Men's sandals: for the beach, the pool, and home

Flip-flop or sandal?

The flip-flop slips on without a back strap, held in place by one or two bands over the top of the foot. It's quicker to put on than a sandal and is suitable for trips to the pool, the beach, and around the house.

For longer walking, a sandal with adjustable straps holds the foot better.

The Birkenstock Arizona EVA

Made of EVA, a lightweight and waterproof foam, the Arizona becomes a beach flip-flop: it can go in the water, rinses off easily and dries quickly. It features the anatomical sole design of the brand, which offers more support than a flat flip-flop.

The full range is available on the Birkenstock men's page.

The leather and suede versions

The Arizona also comes in leather, suede, and Birko-Flor, perfect for the city and holidays. The SFB version, with a soft sole, is comfortable from the first wear. The Madrid Big Buckle and the Kyoto in nubuck round out the collection.

The Aigle and The North Face flip-flops

The Corlay from Aigle adds the brand's signature to the selection for summer days. The Base Camp by The North Face, with a thick strap, is aimed at post-hike and camping use.

The recovery flip-flop Crocs

The Crocs Mellow Recovery features a very soft sole, which soothes the foot after activity. It is worn after sports, at home, or for short trips. Check out the Crocs men's page.

Which flip-flop for which use?

• Beach and pool: a waterproof EVA flip-flop.
• City and holidays: an Arizona in leather or suede.
• Post-sport: a soft recovery flip-flop.
• Camping and hiking: a sturdy flip-flop with a gripping sole.

Choosing the right size

A flip-flop should let the heel rest on the sole without overhanging. At Birkenstock, sizes are whole numbers, and the brand recommends going for the larger size if in doubt. Foam flip-flops should be chosen based on your usual size.

Flip-flops and outfits

With swim shorts or Bermuda shorts, the flip-flop stays in its element. In the city, a brown leather Arizona goes well with linen trousers or canvas shorts for a casual look.

Avoid wearing pool flip-flops with city attire: a leather version looks better.

One or two straps flip-flop?

A wide single strap, like those on sport flip-flops, is easy to put on and suitable for the pool. Two straps, like on the Arizona, hold the foot better and allow for longer walks. Adjustable straps with buckles fit wider feet.

The flip-flop on holiday

On holiday, an EVA flip-flop for the beach and a leather Arizona for the city are sufficient to cover the essentials of summer. Lightweight, they take up little space in a suitcase, and the EVA can be rinsed in a sink at the end of the day.

What colour flip-flop?

Black and brown remain the easiest to match, with shorts as well as linen trousers. White and khaki pair well with light summer outfits. Bright colours fit right in at the beach.

The flip-flop and socks

For home or after sports, thick socks with a recovery flip-flop keep the feet warm. In the city, go barefoot.

Maintaining EVA flip-flops

Rinse them with clear water after the beach or pool to remove salt and chlorine, and then let them dry in the shade. Direct sunlight and heat can deform the foam.

Maintaining leather flip-flops

Wipe the leather with a damp cloth and nourish it occasionally. Avoid getting them wet: leather and cork do not like water.

Flip-flops or sandals?

For walking and long days, see the men's sandals. All styles are listed under men's shoes by type.

Frequently asked questions

Do EVA flip-flops go in the water?

Yes, EVA is waterproof and rinses with clear water.

Which flip-flop is best for the pool?

An EVA or foam flip-flop, lightweight, that dries quickly and grips well on wet surfaces.

Can you walk for long periods in flip-flops?

For short distances, yes; for a full day of walking, a sandal with straps holds the foot better.

What is a recovery flip-flop?

A flip-flop with a very soft sole, designed to relieve the foot after sports.

Does the Birkenstock in EVA fit the same as leather?

It follows the same sizing grid; if in doubt, the brand advises choosing the larger size.

How to prevent the foam from deforming?

Dry your flip-flops in the shade and do not leave them in direct sunlight or near a heat source.