The humble flip flop is a master of reinvention. Once reserved solely for beach days and surf shops, it’s become a fashion-forward staple in recent years, loved for its practicality and versatility, taking pride of place as the sandal loved by fashion editors, influencers and everyday dressers alike. While, of course, flip-flops will always be a popular choice with spring dresses and beachwear, they’re now being worked into everyday wardrobes, even in countries with minimal sunshine (hello, UK). Think baggy denim, cargo pants and even tailored trousers; the fashionable folk I’ve seen wearing this trend tap into the off-duty, ‘I just threw this look together’ vibe perfectly.
©@francescasaffari
Fresh off the heels (ahem) of red trainers, ruby hues seem to be the stand-out choice for this year’s flip-flop fan club_._ Red accessories are everywhere – from the viral red triangle scarf to the red trench coats cropping up across fashion month’s street style – so it’s only natural that footwear continues the trend.
©@heleciawill
Confirmed by creator-led shopping app LTK, red flip-flops are some of the most-shopped items in the last week, meaning that they’ll soon be everywhere you look once more. For 2026, though, designers and high street stores have pushed the silhouette further with thoughtful details and occasion-ready shapes. Add in interesting textures like jelly (yes, jelly shoes are also back on the scene) and suede, plus a platform or two, and it seems there there really is a red flip-flop for every event
©@sina.anjulie
One pair that’s gaining popularity is the Leather Flat Square Toe Flip-Flops from M&S; a pair that’s finding itself in plenty of people’s online baskets, according to the site. Crafted from smooth leather, they’ll be as at home strolling the cobbled streets of Milan as they would be at the watercooler (provided your office hasn’t put a dampener on things with a closed shoe-only policy).
M&S
In a nod to the nineties and noughties, Free People’s Poolside Wedge Thongs feature a chunky platform to add a bit of height while retaining all the comfort that flip-flops offer.
And, of course, the original flip-flop brand, Havaianas, has a cherry-red pair that will see you from beach to brunch with ease and can also handle a more intense trek or two (trust me, I’ve tried and succeeded).
Ready to shop? Here are the best red flip-flops to buy right now.
SHOP: The best red flip flops for 2026
Havaianas
Free PeopleArket
Nobody’s Child
Zara
Ancient Greek Sandals
Farm Rio
Solei Sea
The Attico
ASOSTU
Jade Moscrop is the commerce editor at Grazia, where she spends her days testing, researching and obsessing over the internet’s most talked-about buys. From high-street fashion heroes to skincare that actually delivers, she’s all about helping readers cut through the noise and find products worth their money. Follow her on Instagram here.
