Important PSA for those who have not been basking in the sunshine like I have (responsibly with plenty of sunscreen, of course): Summer is almost here. So go ahead, free your little piggies from the shackles of boots and slip on a pair of flip-flops instead. We previously dubbed 2024 as the year everyone let their dogs out, but luckily for your toes, the trend is still going strong. And this summer, there are more flip-flop varieties to choose from than ever — from classic Havaianas and flip-flop heels to jelly sandals, wedge styles, and even platform flip-flops.
To help you go through all the options and find the pair of flip-flops that will inspire you to have a great summer, I rounded up the best ones in every category and at every price point with the help of Shopbop’s senior fashion director, Caroline Maguire.
So, you're looking for the best flip-flops?
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Classic thong flip-flops
My love for classic Havaianas runs deep, but the new-and-improved square-toe version is even better. If you like the idea of a no-frills thong sandal but want a pair that’s more formal than Havaianas, try this $50 style from Quince or these 100 percent leather flip-flops by Berlin-based footwear label Aeyde, which feature subtle topstitching and are available in four colors. Margeux also makes a great pair of 100 percent leather flip-flops with the modern detail of a wide strap. Maguire loves this zebra-print pair from Reformation.
As for her tips for styling thong sandals? “I love an unexpected pairing of a thong sandal with a sleek matching set from Staud or a printed midi from Farm Rio because the sandal becomes the laid-back counterpart to a more polished look,” she says. “It’s that city-to-beach tension I love for summer.”
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Thong kitten heels
“Thong kitten heels are the silhouette I keep coming back to this season: They hit that sweet spot between effortless and elevated, and when you layer in the “jewelification” trend we’re seeing, with hardware and embellishment details on the strap, they go from a simple sandal to a statement. It’s the kind of shoe that makes every summer outfit feel a little more intentional without any extra effort,” Maguire says. Buy an embellished pair like these from Staud, or DIY the trend on plain kitten heels (like the ones below) using our guide.
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Jelly flip-flops
Jelly sandals were everywhere last summer, but this summer the jelly-shoe trend has evolved to include jelly flip-flops. There are so many affordable ones to choose from, including these flip-flops that Maguire recommends from Black Suede Studio, a pair from Madewell’s collaboration with jelly-shoe-brand Melissa, and a two-toned pair from Anthropologie (which also comes in neons, prints, and even a clear version).
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Wedge Flip-flops
Yes, that’s right, ’90s wedges are back — in the form of a thong flip-flop. You’ll love this trend if you want height without sacrificing comfort. Shop minimalist everyday options from Zara and the Gap, textured styles from ASOS and Le Monde Béryl, or Christopher Esber’s modern, elongated takes on the classic wedge. Also on my wish list? This very ’90s-inspired foam pair by Ancient Greek Sandals.
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Platform flip-flops
While sky-high platform flip-flops feel a bit dated for summer 2026, the 1- to 1.5-inch platforms below are right on trend. Plus they provide a small barrier between your feet and the ground, making wearing flip-flops in the city a lot less gross. You can’t go wrong with any of these styles, but I’m particularly excited about Free People’s $32 The Row dupes.
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Our experts
- Hanna Flanagan, Cut Shop writer and editor
- Caroline Maguire, Shopbop senior fashion director
