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.
Buying a new flip-flop might not be on top of anyone's shopping list right now, but just like any other clothing item, the off-season is the best time to buy cheap. And the off-season for flip-flops is right now! With Black Friday just around the corner, you'd better look around to see if there are any decent offers. Your future self will thank you for making a wise choice now.
Best flip flops for walking to buy right now
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Best flip flops for walking overall
Sizes: UK7-15
Material: synthetic with microfibre lining
Midsole: EVA
Outsole: rubber
+ Anatomically shaped footbed
+ Water-resistant straps with soft lining
+ They float!
- On the narrow side
The best walking flip flops for most people are the Olukai Ulele flip flops. The brand's 'most technical sandal yet', the Ulele is built for versatile outdoor use, and that includes walking. The rubber outsole is designed to retain its grip on wet surfaces, with razor sniping (those thin cuts all along the rubber) to improve traction.
A moulded footbed with cupped heel and shaped arch provides decent foot support and keeps your foot securely in place as you roam, while the EVA cushioning absorbs impact for comfort over longer periods. They float, too! Reviews are overwhelmingly enthusiastic, although a few found the fit a bit narrow and tight, so that's something to be aware of if you have wide feet.
Our rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Best flip flops for women
Sizes: UK3-10
Material: leather
Midsole: TechLite EVA
Outsole: Omni-Grip rubber
+ Great grip on varied terrain
+ Durable build
+ Very comfy, cushioned footbed
- Sizes up small and narrow
We highly rate the Columbia Kea II flip-flops for walking. They may look understated, but these are a cut above your average flip-flop both ion terms of comfort and ergonomics. The main event with the Kea II is Columbia's Omni-Grip rubber sole, which dishes out enhanced traction when you’re heading off-road or traipsing over slippery surfaces.
On top of this, Columbia’s Techlite EVA midsoles ensure better shock absorption and energy return with each step. The enclosed, wrap-around toe post doesn't irritate or rub, either. These are brilliant flip-flops for even considerably longer strolls. Beware when you order that we found these sized up small, although not as small as Merrell's Post II.
Read our full Columbia Kea II review.
Our rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Best flip flops for comfort
Sizes: UK3-9
Material: Nubuck leather
Midsole: Microfibre/foam
Outsole: Moulded nylon
+ Looks great
+ Top comfort
- Sizing too small
- Not very breathable
Merrell's Terran Post II flip flops are supremely comfortable, with nubuck leather, neoprene and microfibre all doing their part to hug and cushion your feet in the most delightful way. They look fantastic, too, although the soft nubuck sole tends to mark after a while, and they're not the most breathable flip flops you can get.
Sizing is a slight issue; we've found them to be too small, and while you order a size up you'd probably find them too wide. It's this oversight that's holding the Terran Post II off the top of this list. However, if you have wide feet and don't mind going a size up, then you should be perfectly happy with them.
Read our full Merrell Terran Post II review.
Our rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Best flip flops for arch support
Sizes: UK3-12
Material: nylon webbing, soft-knit jersey
Midsole: EVA
Outsole: rubber
+ Superb arch support
+ Anatomically shaped footbed
- Straps too stiff
The Olukai Ohana comes in women's and men’s versions. These are water-resistant, so perfectly happy on the beach, and feature a padded, smooth-touch footbed that’s ideal for day-long wear. The footbed itself is made from moulded EVA and dips smoothly towards the toes to deliver an anatomical fit. These flip-flops will continuously boost your walking comfort, fitting closely to the natural shape of your feet.
The Olukai Ohana boast a soft nylon toe post, so you won’t experience any nasty rubbing or chaffing there, along with quick-drying jersey knit lined straps that are soft against the skin. They’re durable too, so they’ll last many a summer adventure. Reviews are generally extremely positive, although a handful of customers found the straps a bit stiff.
Our rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Best flip flops for wide feet
Sizes: UK2.5-9
Material: leather
Midsole: not stated
Outsole: PU/EVA
+ Available in wide and narrow fit
+ Supportive contoured bed
- Not good for people with long toes
If you just want a simple, no-frills flip flop for walking short distances, and one that’s easy to slip on and kick-off, try the Birkenstock Gizeh. It has a somewhat stiffer feel underfoot, but these shoes are built to last and have buckled leather uppers to enhance their durability. Birkenstocks are also known for their wide and deep cork contoured footbeds, making them a good choice for anyone prone to their feet swelling while out walking.
The Gizeh flip flops are comfortable to wear, and look good with jeans as well as outdoors gear. We wouldn’t wear them up mountains or even take them out on a day hikes, but they’re perfectly fine for everyday walking in summer thanks to a lightweight EVA midsole for added cushioning and better shock absorption.
Our rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Best budget flip flops
Sizes: UK3-9
Material: rubber
Midsole: EVA
Outsole: rubber
+ Ergonomically cushioned
+ Squishy micro-bubble footbed
- Thin rubber straps
Granted they don’t look like much, but don’t underestimate the walking comfort dished out by these back-to-basics FitFlops. The iQushion Ergonomic Flip Flops rely use air-foam cushioning to ensure every step you take is comfortable and supported. FitFlop has designed them with ‘impact pillows’ (pockets of cushioning) at high pressure points such as the balls of your feet, arches and underneath your toes.
It doesn’t matter if you’re heavy-footed, or you more towards the back or sides of your foot, these will support you. The FitFlop iQushion come in a range of colours and finishes, making them the best flip flops for walking if you want a shoe you can colour-match them to your summer wardrobe. And they are so affordable!
Our rating: 3 out of 5 stars
How to choose
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.
