Fashion Flip-Flops Are the New Birkenstocks

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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 favorite poolside footwear. Rather, it’s sturdy enough for the commute.

Kendall Jenner is the poster girl for fashion flip—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 flip-flopped 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.)

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Coperni spring/summer 2022.

Peter White
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Coperni spring/summer 2022.

Peter White

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.

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Chloé spring/summer 2022.

Estrop
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Chloé spring/summer 2022.

Pascal Le Segretain

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.

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Rejina Pyo spring/summer 2022. Daniele Oberrauch

Consider thong-toe sandals your new Birkenstocks. Shop the best styles, below.

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The Row Ginza leather and suede sandals

Ancient Greek Sandals Charys leather sandals

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Simon Miller Beep thong sandals

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Camper flip-flop sandal

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Jacquemus Les Tatanes Lin sandals

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Yume Yume Suki faux leather flip-flops

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Coperni wedge flip-flop sandals

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Rejina Pyo Lorna sandals

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Dries Van Noten printed velvet platform thong sandals

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Totême kitten heel flip-flop

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The Attico Selene platform thong sandal

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Chloé Lou recycled crochet and rubber flip flops