It’s officially sandals season, but there’s another shoe set to compete with your beloved Birkenstocks: the fashion flip-flop. Essentially, it’s an elevated thong-toe sandal that isn’t flimsy or rubbery like your favourite poolside footwear. Rather, it’s sturdy enough for the commute.
Kendall Jenner is the poster girl for fashion flip-flops – she’s worn no less than three different styles since the start of the year. The supermodel posed for an Instagram pic in block-heel Dries Van Notens and Loewe’s sell-out blur tank dress. She’s clip-clopped around in Simon Miller’s Beep sandals and a Jacquemus midi-skirt, and got her Y2K groove on in Coperni’s foamy platforms. (Bella Hadid is another famous fan of the latter.)
The trendiest styles come with an elegant heel or pumped-up platform sole to give you extra height. Team Vogue has long been lusting after The Row’s minimalist Ginza sandals, which have a thickened sole and sleek strap. Editors have also earmarked The Attico’s Selene style, and Gabriela Hearst’s artsy Lou flip-flops, featuring a patchwork rainbow sole, whipstitching and a crochet upper.
Coperni’s retro takes are made for shoppers after a nostalgic purchase. Almost every look at the brand’s spring/summer 2022 show was paired with platform flip-flops, some of which were adorned with pearly sequins that caught the light as models walked.
There are pairs out there for extrovert dressers, too. Miu Miu’s sporty silver sandals make a case for party flip-flops, as do the studded gold heels by Versace and feather-trimmed styles from Rejina Pyo.
Consider thong-toe sandals your new Birkenstocks. Shop the best styles, below.
