Other Women's Flip-Flops We Tried
- Chaco Chillos Flip-Flop: These flip-flops were lightweight, had supportive arches, and most of all, were super durable. They required a bit of a break-in period, but that only lasted for the first two wears. They dried quickly, which made them easy to take from water to land, and they have a thick, cushioned footbed that protects our feet when walking on rough terrain. We recommend sizing up because this style runs a bit small.
- KuaiLu Yoga Foam Flip-Flops: From the first wear, these sandals felt supportive and luxe -- as if they were molding to our feet. They were comfortable during everyday errands, and the substantial traction made us feel confident on a variety of terrains, from sidewalks to grass. The padding was just enough so that it didn't feel too bulky, but it wasn't thin, either. We'd suggest sizing down for your best fit.
What to Know About Women's Flip-Flops
Comfort
Wearing uncomfortable flip-flops can wreak all kinds of havoc on your body, from back to neck pain, muscle aches, and tightness. Wearing comfortable shoes is an investment in your overall physical wellness. Depending on your lifestyle, you'll most likely wear flip-flops during leisure time, like traveling or hanging out around the house. Pick a pair that feels good to you so that you can fully enjoy these moments in life without distraction or discomfort. Taking into account how the straps feel on your feet, how the sole bends, and how cushioned the footbed is is key for figuring out whether or not a shoe truly feels comfortable to you.
Foot Type
From wide to narrow, high arches or flat feet, it's important to know your foot type so that you can pick the shoes that work best for you. Looking at how stretchy the straps are, how wide the footbed is, and the height and width of its arch are all things you should consider when picking your next pair of flip-flops. (From our findings, shoppers with wide or flat feet would benefit from the Crocs Classic Flip-Flop while narrow feet with high arches would appreciate the OluKai 'Aka Beach Sandals.)
If any of these things don't align with the anatomy of your foot, then you will experience discomfort that will make you not want to wear them at all. Also, if you're doubtful about which size to pick, it's a pretty safe bet to size up by half a size so that you have extra room and flexibility.
Arch Support
Experts recommend prioritizing arch support when shopping for both women's and men's flip-flops because wearing shoes with minimal support can lead to things like exacerbated back pain and muscle tension. Unlike walking shoes, flip-flops often have minimal support due to flimsy, flat footbeds. But if you need a little extra boost, you should look at how easily the sole of the shoe bends and the shape of the arch. Finding shoes with a design that prioritizes support (like the Aerothotic Orthotic Flip-Flops) is the best way to make sure your feet are supported and protected.
Durability
Whether you're headed to a rocky beach or a slippery pool deck, having shoes that will go the distance is the best way to make the most of your adventures. Thick soles, secure straps, and high-quality materials are key components of shoes that last. We liked the Clarks Women's Breeze Sea best for their durability. They worked well in several terrains due to their thick, sturdy soles that protected our feet and comfortable insoles that never let our feet feel the unevenness of the ground below.
Value
While it may sound ridiculous to pay more than $10 for a pair of flip-flops you will only wear while lounging next to the inflatable hot tub in your backyard, paying more for higher-quality materials means you'll be able to wear them year after year, as opposed to having to throw them out after a few months. Thinking about what your money is getting you -- like comfort and durability -- will help you determine the value of the shoes you're purchasing.
Behind the Scenes
In order to discover the best flip-flops for women this year, we tested over six pairs over the course of two weeks (on top of last year's tests, where we tried 20 pairs for over five months). We based our judgments upon the following qualities:
- Versatility: During the first two-week period, we wore the flip-flops about five to seven times for at least five hours each on various terrain, such as pavement, grass, dirt, sand, wet tile, hardwood floors, etc., to see how each fared in different circumstances.
- Comfort: We looked for things like blistering, chafing, dye stains on our skin, and if the shoes did or didn't need a break-in period to start feeling comfortable. Each tester also noted how heavy each pair felt on their feet, as weightier pairs often lead to irritation down the road.
- Durability: During this testing period, we evaluated how each shoe withstood water, sweat, and prolonged wear. We looked closely at how each tread fared on different kinds of terrains and weather conditions, and if there were any signs of wear and tear on the shoes by the end.
- Value: The final, and arguably most important quality, was whether we thought the performance, price, and design of the sandals added up. We were not shown the prices of our pairs until the very end of the initial two-week testing period, where we then decided whether or not they were worth that amount of money (or if we'd pay more for performance).
But we didn't stop there -- we continued to wear some of these shoes for up to a year to truly test the longevity, continuous performance, and overall comfort of these flip-flops.
We later updated this list according to our findings and will continue to do so as the years go on and more styles make their summer debuts.
Why Trust PEOPLE
Oliva Avitt is a content creator and writer for PEOPLE. She writes about all topics including home, beauty, and fashion. For this article she used our real-world testing insights and spoke with board-certified podiatrist Dr. Cory Clement about the importance of high-quality flip-flops and their relation to overall foot health.
Staff writer Alyssa Brascia has a background in fashion and beauty. She updated this story with our testers' year-long insights where they recorded their observations of the shoes' performances over a longer period of time to speak to their durability. She also added additional picks from our 2024 testing process.
This article was edited by associate editorial director and Hawaii resident Erin Johnson who lives in flip-flops. She has tried (and approves of) multiple flip-flops from this list. Her favorites come from Sanuk, Reef, Merrell, and OluKai.
What Is PEOPLE Tested?
We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness durability ease of use and so much more. Based on the results we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.
But we don't stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we've awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval -- because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it fair and square.