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May 30, 2023

The 15 Best Flip

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I come from a place where the flip-flop is the dominant footwear year-round. On the islands of Hawaii, what feels like a controversial, at times ironic, and often-mocked style choice in most other settings, is the overwhelming standard. It's the undisputed go-to for the beach, for brunch dates, and for cocktail parties; Hawaiian culture asks you to take off your shoes inside, regardless of the occasion. In fact, host a big enough, boozy enough gathering, and you’ll wake up to several mismatched pairs by the door, guaranteed. Even my grandmother, possibly the most glamorous woman I’ve come in contact with, a woman that spent years covering social events across the globe for Vogue, would occasionally slide on a leather pair in place of loafers.

I, however, grew up wearing Locals, the pervasive rubber thong slippers (what we call flip-flops) you’d pick up at Longs or just about any supermarket in Maui. But today, the choices are, to be put it simply, luxurious. The Y2K redux in fashion has meant an influx of thong sandals, popping up on runways of Coperni and Bluemarine. Meanwhile, Undercover's Jun Takahashi pumped up the volume, creating a marshmallow-y version of the poolside shoe. And Gucci and Burberry continue to offer their tony stalwarts.

There are plenty of options, of course, from ones that place comfort front and center to others that make a refined statement. Which is why we sifted through the market, finding the very best flip-flops for men. Check them out below.

Elegant and understated, Brunello Cucinelli's cream suede flip-flops take the style to its most refined iteration. Yes, flip-flops can—while paradoxical to some—be refined.

Buy Now on Matches Fashion: $318

Handmade in Greece using natural tan leather, Ancient Greek Sandals's wide T-strap is a minimal, well-crafted offering that’ll last the long haul. Its clean design and strong sole support make it an enduring piece you can wear year after year.

Buy Now on Ancient Greek Sandals: $275

Burberry's classic thong sandals get a revamp with an oversized stripe and black molded-leather footbed. They’re just the right amount fashion-y, without being overtly loud or pretentious.

Buy Now on Ssense: $620

Havaianas is a classic for a reason. Indeed, no list on the subject is complete without this stalwart. Its rubber-soled flip-flops, available in the color of your choice, are made for water, sand, and beyond.

Buy Now on Havaianas: $26

There's something futuristic and, at the same time, ancient about Jun Takahashi's elevated grain leather sandals. The Japanese streetwear god gives us the model flip-flops for conceptual dressers.

Buy Now on Ssense: $865

The Japanese tabi is famous for its supportive split toe, and Margiela's version, a more relaxed iteration of its cult boot, is the standard-bearer. It's basically the Tabi boots’ laid-back cousin.

Buy Now on Farfetch: $360

For a pair of flip-flops so traditional they could pass as sandals, Gucci's tri-striped offering is a beautifully crafted ideal. It's a timeless option, embellished with a gilded logo that imbues instant cachet.

Buy Now on Gucci: $595

Hear us out. While typically a bold move, these Suicoke thong sandals, made from antibacterial molded EVA rubber, are high enough off the ground and sturdy enough to take to the streets. That they look so cool, with a subtle edge in all black, doesn't hurt either.

Buy Now on Ssense: $225

Sometimes, even the most casual item in your style arsenal needs to be a little extra. And these black and gold Greca-patterned Versace flip-flops fit the bill.

Buy Now on Farfetch: $595

Hawaiian footwear line OluKai's Tuahine flip-flop is a key choice if you’re searching for a pair that bridges comfort (think soft leather with a supportive cushion) and function (yes, they’re waterproof). These will take you seamlessly from the pool to an island cocktail party with no fuss.

Buy Now on Huckberry: $100

Here's an ideal option for the man searching for a discrete, classic flip-flop, molded from the lasts created by Manolo Blahnik himself.

Buy Now on Mr Porter: $595

While best-known for its tailored swim trunks, British label Orlebar Brown also produces top-notch flip-flops. Check out its cork option, with warm orange and navy stripes, for something so comfortable it almost molds to your feet.

Buy Now on Orlebar Brown: $75

The perfect blend of street and sport, The North Face's expedition-inspired flip-flops—with an egg crate-reminiscent EVA footbed—are made for mountain adventures. Or at least they look like it.

Buy Now on Amazon: $39

It sounds like an oxymoron, or at the very least, a questionable idea: a flip-flop that imbues a preppy, country club-ready attitude and aesthetic. This Thom Browne pair passes the test, with a level of grace not typically associated with the humble shoe.

Buy Now on Nordstrom: $240

Camper Lab's red bubble thongs are the more wearable, summer-ready answer to MSCHF's viral big red boots: they make a statement, and a bold one at that.

Buy Now on Ssense: $310