Despite the fact that I live in Indiana (which only really got into summer temps yesterday), I am a flip-flop queen.
If it has 2 straps and looks like a podiatrist’s nightmare – I love it. Guaranteed.
The thing is – not all flip flops are created equally. In fact, until you’ve walked barefoot on hot asphalt on the hottest day in July… you don’t realize how important that little slip of rubber is.
So without further delay, my best and worst flip flop picks:
Old Navy Flip Flops
Is there anyone in the United States who hasn’t – at one point or another – had a pair of the Old Navy flip flops? I don’t think so. Old Navy gets points for color selection and price – but that’s about all. Unfortunately, every pair of Old Navy flip flops I have purchased break. They either break at the toe-spot or the strap breaks completely. I had purged my closet of ON flip-flops a few years back… but with patterns like these I might just have to break my own ban and try them out.
Target Flip Flops
Five or six years ago, I bought three pairs of Target flip flops. They. were. amazing. I wore them everywhere, with everything. In fact, one of my best friends even wore a pair I purchased in her wedding. They were cushioned and a little similar to the pair pictured above.
In the years since, my friend and I have trolled eBay for the exact same pair of flip flops… because, unfortunately for Target (and me), the quality of Target flip flops have decreased dramatically. The once-padded footbeds are now basically paper-thin. Don’t step on a rock in these bad boys or you’ll be feeling it for days! Target gets points for several cute styles, but they just don’t hold a candle in the quality or comfort department anymore.
Havaianas Flip Flops
When I first heard of Havaianas, I laughed in the face of the person who told me they had just paid over $20 for flip flops. Hahahaha!
Six months later, I bought my first two (and only) pairs. That was just over three years ago. These flip flops have been worn in the dead of winter. They have been worn as shower shoes in college. They have graced my feet through two home renovations (with tons of paint splatters that have since washed off!). I wear them every single morning to work until I change into my un-comfy work shoes.
I highly recommend the ‘Slim’ style for its more feminine styling. It might take a few wears to break in these shoes – but once you do, they’ll be on your feet for life. Totally worth the $25 price tag. (And this from a girl who doesn’t like to pay full price for anything.)
As you can tell, I have declared a clear winner in the flip-flop race. I remember loving a pair of Reefs while they lasted but unfortunately they floated down a river in a freak tubing accident so I limited hands-on experience with this brand.
So… what ‘s your favorite brand of flip-flops? Do you have a sandal hall of shame story to share? Spill the beans!
About Jo-Lynne
I looove flip flips! Lucky for me I can get away with wearing them at work on more casual days. 🙂 I used to buy the less expensive pairs and was always breaking them, or slipping because they were rubbery. When I went to college I finally bought my first pair of Rainbows and I haven’t bought another brand of flip flops since. They are more expensive, but they last for YEARS – I still have the first pair I bought in 2002 and they are still in great condition! The only thing I don’t like about Rainbows is if you buy the natural leather pairs and get them wet, your feet will get stained, but that will happen with any leather flip flip when it gets wet, so it’s a small concession. They’re definitely worth the money!!
Teva flip flops!! So comfy, they got me through my pregnancy two years ago. And, look! They come in a two-pack!!
http://www.zappos.com/teva-mush-2-pack-tread-black-spring-pumpkin?zlfid=111
I heart you, Zappos.
REEFS! I could wear my black leather reefs for *years.* I have gone through about 3 pairs since high school and I’m 25. These babies last *forever!*
You know I love flip flops as much as you do but I have had plantar fasciitis (totally from wearing flip flops) and I think I may be getting it again this year already! Wear your flip flops but if you start feeling a tightness in your ankles and heels, especially in the morning, ditch the flops in favor of some super cute sandals with an ankle strap. It makes all the difference in the world. That said I still wear them around the house etc. and I have to say I love my ON ones. I have several different colors and over the years have never had one break. What does happen though is they get rather flattened out and curved so I trash them at that point, but when they’re 2 for $5 – who cares! I have found that the metallic ones are a little better quality materials than the others.
So you know, if you happen to wear a size 8 shoe, you can get Havaianas at Amazon for $13.99 – get two and you’ll get free super saver shipping too! http://www.amazon.com/Havaianas-Womens-Slim-Pois-Silver/dp/B001N0MJ00 Enjoy 🙂
I love Havaianas too! I have three pair! I also love Reefs, but like you, I lost one of mine while boating. LOL I got my reefs for like $10 at Century 21 in NY.
I would agree with the first post, REEF’s by far are the best. They mold to your foot and last forever. You can walk in them and still feel great. They are my go to shoe along with sneakers. I would say if you do go there, either get the women’s leather or in the regular buy men’s, they seem to last longer in my opinion.
Rainbows and Reefs are my faves. With Rainbows, there is practically no wearing the things out and they do take some breaking in. Living in North Carolina, flip flops are almost a year round thing. As a matter of fact, as soon as toes come out of hiding you will find these shoes on about every 3rd person you see. Rainbows run about $40 but are worth it for the years that you get out of them.
I wore my Reefs exclusively through my first pregnancy – the footbed is sooo soft.
A word or warning from an almost exclusive flip flop wearer for years, though.
They are NOT good for your feet. I’m living to tell about it now. 🙁 No new flip flops this Summer.
I too LOOOOOOVVVVEEEE flip flops. My favorite these days are J Crew, only bought at the outlet because of the price, Bass, also bought at outlet, Rocket Dogg (great padded food bed), and Teva. I agree with you about Old Navy; very uncomfortably.
I seldom wear flip-flops except to take the dogs outside, run out to the garage, or out by the pool, but the 5 pairs I have are all Havaianas – the best rubber flip flops out there. I had a friend recommend Rainbow flip flops just yesterday so if I see a pair while shopping I will probably grab them.
Hmm it looks like your website ate my first comment (it was super long) so
I guess I’ll just sum it up what I wrote and say, I’m thoroughly enjoying your
blog. I too am an aspiring blog blogger but I’m still new to everything. Do you have any suggestions for novice blog writers? I’d definitely appreciate it.
I actually really like Holister flip flops. They kind of look that the Havaianas. Just wish they came in a few more colors.
these are awesome!!! – http://www.inthiswonderfullife.com/2010/04/most-comfortable-flip-flop.html
I have a pair of Land’s End flip flops that I’ve been wearing for at least three years. They are not of a “foam” construction, but are harder rubbery material. Thus, they do not get all stained and dirty looking after a few wearings, but wash off and look as good as new. I’ve been wearing them for eight days in Hawai’i and they have stood up to all kinds of surfaces, and have been to the beach about six times with absolutely no wear or tear. Like I said, ‘;ve had them for three years and they still look brand new!
I confess it took me a long time to give in to the flip flop trend. And I live in Florida of all places!
At first I bought ON flip flops or anything cheap.
Then I discovered Yellow Box flip flops! They were so comfy and cute! I had a hard time paying more than $5 for any pair of flip flops, so I rationalized the purchase by buying them for my mom!
But that just got me over the initial sticker shock. Now I can buy flip flops without guilt. I live in Florida after all! LOL!
My favorites are Reefs. They are so comfy. I also got my husband to start wearing flip flops, too. At first he’d only wear cheapy “Corona” flip flops but he is the proud new owner of Reefs now.
We are both awaiting Teva’s from Amazon. I got a cute “strappy” pair and my husband got a printed pair. Which if you’re shopping for Teva’s, Amazon has them on sale. Plus if you spend $50 on select Teva’s (which includes the cute strappy ones) you save $10. I can’t wait to try them on, I’m a little nervous about all the straps being comfy, but the reviews are pretty good.
Here’s think link to the strappy ones and include the promotion info:
http://www.amazon.com/Teva-Womens-Olowahu-Sandal-Black/dp/B0017LT9U8/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=shoes&qid=1274883770&sr=8-2
ToeGoz flipflops are awesome and long lasting. My husband and I both got pairs at our college bookstore our senior years and wore them pretty much every day from spring to fall for 5 years before we finally had to succomb to the fact that the treads were worn bare. They were so comfy though. And had lovely arch support. And a comfortable strap. Ahh, how I loved them.
We replaced them with some Crocs flipflops which are also very comfy.
Tevas are my favorite flip flops of all time. I have 3 pairs.
I’m looking at purchasing a couple of pairs of Havaianas flip flops on Amazon and am noticing several complaints about the sizing being off. How do you find the sizes compare to US sizes. The sizing chart for comparing Brazilian sizes to US sizes is pretty straight forward. I wonder if these people just ordered the wrong size or if the sizing of the flip flop itself runs big or small. Thanks so much.
I did the research on sizing too, and just decided to find a website that sells with free shipping and returns. I also found out that the sizing really depends on what type of Havaianas you are looking to buy. I went with the Tops. I have a 12.5 mens, and went with the 12/13. They fit just fine. The length is good, but the toes are a little closer to the front of the sandal than I am used to, but not off the edges. No big deal.
Good post, just got my Havaianas in for the army. They need to be all black and I don’t want the $.89 cheapos at the PX, or the “Old Navy” brand. I am from California, a beach lifeguard, and wear my flops pretty much everyday of the year. As for my favorites, I have two (not including the Havaianas), the Crocs Athens for comfort. These feel soooo good after a long run. As for style and natural look, you just can’t beat Rainbow Sandals. These are leather, have the best warranty, considered to be the “upper end” sandal, plus this is a good local company too (San Clemente, CA, USA).
Check out this site. http://www.lifesaflipflop.com. They have super comfy flip flops that leave LAFF tracks in the sand. If you read the website blogs and go to the Facebook, you’ll see they are a cool company with a great message.