Flip flops are the ultimate summer footwear that take you from beaches to poolside. These versatile warm weather shoes keep you cool and can also be quite stylish. In order to choose the right pair to pack for your next vacation, taking comfort and support into mind is essential. That’s why this list of the best flip flops for men makes selecting fashionable, yet reliable sandals easy.
Wearing the wrong shoes can lead to serious pain in your feet. According to a recent study, plantar fasciitis is a painful condition that is the most common cause of heel pain. About two million people living in the United States experience inflammation in the plantar fascia, the connective tissue that starts from the heel to the toes and supports the foot arch. Supportive shoes are the key to avoiding uncomfortable conditions like this one, even when picking out casual flip flops.
If you tend to have unbearably stinky feet, you may want a close-toed shoe. A recent study suggests wearing socks coated in zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs). These specialized clothing items have shown the ability to prevent bromodosis (foot odor) and pitted keratolysis (a bacterial infection that leads to smelly feet). Try this out and circle back to flip flops once the remedy works its magic.
Choosing the right pair of sandals from the thousands of options available can make or break your summer fun. StudyFinds turned to the experts and after reviewing 10 recommendation websites, we’ve found the five best flip flops for men. Let us know if we missed some of your favorite flip flops in the comments below!
The List: Best Flip Flops for Men, According to Experts
1. Havaianas
British GQ explains why these are number one: “Havaianas is to flip flops as Ray-Ban is to sunglasses and Speedo to swimwear. The brand has become synonymous with holiday comfort and won’t leave a large dent in your wallet, either. Our pick is the Havaianas Top, which comes in myriad warm-weather friendly block colours; none better than this vivid hot pink. Just remember to pack a quality SPF so you’re not coming back through customs the same color.”
“Havaianas has been spreading Brazilian spirit around the world since 1962, with its iconic rubber sole and bright, colorful, and summer-infused designs. Every pair of Havaianas flip flops is still designed and made in its birthplace, Brazil,” writes DMARGE. “Available in almost every color, pattern, and print you could think of, all of Havaianas’ flip flops are super comfortable with cushioned footbeds with a textured rice pattern and rubber flip flop soles.”
“Simple, monochrome and rubber, the Top Flip-Flops from Havaianas are par for the course. Available in four colors, these come with a textured underfoot to let those wet feet breathe, a logo-embossed strap and a denser sole at the heel. Take these to the pool or toss ‘em on when you go on a quick, lazy errand,” adds Gear Patrol.
2. Olukai ‘Ohana
Travel + Leisure writes, “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,’ according to our tester who has medium-arch feet. 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 our tester wore the flip-flops on slick floors.”
“Inspired by the feeling of bare feet in wet sand, the ‘Ohana flip-flops from OluKai provided out-of-the-box comfort with no break-in period necessary, thanks in part to the soft nylon toe post,” says TripSavvy. “Ready for the beach, the water-resistant straps and quick-drying lining means the sandals can get wet without introducing chafing, and a non-marking rubber outsole with a coral reef lug design provides some of the best grip of all the sandals we tested.”
“Designed for maximum comfort and support, the ‘Ohana’s compression-molded EVA midsole and drop-in footbed creates a near-perfect anatomical fit. Additionally, the fabric-lined synthetic straps and lugged rubber outsole allow for stress-free trekking through rain or across wet surfaces”, Men’s Journal states.
3. Teva Pajaro Men’s Flip-Flops
According to Tools Of Men, “If you plan on walking extensively, then you should consider the Teva Pajaro flip flops. The cushy comfort for your feet on all-terrain makes this a winner. Here’s what we particularly liked about this flip flop: Whether you are just walking to the mail, heading to the grocery store, or planning on going on a light hike, the EVA midsole found in these flip flops gives you the perfect comfort that you’re looking for. Not only does it provide comfort, but the hard rubber sole also provides plenty of stability with every step.”
“The Teva Pajaro is more akin to a hiking sandal than a flip flop. The wide straps are made from textile and leather and comfortably hug the foot, whether wet or dry,” says Outdoor Gear Lab. “We hiked miles and miles in these hybrids and concluded that they are the most comfortable and versatile when it comes to long hikes, or even backpacking. The wide straps were the best at protecting our feet against pokey brush, making them more versatile than your average beachwear, all without rubbing.”
“Tevas are much sportier and provide better support. The material is more rugged as well and built so you can walk long distances and even do some easy hikes too. They have a rubber sole with wide straps that won’t rub the top of your foot. And while these are not water shoes, they dry quickly if you get them wet,” adds Sand In My Suitcase.
4. Reef Men’s Fanning Flip-Flops
Tools Of Men mentions these in their top picks: “Founded in 1984, Reef has built a reputation for creating quality beachwear that has been made in an environmentally friendly way while also supporting initiatives to clean beaches around the world. Their wildly popular Fanning flip flops carry this legacy forward. Designed for everyday wear and all-around comfort, the Reef Fanning Flip Flops are made from synthetic rubber with proper soles to allow for comfortable wear. Thanks to the EVA foam footbed coupled with an airbag underneath the heel, these flip flops are perfect to wear both around the house and at the beach all day long.”
“Reef Fanning flip-flops are water-friendly and provide good support too. They are by far the most popular Reef flip-flops for men – a very popular style,” notes Sand In My Suitcase. “The sole provides great traction.”
“Most flip flops on REEF’s extensive lineup have built up a cult following over the years. That said, one stands out head and shoulders above the rest—the REEF Men’s Fanning Flip Flops. Named after the legendary pro surfer Mick Fanning, the Fanning Flip Flops embody the Australian surf culture. They’re teak-tough, functional, and great for parties,” adds DIVEIN.
5. Reef Draftsmen
Men’s Journal says, “Here’s your perfect party sandal. The low-profile design comes in three rich colors (we’re fans of the chocolate leather). And just because they look simple, doesn’t mean they aren’t well designed. An EVA midsole and arch support cushion your foot and keep you comfortable no matter where you’re headed.”
“Crack open a cold one with your boys, bottle opener included. From Reef, the Draftsman style is a cool beach shoe made for surfers and swimmers, but with an even cooler secret,” points out New York Post. “There is a hidden bottle opener on the bottom of the sandal, perfect for drinks poolside or really anywhere where a cold one is permitted.”
“If you’re in the market for a supportive flip flop that’s not too bulky, this one’s for you. Reef’s bestselling Draftsmen also has a rich grain leather footbed for your arch, along with a non-slip outsole that you can also use as a bottle opener. Perfect for a boozy day at the beach,” advises Men’s Health.
You might also be interested in:
- Best Women’s Flip Flops
- Best Men’s Hiking Boots
- Best Men’s Running Shoes
- Best Bathing Suits for Women
Sources:
- Men’s Journal
- Sand In My Suitcase
- TripSavvy
- Outdoor Gear Lab
- Travel + Leisure
- DMARGE
- British GQ
- Tools Of Men
- Gear Patrol
- DIVEIN
- Men’s Health
- New York Post
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This post may contain affiliate links.