Compared to some of the nicer flops we tested, however, there are many characteristics (or the lack of) that pale in comparison. The low-density sole and footbed will certainly wear quicker than some of the higher quality offerings we tested. To sum up the Phantoms in a few words, they are light, simple, comfortable, and suitable for anyone who needs to scoop up a pair of affordable flip flops before their beach vacation.

Reef | Cotswold Outdoor Reef | Cotswold Outdoor

If you're wanting to have an all-around flip flop capable of spending time on rocky trails and at the beach, these might not be the top pick. Overall the synthetic nubuck straps are comfortable and offer the right about of snugness, not being too tight or loose. 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.

If you're heading to the beach and just want a solid flip flop that won't let the thong rip out of the footbed, then these could be a good option.

Cushion Phantom - Black

The EVA sole is only slightly more dense than the injection-molded footbed and isn't capable of withstanding sharp objects or pokey rocks. And, despite not being our first choice for rugged environments, it is still a solidly constructed shoe that didn't show any signs of falling apart through our testing period. Our bestselling Phantom flip flop, built for the beach, gets a revamped cushion footbed, with REEF’s signature high energy rebound footbed for more cushioning in every step. While the EVA soles are slippery on smooth rock, they are a significant step up from bargain-basement foam flip flops that have no grip. It meets middle of the road scores throughout while offering good comfort, and we enjoyed wearing it for all manner of casual outings.If you're looking to take these flip flops along on a backpacking trip as your camp shoes, be careful where you step in the middle of the night. While this isn't an issue at the beach, it does feel slippery on other surfaces like hardwood flooring, carpet, or rock. However, they do retain water for quite a while after getting drenched, which significantly detracted from the wet environment comfort.

Reef Phantoms Review | Tested by GearLab Reef Phantoms Review | Tested by GearLab

The injection-molded EVA footbed provides a medium to high arch and is exceptionally plush right out of the box. Our products are designed to make you feel comfortable, relaxed and free in any environment, whether you’re at the beach or not. They are lacking in durability, but will certainly hold up better than bargain bin flops from wall-e-world.

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. If you're looking for an every day flip flop and not a trail munching monster truck, the Phantoms perform decently.

It's going to last much longer than an average no-name version and will provide a higher level of comfort. Where most of the flip flops we tested had rugged lugged soles, the Phantom is equipped with compression-molded EVA (what most flip flop midsoles are made of). If you're into no-nonsense styling that won't draw attention to your hideous feet, the Phantoms might just be the ticket.They moved to Southern California to manage the Reef brand and produce the iconic sandal that made Reef what it is today. That being said, if all you're doing is cruising from the condo to the beach and back, it'll be years before they break down.