Most people go shopping for flip flops when summer kicks in. They keep you cool while you walk whether you wear them daily or you only wear them when going to the beach.
Though flip flops are common, they are not created equal. If you have ever worn a bad pair of flip flops, you know that you might end up with aching feet at the end of the day.
Clarks Breeze Sea
Reef Fanning
Wearing a bad pair of flip flops every day might lead to serious feet injuries and even medical conditions such as flat feet; as such, you need to select a good pair.
A good pair should be water friendly (just in case you will be walking along the beach), should wick moisture and sweat away, sport a good design and color and generally feel comfortable.
1. Clarks Breeze Sea
These flip flops are created not only to feel comfortable when you walk on them but also look great on your feet. The flip flop is created with fitness walkers in mind.
It offers great comfort and support to facilitate long walks along the beach or a long a trail. Its soft fabric makes it comfortable and wicks away moisture as you walk. On this soft fabric is a hook and loop strap that makes it easy to wear.
Generally, the flip flop is comfortable and accommodating for all users.
Pros
- Has an easy-to-use hook and loop closure
- Designed with a soft material lining
- The footbed and midsole are designed to offer maximum support
- Water friendly
Cons
- Does not accommodate users with wider feet
- Its straps are very rough
2. Olukai Ohana
The Olukai Ohana flip flops feature a simple every day design that sports a great style. Its high quality build ensures that it lasts long.
Its upper material is soft and breathable making it comfortable for daily use. This material and any other material on the flip flop are made from 100 percent vegan material.
If you need a flip flop that doesn’t have any animal product, this might be a good choice.
It works perfectly near water. Its outsole is designed from a compound of thermoset synthetic and natural rubbers which is non-marking and has a great grip. This way, you can walk perfectly even on wet surfaces.
Pros
- Features a non-slip rubber outsole
- Comfortable and supportive midsole
- Can be used in water
- Great price-quality ratio
- Made of 100 percent vegan material
Cons
- The upper material stretches when you walk
3. Sanuk Yoga Mat
If you are looking for a quality flip flop at a low price, this might be a good choice. The flip flops are special in that their footbed is made of actual yoga mats. Yoga mats are squishy and very comfortable and as such, you are able to walk on these flip flops for a long distance. Designed for fitness walkers in mind, the whole flip flop can be used in water comfortably.
Pros
- It is made from actual yoga mats
- Available in a wide range of colors
- Supportive and comfortable for long walks
- Great grip for walking on wet surfaces
- Straps lined with a soft material
Cons
- Mid-sole wears off and flattens after some time
4. FitFlop Rokkit
This is one of the sandal that features American Podiatric Medical Association Approval Seal. There are not many sandals with APMA seal. With this seal, it shows that the sandal is designed specifically to promote feet health. The sandal is comfortable especially for long walks and it also looks great on your feet. It has a slight elevation and a sparkly design that makes it stand out.
Pros
- Fitted with a plush suede upper part
- Offers great traction
- The footbed is designed to absorb shock
- Pressure decreasing for increased comfortable long walk
Cons
- The flip flop size runs large
5. Reef Fanning
This is a sandal designed for a walk along the beach. It was created by Mick Fanning who is a world champion surfer; no wonder they are among the best when it comes to beach walks. Each sandal is designed waterproof and has a herringbone rubber outsole. This sole offers great grip when you are walking along wet surfaces. Its footbed is compression molded to offer more arch support for long walks. For even more comfort, they sport a padded jersey liner.
Pros
- Designed waterproof for use along the beach
- Available in a range of colors
- Features a built-in bottle opener
- Provides great arch support
- Soft comfortable fabric
Cons
- Has a snug fit
6. Teva Pajaro
This sandal is made for adventure thanks to its sturdy construction, its great support on the midsole and its durability. Plus, it is offered at a great price. One thing that makes this flip flops great is that they are designed by a company that was the first to create original flip-flops. Today, all flip flops from this company, including the Teva Pajaro, come with impressive grip allowing them to hold on to any surface. This way, you can do a lot of walking. The upper part if made of leather with a soft cloth lining for added comfort. Even better, it features a secure fit that can withstand tough walking trails.
Pros
- Great grip
- Sturdy and long lasting upper
- Padded and contoured footbed
- Great price for its quality
Cons
- Color selection limited
7. Sanuk Yoga Spree
This is another great flip flop from Sanuk. It sports a simple but comfortable design allowing you to take it anywhere including for a beach walk, or a hike. Like other Sanuk sandals, it has an actual yoga mat on its footbed making it squishy and very comfortable. Irrespective of the adventures you embark, your arch and feet are well supported.
Pros
- Soft lining for comfort
- Actual yoga mat footbed for support and comfort
- Great traction
- Comfortable sponge rubber outsole
- Simple but versatile design
Cons
- The toe side of the sandal hurts a little
8. Rainbow Sandals Single-Layer Premier
These leather sandals are great when you need a classic, stylish and long lasting flip flops for adventure walks. The company has been creating footwear since 1972; they have created some of the highest quality sandals on the market. Their shoes are handmade and perfectly glued to make them resistant to damage. On its sole, there is a sponge rubber that molds to the shape of your feet for added comfort. Its upper is created from premium leather for a comfortable fit and long life.
Pros
- Long lasting Nubuck leather upper
- Great arch support for long walks
- Non slip outsole
- Toe post made of comfortable nylon
- Triple glued to last long
Cons
- Take relatively longer to break-in
9. Birkenstock Gizeh
If you are looking for a stylish yet comfortable flip flop for a summer walk, this might be a good choice. It is designed for long periods of walking in rough trails. The cork and pure latex that makes its footbed enhances support for better posture of the wearers. It features small toe bar that increases grip on your small toe and increases circulation during long walks. For those with feet problems such as flat feet and plantar fasciitis, the shoe features a deep heel cup and correct arch support to keep you comfortable. Once the cork and latex footbed molds to your feet, the sandal gives you great balance. Lastly, the synthetic outsoles make the flip flop highly comfortable.
Pros
- Made of long lasting premium leather
- Footbed molds to the shape of your feet
- It has a deep heel cup and a suede lining for comfort
Cons
- Relatively expensive
- Takes relatively longer to break-in
10. Reef Stargazer
Reef is a company that cares for the environment; that is why they have designed these flip flops PVC free. Unlike other flip flops, these do not lead to environmental pollution. They are a great choice if you are looking to add sparkle to your life and enjoy long walks along the beach. Even better, you are offered one-year manufacturer’s warranty when you purchase these flip flops.
Pros
- Designed for use in near water
- Rubber sole with great grip
- Available in a range of colors
- It is PVC free
Cons
- It is narrow
- Lightly cushioned
Flip Flops Buying Guide
Flip flops are designed as summer wear; they are great when the weather is hot and you just need to feel free. If you intend to use yours for walking along the beach or along trails, you need to make sure they are highly comfortable. Comfortable flip flops are designed with a good fit. With a good fit, you get enough support, no pain on your feet, good feet protection and ease of use. There are many other factors that contribute to the comfort of flip flops including:
Footbed Design
A good flip flop should not cause any pain after a long walk. Pairs with contoured footbeds or those with a footbed that molds to the shape of your feet give you great comfort. With a good footbed, you are able to walk for long distances without experiencing fatigue or ache in any part of your foot or leg.
Materials
The material of the upper determines how comfortable a pair of flip flop feels. Leather is long lasting but may take relatively longer to break in. However, if it is fitted with a soft material lining, it feels very comfortable. Most sandals are designed with a tor post which inserts in between your big toe and your second toe. Ensure that the material of the toe post is soft and comfortable so as not to cause blisters.
Rubber is a common material thanks to its water resistance qualities, its enhanced grip and availability in a wide range of colors. Ethyl Vinyl Acetate, EVA, is another common material. EVA is great for absorbing shock and cushioning the user’s feet during long walks. On some pairs, cork is used instead of EVA. Both cork and EVA have the same shock absorbing qualities.
Good Fit
Large sized flip flops are not comfortable as your feet will slide in them. This may cause you to lose balance when you are walking. Tight fitting flip flops will cause blisters and lacerations on your skin. Most flip flops do not feature adjustable straps but if you come across one with an adjustable buckle, buy it.
Arch and Heel Support
If you have flat feet or plantar fasciitis, you need a flip flop that offers great support for your arch and your heels. Great arch support ensures that you do not feel pain after a long walk while great heel support ensures that you remain balanced when you trek on rough trail. Without good support, even the softest upper material will not prevent you from experiencing pain on your arch. Some designs offer both high and low arch support; go for one that matches your arch. If you have a feet condition such as flat feet, search for designs that are created for your exact foot condition.
Durability
You can buy light and flexible sandals that are highly durable; they do not have to necessarily be heavy and made of leather. If you are planning to use flip flops for a long time, you need to look for a pair that will last long. When considering durability, look for properties such as water resistance, flexibility and the design of the straps. Sine you will be using your flip flops on trails, the ability of the outsoles and upper to bend without breaking will make them last long.
Straps
Straps come in different styles. Some are sewn-in and others are in form of a thong strap shoved in through a foam bottom. A sewn in strap is more durable.
If you just need a pair for a few weeks during summer, you might just walk into the next store and pick a pair.
However, if you walk almost every day of every summer, you need to take your time and pick a pair that meets your needs. This way, you will not waste your money and your time and you will not be stuck with a pair that feels uncomfortable.
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