The best flip flops for men can make a world of difference when you’re looking for a comfortable, easy-to-wear set of footwear.
Flip flops are the perfect combination of shoes that still allow ample breathability and a ton of flexibility. They’re also a must-have for the hot summer months, giving you grip on uneven terrain, arch support, and other massive benefits without an enclosed shoe.
If you’re on the hunt for something a little more luxurious than a classic rubber sandal, we have five great comfortable flip flops for you.
Best Flip Flops for Men Comparison Chart
| Product | Best Feature | Rating | Price | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KIIU Men’s Thong Sandals | Perfect for water activities and wet terrain | 4.3/5 | $ | Amazon |
| Adidas Men’s Adilette Shower Slide | Cloudfoam footbed for all-day plush comfort | 4.5/5 | $ | AmazonAdidas Official Website |
| Reef Men’s Fanning Flip Flops | Exceptional heel support with 360-degree heel airbag tech | 4.7/5 | $-$$ | AmazonDick’s Sporting Goods |
| Quiksilver Men’s Carver Suede 3 Point Flip Flops | Adaptable everyday style with a comfortable toe post | 4.4/5 | $ | AmazonQuiksilver Official Website |
| GUBARUN Men’s Sport Flip Flops | Feature a thickened heel for optimal midsole and heel support | 4.3/5 | $ | Amazon |
Our Review of the Best Flip Flops for Men
1. KIIU Men’s Thong Sandals
The KIIU Men’s Thong Sandals feature everything you would expect from the best flip flops for men. It has a sporty appeal that sits comfortably against your feet without causing chafing throughout the day.
The bottom of the shoe also boasts arch support and enhanced durability through the deep heel cup for all-day wear.
Review
Let’s review some of the major highlights of the KIIU Men’s Thong Sandals.
- Water-Friendly Materials
If you’re hunting for quality flip flops designed for fun in the sun and water, these are ideal.
They feature water-friendly synthetic materials, including nubuck, across the upper strap. This material is remarkable for staying comfortable throughout the day without causing chafing along the top of your feet.
Another massive advantage of their water-friendly design is their outsole, as we explore below.
With the KIIU flip flops, you’ll find that the shoe bottoms get tacky when they’re wet instead of slippery. This feature is a must-have if you always wear your sandals in wet environments.
- Improved Arch Support
It’s common for guys to avoid any pair of flip flops because they tend to lack the arch support they need. That said, these shoes have a remarkable design, offering plenty of arch support for any time you want to wear flip flops.
You’ll find the shoes are rather refreshing with their gentle arch support, customizing to the unique shape of your feed.
- Rubber Tread
Having a rubber outsole is relatively common when it comes to men’s flip flops, but it’s a major advantage.
Rubber is known for its durability but also its grip. Whether you’re walking on dry, damp, or wet ground, you’ll have a grippy sole to keep your feet planted and safe.
If you turn the KIIU sandals over, you’ll notice the bottom tread is similar to that of running shoes. That is because the incredibly thick base is designed to grip onto the ground, preventing you from slipping and getting injured.
You’ll have a ton of reliable stability to assist with optimal arch support and alleviate pressure on your joints.
- Shock Absorption
Another unique feature of these men’s flip flops is their shock absorption. With their thicker sole, arch support, and rubber outsole, all vibrations from each step get absorbed.
This helps to keep your feet comfortable while reducing wear and tear on your joints, like your knees.
- Indoor-Outdoor Design
Having the perfect pair of flips can give you foot support whether you’re inside or outside. With these shoes, you can maintain great arch support with enhanced traction regardless of where they’re worn.
You’ll find they’re great as transitional shoes as well, easy for going from inside to outside when hosting a backyard BBQ.
- Numerous Colorways
Before deciding on a specific pair of shoes, it’s always helpful to find a style that comes in many different colors. These KIIU sandals have a ton of fabulous options, ranging from brown to light brown and black.
You’ll easily be able to find the perfect color that will fit effortlessly into your wardrobe for everyday wear.
Pros:
- Hold their grip when wet
- Can be worn all day without fatigue
- No chance of chafing
- Multiple colorways to choose from
Cons:
- Not ideal for very wide feet
- The rubber may feel rough at first
2. Adidas Men’s Adilette Shower Slide
The Adidas Men’s Adilette Shower Slide isn’t your typical everyday pair of flip flops but a must-have when it comes to men’s sandals.
With a similar slip-on style, you’ll find these slides are a combination of the best flip flops and comfortable, cheap flip flops.
From their unique sole design to their attractive Adidas branding, you’ll find yourself reaching for these sandals over any other pair of footwear you own.
Review
Let’s review the top highlights of the Adidas Men’s Adilette Shower Slide.
- Sustainably Designed
One of the largest benefits of buying footwear from Adidas is they take pride in sustainable manufacturing. As such, your shoes will have less of an environmental impact, helping you give back with your purchase.
- Bandage-Style Upper
One of the more unique features of these flip flops is the bandage-style upper that goes over the top of your foot. If you find generic flip flops uncomfortable, this upper is a far better alternative.
The material sits comfortably across the top of your foot while also allowing you to slip the pair of flip flops on and off quickly.
- Cloudfoam Footbed
By far, the best feature of the Adidas Men’s Adilette Shower Slide is the built-in footbed.
As a patented technology from Adidas, Cloudfoam takes your flip flop experience to the next level. You’ll have remarkable padding that encompasses your feet, adding arch support to these men’s flip flops.
Cloudfoam is also known to help with shock absorption, making it feel like you’re walking on a cloud with this pair of flip flops. Undoubtedly, you’ll want to keep the comfortable flip flops on all day.
- Quick Drying Material
The Adidas Men’s Adilette Shower Slide is specifically designed for wet and dry applications.
With the enhanced Cloudfoam footbed, you’ll find that the shoes dry quickly, even when submerged. They’re an excellent option for the beach, pools, and waterparks with your family.
- Lightweight Design
When you’re hunting for comfortable flip flops, the last thing you want is a massive pair of heavy footwear. These slides feature a remarkably lightweight design, making them easy to wear, carry, or pack for an upcoming trip.
With their EVA outsole, you’ll have the same high-quality comfort you’d expect from other Adidas shoes but in a smaller package.
- Numerous Colorways
Of course, the most recognizable colorways you can choose for these men’s flip flops are black and white, classic Adidas.
However, they’re also available in several other styles, including red, dusty rose, blue, full black, and baby blue.
With this selection, you can find rainbow sandals for every outfit in your closet.
- Portable
As you would expect, the lightweight nature of these shoes makes them a fantastic choice for your upcoming vacation. You’ll find they’re highly flexible and easy to pack in a small bag or carry on as an extra pair of shoes.
Even the bandage upper is flexible, saving valuable space in your luggage.
Pros:
- Hold up well with regular water exposure
- Dry much quicker than expect
- Fit snugly even when wet
- Comfortable and plush
Cons:
- May absorb sweat over time
- Could be too flexible
3. Reef Men’s Fanning Flip Flops
Reef flip flops have been the talk of the town for many years. With their unique designs, they’re often seen as the best men’s flip flops with luxurious features at an affordable price.
The Reef Men’s Fanning Flip Flops is a great choice if you’re looking for top-quality men’s flip flops designed to last for years.
Review
Let’s jump into the best features of the Reef Men’s Fanning Flip Flops.
- Specialized Footbed
If you’re searching for flip flops with good arch support, the molded footbed in these shoes is ideal. You’ll have a full compression-molded EVA footbed that adapts to the unique curves of your feet.
The contoured footbed also helps to provide contoured arch support, ideal for all types of feet.
- Synthetic Upper
The upper on men’s sandals is one of their most important features.
The upper of most flip flops are made from synthetic materials that are soft and comfortable against the skin. On this pair, you’ll have synthetic nubuck that softens the more you wear it.
- 360-Degree Heel Airbag
The unique feature of the Reef Men’s Fanning Flip Flops, aside from its molded EVA midsole, is its heel.
You’ll have ample shock absorption with an integrated 360-degree heel airbag, making these the most comfortable flip flops imaginable. Whether you’re wearing them on a sandy beach or walking on rough concrete, you’ll have ample heel support within the soft footbed.
- Herringbone Rubber Outsole
Reef flip flops are well known for their outsoles, and these are no exception. The rubber outsole helps you maintain ample traction for added stability. You’ll also find the flip flops help to accommodate your feet’s natural movement.
- Built-in Bottle Opener
There’s no doubt the Reef Men’s Fanning Flip Flops is designed for any party. It features a bottle opener on the outsole, perfect for beach parties and backyard kickbacks in the heat of the summer.
- Professionally-Loved
There’s no doubt everyone loves the Reef sandals, especially professional surfers. This pair of flips is named after Mick Fanning, a three-time World Surfing Champion who is said to only wear this iconic sandal.
If you’re hunting for a pro-approved set of footwear, the Reef Men’s Fanning Flip Flops is ideal.
Pros:
- Perfect design for everyday wear
- Comfortable, soft top layer on the footbed
- Have a short break in period
- Great to wear on hot sand
Cons:
- The heels are too high
- The bottle opener is on the sole
4. Quiksilver Men’s Carver Suede 3 Point Flip Flops
The Quiksilver Men’s Carver Suede 3 Point Flip Flops is easily one of Quiksilver’s most popular sandal designs. Crafted from durable materials, it’s great for wide feet without sacrificing style.
If you’re ready for comfortable sandals perfect for dry and wet surfaces, these are a top-rated pair to consider.
Review
Let’s look at a few of the most notable features of the Quiksilver Men’s Carver Suede 3 Point Flip Flops.
- Fashionable Style
One of the most talked-about features of these sandals is their overall design. They’re the perfect alternative to standard flip flops, offering a more casual style that pairs well with any outfit.
You’ll find they also have a slight sporty appeal without being too over the top, ideal for a vacation or everyday wardrobe.
- Suede Accents
Another massive upgrade to these sandals is that they don’t have generic nylon straps. Instead, you’ll experience the luxury of soft suede along the upper, sitting comfortably against your feet.
You’ll also love the contrasting stitching that adds a little bit of depth to your footwear.
- Specially Designed Toe Post
If you’ve ever worn flip flops before, you likely know how uncomfortable toe posts can be. Fortunately, instead of using recycled plastic and other hard materials, the toe post in these shoes is finely woven from nylon.
You’ll find the material sits more comfortably in between your toes whether you have dry or wet feet.
- Compression-Molded Footbed
One of the top features that make the Quiksilver Men’s Carver Suede 3 Point Flip Flops one of the best men’s sandals is the footbed. You’ll have compression-molded materials that adapt to the shape of your feet and add extra padding.
You’ll also have a textured footbed that helps to keep your feet in place, offering slip resistance all day long.
- Molded Contoured Midsole
The midsole of your flip flops is another essential feature to note for your outdoor adventures.
The Quiksilver Men’s Carver Suede 3 Point Flip Flops features a built-in arch, ensuring you have a supportive footbed at your disposal. You’ll also find the flip flops boast more arch support in the heel and forefoot, offering ample shock absorption for everyday comfort.
- Rubber Outsole
With rubber outsoles, you’ll have an extra grip to put to good use. The high-quality construction of these best sandals helps to give you added traction on all terrain.
Along the bottom, you’ll find multi-angled logo lugs to keep your feet stable and offer instant comfort.
Pros:
- Fit comfortably when broken in
- High-quality EVA midsoles
- Feel almost like memory foam
- Great for sore feet and plantar fasciitis
Cons:
- Will require a size up
- Could be tight for wide feet
5. GUBARUN Men’s Sport Flip Flops
The GUBARUN Men’s Sport Flip Flops are stylish and made from the same material as some of the best flip flops for men.
With a ton of great features like an EVA footbed, their classic style is sure to make them your go-to choice. If you’ve been searching the flip flop department for a sporty and rugged pair of sandals, these are our top recommendations.
Review
Let’s explore some of the best features of the GUBARUN Men’s Sport Flip Flops.
- Sporty Appeal
There’s no doubt when you look at the GUBARUN Men’s Sport Flip Flops for the first time; they’re great-looking flip flops.
Their chunky sole is particularly noticeable, offering plenty of stability and traction. They’re a fantastic upgrade from thin, nylon sandals that are likely to break after a couple of uses.
- Soft Toe Post
It’s important when looking for the best flips, you’re able to find a pair with a good toe post. These sandals have a thong upper made from incredibly soft and water-friendly materials.
You’ll also find that the underside of the thong dries quickly, whether exposed to sweat or water.
- Non-Slip Outsole
There’s nothing better than having a reliable pair of sandals with a top-quality outsole.
This footwear’s rugged, non-slip, rubber outsole is remarkable for keeping your feet stable and secure on any surface. You’ll never have to worry about inadvertently skidding across the ground.
- Enhanced Durability
Aside from being one of the most comfortable flip flops, the GUBARUN Men’s Sport Flip Flops is durable. It’s designed with a thickened heel, adding extra buffering between your feet and the ground.
The upper is also perfectly secured to the footbed, ensuring the sandals offer ample structure for longer.
- Added Arch Support
Just because you’re wearing sandals doesn’t mean you can’t have arch support.
The GUBARUN Men’s Sport Flip Flops features added buffering through the midsole to accommodate the shape of your feet. This arch support is just as comfortable as EVA foam, adapting to your unique contours.
Pros:
- Highly reliable tread
- Comfortable fabric upper and toe post
- Add more stability per step
- Great for sweaty feet
Cons:
- Have a long break-in period
- Sand gets stuck in the outsole tread
Choosing the Best Flip Flops
Choosing the right flip flops is a combination of finding stylish and comfortable footwear. You must also choose shoes that support the needs of your feet without compromising foot health.
That said, there are several essential features to consider when looking for the perfect pair. In this buyer’s guide, we’ll help you know what to look for in the best men’s flip flops.
Materials
The first feature to look for in the best flip flops is a list of high-quality materials. Sure, it’s easy to find nylon shoes that cost significantly less than others.
However, the nylon material won’t last as long as others, such as leather.
Leather flip flops are some of the best options as they offer comfort, luxury, and quality. You can also choose materials like artificial nubuck, which emulate the benefits of leather but for a significantly lower cost.
Ideally, you’ll want a material that feels comfortable against the skin, dries quickly when wet, and retains its quality after months of wear.
Another massive advantage of leather is it helps to prevent chafing. You’ll also be less likely to deal with blisters.
Structure
Undoubtedly, flip flops are lightweight and airy set of footwear that you can wear anywhere.
However, they shouldn’t lack structure and stability, even if they’re extremely lightweight. It’s important that if you were to bend the shoes in half, there would be resistance.
Without structure in your men’s flip flops, you’ll start to notice your feet get tired much faster. That is because your arch doesn’t have the support it needs, your heel isn’t cushioned appropriately, and there’s no engagement through your midsole.
The best men’s flip flops will have structure and support throughout the entire footbed, offering maximum comfort.
Outsole Design
Like any ordinary pair of shoes, your flip flops need a high-quality outsole. Your outsole is responsible for adding traction to every step while giving your feet ample support.
You’ll want to ensure you have a thick rubber outsole with lugs if you’re looking for top-level stability. The thicker the outsole, the easier it will be to walk on slick and wet terrain.
However, it’s important to note that thicker outsoles also add plenty of weight to your sandals.
If you intend to wear your flip flops only at the beach, you can get away with lightweight flip flops with a more flexible outsole.
Footbed
Along with structure, the footbed of the best men’s flip flops makes a massive difference.
Padded footbeds tend to be the most popular and offer added comfort for all-day wear.
You’ll find that padding can help alleviate pressure on your sensitive feet while reducing the pressure on your knees.
Another popular option for footbeds is compression molding. It allows the footbed to adapt to the unique contours of your feet, offering a more customized fit.
Instead of a more structured platform, these flip flops tend to be more flexible.
Water Resistance
Water resistance is an often overlooked feature when shopping for the best flip flops. Many believe that just because you’re wearing flip flops, they’re designed for water activities. However, this isn’t always the case.
You must choose shoes that you can wear comfortably when wet and dries quickly. This feature can help you go from the sea to the sand in minutes without waiting for your shoes to dry.
Another essential feature that contributes to water resistance is material quality.
You’ll want to make sure your flips won’t get heavier when wet, making them uncomfortable. Also, they shouldn’t experience color fasting if exposed to salt or chlorine.
Breathability
Fortunately, the general design of flip flops is that they’re the most breathable footwear you can buy. However, not all pairs of sandals are created equally, as some can encourage sweating with overbearing uppers and low-quality materials.
If you’re prone to hot feet, you’ll want to choose flip flops made from breathable materials like mesh or nylon. You might also want to consider added features like a breathable mesh lining that allows a ton of airflow.
Not only will this help keep your feet cool, but it can also reduce the amount of bacteria buildup on the shoes. Over time, you’ll find that they’ll smell less and be easier to keep clean.
FAQs About the Best Flip Flops for Men
1. How should men’s flip flops fit?
Finding the perfect fit for your flips can be a little more challenging than you’d think.
You’ll want a pair that fits comfortably along the entirety of your feet, including their width. That said, they shouldn’t be too large and give you too much of a platform for walking.
Here are a few key tips you can use to fit your new flips to your feet:
- Width
First, you’ll want to consider the width of your feet.
Most flip flops are designed for moderate to thin feet, so if you have wider feet, you may have to size up. An even better alternative would be to find a brand that does half-sizing for wide feet.
- Exterior Space
When wearing your new flip flops, you should have a little room between your feet and the edge of the sandal. Otherwise, you’ll find your foot spills over the edges, making the shoes uncomfortable for long periods.
Ideally, you’ll want a 1/4″ of space before your feet hit the sandal’s edge.
- Length
The final feature to consider with flip flops is their length, much like any other shoe. You’ll be tempted to buy your regular shoe size, but different styles have different fits.
It’s best to make sure you have a small amount of extra space between the tips of your toes and the shoe’s edge. Of course, trying shoes on in-store is your best bet for finding the ideal flip flop fit.
However, choose a retailer with a good return policy if you’re buying them online. It should allow you to try the shoes on and exchange them for a different size if needed.
2. What are the best men’s flip flop alternatives?
Slides are a great alternative if you’re not the biggest fan of standard flip flops but still want a good pair of sandals.
Slides have been around for years but recently become incredibly popular for men and women. Even some of the most luxurious fashion houses, like Gucci, have their collection of slides.
What makes slides different from flip flops is they don’t have a post that goes in between your toes. Instead, they have a bandage-style upper that covers the majority of the top of your feet.
Aside from their upper, sides have many of the same features and benefits as standard flip flops. You’ll have a structured and lightweight sole, arch support, and added traction on the outsole.
Slides are notoriously fast-drying, great to wear in wet environments, and easy to keep clean and maintain. Not to mention they’re incredibly affordable, making them a great camp shoe or everyday shoe.
3. Who makes the best men’s flip flops?
There are a ton of fabulous brands that are said to make the best flip you’ll get your hands on. A few of the most notable brands include:
- Quiksilver: Sporty, easy-to-wear, low-profile design
- Vionic: Custom style, podiatrist-designed, foot-friendly flip flops with arch support and shock absorption
- Teva: Luxurious and stylish with specialized top sole cushioning for all-day comfort
- Reef: Sporty yet natural with a comfortable, custom design adaptable for all types of feet
- Crocs: Sporty and 100% waterproof with a few additional comfortable features
4. Are men’s flip flops wider than women’s?
It’s important to remember that when shopping for shoes, you’ll find most footwear to be anatomically correct to the gender they’re made for. That’s why men’s flip flops are much wider than women’s flip flops.
That said, it doesn’t mean that just because they’re targeted toward men, only men can wear them.
Men’s flip flops are larger, making them a great alternative to the thin footbed typically found on women’s flip flops. They also tend to have a low-profile, unisex design, making them a fantastic solution for both men and women.
This is particularly true with sporty brands like Quiksilver and Reef.
As with any other type of footwear, it’s important to remember to buy the right size based on design. You might find some styles work best in half sizes, while others might require you to buy a whole size up.
5. Why do guys wear flip flops?
There are an endless number of reasons men might want a pair of leather flip flops to wear day in and out. They’re extremely comfortable, many offering a memory foam footbed or custom molded footbed for arch support.
They also maintain ample breathability, allowing your feet to stay cool and dry on the hottest days of the year.
Another massive benefit of flip flops is they look great with most outfits without having to put too much effort into dressing up. You can wear flips with your swimsuit when going to the beach or a pair of khaki shorts for weekend shopping.
They’re a relatively easy type of shoes to pair with most summer-friendly items in your closet, making them a must-have.
What Are the Best Flip Flops for Men of All Time?
The KIIU Men’s Thong Sandals are our choice for the best flip flops for men with their supportive, structured design. You’ll love how they adapt to the contours of your feet while still offering ample stability.
There’s also the added benefit of the heavy-duty outsole, offering a tacky, sticky grip on wet surfaces.
