Flip-Flops Are Back: These Are Our Favourites For Summer 2025

For the past few years now, flip-flops have been making a stealth comeback.

Like so many of today’s key trends, it began with the first lockdown, a warm spring that evolved into a hot summer. When we were permitted to go outside for a park walk, we certainly didn’t care about complicated sandals – we wanted comfort, shoes that made us feel free at a time when we were heavily restricted. Also, if we were lucky enough not to have been furloughed, any business meetings were conducted over Zoom – where only our top halves were visible. It didn’t matter how relaxed our shoes were, our boss would never know. Sales of flip-flops began to surge – online fashion search business Lyst reported in August 2020 that searches for flip-flops increased by 53 per cent, with demand for Havaianas up 89 per cent month-on-month.

Those lockdowns might be safely behind us, but the flip-flop renaissance continued to gather momentum. When we did all head back to the office, there was a shift in what became acceptable to wear; clothes became more casual and hybrid working meant that we didn’t have to wear traditionally formal pieces at our desks anymore – or even for evening events. In May 2023, Jennifer Lawrence arrived on the Cannes Film Festival red carpet wearing a Dior red gown and black flip-flops, cementing the once humble show as a new staple.

The flip-flop is back, and it’s the sandal of the season. These are the best flip-flops for 2025.

 

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Chanel’s spring/summer 2024 show made a strong case for casual holiday dressing with the barely-there sandal taking a key role. Last summer, The Row attracted attention for launching a £630 rubberised flip-flop (really), worn by Kylie Jenner and Zoë Kravitz, and fast becoming the shoe of the season. Net-A-Porter currently offers luxe styles from Gianvitto Rossi, and a leather pair by The Row and Gucci. Luxury footwear titans Christian Louboutin and Manolo Blahnik have also both introduced iterations in varying colours. Ancient Greek Sandals and Massimo Dutti both do desirable mid-level versions. Roksanda Ilincic’s collaboration with Fit-Flop delivers fashion forward, cushioned options without the steep price tag. Square-toe shapes from Reformation and A.Emery are currently doing the rounds among influencers. 

 

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We can talk about the high-end takeover of the flip-flop, but part of its appeal is its democratic quality. The historic OG design might have been conceived by the ancient Egyptians, but it was the launch of Brazilian brand Havaianas in the 60s that made them go mass. First worn by blue collar workers, they became popular because they were cheap. Today, the label’s iconic rubber soles are still only £23. Gigi Hadid was recently cast in the Havaianas summer campaign, securing its renewed high-low status.

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There have been other factors that have led to the flip-flop boom; they fall under the Y2K resurgence, which is currently having time in the sun, and also the ugly shoe trend – which has led to the rise of the croc and the dad trainer. But, for me, their appeal lies in the fact that they are the closest thing you can wear to not wearing any shoes at all. They are a symbol of carefree, sun-drenched days spent on the beach where the air smells of Piz Buin. And the sound of them – that slapping of the sole on decking or a poolside terrace – evokes such a strong holiday energy. Wearing them in any other context – to a bar or restaurant with wide-leg trousers or a low-key T-shirt dress – is the ultimate show of nonchalance (albeit one that involves a pedicure). It indicates you’ve been away somewhere far-flung, or at least warm, and are still in vacation mode, and can’t be bothered to wear normal shoes thank you very much. They’re understated but distinctively utilitarian, and if you choose a pair in more elevated materials – a soft leather or suede for example – they have summer evening milage.

They may be divisive, but they have also endured. Maybe it’s time to give the flip-flop a second chance.