10 best flip flops for men UK 2023, including Havaianas, Birkenstock and Reef
For those rare moments when the sun is out in full, there’s only one bit of footwear up to the job: the flip flop.
This humble design is most at home by the pool, on the beach and in the garden; those times when you need the least path of resistance between your feet and the sand or grass.
There’s really not much to say about flip flops that you don’t already know. They are easy, comfortable and can be slid off at a moment’s notice.
They are, along with sandals, a summer staple for many; just avoid wearing them casually with jeans or trousers, unless you want to channel your inner backpacker.
What to look for when buying men’s flip flops
Rubber vs Leather
Given that flip flops designs don’t really differ, it’s wise to pay attention to the materials.
There are only really two variations on the style; those made from rubber and those with leather uppers.
The former is naturally sportier and more rugged. You don’t need to worry about being careful with rubber, and its waterproof, durable qualities will ensure they can be worn in the water.
Leather, on the other hand, is more expensive and looks smarter, so it is better if you want to wear your flip flops away from the water. Keep in mind that leather will get damaged and might lose its softness if exposed to the ocean, though.
In short, if you want a pair you can throw on and can take a beating, buy a pair of rubber flip flops. If you’re looking for a slightly smarter, elevated take, go for leather.
The best flip flops for men, at a glance
- Most iconic flip flops – Havaianas Unisex Adult Flip Flops
- Best budget flip flops – Mountain Warehouse Beach Walk Flops
- Best branded flip flops – Lyle & Scott Flip Flops
- Best sustainable flip flops – Reef Newport Flip Flops
- Best luxury flip flops – Abercrombie & Fitch
Havaianas Unisex Adult Flip Flops
- (AD) Havaianas Unisex Adult Flip Flops,
£23£13.50 from Amazon – buy here
One of the original and best-loved flip flop brands, Havaianas has been around since 1962.
Started in Brazil and now worn around the globe, its distinctive flip-flop design is made up of a simple foam base and a single-piece rubber upper complete with the brand logo and script.
Easy to slip on and off and comfortable all day long, this pair is finished in tonal navy.
While Havaianas can be picked up in all manner of colours, from bright yellow and orange to red and multi-coloured tones, this understated pair is perhaps the most adaptable of the lot.
Mountain Warehouse Beach Walk Mens Flip Flops
- (AD) Mountain Warehouse Beach Walk Mens Flip Flops, £4.99 from Amazon – buy here
Mountain Warehouse is a brand more associated with technical outerwear than it is beachwear, but it’s hard to go wrong with these flip flops, which are about as simple and minimal as it gets.
Their flat bottom sole and flexible rubber upper makes them ideal for travelling as they can be thrown into your suitcase and barely take up any room.
The nearly all-black look is broken up only by an abstract grey pattern on the sole as well as the brand’s logo at the heel. Wear them with your favourite pair of swim shorts and a simple white T-shirt and your holiday look is sorted.
READ MORE:
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- Best white T-shirts for men
- Best polo shirts
- Best men’s sun hats
- Best sunglasses for men
- Best men’s sliders
- Best loafers for men
- Best sandals for men
- Best men’s linen shirts
Lyle & Scott Flip Flops
- Lyle & Scott Flip Flops, £17 from M&S – buy here
Flip flops can be a great way to show off your brand loyalty.
For a subtle footwear flex try this Lyle & Scott pair, which come complete in black and yellow.
The brand’s script is on the rubber upper while the logo is stamped onto the heel of the otherwise minimal design.
Reef Newport Flip Flops
- Reef Newport Flip Flops, £30 from Office – buy here
Surfwear brand Reef has been supplying the sea-worshipping crowd for some time.
These flip flops show why with their distressed vegan leather uppers and tonal foam sole.
Abercrombie & Fitch Leather Flip Flops
- Leather Flip Flops, £45 from Abercrombie & Fitch – buy here
For a more elevated take, look to these Abercrombie & Fitch flip flops.
Made from soft and supple leather, they’re designed to be slightly smarter than your average pair, making them acceptable to wear with chinos and shorts.
Birkenstock Honolulu
- Honolulu, £40 from Birkenstock – buy here
Birkenstock might be the king of sandals, but with this design, it could take the flip-flop crown as well.
Made from the brand’s lightweight, waterproof EVA material, they come with a moulded footbed for impressive support and a distinctive integrated design that makes them stand out from the crowd.
Adidas Adicane Flip Flops
- Adicane Flip Flops, £35 from Adidas – buy here
Adidas produces a range of flip-flops and sandals, but these stand out with their unique integrated design, which sees the upper sculpted out of the chunky sole.
Made from 50% natural and renewable materials, they are a sustainable option for those after comfort as much as style.
Olaian Men’s Flip Flops
- Olaian Men’s Flip Flops, £5.99 from Decathlon – buy here
Designed to be worn before and after surfing, these flip flops are as simple as it gets.
Waterproof and easy to slip on and off, they are quick-drying and comfortable making them ideal for wearing by the sea.
Passenger Santos Flip Flop
- Santos Flip Flop,
£24.95£19.95 from Passenger – buy here
Mixing things up slightly are the Santos flip flops by Passenger.
They’re finished with a robust rubber sole and come complete with a woven, patterned upper for a dash of colour; in this case, blue, orange and green.
Next Tan Brown Flip Flops
- Tan Brown Flip Flops, £24 from Next – buy here
A sort of hybrid design that sits halfway between the sporty and the smart, this faux leather pair is both comfortable and stylish.
Wear them by the beach or dress them up with chino shorts and a polo shirt.
Is it illegal to drive in flip flops?
Contrary to what you might believe, there is no law stating that you cannot drive in flip flops.
However, Rule 97 of the Highway Code says you should ensure that your “clothing and footwear do not prevent you using the controls in the correct manner”.
It’s easy to argue that flip flops don’t adhere to this rule, as the soles aren’t fully attached to your feet; experts also generally agree that wearing flip-flops while driving isn’t the safest idea. (The same rules go for driving in heels or driving barefoot).