Love It or Hate It—The Fashion Flip-Flop Trend Is Here to Stay

Whether you like it or not, the thong sandal trend, which most often appears as an unapologetically casual rubber flip-flop, is here to stay. Despite its divisiveness, the fashion flip-flop is a summer style staple.

For a handful of years, an iteration of the thong sandal made its fashionable return each spring and summer. And you guessed it, it’s back again for another summer, and we’ll bet more summers to come. Both runway designers and footwear brands can’t get enough of the in-between-the-toe strap, and despite the shoe’s beachy history, the sandal has, in fact, become quite elegant. It’s evolved into a go-to choice for those with minimalist style tendencies—perhaps inspired by The Row’s Ginza sandals—as of late.

Over the past few summers, the flip-flop has been seen on the feet of a wide range of women: from Scandinavian street style stars, who opted for the rubber Havaiana style in the summer of 2018, to the handful of celebrities who have stepped out for date night in a heeled version and the models who have graced the pages of our very own editorials in Vogue for the four past consecutive years in a pair. First, there was a flat but feathery pair from Helmut Lang in the July 2018 issue. Then, a sportier platform version by Paco Rabanne in the March 2019 issue. Most recently in the February 2020 and May 2021 issues, minimal versions of the silhouette were featured, from Marni and The Row, respectively.

Whether it’s the fewer straps, the better mentality, or the rhythmic sounds made with each step, the flip-flop’s appeal is a unique one, and it seems the shoe trend is here for the long haul. Those who count themselves as fans or perhaps have grown interested in the style during the past few seasons can shop the latest and greatest thong sandals, below. We’ve rounded up our favorite pairs, from sleek flat leather styles to cushy platform thongs and more.