When it comes to classic summer shoes for women, there's nothing quite like the flip flop. From the unmistakable "schlop" sound they make to the open, almost barefoot design, they're a staple of the sunny season and make the perfect holiday sandal too, whether for the beach or evening strolls. Nowadays many even come with arch support or comfy soles for walking long distances.
We firmly believe that every woman should have a pair of flip flops to slip on and off, so we've put together this guide to help you find some totally top-notch thongs. We scoured the web for the best rubber, leather and fabric pairs so you don't have to, and created a list of our favourites from Teva, Havaianas and more combining comfort, style and wearability.
For those after a quick look, here is our Top 5:
Image | 1 ![]() Teva | 2 ![]() Havaianas | 3 ![]() Rocket Dog | 4 ![]() FitFlop | 5 ![]() Havaianas | 6 ![]() Charles & Keith | 7 ![]() Steve Madden | 8 ![]() ARRIGO BELLO | 9 ![]() Pateacd | 10 ![]() Croc |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Name | Voya Flip Bar Flip Flops | Luna Flip Flops | Spotlight Flip Flops | iQushion Ombre Sparkle Flip Flops | Slim Palette Glow | Padded Platform Thong Flip Flop | Nibble Plaited Flip Flops | Soft Leather Flip Flops | Bamboo Flip Flops | Unisex Literide Flip U Beach & Pool Flip Flops |
Features | Bringing Comfort and Support Without Compromising on Style | A Sleek, Feminine Design in Cobalt Blue | Striped Aztec-Style Flip Flops Perfect for Sun, Sea and Sand | Fresh, Funky Activewear With Surfer-Girl Vibes | An Unique and Pretty Take On the Classic Havaianas | Keep It Timeless With an Open Round Toe and Minimalist Design | A Charming Pick From a Well-Known American Brand | A Comfortable and Affordable Pair of Faux Leather Flip Flops | Pretty Summery Bamboo Slippers | Superbly Cushioned Flip Flops for Those Who Are Always Out and About |
Price | £20.40 | £24.00 | £21.85 | £35.00 | £30.00 | £49.00 | £23.35 | £13.99 | £20.13 | £41.45 |
Material(s) | Fabric, synthetic | Rubber | Fabric, synthetic | Rubber, synthetic | Rubber | Faux leather | Polyurethane, rubber | PU leather | Rattan, wicker, canvas | Synthetic |
Style/Design | Water-resistant webbing upper, moulded Mush™ insole, ergonomic flatform | Wrap-around strap with Greek key pattern, rice grain footbed | Chunky, wide straps | V-shaped diamante, straps, moulded air-foam sole, ergonomic flatform | Tonal metallic logo on glitter strap | Open round toe, platform sole, padded straps, breathable lining | Plaited straps, textured tread, flat soles | Hollowed out straps, rubber sole | Thongs | Soft, flexible Matlite™ uppers, Literide foam insoles |
Colour(s) | Multi, other patterns and colours available | Bright blue (multiple others available) | Black and white, other patterns and colours available | Pastel pink (others available) | Orange, pink, teal, and maroon | White | Lilac | Golden brown (Others available) | Black and floral | Black (others available) |
Sizes Available | UK 3-9 | UK 3-4, 5, 6-7, 8 | UK 3-8 | UK 3-9 | UK 2-11 | UK 2-8 | UK 3-8 | UK 4-7 | UK 4-7.5 | UK 4-13 |
Link |
The product description for flip flops will often just say "synthetic", but this can be one of a range of materials. Polyurethane, or faux-leather, is probably the most popular synthetic used to make flip flops and it's plant-based which is great news for vegans.
Some brands use recycled plastic in their straps for a more sustainable option, and many make the sole from EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) which is a non-toxic thermoplastic. EVA is particularly good for creating supportive cushioning for moulded soles, perfect for everyday wear.
Sometimes flip flops will be made from a combination of synthetic and natural materials, with the strap or parts of the upper being made from polyester. Polyester is an excellent choice due to its fabric feel against the skin as well as its durability and water resistance.
While you're here, check out some extremely chic pair of mule heels that will elevate any look.
Rubber is the perfect natural material for creating lightweight, waterproof flip flops that can be worn day to day. Not only is rubber naturally waterproof, but it can float, so you can be sure that your flip flops won’t sink into the salty waves, never to be seen again. It is also flexible, durable and super easy to clean.
The other natural material rivalling rubber is leather, which offers something quite different looks-wise. Leather is also not waterproof, and even being in salt, sand and moisture-filled air can cause it to degrade a little. However, you can apply a leather wax to protect against moisture damage. With proper care, leather can outlive almost any other material.
As well as being very durable with the correct maintenance, leather can be stylish, soft and exceptionally comfortable. You might also find straw to be combined with leather, rubber or another synthetic. A bi-product of the food growing industry, straw is cheap, sustainable and will keep your feet cool while creating a simple, rustic look.
Looking for vegan-friendly footwear? Browse our best vegan trainers.
The sole is often an overlooked feature when buying sandals, but it's important to consider the quality and style of sole of your flip flops. Consisting of an outsole and an insole, it determines how the shoe looks and feels, and crucially, how comfy it is to wear.
If you want to feel as supported as possible while being active, go for a sole that's moulded to the arch of your foot. A cushioned footbed will also offer a similar kind of comfort and support, though if you prefer a flat insole, opt for one that is textured to provide some grip while walking.
Flip flops that have a tiny heel will offer more support for your foot than those that are just one straight outsole, but for a really ergonomic fit, consider flatform flip flops with a slight gradient at the heel. Slightly flared soles or a square toe can add visual appeal too, creating an intentional and stylish look.
The toe post and V-shaped strap combination is a signature part of flip flop design, but the style of the straps can vary a lot too. For a chic, laidback look, go for wide, cross straps made from leather or fabric. Plaited or padded straps keep it current and on-trend while ensuring your feet stay comfortable.
Looking for something less beachy and more evening-ready? Bring some sophistication to your feet with diamante straps or other glitzy additions. If you struggle to keep flip flops on, consider wrap-around straps which keep your feet firmly in place while looking feminine and elegant.
For the ultimate summer footwear, discover your new favourite pair of espadrilles for women with us too!
This ranking has been compiled by the writing team at mybest UK via careful evaluation of the points made in the buying guide and thorough research of each product and comparing multiple verified customer reviews across the EC sites used.
£20.40
Material(s) | Fabric, synthetic |
---|---|
Style/Design | Water-resistant webbing upper, moulded Mush™ insole, ergonomic flatform |
Colour(s) | Multi, other patterns and colours available |
Sizes Available | UK 3-9 |
£24.00
Material(s) | Rubber |
---|---|
Style/Design | Wrap-around strap with Greek key pattern, rice grain footbed |
Colour(s) | Bright blue (multiple others available) |
Sizes Available | UK 3-4, 5, 6-7, 8 |
£21.85
Material(s) | Fabric, synthetic |
---|---|
Style/Design | Chunky, wide straps |
Colour(s) | Black and white, other patterns and colours available |
Sizes Available | UK 3-8 |
£35.00
Material(s) | Rubber, synthetic |
---|---|
Style/Design | V-shaped diamante, straps, moulded air-foam sole, ergonomic flatform |
Colour(s) | Pastel pink (others available) |
Sizes Available | UK 3-9 |
£30.00
Material(s) | Rubber |
---|---|
Style/Design | Tonal metallic logo on glitter strap |
Colour(s) | Orange, pink, teal, and maroon |
Sizes Available | UK 2-11 |
£49.00
Material(s) | Faux leather |
---|---|
Style/Design | Open round toe, platform sole, padded straps, breathable lining |
Colour(s) | White |
Sizes Available | UK 2-8 |
£23.35
Material(s) | Polyurethane, rubber |
---|---|
Style/Design | Plaited straps, textured tread, flat soles |
Colour(s) | Lilac |
Sizes Available | UK 3-8 |
£13.99
Material(s) | PU leather |
---|---|
Style/Design | Hollowed out straps, rubber sole |
Colour(s) | Golden brown (Others available) |
Sizes Available | UK 4-7 |
£20.13
Material(s) | Rattan, wicker, canvas |
---|---|
Style/Design | Thongs |
Colour(s) | Black and floral |
Sizes Available | UK 4-7.5 |
£41.45
Material(s) | Synthetic |
---|---|
Style/Design | Soft, flexible Matlite™ uppers, Literide foam insoles |
Colour(s) | Black (others available) |
Sizes Available | UK 4-13 |
Written and researched by Melanie McPhail
Household goods
PC and cameras
Home appliances and electronics
Cosmetics and skincare
Health
Food and drinks
Kitchen supplies
Clothing
Shoes
Accessories
Kids and baby
Interior and furniture
Hobbies
Outdoor
DIY and tools
Sports and fitness
Pets
Books, CDs, DVDs
Games
Cars and motorcycles
Gifts
Housing equipment and renovation
Travel
Smartphones and mobile phones
Music
Smartphone applications