Flip-flops are the cool girl footwear of the summer - shop our favourites

Flip-flops are apparently a favourite of fashion buyers (Picture: Credited below/Getty)

Flip-flops – or thongs as the Aussies call them – are rarely considered a fashion statement.

Aside from their moment in the sun when ‘Regina George bought army pants and flip-flops’, they’ve largely been considered a staple of so-laid-back-they’re-horizontal surfer dudes and eager holidaymakers slapping their way through the airport.

It seems 2022, however, is their time to shine.

TikToker Laura Schulte posted a video to the platform late last month declaring flip-flips ‘the new hot summer shoes’.

She explained that she’d spent six days working in a showroom, spotting a growing trend among sartorial tastemakers.

‘Literally ALL fashion buyers were wearing Havaianas,’ read the caption.

@oklaurizzle

Literally ALL fashion buyers were wearing havaianas ?? #summerfashion2022 #fashiontrends #outfitinspo

♬ i wanna kiss you xx – mahak

Responses were mixed, ranging from ‘they look so cute with literally everything’ to a flat-out ‘absolutely not’.

Whichever side you take, it’s a certified trend. Kim Kardashian is a fan of the toe-post sandals, and everyone from Selena Gomez to Madonna have been spotted donning them off-duty.

We can definitely get behind comfortable and lightweight footwear being in style, and thankfully the high street is filled with options so you can incorporate flip-flops into your look.

People with plantar fasciitis usually run a mile at the mention of these sandals, but these days there’s a much wider range of options in terms of support and shape.

From leather and cloud-like foam to classic and flatform styles, there’s something for everyone. Who knows, you may become a convert to the thong…

Havaianas Slim Flatform

Havaianas Slim Flatform

The classic, loved by fashionistas, with a little extra height for stability (Picture: Havaianas)

Buy for £30 at Havaianas.

Axel Arigato Delta Sandal

Axel Arigato Delta Sandal

These are admittedly quite out-there, but they’re also super comfortable and will see you getting compliments every time you wear them (Picture: Axel Arigato)

Buy for £100 at Axel Arigato.

Lightfeet Arch Support Flip Flops

Lightfeet Arch Support Flip Flops

Understated, supportive, and bang on trend (Picture: Amazon)

Buy for £29.90 at Amazon.

Leather Flatform Flip Flops

Leather Flatform Flip Flops M&S

Go for leather if you prefer something more hardwearing (Picture: M&S)

Buy for £35 at M&S.

Hunter Women’s Flip Flops

Hunter Women's Flip Flops

In welly boot rubber, these are safe if there’s a downpour – not a rare occurrence during the British summer (Picture: Hunter)

Buy for £20 at Hunter.

Flow Rope Flip-flops in Natural

Flow Rope Flip-flops in Natural

Throw these on for casual chic (Picture: Asos)

Buy for £14 at Asos.

Rocket Dog Spotlight Tampa Flip-Flops

Rocket Dog Spotlight Tampa Flip-Flops

The EVA footbed on these feels like walking on air (Picture: John Lewis)

Buy for £22 at John Lewis.

Crocs Women’s Classic Platform Flip

Crocs Women's Classic Platform Flip

Reserve your judgment, Crocs are cool now (Picture: Amazon)

Buy for £29.99 at Amazon.

Sleepers Tapered Flip Flops

Sleepers Tapered Flip Flops

These come in a variety of sand-inspired colours so you can twin with the beach while you’re on holiday (Picture: Office)

Buy for £29 at Office.

IQushion Towelling Flip-Flops

IQushion Towelling Flip-Flops

Cosy towelling meets ergonomic design for ultimate comfort (Picture: FitFlop)

Buy for £30 at FitFlop.

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