You might have a good pair of sneakers in your wardrobe, but if you’re headed to the seaside this season, you may want to invest in a new pair of flip-flops. The right pair of leather flip-flops will not only encourage your legs to breathe. But it will also provide the required comfort and warmth through a 12-hour walking trip.
For thousands of men and women, the leather flip-flops are the most comfortable summer footwear. To help you get through the vast choice, this guide has been prepared. Some of these lightweight pairs feature additional insulation to ensure optimum comfort, while others provide exceptional protection and improved durability.
From durable sports sandals to lightweight sandals made for women and men, keep reading to see what leather flip-flops are really worth your attention. The comparison table will assist in making the final decision.
BIRKENSTOCK Women’s Gizeh Thong Sandal– the best for comfort!
The Birkenstock Gizeh thong sandals are made of 100% synthetic leather and polyurethane soles. The heel is only 3/4 inches with the platform of 1/2 inches. One of the greatest features is a contoured footbed with the solid midsole made of cork.
The Birkenstock Gizeh flip-flops could require a small break-up, but after wearing them a few times, they may become super comfortable. The latex footbed makes them a good choice for long walks.
Another nice option of the Gizeh is its broad and flexible straps, which add security on the legs, and can be regulated according to your feet’s width.
The Gizeh is not budget-friendly, but the investment is well profitable because the footwear is made of high-quality material like natural leather.
Pros
- Easily mold to your feet;
Cons
- Pricey;
- They run larger than claimed by the manufacturer;
- The break-in period is required – stiff in the beginning;
There is no denying that the Birkenstock Gizeh will enable you to walk easily. So if you’re looking for a well-made, fashionable shoe that makes your feet feel better all day, pick the Gizeh flip-flops!
Quiksilver Men’s Flip Flop Sandal – the best for anti-slip properties!
With a dynamic leather duo and a sponge rubber sole, you absorb the impact of walking while obtaining better control from the adjusting arch support system in place.
Visible straps above the top of your foot provide a stitching effect, while the contrast stripe on the midsole provides it. They look great, feel safe, and get the job done — picking between 4 different colors.
Pros
- Good traction;
- Anti-slip rubber outsoles;
- Slick design;
- Anatomically proper support of feet;
- Good arch support;
- Durable;
The natural suede straps give your legs that extra comfort level they so desperately need when strolling for greater distances. These sandals are soft, stylish and can make a quite durable pair of flip-flops that can last for a few seasons.
Reef Men’s Sandal Twinpin– the best for the fit!
One of the most popular men’s flip-flops on the U.S. market. Twinpin men’s sandals are constructed with the Flex Triple Density EVA to move along with your feet.
They’re comfy and lightweight, and they look pretty. They don’t wear sandals like most of them, the straps are very convenient to wear all day.
Pros
- Made of vegan leather;
- Affordable;
- Great fit for all sizes of male footwear;
- Jersey lining for the straps;
- Won’t rub your feet;
- The dense EVA tech with the triple protection and for better traction;
- Water-resistance;
Cons
- The break-in period is about a week;
- The arch support could be better;
Reef helps make their fake leather flip-flops in the size of actual male shoes as opposed to the regular small, medium, large sizes of summer footwear. They could be great for wearing both the sandy beach and the asphalt road. If you’re searching for a lightweight flip-pair flop that’s also waterproof, this is one of the greatest available on the market.
LUFFYMOMO Adjustable Sandals for Women– the best for extra-wide feet!
The LUFFYMOMO sandals for women are made of the synthetic leather (the manufacturer calls it EVA material), with some extra rubber content. The proprietary injection technology makes the footwear more robust. They are not quick to crack or peel.
Also, they are waterproof. You can naturally notice the elasticity of the sole as you put it on, the sensation of touch is really gentle, and the weight on the feet should be fully removed. For the string and the two-belt styles, these sandals have movable buckles, and you can change the width of the brace to the optimum match.
Pros
- Two adjustable straps for normal and extra-wide feet;
- Good for wearing outdoors and indoors;
- Elastic soles;
- Durable;
- Lightweight;
- Water-resistant;
- Easy to clean;
Cons
- The buckles could be sturdier;
- Strong foam odor;
- Won’t last for a few years, especially after a heavy-duty use;
- They run large;
These flip-flops have strong arch support. They are more durable compared to similar fake leather footwear and rubber sandals. They could be great to travel on a rugged rocky ground.
Teva Men’s Terra-Float Flip Flops– the best for arch support!
The Teva Terra-Float flip-flops for men are made of 100% lux leather, with the top-notch synthetic upper parts. The outsoles are designed with the Float Lite tech for additional comfort during long walks. They are also cork-wrapped and have sturdy rubber soles.
Pros
- Great arch support;
- Good for long walking;
- The reduce feet fatigue;
- Top-notch natural and synthetic materials;
- The Float-Lite tech for better comfort;
Cons
- The break-in period is required;
- A bit narrow;
The cork footbeds feel super nice, according to some users. They can be good for wearing all day long.
The Buyer’s Guide
Material
Cheaper fabrics may save you some money right now, but you swap it for the pain of your feet and the necessity to replace such flip-flops on a regular basis.
The straps of flip-flops are another spot to double-check for quality materials. Many of the most flexible belts are both elastic and thicker. These sandals are definitely best suited for long-distance walks or people with foot issues.
When you want to take the comfort of your straps to the next point, you may want to reach for a pair of flip-flops with suede uppers.
On the other side, the lighter, trendy belts are usually made of rubber. Inevitably, they’re obviously not going to be the most comfortable, but if you make sure you find a decent pair, like the ones mentioned below, you’re going to be free.
The sole: the most significant aspect of any shoe is the sole – particularly the flip-flops. The soles appear to be lighter, which means that the foot has more contact with the ground. Therefore, it is likely to have more effect on each turn.
It is also necessary to choose a pair of flip-flops with a supportive or shock-absorbing sole, molding it to the form of the feet, to avoid blisters.
Comfort
Like every pair, if it’s not convenient, it’s not worth it. Growing blisters and a tight metatarsal is never perfect, and because your legs are still on display it is important to buy really comfy leather flip-flops.
Another classic tripe for flip-flops is the ‘thong’ support issues. The thong stands for a Y-shaped strap that goes around your foot and then over the main and second toe. It is likely to sit between the toes for long stretches and create some pain.
Premium leather flip-flops battle this problem and seek to create a harness that absolutely removes this issue.
Anyone with instability or heel discomfort may need to search for the right flip flops with good arch support. This can also be a good decision for people who suffer from plantar fasciitis.
Durability
Much of the time, the problems that flip-flops face come down to their robustness. Usually, with cheaper flip-flops, you’ll find that the strap breaks or gets off the sole. If a flip-flop breaks, you will not be able to repair it on spot. That means you might need to find a local shoe store to buy a replacement shoe if you’re out and if the sandal breaks.
You may want to get a pair that is sturdy, composed with better material. Such footwear is less likely to break during the walk, considering this factor.
Due to the premium quality, most luxury flip-flops made of natural leather tend to cost more than cheaper sandals with rubber soles.
But, in the long run, you’ll probably save money, because every other time you leave the house, you won’t have to replace them.
Outdoor and indoor wear
Flip-flops are kind of universal. You can wear them in almost any situation – look at South Korean celebrities and mere people who literally wear flip-flops on any occasion. To wear flip-flops inside a house you may buy cheaper rubber sandals.
But if you expect to walk long distances, then you may want to get a pair of natural leather flip-flops with comfy soles and decent arch support.
You’ll want a pair of water-proof, fashionable, and simple to clean flip-flops when you are going outside. Especially during a long walk on the seaside.
Your choice of flip-flops is very similar in that respect to other forms of footwear. While they are useful across the board, there is not always one pair that suits everything.
Major criteria for picking leather flip-flops
- Comfortable design. Leather straps, insoles, and lining do not let your feet loose. As a result, a foot does not slide or sweat.
- Durability. Genuine leather can maintain a decent appearance and integrity for several seasons.
- Easy care. In summer, suede and nubuck flip-flops aren’t the best choice, due to the street dust, unlike leather shoes. Besides, leather sandals are easier to keep clean and fresh.
Different types of flip-flops
As I have already mentioned, there are a few types of sandals and flip-flops for summer vacations and hot weather:
- Flip-flops with wide leather straps are the most comfortable on the leg. Wide straps should be selected to avoid rubbing. After all, thin straps often cut into the feet skin, leaving marks;
- Vietnam sandals are good for dating and walking around town in summer, but they won’t do for beaches and countryside. Choose the models with straps that go as far as possible to the heel.
- Classic flip-flops offer a simple design of one-side slippers. They are my favorite because it is extremely comfortable to wear them;
Video Tutorial: DIY Leather Flip Flops
Final thoughts
If you purchase natural leather flip-flops, you obviously want to make a worthwhile investment. Premium leather flip-flops can last many summers and withstand hard, all-terrain wear. So, when you pick the best pair of flip-flops, bear in mind that sometimes it’s worth spending a little extra cash.
Many people do like wearing flip-flops made of leather. There are different types of flip-flops. Some prefer perforated shoes without the covered top, others buy stylish loafers or Vietnam or Korean sandals. Tastes and preferences differ, but sooner or later many of us decide to buy leather flip-flops. Here are the guide and tips to help you with this challenge.
Top 5 leather flip flop sandals by Leather-Toolkits:
- Birkenstock sandals have a synthetic sole and 0.5-inch platform;
- Quiksilver is a genuine leather pair with a lug sole and anatomically correct support;
- Reef offers synthetic leather flip-flops with a water-friendly strap;
- LUFFYMOMO contains the combo of genuine and synthetic leather with adjustable straps;
- Teva flip-flops are made of 100% genuine leather with rubber soles;
What do you think about my top 5 leather flip-flops? I’ll be waiting for your comments and feedback. Thanks for reading Leather-Toolkits.Com!
I’ve been a fan of Birkenstocks for a while. I had some of their sandals in the past and they were one of the best purchases I’ve ever made. I wore them almost every day and I can say that it’s a great product. Going to buy their flip flop version!
Hello, thanks for your comment!