Best Flip Flop Brands and 3 Places To Buy Flip Flops

While some people don’t consider them shoes, flip flops are a casual type of sandal.

What Is Considered a Flip Flop?

They consist of a flat sole held loosely on the foot by a Y-shaped strap known as a toe thong that passes between the first and second toes and around both sides of the foot.

I really wish I had invented the flip-flop. I love flip-flops. It’s the one style of shoe I would be so proud of inventing: the Havaiana. Christian Louboutin

While they have been worn by the people of many cultures throughout the world, the modern flip-flop descends from the Japanese zōri.

I was born in platform heels. I actually always fall down when I’m wearing flip-flops. Eva Longoria

These flat and thonged Japanese sandals are made of rice straw or other plant fibers, cloth, lacquered wood, leather, rubber, or synthetic materials.

Flip-flops are basically synonymous with summer (Credit: New Africa / Shutterstock)

They became popular after World War II when soldiers returning to the United States brought them back.

I like being comfortable at airports, in flip-flops with no jewelry on. Bad Bunny

Flip flops are banned in many upscale restaurants, hotels, places of worship, and in parts of Italy such as the Cinque Terre National Park and the island of Capri.

People have crossed the Himalayas in flip-flops seeking a blessing from the Dalai Lama. Barbara Demick

Driving in flip-flops isn’t illegal but is considered reckless and can get you into trouble in case of an accident.

What Are the Best Flip Flops?

The most popular flip flop brands are Hoka One One, Oofos, OluKai, Havaianas, Tory Burch, Rainbow Sandals, Gucci, Tkees, Crocs, Sanuk, Old Navy, Nike, Adidas, FitFlop, Reef, Birkenstock, and Vionic.

There was a story that I was in a shoe shop and that I threw a pair of flip flops at the wall, shouting, ‘I can’t believe how overpriced these are!’ I thought, ‘Gosh, if I’m gonna take a big stand on something I would hope it would be for more than flip flops!’ Rose McGowan

You will find the best selection of flip flops online at Shopbop, Zappos, and Nordstrom.

Always a warm-weather favorite, these Havaianas flip flops match a neutrally colored footbed with a glittery thong strap

While most flip flops cost under $100, you can find flip flops costing several thousand dollars at Farfetch.

Constructed from patent leather, these charm embellished flat sandals from Dolce & Gabbana cost $2,545.

These Dolce & Gabbana charm embellished flat sandals won’t let anyone be indifferent

I’m from L.A., so I’m used to seeing people in sunglasses and flip-flops. There’s something so romantic about a man in a scarf and a knitted hat. Meghan Markle

The World’s Most Expensive Flip-Flops

In 2007, footwear label Moszkito launched a pair of Snake Charmer flip-flops featuring 24 round, full-cut, high-quality diamonds (6 carats in total). Marketed as the world’s most expensive flip-flops, these sparkling sandals retailed for $20,000.

The world’s most expensive flip-flops featuring 24 round, full-cut diamonds (Credit: WENN)

I had no style when I was 17! I look at teenagers now and say, ‘I wish I’d looked like them when I was that age.’ I had no style whatsoever, but style also wasn’t as prominent as it is today. I was just very laid back, usually wearing jeans and tank tops and flip flops. Candace Cameron Bure

Below are some of our favorite celebrities wearing flip-flops and recent flip-flop sandal designs that we hope you’ll like!

How Celebrities Wear Flip Flops