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, which goes some way to explaining why every celebrity and street-styler is wearing flip-flops again like they've just been invented.
One reason for their resurgence (other than Zara's recent collab with Havaianas) might be down to the fact that flip-flops can be worn on and off-duty. For her post-workout walk to the car, Hailey Bieber swears by The Row's Dune Classic Sandal, the ultimate designer flip-flop that costs £670 - and is almost entirely sold out online. Looking for an affordable version? Ancient Greek Sandals is bringing back jelly shoes in flip-flop form this summer, with a collection of summer-ready shades like azure and emerald that will instantly lift whatever you're wearing.
At Paris Fashion Week, Christine Centenera was first out of the gates with a heeled flip-flop that struck the perfect contrast with her balloon-leg pants. Last year in New York, meanwhile, editors attended the shows in unassuming leather flip-flops that lent an air of effortlessness to their layered outfits. Both options work in an office setting, FYI, adding a sleek note of polish to everything from linen dresses to lightweight trouser suits.
Many retailers, both high-end fashion houses and high-street stores have been embracing the shoe trend of the year. By my count, Dune, Mango, M&S, Mango and Massimo Dutti, whose leather sandals are some of the best on the high street, have invested heavily in the flip-flop, while designer versions you might want to add to basket (before everyone else does) include Toteme.
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. Fast-forward to 2025 and we're still flip-flop obsessed, with micro trends emerging that include heeled versions (as already mentioned), as well as flatform sandals in leather that look brilliant with drawstring-waist pants.
The only thing left to do now is shop some of the best ones in preparation for the coming summer months. A sophisticated twist on an otherwise practical form of footwear? Perhaps they're exactly what we need in our wardrobes this season.
Shop: The Best Flip Flops To Buy Right Now
Arketwww.arket.com
In Scandinavia, they swear by accessorising an otherwise basic outfit with a pair of coloured flip flops. Take this butter yellow pair by Sleepers, the flip-flop brand that ethically makes its shoes in Sri Lanka, for a spin this summer.
www.ancient-greek-sandals.com
Ancient Greek Sandals, as its name would suggest, knows what it's doing when it comes to summer footwear. Its leather-and-jelly flip-flops swept social media last year, and this season the brand is back with 100% rubber slip-ons in summery colours like azure and emerald.
www.marksandspencer.com
These M&S flip-flops deliver serious bang for buck - and that fire red will brighten up all your holiday 'fits.
tkees.com
TKEES is an influencer-favourite for its sleek leather sandals that will chic-ify everything from trouser suits to beach kaftans.
www.dunelondon.com
Dune's subtle wedge sandal borrows elements of another summer hero: the straw bag.
www.fitflop.com
If you're concerned about the comfort-factor of flip-flops, look no further than FitFlop, whose ergonomic (and waterproof) sandals are engineered with a specially cushioned midsole.
A heel gives the humble flip-flop something of a sleek makeover for the hot-weather season, making a pair ripe for this summer's wedding circuit.
mintvelvet.com
Mint Velvet's take on the heeled flip-flop involves snake-print leather and polished straps.
www.thereformation.com
A white flip-flop isn't for the faint of heart but the good news is that it will go with everything in your summer wardrobe.
www.massimodutti.com
Massimo Dutti's dark leather flip-flops will go with everything from cargo pants to Bermudas.
shop.mango.com
Give your tired old beach sandals a summer zhush with this eyelet-studded pair from Mango.
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 (barring FitFlop's). 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.
Hannah Banks-Walker is Grazia's head of fashion commerce. She has previously written for the likes of Harper's Bazaar, The Financial Times, Glamour, Stylist, The Telegraph, Red, i-D and The Pool on everything from fashion to curly hair (hi!) to the patriarchy. Not necessarily in that order. Find her on Instagram and Twitter. But please don't look for her MySpace profile, which until now was the last time she wrote about herself in the third person.