Flip-flops are basically synonymous with summer. If you don’t have a half-decent pair of comfortable flip-flops or shower slides in your closet, there are so many reasons to reconsider. The first and one of the best reasons is the value. For around $50, a decent pair of men’s flip-flops will last you years, as long as you don’t wear them all the time. Unless you’re buying a luxury brand, the best flip-flops typically don’t cost much because their designs are simple and use relatively inexpensive synthetic materials such as foams and plastics. Those materials keep flip-flop prices down while also making many flip-flops water-resistant and unbelievably comfortable and durable for their price.
Whether you’re kicking it at the pool with friends, hitting the beach for some sun or packing the duffel for a weekend trip, a pair of stylish flip-flops will carry you through any casual adventure. Sure, flip-flops aren’t the most fashion-forward footwear you can find, but they are more popular than ever and show no signs of stopping. In fact, according to market research and consulting firm Grand View Research, “the global flip-flops market size was valued at USD 17.8 billion in 2018 and is expected to grow with a [Compound Annual Growth Rate] of 4.2% [each year until] 2025 due to high product demand.”
Combine high demand with shoppers prioritizing comfort in clothing like never before (remember with “athleisure” was a trend?), and shoppers are buying comfy dad shoes and warm-weather favorites like Birkenstocks and Crocs, and you’ve got a lot of brands competing to be the best flip-flops for men this year. If you don’t want to go without this summer style staple, SPY rounded up some of the best flip-flops to help prep your closet for those sunny summer days. Below, you’ll find our picks for the flip-flops for men to wear in 2022.
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1. Olukai Ulele Beach Sandal
MOST COMFORTABLE
Olukai’s Ulele Beach sandal is essentially a sneaker molded into a flip-flop. The thong-style flip-flop features an EVA midsole with a drop-in ICEVA footbed that provides maximum comfort. They have a soft, microfiber lining with water-resistant straps, making them perfect for the beach. Plus, they have a durable outsole made of non-marking wet grip rubber for increased traction when walking on slippery terrain like rocks across the coastline. Plus, Olukai backs these flip-flops with a one-year warranty.
2. Peter Millar Hyperlight Slide Nubuck Flip-Flop
MOST DURABLE
If you’re looking for a pair of flip-flops that’ll last you a lifetime, we highly recommend going with this option from Peter Millar. They use a soft nubuck leather footbed that molds to your feet, delivering next-level comfort. The flip-flops have a rubberized sole that is anti-scuff and features anti-slip properties. These are genuinely one pair of sandals that you will never want to take off.
3. Birkenstock Honolulu EVA Sandal
MOST WATER-FRIENDLY
Give your favorite Arizona Birkenstocks a rest and go for something more lightweight like the Honolulu EVA Sandal. This option has a classic thong-style design with which people have a love/hate relationship. The sandal has the original Birkenstock footbed model that provides substantial support to your feet, and they’re made of a waterproof EVA that is flexible and durable. If you aren’t a fan of the silver colorway, they also come in black, white, navy and gray.
4. Hey Dude Flinn Free Sandal
BEST FLIP-FLOPS FOR WIDE FEET
There’s not much worse on a sticky, humid day than having your rubber flip-flops stick to your feet. Luckily, you won’t have to deal with this problem with Hey Dude’s Flinn Free flip-flops. They have an ergonomic design to keep your feet comfy all day long. The sandals have a memory foam insole and are lined with leather to prevent stickiness in humid, hot weather. If you have wide feet, you’ll find these flip-flops to your liking, as they tend to fit more widely than most sandals.
5. Gucci Chevron Thong Sandal
BEST DESIGN
If you don’t mind splurging on designer labels, then treat yourself to a pair of Gucci’s Chevron Thong Sandals. They have a classic black chevron pattern with a rubber sole, and each sandal features Gucci’s iconic Double G hardware as a finishing touch. The thong sandals are a modern work of art and can last you for years as long as you follow the brand’s care guidelines.
6. Vionic Wyatt Toe Post Sandal
BEST SUPPORT
Who doesn’t love a sandal with a bit of color? These flip-flops from podiatrist-founded footwear brand Vionic feature proprietary Vio-Motion footbed technology with orthotic support to provide you feet relief and stability. While these sandals are durable, they can be sensitive, and it’s great to take care of them properly. The brand recommends keeping the flip-flops away from heat, and if they become wet, let them dry thoroughly.
7. Merrell Breakwater Flip Sandals
MOST DURABLE
If you’re in the market for pure durability but don’t want to lose out on comfort, check out the Merrell Breakwater Flip Sandals. The contoured EVA foam midsole provides excellent support and cushion to your feet when wearing. These sandals have a 5-millimeter lug depth that comes in handy when tackling rough rocky, sandy terrain. It’s the perfect summer shoe to have on if you like taking spontaneous excursions.
8. Columbia PFG Tidal Ray Flip-Flop
BEST VALUE
Are you looking for a pair of affordable flip-flops that aren’t “cheap”? If so, we suggest Columbia PFG Tidal Ray Flip-Flop. These simple, stylish sandals are lightweight and comfortable, making them an excellent shoe for those warm weather days. The EVA comfort midsole ensures cushioning to your feet to prevent tired and achy feet, meaning you can go from the beach to the street to the boardwalk.
9. Billabong All Day Impact Slip-On Sandals
BEST FOR DAILY USE
Billabong is a brand incredibly well-known in the space of summer favorites. The surf brand has been dominating men’s, women’s and children’s surf clothing for years now, so don’t be shocked that these All Day Impact Slip-On Sandals are one of our favorites right now. These stylish sandals feature soft nubuck straps with padding that won’t tear at the top of your feet. Plus, they have an arch cookie and tapered heel wedge for massive arch support.
10. Reef Men’s Fanning Flip-Flop
MOST INNOVATIVE
You can’t do much better than the Reef Men’s Fanning Flip-Flop for a great summer flip-flop. Reef’s Fanning Flip-Flops are popular among surfers and more active beachgoers alike. The style uses a rubber outsole and a foam footbed with synthetic uppers. That means they’re comfortable enough for lounging around but durable enough to handle more wear and tear. That might be standard fare for most flip-flops, but this pair adds one more detail to stand out from the crowd: a bottle opener on its sole. So no matter what you’re up to, at least you know you’ll be able to open a beer.
11. Crocs Crocband Flip-Flop
FOR CROCS LOVERS
True to the Crocs brand, the Crocs Crocband Flip-Flops are incredibly comfortable and durable and will keep your feet feeling fresh for hours. The only downside? They won’t dry as you wear them since the water will stay stuck between your foot and the foam material if they get wet. But give them a quick wipe down or a few minutes to dry in the sun, and you’ll be ready to hit the streets again in no time.
12. Sanuk Beer Cozy 2 Flip-Flops
BEST THROWBACKS
Looking to conquer the retro style dad pulled off so well back in his day? These low-key, squishy flip-flops give pops a run for his money. This decker style look is seriously warping time and space by bringing us a vibe we thought was long over. Foamy soles play with the old-school aesthetic by simplifying and restyling the modern flip-flop. If you’re ready to rock that vintage look in 2022, these are the way to go.
13. UGG Brookside Flip
BEST FROM UGG
Now deemed the most comfortable winter staple for both women and men alike, UGG has been dipping its toes in summer wear for a while now. The brand’s Brookside Flips for men prove comfort doesn’t have to stop at fluffy slippers but can continue into your summer seaside days. Made of suede with a contoured EVA footbed, you’ll finally understand why the hype over UGG is so real. Effortlessly combining style and comfort, these are seriously stylish flip-flops for everyday wear.
14. Teva Men’s Mush II Flip-Flops
CLASSIC FLIP-FLOP
Teva’s been one of the top makers of all things sandals forever. The Teva Mush II Flip-Flops, the next generation of the ever-popular Mush sandal, boasts all the classic Teva features you’d expect: a Mush top-sole that forms to your foot, an EVA-foam outsole and snazzy quick-dry polyester yarn thong-straps.