periods of time. In addition to the comfort and support from the design of the flip-flops, the materials feel extremely durable and showed little to no signs of wear after testing. There was some irritation from the toe post at first that went away quickly, so we still think these high-end flip-flops are worth the cost.
The Details: Sizes 7 to 13 | Leather, rubber, EVA
The EVA foam material is super plush and molds comfortably around the foot.
There isn’t much arch support built into the flip-flop.
The best part of these Sanuk flip-flops is that the yoga mat-like material is soft and supportive at the same time. We discovered that the EVA foam material molds around the foot quickly and cups the arches, adding extra support in addition to the cushioning. Plus, the material is impressively lightweight so the flip-flops feel nearly weightless. These Sanuk sandals have neoprene straps that don’t chafe or cause any blistering, which is hard to come by with flip-flops. The outsole has a solid amount of traction, which kept us stable while walking on slick surfaces, and the soft material prevents the clap sound that can come from wearing flip-flops — a perk we didn’t know we were looking for. If you’re on the hunt for a mid-priced pair of super comfortable (and quiet) flip-flops, the Sanuk Beer Cozy 2 sandals are your best bet.
The Details: Sizes 6 to 14 | EVA, neoprene
This was a competitive test with plenty of flip-flops for both men and women scoring highly. We still like the sandals listed below, but they didn’t make our list above due to some minor issues we noticed during testing.
Okabashi Women’s Maui Flip Flops: These flip-flops have excellent traction and the material feels very thick and durable. While we had some issues with the sizing, once we got the right size, these proved to be perfectly comfortable for all-day wear.
Chaco Women's Chillos Flip Flop: While these flip-flops do run slightly small, the ample arch support and soft straps make them excellent for a variety of activities.
The North Face Men's Base Camp Flip-Flop ll: The footbed is designed to resemble the contour of egg crates, and we found the sandals super comfortable to wear. The soles are plenty sturdy with generous grip, but other sandals in the same price range slightly edged these out.
Hoka Ora Recovery Flip: It took us a little while to get used to the thick design of these flip-flops but once they wore them a few times, they proved to be exceptionally comfortable. The price point is a little high, but worth it for travelers looking for rocker sandals.
T+L’s team of writers, editors, and expert product testers wore 36 pairs of flip-flops for two weeks to get a feel for the comfort, durability, and support of the open-toed footwear. Straight out of the box, we evaluated the materials and arch support of each pair of shoes by bending the flip-flops down the middle to determine stability. They also paid close attention to the break-in period, noting how comfortable the sandals were and if the straps caused any chafing or blisters.
Since we tested a variety of flip-flops with different levels of arch support, we wore them for long periods, — on 5 to 7 different outings — to judge the comfort, support, and quality of the shoe. To test the traction, we walked on a variety of surfaces including loose gravel, concrete by the pool, sandy beaches, and tile floors. In the end, our top-performing flip-flops require no breaking in, are made with high-quality materials, and provide all-day support for all types of travelers.
While everyone’s feet are different, a pair of flip-flops with arch support is truly a game-changer for comfort. Keep an eye out for sandals with generous cushioning and a raised heel that creates a ramp to support the shape of the foot for comfort and balance. A high-quality flip-flop will have a sturdy outsole with traction, but the midsole and footbed should also have enough cushioning to cradle the foot for maximum comfort.
Because flip-flops are super convenient, there are a variety of uses for them which can help narrow down your search for footwear. If you basically live in flip-flops in the summer, you might want to go for a pair that is versatile, meaning it has a balance of style and comfort fit for a range of activities. Beach goers or poolside loungers will appreciate a pair of waterproof sandals with ample traction for slick surfaces. And if you’re planning on traveling with your flip-flops, consider a pair of super lightweight EVA foam sandals to make packing a little easier.
Your foot should fit comfortably inside the footbed of the flip-flop with a little bit of room in the front for protection. Most supportive flip-flops will have a contoured shape so your foot should rest in the dip of the slightly raised sides or heel. If you fall between two sizes and the flip-flop only offers whole sizes, consider sizing up first to have a little more room instead of less.
We recommend deferring to the brand’s instructions for washing flip-flops but in the case that there aren’t any tips included, you can always grab a cloth, water, and soap to give the sandals a gentle clean to get rid of mud or other stains.
Wearing flip-flops can make going through security easier, as you can easily slip them on and off. That being said, when it comes to airplane etiquette, it may be considered rude to have your bare feet out or you may not want to if there are unclean surfaces.
Flat flip-flops can put extra pressure on your front leg muscles. If you plan to use your flip-flops for walking long distances, be sure to choose a pair with plenty of cushion and arch-support. It's also helpful to make sure they have thick and stable straps that keep your foot secure, avoiding possible injury.
T+L Commerce Writer Anna Popp focuses on writing the team’s tested roundups across all categories of travel products. Anna has been a travel writer for 5 years and began testing products for publications in 2021. She participated in this real-world flip-flop test and sifted through testing notes to put together this list of the most comfortable flip-flops for travelers.
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