Flip-flops are the perfect choice for casual summertime footwear. Whether you are headed to the beach or a poolside party, a pair of flip flops will provide you with airy comfort on the hottest of days.
In this guide, we review some of the most popular flip flops for men – such as the Reef Fanning Flip Flops for Men.
We will also share with you some key features to look out for when buying flip flops, some viable alternatives (especially if you are going to a swanky summer party), along with answering a few common questions men had.
Let’s get you a new pair of flip-flops!
4 Tips for Buying Flip Flops
1. Intended Use
When deciding on a new pair of flip flops, consider the following:
- Casual Use: Good for house chores or casual patio wear. Look for a reinforced sole for added comfort. Consider the style as well if you plan on wearing them in public.
- Walking: The American Podiatric Medical Association doesn’t recommend flip flops for extensive walking due to a lack of support. However, some added features such as shock absorption and a heel cup can increase comfort when walking.
- Water Activities: A waterproof and durable flip flop will provide comfort when submerged in the ocean, pond, or pool. Look for a rubber sole for added grip along with a waterproof strap.
- Style: Whether going to a poolside tiki bar or a backyard BBQ, a stylish flip flop can bring a summertime outfit together. Go for a simple, clean, and modern design.
2. Material
From top to bottom, the materials used in flip flops vary greatly. For added grip on slick surfaces, go with a rubber sole. If you prefer environmentally conscious companies, you’ll find some flip flops made from sustainable or recycled materials.
Pro Tip: While natural fibers are comfortable on a strap, when wet, they can cause uncomfortable rubbing on the skin resulting in blisters or mild abrasions.
3. Size
The most important takeaway here is that you size your feet correctly. Too tight or too loose, and the flip flop will be uncomfortable when walking and may cause you to trip or stumble. Additionally, you want to ensure that the flip flop doesn’t extend past your toes and provides coverage and support for your entire heel.
4. Additional Features
Here are a few extra features that we came across in our research:
- Arch Support: Provides support and comfort when walking, especially if you have flat feet or shin splints.
- Deep Heel: Helps to provide additional support and stability when walking.
- Bottle Opener: Built into the sole, a bottle opener is a fun party trick and nice to have when you forget to pack the bottle opener when heading to the beach.
The Best Flip Flops Reviewed
1. Best Overall: Reef Fanning Flip Flops for Men
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.
Beyond the comfort qualities, the Reef Fanning flip flops also rely on a fabric upper that will dry quickly when wet. Furthermore, if you decided to pack a few cold ones to bring with you to the beach, law-abiding of course :-), the bottle opener on the bottom of the flip flop can be used to open up a few adult beverages.
Beyond the sheer comfort of these flip flops, one feature that we really loved was the color and size variety. With a size range between 4 and 17, just about any man should have no problem fitting into a pair.
If the size range wasn’t enough, the 20 different colors allow you to find the perfect flip flop to match your distinct style.
Pros
- Embedded bottle opener
- Synthetic rubber for easy maintenance
- Well priced with arch support
Cons
- Casual wear only
- Not available in half size
What You Need To Know
With a ton of color options, rubber outsole, 360-degree airbag, and included bottle opener, the Reef Fanning is one of the best flip flops currently available.
2. For Plantar Fasciitis: Vionic Wave Flip Flops for Men
When it comes to making quality footwear for men with plantar fasciitis, Vionic is one of the best in the business and their Wave flip flop carries on this level of quality. Holding the prestigious American Podiatric Medical Association seal of acceptance, these well-designed flip flops are designed for comfort. Here’s what makes them so special:
From the sloping deep heel cup to the excellent arch support, once you slide the Vionic Wave’s on, your plantar fascia should be well supported and should have a much more comfortable step. Thanks to the reliance on an EVA footbed, the midsole provides a slight bit of cushion that typically isn’t found in many other flip flops and will make for a pleasurable walking experience.
But what really makes these special is these are one of the few orthotic sandals out there that have been specifically designed for plantar fasciitis. Men who wore these found that the heel support was ample and able to be worn for a long time without the need to find a seat for relief.
The Vionic Wave’s are available in sizes ranging from 5 to 14 (unfortunately no wide sizes are available) and in 5 different colors.
Most of the colors are fairly versatile and can be easily paired with your favorite pair of swim trunks or beach outfits without looking out of place.
Lastly, thanks to the sleek design on these flip flops, they don’t look like an orthopedic flip flop and offer a minimalist design style.
Pros
- Provides instant relief for plantar fasciitis sufferers
- The orthotic footbed has a cushioned EVA midsole
- Deep heel cups and good arch support distributes pressure
Cons
- A bit pricey
What You Need To Know
The Vionic Wave provides great support for your feet and a stylish look for your wardrobe. If you deal with foot pain regularly or have a history of foot problems, expect these well-designed sandals to provide you with a comfortable step.
3. Best for Extensive Walking: Teva Pajaro Flip Flops for 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.
Relying on a leather and textile mix, these flip flops from Teva use leather that was certified by the Leather Working Group to ensure consistency and quality while also lessening their environmental impact during production.
Under the uppers, you have a breathable mesh that wicks away sweat while also feeling nice and comfortable on your feet.
Pros
- Super comfortable sandals that are well-built from top to bottom
- Perfect for walking with a rubber sole
- Naturally water resistant
Cons
- A “chunkier” look may not be right for all men
What You Need To Know
Teva is an authentic icon of the outdoor industry and their Pajaro flip flops are a great pair to add to that heritage. If you plan on walking extensively in these, we think you will be happy with the springy cushioned footbed along with the non-slip grip of the outsole.
4. Best for Flat Feet: Reef Men’s Ortho-Spring Flip-Flop
Reef has been made famous for its various styles of flip flops. These flip flops share that history but package it into a well-priced sandal design.
The biggest feature that we loved about these flip flops has a contoured footbed that forms well to the natural curves of your feet. With high arches and a deep heel cup, you can expect a confident, and perhaps more importantly, comfortable step throughout the entire day.
While some men may find the two colors limiting, we think they are sporty and sleek and should be able to compliment most style choices.
Furthermore, the flip flops rely on environmental and animal-friendly materials – such as their enhanced biodegradability footbed and outsole along with a vegan leather strap.
Pros
- Perfect for people with fallen arches looking for orthotic sandals
- A comfortable and cushy footbed
- Heel cups provide stability
Cons
- No wide sizes available
What You Need To Know
If you suffer from shin splints or general foot fatigue, then the Reef Men’s Ortho-Springs will provide some much-needed relief. The springing footbed and deep heel cup make this comfortable for men with flat feet.
5. Havaianas Top Sandal Men’s Flip Flop
Soft and sturdy, the Havaianas Men’s Top Flip Flop Sandal is made from 100% man-made rubber that is super soft and cushioned. It’s the absolute original flip flop that’s been made in Brazil since 1962. Available in a variety of colors at the very bottom end of our price range, these will elevate your style with rice pattern straps.
Pros
- Authentic, rice pattern straps and iconic brand
- Man-made by hand since 1962
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Just rubber and plastic – not durable
- Not suitable for men that require foot or ankle support
What You Need To Know
Iconic, classic flip flop design directly from Brazil for an inexpensive upfront investment: perfect if you just need a pair of flip flops.
6. Hari Mari Dunes II Men’s Flip Flop
Sleek and clean, the Hari Mari Dunes II is the perfect pair of flip flops for men looking for something simple and cost-effective. Hari Mari Dunes II features the company’s patented MemoryFoamToe, which means no break-in time. In the middle portion of our price range, the Hari Mari Dunes II is available in a variety of colors.
Pros
- Great, clean, and sleek design
- Inexpensive and well-made
- Simple enough for a slightly dressier wear
Cons
- Shouldn’t be worn for overly dressy occasions
- Simple, so may not be best for those looking for flash
What You Need To Know
A clean, simple flip flop, the Hari Mari Dunes II features a great, comfortable sandal at a great price.
7. FitFlop Surfer Freshweave Flip Flop
Fitflops Surfer Flip Flops are biomechanically engineered flip flops for the man that needs support for flat feet or heel issues. Woven textile uppers keep your feet nice and comfortable. These are at the higher end of our price spectrum but worth the money if you need a bit more support.
Pros
- One of the more supportive flip flops
- Woven textile with an elegant design
- Larger sole
Cons
- A bit pricey
- Would’ve liked to see more colors
What You Need To Know
The FitFlop Surfer Freshweave is a great way to get your toes in the sun with the comfort you need.
8. Rainbow Premium Leather Flip Flops
Rainbow is one of the original California flip flops. Crafted in Long Beach since 1974, these leather upper flip flops mold to your feet for extreme comfort. The EVA soles and midsoles offer support where you need it. Parachute box stitches offer a fine style making these flip flops a bit dressier than your typical men’s flip flop. These sandals are at the higher end of our price range.
Pros
- Plenty of colors
- Leather upper
- Nice stitching and Rainbow brand
Cons
- Expensive
- Moldable soles may not be right for everyone
What You Need To Know
The iconic California brand, Rainbow, provides great looking men’s sandals for men who want to invest a bit.