Clockwise, from top left: Amanu Studio's bejeweled Kigali, Lily Pigment flip-flops from Tkees, Margaux's The Wrap, Beek's thong sandals and K. Jacques's toe-ring style.
YOU REMEMBER your old rubber thong sandals, right? They were a staple of flimsy summer footwear that was easy to slip on and off and just as easily fall apart. Moreover, if you wore them on repeat, your feet started to complain. Fast-forward to 2025 and new looks in more refined materials such as leather, woven raffia and suede meant for way beyond the beach.
Archie’s Footwear and Beek’s offer simply styled, but substantial and arch-supportive flip-flops for around the pool—or the house, while K. Jacques and Emme Parsons sell more modern, barely-there toe-ring sandals with asymmetric straps. Amanu takes it up a notch, embellishing its sandals with colorful stones. And oh, if you don’t like the feel of a strap between your toes, try a gladiator-like style from Banana Republic, a chic, braided kitten heel from Larroudé or a graceful ankle wrap from Margaux.
These new sleek Havaianas thongs are selling out quickly—they're $44.40 for Memorial Day on the Havaianas site. They're also available at Free People in copper and in yellow for full price—$74.
A padded insole and a rubber sole are nice to have, but it’s the gingham print (also available in navy and yellow) that makes me want to click on the buy button.
I’d be happy to wiggle my toes into these luxe suede sandals. Add a pedicure and they’ll ratchet up whatever you’re wearing. I’m partial to the avocado green, but they also come in ruby and espresso. Note: The advice on the site says these sandals run large, so order a half size down.
For the Greek goddess in you. So graceful, so flattering. A toe ring and one elegant metallic cord wraps around the vamp of the foot so you can swan around seductively,
Leather-wrapped thin foam straps, a padded insole and a grippy rubber sole accomplish Beek Footwear’s mission to create comfortable footwear. Besides butter yellow, they come in a dozen other colors.
The brand’s Lily collection is as close as it gets to the classic thong silhouette. Bright red is hot for summer, but if you prefer a leg-lengthening hue, Lily Nudes offers a choice of 10 different beiges. And, if the $60 price strikes you as steep for a basic flip-flop, this cute metallic one from H&M sells for $14.99.
Sometimes you just need a little jewelry. Feet will feel especially flattered by a gorgeous sage green stone on the toe ring of Amanu’s minimalist sandal.
Thanks to a low heel, cushioned footbed and rubber sole, Banana Republic’s gladiator-like sandals promise they will be comfy. Taupe goes with everything, but they’re also available in two other colors.
Indeed!
Got to love being a girl!!