Fashion

19 best flip flops, because they're having a real moment in fashion (but not in the way you might think)

In Hailey Bieber we trust.
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Wondering what the biggest trends in footwear are right now? Let us take you back to basics via none other than a humble pair of the best flip flops.

Sure, mesh shoes, ballet pumps and wedges are all continuing to have their moment, but it's not always about making a statement. It's not always about picking a shoe that'll really stand out, or really ‘offset’ your look, sometimes the more minimalist, the better. And it's certainly not about spending endless amounts of money on uncomfortable kicks that'll look good for one Instagram picture and cripple you for the rest of the day…

Sound familiar? You're not the only one. It seems fashion fans worldwide are growing tired of uncomfortable, fussy shoes that are all style over substance. In recent seasons the street style set has taken to fashion weeks to prove that flip flops can complement much more than swimwear, in fact it seems they're best worn with maxi skirts. The chunky, platform, ‘fashion’ flip flops have taken centre stage (thanks largely to The Row's best sellers the Ginza sandals). But don't throw away your classic flip flops just yet, this season has seen the street style set's appetite prove there's still a place for the OG, pared back, slimline silhouette too.

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Raimonda Kulikauskiene
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Jeremy Moeller

If we weren't convinced already (reader, we were), we saw Hailey Bieber opting for a comfy slip-on shoe. Worn with a monochrome off-duty look, Hailey convinced us the shoes we usually reserve for ergonomic poolside attire are actually pretty chic, even if you're heading to pilates or running errands. Of course, Hailey was seen in none other than The Row's Dune Canvas pair, the ultimate flip flop right now, but the high street has shown up for us with lot of on-trend options this season.

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Hailey Bieber.

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While you – or perhaps your mother, if you're more Gen Z than millennial – might have once paired the humble rubber sole flip flop for warm weather with little more exciting than a bikini on long walks to grab a sun lounger on holiday, or leggings to put the rubbish out (they're the ideal slip-on shoes to have by the front door for those quick dashes outdoors), this season they're proving the perfect accompaniment for all manner of looks. Yes, they'll even take you from day to night thanks to the strappy heeled flip flop. And, à la the wrong shoe theory, the more obscure the pairing feels the more right it likely looks.

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In fact, as proven by how the street style stars are wearing flip flops (spoiler: some are even wearing them to work), their versatility means there are very few looks that they wouldn't work with.

Whether you've worn them (perhaps privately) for years, interchanging with Crocs and Birkenstocks, or you're ready to swap your chunkier sandals for something a whole lot more fuss-free, we've picked out some of our favourite styles to shop right now that would look just as great with a summer dress as they would your favourite loose-leg tailoring. Whether you're looking for the most comfortable flip flops like the trusty durable Havaianas, or some chic leather sandals for an elevated spin, our top picks have got you covered.

Shop our edit of the season's 19 best flip flops:

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Hailey Bieber.

DUTCH/Bauer-Griffin
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The Row Dune Canvas Thong Sandals

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Ancient Greek Sandals Saionara Leather Flip Flops

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Totême Leather Flip Flops

Save when you shop for the best flip flops with these Net-A-Porter discount codes at checkout.

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Havaianas Slim Flip Flops in Matcha

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Russell & Bromley Radford Leather Flip Flop

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H&M Rounded Flip Flops

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H&M Flip Flops

Save when you shop for the best flip flops with these H&M discount codes at checkout.

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The Row Ginza Leather & Suede Platform Flip Flops

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Zara Animal Print Sandals

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Havaianas Top Embossed Logo Rubber Flip-Flops

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Manolo Blahnik Nour Leather Sandals

Save when you shop for the best flip flops with these Selfridges discount codes at checkout.

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schuh Tanisha Flatform Flip Flop Sandals

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Loewe Ease Embellished Textured-Leather Sandals

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Zara Split Suede Heeled Sandals

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schuh Tulia Toe Post Flip Flops

Save when you shop for the best flip flops with these Schuh discount codes at checkout.

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The Row Ginza Leather & Suede Platform Flip Flops

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Havaianas Slim Point Flip Flops

Save when you shop for the best flip flops with these ASOS discount codes at checkout.

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Ancient Greek Sandals Saionara Jelly PVC Flip Flops

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Zara Thong Leather Studded Sandals