Yes, you should. Flip-flops, like slippers, will expand after a few wears, so it’s best to err on the tight side when buying. Slip-ons shouldn’t constantly be slipping off. British company FitFlop has spent well over a decade perfecting its recipe for comfortable flip-flops. Many of its products look more like pillowy sandals than flip-flops, but once they’re on, these bronze iQushion flip-flops wouldn’t appear out of place on the beach or at a poolside party.

Gum rubber is the perfect material for beach flip-flops. It’s a natural product made by harvesting sap from Hevea brasiliensis (aka rubber trees) without the need to chop them down. It’s durable, supple and waterproof without being so non-absorbent that it makes your feet clammy. There’s no mistaking who made these lightweight sporty sliders, thanks to the large Nike swoosh that takes up nearly the whole single strap. That may put you off if you prefer your clothes to look a little less corporate. But they’re a joy to wear, and probably the most comfortable flip-flops in our lineup. The padded strap has a soft jersey lining to cuddle the top of your feet, while the foam midsole is supportive enough for walking in comfort.Now 30 years later, we’re still at it, encouraging people around the globe to embrace the fun, freedom and spirit of the beach while living life by one simple rule: Beach Freely. Whether you’re surfing, barb-queuing, metal detecting, sand castle building, day drinking, guitar playing, or just hanging at the beach...beach any way you want. Our products are designed to make you feel comfortable, relaxed and free in any environment, whether you’re at the beach or not. Nike’s Benassi Slides aren’t waterproof. They dry off fast enough, but will feel a bit soggy if you submerge them in the pool or sea. On the upside, their EVA (or “Phylon”, to use Nike’s branding) rubber is much softer than waterproof plastic, so they won’t rub your feet or make you sweaty like a pair of old-fashioned jelly shoes would. They also mould to your feet over time, which means it’s worth putting up with a slight pinch at first.

Key specs – Material: Synthetic leather strap, EVA “Phylon” foam sole; Colours available: 5; Sizes available: 6 (UK 3.5—17) READ NEXT: The best slipper boots, mules and pumps you can buy The best flip-flops you can buy in 2022 1. Havaianas Slim Animals Flip Flop: Best women’s beach flip-flopsAnd so to Reef’s Fanning flip-flops. These sturdy slip-ons look fantastic and have an actual bottle opener on the sole. But they’re not just for show (and play).The contoured EVA footbed gives anatomical arch support and there’s an airbag – yes, an airbag – in the heel for extra comfort. The strap is made of pretty solid stuff, too, with cruelty-free faux leather and textile to provide maximum durability, comfort and good looks. Reef was founded in 1984 by two brothers from Argentina, Fernando and Santiago Aguerre, who wanted to share their love for surf travel and beach culture with the world. So, they created a high-quality sandal that could keep up with their active (ahem, party) lifestyle. They moved to Southern California to manage the Reef brand and produce the iconic sandal that made Reef what it is today. Key specs – Material: Gum rubber sole, polyurethane strap; Colours available: 2; Sizes available: 3 (UK 2-9)

Havaianas hand-makes all its flip-flops in Brazil using natural gum rubber, so you might expect them to cost a pretty penny. But they’re more affordable than we’d have assumed – and a lot more durable than they look.Key specs – Material: EVA sole, polyurethane strap; Colours available: Men’s: 4, Women’s: 7 ; Sizes available: Men’s: 7 (UK 7-12), Women’s: 8 (UK 3-9) (not all sizes available in all colours)