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Top Summer Flip-Flops for Women 2025
There’s no denying it: summer 2025 belongs to the flip-flop. Once dismissed as a Y2K-era fashion faux pas, the humble thong sandal has made an undeniable comeback — and this time, it’s chic. According to Lyst’s Q2 2025 Index report, flip-flops aren’t just trending — they’re dominating this season. The Row’s $690 Dune Flip-Flops topped the latest quarterly ranking as the hottest fashion item of the season, outpacing designer handbags and viral sneakers. From sleek leather iterations fit for a fashion editor to classic rubber pairs that channel beachy nostalgia, the sandal trend‘s revival spans the full style spectrum this time around. But as this no-frills staple reclaims runways and Euro summer suitcases alike, one question remains: are flip-flops actually comfortable?
Despite their laidback, easygoing style and (typically) flat height, flip-flops don’t have a reputation for being the most comfortable shoes. And as a podiatrist recently told Footwear News, flip-flops are one of the least supportive types of shoes, putting your feet at a higher risk for plantar fasciitis if you’re wearing them all day long or for a lot of walking. But still, as a shopping editor who does a lot of scrolling, I couldn’t help but to be influenced by the many chic summer ensembles I’ve seen topped off with thong sandals this season — from Gigi Hadid’s styling of her square-toe Havaianas collaboration to The Row’s coveted $690 pair to my fellow fashion editors who’ve mastered the near-impossible art of flip-flops in the city. So, in the name of research, I set out to put this season’s buzziest fashion flip-flops to the test — trying a range of top trending pairs to see which ones actually deliver on style and comfort.
As a disclaimer, I haven’t worn flip-flops since hitting the beach circa 2007 in a $5 rubber pair from Old Navy (recently revived and re-endorsed by Sabrina Carpenter, by the way). I don’t typically gravitate to the style — mainly because the thong strap between the toes tends to feel uncomfortable, especially on my wide feet. But in the name of fashion (and my minimalist urge to own a sleek black leather pair), I decided to dive back in to see if all the hype this season is purely aesthetic. I tested countless options from top shoe brands delivering the season’s hottest flip-flops. From luxe leather styles by A.Emery to a chic suede pair from Reformation to the iconic rubber Havaianas, these are the most stylish and comfortable flip-flops I tested that are worth adding to your warm-weather wardrobe before the season ends.
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best leather flip-flops
Tkees Boyfriend Flip-Flops
Editor sizing tip: Tkees flip-flops run small. I found the most secure and comfortable fit when I went up one size.
When it comes to flip-flops that strike the perfect balance between classic and fashion-forward, Tkees has become a go-to among the style set for its minimalist, barely-there designs. I tested the brand’s most popular styles — the Lily and the Boyfriend — for comfort, along with the brand’s latest summer launch: the Lily Platform. All three styles feature soft Brazilian leather uppers, cushioned insoles, and rubber outsoles designed to improve traction and grip. The main difference lies in the details: the Boyfriend has a slightly thicker strap and a more cushioned footbed, while the Lily leans into a slimmer, ultra-minimal silhouette.
Testing Review: Both styles deliver on aesthetics, but I found the Boyfriend Flip-Flops to be the more supportive and comfortable option for all-day wear. If you prefer a more barely-there look, the Lily is probably the better choice for you. As for the Lily Platform, which brings a playful Y2K-inspired twist to the collection — they’re undeniably cute, but in terms of comfort and walkability, they didn’t measure up to the original silhouettes. I’d reserve them for shorter outings or moments when style takes precedence over practicality. All in all, if you’re in the market for versatile, minimalist leather flip-flops that can carry you from beach days to casual dinners, at $70, these Tkees styles are a chic and worthwhile investment.
Best suede Flip-Flops
Reformation Jessie Thong Sandals
Editor sizing tip: Reformation recommends going a half size down, but I found they ran true to size for me.
From hobo bags to transitional jackets, suede is having a moment. And while the concept of suede flip-flops may seem counterintuitive at first, the soft texture of these Reformation Jessie Thong Sandals made them one of the most comfortable pairs I tested. As someone who doesn’t love the feeling of a thong sandal between my toes, this suede pair alleviated the initial discomfort that typically comes with slipping into flip-flops, thanks to the soft strap. I love the tapered effect of this strap that gradually widens, delivering the aesthetically pleasing look of a thicker flip-flop without sacrificing any comfort around the toes.
Reformation just launched its footwear in 2019, but the cool girl brand has mastered the art of comfortable footwear that checks all the trendy boxes, and this style is no exception.
Testing Review: I was surprised by how comfortable these suede flip-flops were, and while the brand also offers the same style in a few leather colorway styles, I love how the suede pair feels soft and offers an unexpected texture to accessorize your warm-weather wardrobe.
Best beach flip-flops
Havaianas Gigi Hadid Slim Square Flip-Flops
Editor sizing tip: Havaianas’ sizing runs to fit two sizes (so, 7/8, 9/10, 11/12), and if you’re in-between sizes, I’d recommend sizing up for more room.
It’s impossible to hear flip-flops without thinking of Havaianas. The Brazilian brand has become synonymous with the quintessential rubber flip-flops designed for beachwear. This season, the brand got a bit of a style upgrade thanks to a collaboration with Gigi Hadid that brought forth these Slim Square-Toe Flip-Flops that deliver that loved beachy style with a slight upgrade in the form of the on-trend square toe.
Testing Review: I was surprised by how comfortable these were, especially in comparison to the classic Havaianas flip-flops. The slim, square silhouette is slightly more elongated, which offers some extra room so my feet aren’t hanging over the edge. The rubber style is lightweight and easy to walk in, and the bright sunset print offers a fun splash of color that I’d definitely reach for on a beach day or vacation. If you’re looking for classic, no-frills rubber flip-flops for the beach, you can’t go wrong with these.
FN shopping editor tests Havaianas Gigi Hadid Slim Square Flip-Flops
FN/ Adam Mansuroglu
Best sporty Flip-Flops
Teva Mush II Flip-Flops
Editor sizing tip: I found Teva’s flip-flops to be a standard fit and would recommend ordering your true size.
If comfort is your top priority with flip-flops, let me introduce you to the Teva Mush II. Are they the most luxe or fashion-forward flip-flops of the season? Not quite. But if you prefer a sportier look that delivers cushioning, support, and wearability, these are an easy, affordable win at $28. I’d recommend grabbing the all black pair to keep in rotation — they’re the kind of flip-flops you don’t think twice about… until you realize you’re wearing them every day.
Designed with a soft, quick-drying fabric thong strap and Teva’s signature Mush™ topsole, these flip-flops practically mold to your foot. The foam is plush without feeling too squishy, and provides just the right amount of arch support — something that’s noticeably missing from most flip-flops. They also feature a lightweight EVA outsole that gives you decent grip and flexibility, whether you’re walking city blocks or heading to the beach.
Testing Review: The Mush II is hands-down one of the most comfortable flip-flops I’ve tried. No break-in period, no uncomfy rubbing between your toes, and no sore arches — just a reliable, laid-back sandal you’ll want to keep by the door all season long. While I’m not someone who typically gravitates towards sportier shoes, I’d definitely make an exception for these as a great outdoor option for summer.
FN
Best fashion flip-flops
A.Emery Kinto Sandals
Editor sizing tip: These run true to size, and I had no issue with the fit.
From stylists to editors and influencers, one of the fashion set’s favorite flip-flops of the season is this luxe leather pair from A.Emery. Offering a dose of modern minimalism, the brand’s Kinto Sandals feature a square-toe silhouette and a 100% leather footbed and upper. The design offers that sleek, streamlined flip-flop sandal look that designers like The Row helped catapult to luxury status — so it’s no surprise that this $170 pair has become one of the season’s most coveted pairs.
Testing Review: Although the leather sole of A.Emery’s Kinto Sandal is solid and stiff (the brand says it wears naturally over time), and I found these surprisingly comfortable. While they don’t deliver as much grip or traction as other flip-flops, the sturdy sole offers a less aggressive “flop” while walking. The real takeaway here, though, is that these look incredibly luxe for a pair of flip-flops, so if you’re looking for an elevated style you can wear with everything from trousers to linen sundresses, these are the ones to go with.
FN shopping editor tests A.Emery Kinto Sandals
FN/ Adam Mansuroglu
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Meet the Author
Lauren Alexis Fisher is the Senior Style Commerce Editor at WWD and Footwear News, where she writes and edits fashion, beauty, and lifestyle stories. Previously, she served as Senior Editor at Cosmopolitan and Market Editor at Harper’s BAZAAR, where she oversaw digital content from fashion features to news and product reviews. With over a decade of experience as a digital fashion editor, she’s an expert in scouring the internet for the greatest emerging brands, top-rated products, and latest trends to shop.