Flip flops often get a bad rap. Either they're cheap, flimsy and meant just to shuffle around in near the pool, the beach or in dormitory bathrooms or they're overpriced designer versions not worth shelling out for. But there is a sartorial middle ground. It comes courtesy of truly fashion-forward flip flops that you'll want to slip on every single summer.
Also known as thong sandals, perhaps in an effort to distinguish them from the not-deserved notoriety of flip flops, these pairs are big on personality. Naturally, we've included some fashion house selections. To make this list, however, they must offer something special, like Christian Louboutin's classic red sole or Valentino's studs or instantly recognizable logos. Balenciaga's souvenir thong sandals make the list because they're too cool to pass up.
Of course, we're including some lower-price alternatives. Mango, Zara and Reformation boast minimalist takes that could easily be accepted as part of a quiet luxury outfit. Into the jelly craze? See Ancient Greek Sandals' clear red style. If you're looking for flip flops with a little something extra, TKEES' ankle-wrap pair belongs in your sandal lineup. Since all of these are a tad more reasonable, you can pick up more than one set.
Keep reading to see our picks for the most fashion-forward flip flops of the season. Fortunately, there's sill plenty of summer to come so you'll still put plenty of mileage on them before fall rolls around.
Ancient Greek Sandals Saionara Jelly in Clear Red, $185 at Ancient Greek Sandals
Mango Leather Sandals With Adornment, $99.99 at Mango
Prada Leather Flip-Flop Sandals, $725 at Moda Operandi
Valentino Garavani Rockstud PVC Thong Sandals, $483 at Mytheresa
Tory Burch Classic Flip-Flop in Colza Yellow, $178 at Tory Burch
Zara Embellished Flat Sandals, $49.90 at Zara
Staud Dante Thong Slide in Clementine Tan, $275 at Staud
Havaianas x Farm Rio Thong Sandals in Green, $38 at Anthropologie
Coperni Croco Slanted Flip Flops, $282 at Shopbop
Christian Louboutin Loubi Donna Spike Red Sole Flip Flops in Bianco, $350 at Neiman Marcus
Balenciaga Souvenir Thong Sandal in Multicolored, $425 at Balenciaga
Reformation Jessie Thong Sandal in Cerignola/Boss, $128 at Reformation
Versace Alia Flat Rubber Sandals in Coral, $350 at Versace
Kelsi Dagger Brooklyn Tidal Braided Thong Sandals in White, $89.95 at Anthropologie
Proenza Schouler Cooper Leather Flip Flops in Black, $270 at Net-a-Porter
Reformation Vincenza Thong Sandal in Pecan, $168 at Reformation
TKEES Lilu Pigments in Emerald, $71 at TKEES
Zara LTHR SNDL 13, $169 at Zara