One of the best things about fashion is its ability to make us all believe that a practical item we've all been wearing without thought for decades is, suddenly, brand new. It's sartorial gaslighting and, even if you don't think you'd ever fall victim to such a cruel pattern of behaviour, chances are you're ignoring the flared jeans in your wardrobe. This is probably why every celebrity from here to the nearest TikTok mansion is suddenly wearing flip flops again like they've just been invented.
EmmaChamberlain is an avid fan of the practical yet can-be-elevated shoe and mentioned them in an episode of her podcast, Anything Goes, explaining that the flip flop is an underrated trend that stands the test of time. There is no surprise, then, that we've many celebrities sporting a pair both on and off duty. For instance, Bella Hadid has been spotted wearing Alexander Wang's Ivy Logo Thong Sandal flip-flops on more than one occasion.
The sandals are a heeled version of a classic flip flop complete with the diamanté logo on the front strap. The fact that she paired these with jeans, an unbuttoned shirt and gold hoops really invoked the spirit of Adriana from The Sopranos, but that's a story for another time.
Kim Kardashian is also a lover of the chunky flip flop, as she was spotted at the end of last year wearing a black pair from Balenciaga, as part of a full-monochrome outfit consisting of tracksuit bottoms, cropped hoodie, oversized jacket, and of course her trusty cyclist-dad sunglasses.
Many retailers, both high-end fashion houses and high-street stores have been embracing the shoe trend of the year, too.
But the flip flop isn't a particularly new phenomenon within the fashion industry. Back in 2020, flip flops saw a resurgence (for high fashion purposes that is) during Copenhagen fashion week. While the pandemic prevented many members of the fashion industry from attending, Danish show-goers enjoyed looking at new collections from the links of Ganni, Baumund Pferdarten and Stine Goya in real life. And guess what? They were all wearing flip-flops.
The only thing left to do now is shop some of the best ones, ready for the coming summer months. A sophisticated twist on an otherwise practical form of footwear is perhaps what we need in our wardrobes this season.
SHOP: The Best Flip Flops To Buy Right Now
Farfetchwww.farfetch.com
These Jimmy Choo Diamond Flip Flops are glamorous and elegant with their sparkling diamond embellishments, perfect for a touch of luxury.
HavaianasHavaianas Slim Textured Flip Flops are comfortable and stylish with their textured design, adding a trendy touch to your summer wardrobe.
Birkenstockwww.birkenstock.com
The Birkenstock Gizeh Vegan Flip Flops are eco-friendly and comfortable, providing a classic style with a cruelty-free, vegan construction.
& Other Storieswww.stories.com
These black leather thong sandals from & Other Stories are chic and versatile, perfect for a stylish summer ensemble. Black Tie event appropriate, we would argue, too.
Dear Francesdearfrances.com
This Wrap Sandal by Dear Frances is a stylish and versatile shoe featuring a unique wrap-around design for a chic look.
Net-A-Porterwww.net-a-porter.com
If you're on the hunt for a pair of flip flops that are going to give you a little more support, these sandals are endlessly versatile and are super comfortable too.
Coachuk.coach.com
For a basic pair of black flip flops with a designer twist, Coach have these ones that are perfect. Channel your inner Kim Kardashian by pairing them with an entirely black outfit and oversized sunnies.
Net-A-Porterwww.net-a-porter.com
Arguably these are the flip flops that reignited our love with this summer footwear staple. The Row Ginza sandal was everywhere last summer, and it's likely it'll be everywhere this summer too.
Arketwww.arket.com
In Scandi-style they swear by accessorising an otherwise basic outfit with a pair of coloured flip flops, and these orange ones from Arket will do just that. Unlike most flip flops, these are designed with a square shape for a more unique look.
Mint Velvetmintvelvet.com
Mint Velvet have chosen to elevate the classic flip flop by making them in leather. This gives them a more polished finish, meaning they can be worn with any holiday evening outfit.
Are flip flops good for your feet?
It's not an understatement that flip flops are a summertime staple. But are they actually any good for your foot health? The immediate reaction is probably no, because most lack proper arch support. The design of them also forces your toes to grip the flip flops to keep them on. Saying that, flip flops offer a liberating break from the confines of closed shoes, allowing your feet to breathe - especially in the warmer months. They're also easy to slip on and off, which is convenient for when you're in a hurry and just need to slide something on and go.