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.)
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.
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.
Rejina Pyo spring/summer 2022. Daniele Oberrauch
