The 8 best flip-flops of 2026, tested and reviewed
An upgraded twist on everyone's go-to summer shoe? These podiatrist-approved flip-flops that feel great on the foot.
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Flip-flops might have once gotten a bad rap as unsupportive or cheap, but they've evolved far beyond the flimsy shower shoe and discount beach sandal that they once were. The best flip-flop options now are stylish enough to wear with a sundress and comfortable enough to give your feet arch support, durability and traction.
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That said, everyone has a different priority when it comes to great footwear, whether it be shock absorption, cushioning or wide, soft straps to minimize friction. And then there are style preferences and materials from leather, vegan leather, cork and rubber to consider. No small feat.
To put together our list of the best flip-flops for women and men, we chatted with podiatrists as well as fellow editors and shopping experts to find the top picks from the pros who know best. For starters, Elizabeth Daughtry , DPM, FACFAS, explains that arch support and a good fit are paramount — as well as avoiding flip-flops with a flat sole (s hudder). From there, we used our expert insights to find options for nearly every foot type, activity and style.
The best flip-flops of 2026
Sizes:Women's5-12; Men's 7-18 | Width: Standard | Colors:36 options | Material:Rubber, EVA foam
Why we love them: You may not think "comfort" when you think flip-flops, but these are some of the most comfortable sandals you can buy, period . Olukai is a podiatrist-approved brand that's become a trusted name for supportive footwear among Yahoo editors and "buy it for life" shoppers ("bafflingly tough and comfortable," one BIFL Redditor wrote ). The contoured EVA foam insole is far more supportive than what you'd expect from a rubber sole, and the water-resistant upper strap makes the whole shoe water-resistant.
What our pros say: Dr. Daughtry approves of the molded heel cup that's built into the footbed of these flip-flops and says the water-resistant material is perfect for the beach: "A heel cup allows for the heel to nestle into the shoe to avoid walking out of the shoe quite as easily."
Keep in mind: One customer noted that they experienced an adjustment period due to the arch support in the footbed, but says, "give them a chance," the shopper wrote, "overall a comfortable [shoe] that fits true to size."
- Quick-dry, water-resistant uppers
- Arch support built into the molded footbed
- Deep heel cup
- Make have a small break-in period
Sizes:Women's 5 -11; Men's 8-13 | Width: Regular | Colors:30 options | Material:Rubber
Why we love it: While these $30 podiatrist-recommended flip-flops aren't a buck like my favorite flip-flops of days past, they are a steal compared to some of the other popular ergonomic flip-flop options and recovery shoes out there. All that, and they deliver similar support.
What our pros say: New York-based podiatrist and foot surgeon Hillary Brenner , DPM, recommends this brand. "The arch is thick with a wide chunky heel giving extra support," she explains. To that end, they have the APMA Seal of Acceptance for footwear, which is awarded by the American Podiatric Medical Association to shoes that are proven to promote good foot health.
Keep in mind: Some customers noted that while these shoes are great for shock absorption on all types of ground, they're pretty slippery when wet. Keep this in mind if you typically require extra traction on your shoes.
- More affordable than other ergonomic flip-flops
- Supportive footbed with a thicker, chunky heel
- APMA Seal of Acceptance-holder
- Can be slippery when wet
Sizes:Women's 5-11; Men's 3-6 | Width: Standard | Colors:11 options | Materials:Closed-cell foam
Why we love it: These sturdy, cushioned flip-flops are specifically designed to be wildly comfortable on the foot. They feature the brand's signature Oofoam technology that helps cushion your foot while you walk. The patented footbed has a deep heel cup that offers great support, cradles the heel and supports your arches. This pair too holds an APMA Seal of Acceptance.
What our pros say: "These are my latest favorite," Melissa Lockwood, DPM , tells us. "They last a long time and have a great footbed." Dr. Daughtry agrees, telling us, "they offer great shock absorption, cushioning [and] great arch support." One of the hundreds of five-star reviewers writes, "I have plantar fasciitis and thought my flip-flop days were over. I was so happy that these were comfortable and that I could wear them for extended periods."
Keep in mind: These have a sportier, more casual look. If you aren't sure about these shoes but are curious to try them out, Oofos has a try before you buy program that allows you to order items for an at-home trial period. You'll only pay for what you keep!
- Great shock absorption
- Cushy, contoured footbed
- APMA Seal of Acceptance-holder
- Sportier look
Sizes:Women's5-16; Men's 4-15 | Width: Regular | Colors:14 options | Material:Closed-cell foam
Why we love it: If you prefer a sleeker, low-profile flip-flop but have historically avoided them due to the flat sole, these rubber Archies — beloved by Jennifer Aniston — have solid arch support without the thick, chunky silhouette. The foam material offers semi-rigid support and molds to the unique shape of your foot.
What our pros say: Dr. Daughtry recommends these Archies flip-flops: "They were created in Australia by a physiotherapist who garnered input from leading podiatrists and physiotherapists from Melbourne." They're her personal go-tos: "I personally have a pair and use them as my 'house slipper' to run errands and go to the beach or the pool with my daughter."
Keep in mind: Some shoppers noted that the straps felt a little tight. Size up if you have wider feet.
- Great arch support with a traditional flip-flop look
- Deeper heel cup
- Comfortable feel
- Straps may be tight depending on foot shape
Sizes:Women's5.5-11, Men's 7.5-15 | Width: Regular | Colors:16 options | Material:Nubuck leather
Why we love it: Leather flip-flops are a good alternative to the usual synthetic/rubber options that tend to not last as long. Jennifer Reppy , Director of Strategic Partnerships and Florida resident, has owned her leather Rainbow flip-flops for 3+ years and "wears them almost year round." While the material is a little pricier, it also boasts excellent longevity and durability — leather is less likely than plastic or rubber to crack or break and will get more comfortable over time.
What our pros say: "These are my go to sandals, for the beach or walking the dog or running errands," says Reppy. "They are classic and comfortable, even from day one. They mold to your foot and hold up against wear and tear. There is a reason these remain a go to for anyone who lives in a coastal area!"
Keep in mind: When asked if there was anything she didn't love: "No, the arch support continues to hold up and there really was no "break-in" period." However, keep in mind that nubuck leather shouldn't get soaked so you'll want to kick them off before wading in the ocean or running through the rain.
- Good longevity, lasts for multiple years
- Soft material gets more comfortable over time
- Not likely to crack or break like rubber
- No breka-in period
- Limit water exposure
Sizes:Women's4-12.5; Men's 6-12.5 | Width:Regular/wide, medium/narrow | Colors:11 options | Material:Acrylic, polyamide felt, cork
Why we love it: There's a reason why several Yahoo staffers have owned their Birkenstock cork sandals for 5+ years — they're reliable, lightweight and fit like a glove. The two-strap Birkenstock Arizonas are our top pick for the most comfortable sandals for women and these Gizeh flip-flops have a similar cork footbed that molds to your feet over time. The summer-ready, supportive shoes feature an adjustable upper strap and come in both regular/wide and medium/narrow sizes so you can easily find a comfortable fit.
What our pros say: Dr. Lockwood gives these the thumbs up for their support. Style Optimization Editor Hannah Oh adds that they "boast the signature Birkenstock fit, which is to say that they are the perfect fit for any foot that wears 'em for long enough."
Keep in mind: The cork doesn't play nice with being submerged in water, so try not to wear them in heavy rain or step in any puddles. You can also treat the sole for potential weather exposure with a cork sealer kit.
- Comfortable and durable
- Timeless design
- Footbed molds to the shape of your foot over time
- Cork shouldn't be exposed to water
Sizes:Women's5-11; Men's 7-14 | Width: Medium | Colors:10 options | Material:EVA foam, rubber
Why we love it: After a long day of walking or a multi-mile run, slipping into a pair of ultra-cushioned shoes feels like the best thing in the world. Designed by beloved shoe brand Hoka , these were made for athletes with tired feet and boast the APMA Seal of Acceptance.
What our pros say: "The shape of the footbed cradles your foot and the thick, curved cushioned sole propels you forward while absorbing shock," says Oh. And while these recovery flip-flops are marketed as a post-workout shoe, thousands of customers who suffer from foot ailments say this supportive pair from Hoka are the only flip-flops they can wear. "I have plantar fasciitis, but my feet don't hurt wearing these sandals!"
Keep in mind: These flip-flops definitely have a more casual and athletic look. While they may not be the most stylish pair out there, the functionality is next-level.
- "Rocking" silhouette cradles foot
- Good traction and arch support
- APMA Seal of Acceptance
- Not the most stylish
Sizes:Women's5-12; Men's 4-15 | Width: Regular | Colors:7 options | Material:Rubber
Why we love it: Heading to the beach or running errands? Keep these Reef flip-flops handy when you need something to quickly slip on and go. They're lightweight, comfy and supportive with thick straps that feel comfortable on the top of the foot. And on top of that, this clever pair even has a bottle opener built-in at the bottom for any last-minute beer-mergencies.
What our pros say: Former Yahoo Senior Health Editor April McCormick loves Reef flip-flops because they're "classic flip-flops you can wear and walk in for hours thanks to the arch support and comfortable base that has just enough cushion to be comfortable while still being sturdy and supportive." "I've owned a lot of flip-flops from many brands and these are by far the most comfortable I've ever owned," one happy customer added. "I would definitely purchase again when I need new ones."
Keep in mind: These might not be stylish enough for a night on the town. The casual look makes them better for everyday wear but we'd recommend a sleeker leather or suede pair with thinner straps for more elevated occasions.
- Good arch support
- Very comfortable
- Built-in bottle opener at the bottom
- Not super stylish
How we chose the best flip-flops
To figure out which flip-flops deserve a spot in your summer wardrobe, we consulted a mix of podiatrists and our own shopping editors. First, the podiatrists gave us their expert opinion on what makes a shoe good — or bad — for your feet. What causes blisters and arch pain? And on the other hand, what makes a flip-flop feel great after hours of wear? They weighed in on what to look for when picking the right flip-flops for different needs.
We also polled several staffers, Yahoo editors and shopping experts on our team to find out which flip-flops are their favorites — because there's nothing like a firsthand recommendation. They had strong opinions about the best flip-flops out there with some even owning pairs that have held up over 15 years. And lastly, we vetted all of the staff and podiatrist product recommendations against hundreds of customer reviews to make sure that the IRL experience of every shoe mentioned actually confirmed that the shoes were a worthy buy.
Factors to consider when choosing flip-flops
Whether you're wearing it to run errands or head to the beach, you want to find a pair of flip-flops that are both comfortable and supportive. To find the option that best suits your needs, there are a number of factors to consider:
Support
"The footbed should be supportive and offer a delve at the end of the shoe for your toes to rest in," says Dr. Daughtry. A contoured footbed is also important as it helps keep your foot supported and in place as you walk. And with any shoe, arch support is essential "to maintain the natural alignment of the foot," Dr. Brenner tells us.
Cushioning
Good cushioning in the footbed will help with shock absorption and make them more comfortable to wear for long periods of time. Typically this means a thicker sole, which also adds additional height if that's something you like. But thinner soles can also have strategic cushioning incorporated into their more low-profile silhouette, it's just less common.
Stability
"A stable sole with a good amount of traction is important. And be sure the sole is non-slip to help prevent injuries," Dr. Brenner tells us. "Ideally, many flip-flops should have some type of heel cup to allow for the heel to nestle in the shoe to avoid walking out of the shoe quite as easily," adds Dr. Daughtry.
Material
The right material is key for flip-flops. Dr. Brenner suggests "a soft leather or a sturdy synthetic leather" flip-flop for a comfortable and durable option. Rubber styles are good if you need a quick-dry pair for pool days — they're also the easiest to clean.
Straps
Look for straps that are soft on your feet and won't cause blisters. A wider strap is more likely to be comfortable. Dr. Brenner also recommends options with adjustable straps to customize the fit of the flip-flops as, depending on the height of your foot, straps can feel tight and rub against your skin.
Traction
The shoe's sole should have good traction, especially since flip-flops are typically worn in wet environments like the pool or beach. Look for options that have deep grooves or patterns to prevent you from slipping and sliding.
Best flip-flops FAQs
How should a flip-flop fit?
According to Dr. Brenner, there are three ways to know if your flip-flops fit correctly.
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Length: First, you need to make sure the length is right. "Your toes should not hang off of the front of the shoe and or your heel shouldn't extend over the edges."
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Security: "I always say a snug fit is best," she tells us. Pro tip: Try flip-flops on towards the end of the day "because that's when your feet are true to size due to swelling." She also says to make sure you're standing and not just sitting to make sure they measure correctly.
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Arch support:"Some people with flatter feet will gravitate towards shoes that do not offer as much arch support but may actually need that additional support because their feet are too flexible and flatten excessively when walking. People with a higher arch will definitely need ones that have more arch support."
Are flip-flops good for your feet?
"Depending on the planned activity, flip-flops can be a great choice as shoes of any kind are safer than going barefoot," says Dr. Daughtry, but she warns it's important to only wear them in moderation and for the appropriate activity. "They will not offer enough protection in some circumstances (think hiking in the woods, playing sports or working in the garden)." Dr. Brenner agrees and says the key to flip-flops is wearing them in moderation. "Ultimately they should be used to go to the beach, pool or BBQ."
How do you find a pair of flip-flops with the right arch support?
"It's important to find a pair with arch support to avoid potential issues such as plantar fasciitis or tendonitis," says Dr. Daughtry. Dr. Brenner suggests looking for options made from memory foam as it will help with support. She also suggests bending your flip-flops. "Make sure you can't bend the shoe in half like a burrito," she says. "If you can't, the arch support is usually good."
Meet our experts
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Dr. Hillary Brenner, New York based podiatrist and foot surgeon
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Dr. Elizabeth Daughtry, DPM, FACFAS
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Dr. Melissa Lockwood, DPM, a podiatrist at Heartland Foot and Ankle Associates in Bloomington, Ill.
Update, June 23, 2026: We checked all product prices and availability and added several new selections. Our No. 1 pick for best flip-flops overall remains unchanged.
