Red Flip-Flops Are Summer’s Biggest Shoe Trend

2 min read

Once reserved exclusively for beach vacations, the humble flip-flop has experienced a significant resurgence in recent years. The barely-there, toe-baring style has moved beyond its beach origins and into the wardrobes of discerning fashion folk. The color of choice for 2026? A bright, bold red that can quickly liven up any look.

With another heat wave on the horizon, red flip-flops are a sensible choice. Of course, you may want to slip into something a little more enclosed for the daily subway commute, but for park days, garden parties, and even office days in the height of summer, a flip-flop never fails. For casual occasions, try a white, nightie-inspired dress layered over vintage jeans and finished with bright red footwear. And for days that call for something a little more elevated, a chic, all-black outfit can be playfully offset by a fun pair of flip-flops.

You might already be acquainted with The Row’s Dune flip-flops, which first came about as part of the house’s SS25 collection. Their red soles and thick black straps have since been sported by A-listers from Jennifer Lawrence to Lori Harvey, while the black version went viral last year after Jonathan Bailey posed in a pair during a press tour photo call. “They’ve hit the sweet spot where minimalist aesthetic meets maximum cultural cachet, creating products that function as both wardrobe staples and status symbols,” Katie Lubin, VP of brand and communications at Lyst, explained to ELLE, dissecting the growing interest around The Row’s viral flip-flops.

Although the Dune sandal is an undeniable quiet luxury staple, its $750 price tag (plus the fact that they’re often sold out) may make them difficult to procure, so it’s worth taking note of styles that offer a similarly conspicuous kind of cool that won’t pull so much on purse strings. Take Ancient Greek Sandals’s Saionara sandals, which feature either a black rubber base and a red PVC strap or an all-red design finished with chic leather. For the most recent iteration, the brand has switched the red strap for brown—which we foresee being a bestseller this year. Members of team ELLE stand by Ancient Greek Sandals for comfortable footwear that you can wear all summer long, so at $215, they are well worth the investment.

As for traditional beach babe flip-flops, Havaianas continues to fit the bill and has recently released collaborations with both Isabel Marant and Zara. Or, for those wanting to complete their 10k step count, Archies has been endlessly hailed for its comfort-first approach, with its shoes designed by a physical therapist. Featuring arch support, a shock-absorbing sole, and a strap that fits snugly to clawing toes, they are the only choice for those hoping to protect their posture.

Tempted to try a pair of red flip-flops for yourself? See ELLE’s edit of the best pairs available to buy now.