Flip flops: The summer shoe that never goes out of style
A summer wardrobe staple that goes far beyond just the beach, here’s how to up your flip flop game this season
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Flip flops are probably one of the most controversial shoes. Up there with the likes of jelly sandals and those barely-there mesh ballet flats, they most certainly aren’t for everyone, or every occasion. But, much like these other styles, love them, hate them or have no real opinion of them at all, flip flops are back for summer 2026.
A ‘90s and Noughties favourite, and typically the footwear of choice for long, sandy days on the beach, the super casual thong sandal silhouette is trending this season. Whether paired with casual attire, such as a T-shirt and your favourite denim shorts or a floaty maxi dress, or upgraded in leather and worn with slick tailoring for a smart, work appropriate aesthetic, they’re versatile, cool (in both senses of the word) and a perfect option for slipping on during a heatwave.
Spotted on the SS26 runways at Chloé, Chanel, Dries Van Noten and Dior, they’re very much a must-have this summer. But if your experience of flip flops extends only as far as Havaianas, we’ve got news for you. For SS26, designers have given the humble style a luxe glow-up, offering them in styles from flat and platform to heeled, and from plain to patterned, boldly coloured and even jelly-inspired.
Not sure where to start? Shop our favourites below.
Christopher Esber Jo PVC flip flops
Bring beach vibes to the street with Christopher Esber’s flip flops. Featuring glossy soles and Italian PVC straps in a vibrant punchy scarlet, they’ll look just as good with your bikini and cosmo as they will your sophisticated work attire.
The Row Ginza platform flip flops
Throw it back to the ’90s with a pair of platform flip flops. The Row nails the look with this chunky style, crafted from textured leather and suede with thick straps and cushioned insoles. A simple design that will add instant height and cool-girl spirit, wear with shorts, jeans and dresses alike.
Toteme Croc-effect leather flip flops
Quite the opposite of The Row’s thick-heeled silhouette, Toteme offers an elegant, more refined pair of flip flops. A sleek sole with slim straps and square toes in a chic croc-effect leather, pair yours with smart tailoring for the office or a maxi dress for date night.
Amina Muaddi Juliette 45 sandals
Why not take it up a notch with a pair of heeled flip flops? An elevated take on the beach-to-street trend, they offer a more grown-up, dressy look. This pair from Amina Muaddi are set on a pyramid-shaped sculptural heel for a feminine style and finished in a shiny croc-effect brown leather for a seductive edge.
Valentino Garavani Rockstud flip flops
Valentino’s flip flops ooze rock chick style. A rubber soled design crafted from smooth black leather and finished with the brand’s signature rockstud embellishments, slip on for casual elegance with a modern, slightly grungy edge.
Le Monde Beryl suede flip flops
For an understated, breezy choice of footwear during the summer months, Le Monde Beryl’s taupe flip flops are the perfect choice. A slimline silhouette crafted from supple suede, they offer an elegant and relaxed style that can be dressed up or down for ultimate versatility.
Alaïa invisible jelly sandals
A bold choice not for the faint-hearted, make Alaïa’s flip flops your point of call. The barely-there jelly sole may seem subtle, but offset by a striking knotted red satin strap, they become a true statement. Wear with neutral and plain palettes to let them do all the talking.
Aeyde Melody snake-effect flip flops
A timeless pattern, snake print is always a winner, and these Aeyde flip flops prove it. Crafted from calf leather, with thong straps and rounded toes, this design is one that will look sharp and modern this season and beyond.
Balenciaga Cagole studded TPU sandals
A step up from your beachside pair – but still white sand appropriate – raise your flip flop game with Balenciaga’s Cagole sandals made from a lightweight TPU rubber. A subtle green palette with silver embellishments, they’ll pair with everything from shorts to dresses while offering a touch of diva style to boot.
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