The Best of Casual Flip Flops

I’m willing to bet that the vast majority of CC readers enjoy flip flop season more than winter. Any excuse for a pedicure makes me a happier camper than usual, but a good pair of flip flops are liberating. They’re as laid back and easy as your summer evening or weekend at the beach, and they go with everything. What’s not to love?

In my years of flip-flop perusal, I’ve noticed three big brands that dominate the flip flop contingent. I’ll start with my personal favorite and work my way through the other two recommendations accordingly:

Havaianas, available anywhere from Urban Outfitters to your local surf shop. These are your basic rubber flop, but they mold just so to your foot and are extra comfy. I own at least 4 pair of these, the brown are my favorite as they literally match everything. Sometimes Urban has 2-for or buy-one-get-one deals that inspire a backup pair. They work fantastically for just about everything, from shower shoes to the beach, or to just make a cute little summer dress more casual. They’re genius, and if you have bigger feet (like yours truly), the solid ones are often unisex or available in men’s sizes. No one knows the difference.

J. Crew is a sorority-girl favorite. Approximately 90% of my own sorority sisters rock J. Crew flip flops until there are holes in the soles, which makes for difficult walking. Fear not: to do so you have to walk many, many miles in them. The Crew has grosgrain flops with stripes, some critter ones, madras and other patterns, as well as the original rubber ones. The rubber ones are more reasonable, but the fancy ones with material can cost you. I’ve not personally worn these, but I’ve heard that they’re worth every penny and are extremely comfortable, molding to your feet almost on the first wear. You can order from the catalog or buy in-store, and if they don’t have your size in store, a secret about J.Crew—call their catalog from the store. The employee doesn’t get credit for your sale, but you won’t pay shipping.

Last but certainly not least are Reefs, which are a quite popular spring break purchase. These got a lot of play on the dorm scene my freshman year. I personally prefer a thinner strap, but Reef makes these too, now, and in an array of colors. These also go up to a size 11, and have great traction if you tend to slip and slide. These seem to be quite durable, a good friend of mine has had hers for all five years that I’ve known her and they have yet to look too dirtball to wear in public. These may be a bit pricey, but if you believe in bang for your buck, you won’t need to replace them for awhile.

These are my casual flip-flop suggestions. If I missed something you couldn’t live without, feel free to add your own thoughts below!