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Happy feet: 10 best flip flops

The weather forecasters are claiming that the barbecue summer is coming, so make sure that you have your footwear at the ready for when the mercury heads northwards

Kate Hilpern,Sally Newall

Wednesday 14 May 2014 10:20 BST

Brits love nothing more than getting their pins out at the first sign of sunshine and what better footwear to go with your summer wardrobe than flip flops?

There are hundreds of new styles this season, so to help you whittle down your shortlist, we have chosen the best of them for women, men and kids.

Click on the gallery to see the IndyBest buys

10 best flip flops

Show all 10

1/1010 best flip flops

10 best flip flops

Havaianas Slim Peacock

‘Havaianas’ has become backpacker shorthand for flip flop. 150 million pairs of these Brazilian-made rubber-soled shoes are produced every year. They are comfier and more cushioned than most and come in a vast array of patterns and colours, including these, which have a slimmer-than-usual gold strap and peacock-decorated sole. £24, havaianas-store.com

10 best flip flops

Reef Fanning Flip Flop

You won’t get that flip flop ache wearing these from the surfing specialists. They have an airbag in the heel as well as a bottle opener hidden in the sole. Prepare to be the comfiest –and most popular – bloke at the barbie. £42, cotswoldoutdoor.com

10 best flip flops

Animal Kids Jekyl Logo Print Flip Flops

The kids don’t have to miss out on the flip flop fun. These ones, which are available from size 12 up, will stop little feet feeling hot and sweaty on warm days. The foot bed is suitably thick, while the top is nice and wide. £12, johnlewis.com

10 best flip flops

UGG Tasmina

UGG, which is known for its snug winter boots, probably isn’t the first brand that would spring to mind for summer footwear. These still have the trademark sheepskin on the underneath of the suede uppers, but other than that, it’s sunshine all the way with these colourful and surprisingly lightweight soles. £45, uggaustralia.co.uk

10 best flip flops

Crocs Sexi Flip

While Crocs’ original clog-style beach shoes have proved divisive, they’re undisputedly comfortable. These innovative flip flops use the same materials, while giving your feet an airing. Also available in black and a two-tone brown. £24.99, crocs.co.uk

10 best flip flops

Accessorize Plain Seagrass Flip-Flops

Accessorize is always a winner for good value, well fitting flip-flops and while many of them are really pretty, we like this no-nonsense black pair that will go with just about everything in your wardrobe. They are secure on the feet and you still get change for a tenner. £8, uk.accessorize.com

10 best flip flops

Gandys Liberty Hera D

The two brothers behind Gandys lost their parents in the southeast Asian Tsunami in 2004. A percentage from the sale of each pair goes towards helping disadvantaged orphans around the world. Their sturdy rubber flip flops with a trademark pleated plastic strap come in a range of cool colour combos, the latest design is a collaboration with Liberty’s featuring three of the store’s iconic prints. £30, gandysflipflops.com (pre order)

10 best flip flops

Clarks Warley Cory

Not convinced by rubber flip flops? This leather and textile pair from the high street shoemakers known for their comfortable footwear will look that bit smarter with shorts. Also available in an olive green colour combo. £29.99, clarks.co.uk

10 best flip flops

Fat Face Men’s Bright Flip Flops

If you’re after a good-value rubber pair for the beach, these from Fat Face come in a range of contrasting colours, including this bright orange and navy combo. £10, fatface.com

10 best flip flops

White Stuff Eva Flip Flops

These plaited flip flops are casual enough for the beach, but also work with slightly more glamorous dresses, skirts and trousers. This bright pink colour looks great with a tan. All we need now is some sunshine. £15, whitestuff.com

Verdict:

It’s hard to beat Havaianas when it comes to comfort and style and their new Slim Peacock style is as versatile as they come for women. Blokes and kids will find pairs they like amid the extensive range too. If you want to make a statement, try Gandys new collaboration with Liberty which come in men’s and women’s versions. For a good-value pair that will go with anything, Accessorize is a good place to start.

Buy now

1. Havaianas Slim Peacock, £24

2. Reef Fanning Flip Flop, £42

3. Animal Kids Jekyl Logo Print Flip Flops, £12

4. UGG Tasmina, £45

5. Crocs Sexi Flip, £24.99

6. Accessorize Plain Seagrass Flip-Flops, £8

7. Gandys Liberty Hera D, £30

8. Clarks Warley Cory, £29.99

9. Fat Face Men’s Bright Flip Flops, £10

10. White Stuff Eva Flip Flops, £15