Best flip flops for walking 2024: grippy footwear for summer strolls

Here are the best flip flops for walking to help you dodge aching ankles and blisters on your travels

Best flip flops for walking: person with flip flops sitting in a tent
(Image credit: Other)

The best flip flops for walking have a few notable additions that help set them apart from your standard foam-and-plastic versions for summer beach bumming. Features such as a moulded or zoned footbed, a chunkier and grippier outsole, and soft straps will all aid comfort levels when walking.

These simple, slip-on warm-weather shoes provide boosted support when adventuring off-road (though we're talking more country lanes rather than mountain trails), along beaches or on long days exploring a city.

While the best flip flops for walking are designed to deliver higher levels of comfort, there's only so much support and protection this style of shoe can muster. You should swap to a pair of the best walking sandals or even the best walking shoes for men / best women's walking shoes for more strenuous walks or trickier terrain.

However, flip-flops can be a great choice when only the easiest, breeziest footwear will do. If you're headed to the beach, check out T3's best beach tents and best cool box guides.

Best flip flops for walking to buy right now

Why you can trust T3 Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

How to choose the best flip flops for you

Before you buy your next pair of flip-flops for walking, pay attention to what the uppers are made of. Synthetic materials are quicker to dry if you're planning on dipping your feet in the ocean or a stream, but leather is better for durability and general wear and tear. Another key thing to look for is increased arch support – a lack of arch support is to blame for much of the pain you can feel when walking in unsupportive footwear, and it can lead to painful foot conditions like plantar fasciitis.

How we test the best flip flops

Flip-flop testing might sound like a redundant activity, but just like any specialised footwear, flip-flops need to be thoroughly tested. We pay careful attention to how they fit, how much cushioning they provide, and how comfortable it is to wear them for long periods of time. Durability is tested the only way possible: wearing the flip-flops for weeks on end.

Matt Kollat
Section Editor | Active

Matt Kollat is a journalist and content creator who works for T3.com and its magazine counterpart as an Active Editor. His areas of expertise include wearables, drones, fitness equipment, nutrition and outdoor gear. He joined T3 in 2019. His byline appears in several publications, including Techradar and Fit&Well, and more. Matt also collaborated with other content creators (e.g. Garage Gym Reviews) and judged many awards, such as the European Specialist Sports Nutrition Alliance's ESSNawards. When he isn't working out, running or cycling, you'll find him roaming the countryside and trying out new podcasting and content creation equipment.

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