Flip-flops, slides or clogs?

This page mixes three shapes, so start with the one you like to wear:

• Flip-flops: a thong between the toes, such as the Ipanema Bliss and Glitter, the adidas Comfort Flipflop and the adidas Originals Adi Sun Thongs.
• Slides: one or two straps across the foot, such as the Birkenstock Arizona, the adidas Adilette and the Nike Victori One and Calm. Slides are most of the page.
• Clogs: a clog shape with holes on the top and sides and a removable heel strap, such as the adidas Adilette Clog 2.0.

Cork footbed or EVA?

Birkenstock is the biggest brand here, and its footbed is the first choice to make. The classic Arizona, Gizeh and Madrid sit on Birkenstock's contoured cork-latex footbed, which shapes to your foot with wear. The Arizona Soft Footbed keeps that cork-latex base. The EVA versions, such as the Arizona EVA, are a single-piece, lightweight and water-friendly build that Birkenstock suggests for warm days and pool sessions.

How sizes work by brand

Birkenstock lists whole sizes, from 35 on many models. Ipanema pairs some sizes, such as 35-36 and 41-42, so if you are between them pick the pair that covers both. adidas sizes go up in thirds and halves, such as 36 2/3 and 40 1/2.

For the shower and the pool, start with the adidas Adilette Aqua or the Birkenstock Arizona EVA. For all-day wear in the city, choose a Birkenstock Arizona on the cork-latex footbed. See the full Birkenstock range, every Ipanema flip-flop, or all women's shoes.