Barefoot Shoes Flip Flops Replacements

There are things people want in barefoot shoes, but time and time again there is one specific thing people miss about pre-barefoot shoes life: flip flops. If you’ve been missing your easy-use besties, then this post is for you.

Disclaimer: Like all posts, this is not sponsored, but some shoes on this page were gifted for review and some links/codes here or inside the reviews linked are affiliate, which means that using them supports this blog and they cost you nothing extra. For a full list of affiliate relationships and coupon codes, you can check out the ever-growing Discounts page.

Why Do We Love Flip Flops?

There are two main reasons people love flip flops: ease of use and toe freedom. With flip flops you don’t even need your hands. You can leave them next to the door and get them on your feet in two quick motions, even if your hands are full. Same principles with slides. Feet go in, and you go.

Toe freedom is also a big deal. It’s hard to get less on your feet than you do with flip flops, where 2 easy straps and a sole are all you have. Ultimate freedom, both physically and socially. Wear flip flops and people know you’re not looking to do anything crazy, but instead enjoy your day and roll with the punches.

Why are Flip Flops Bad?

The problem is, flip flops are really bad for your feet. Podiatrists have been saying for a long time that they’re likely to lead to foot injuries due to tripping because they don’t stay on your feet well. And that’s true, they don’t. You can’t naturally keep them on your feet.

To keep them on your feet, you have to do something decidedly unnatural and grip with your toes. Whether you’re a pincher, digger, or flexxer (toes together, toes down into the footbed, or toes flexed up to tense against the strap) you have to do something with your toes to keep the shoes on, and do that for thousands of steps, day after day, and you’re stressing the ligaments of your feet.

For me, that caused a lot of pain. I bought the cuuuuuuutest pair of black flipflops with the thinnest strap I could find. I had a toddler and then a baby on the way, and nothing could be easier than sliding those babies on while I dealt with my babies. I wore them with everything – shorts, leggings, dresses, you name it, I did it.

But why did it hurt so much to step on something like a threshold?

Why did I scream out in pain when my kids would bump my ‘relaxed’ foot?

Flip flops, that’s why.

Example of Healthy Barefoot Shoes Real People Wear Instead of Flip Flops

I opened up my Instagram platform to followers to send me their flip flops replacements and, unsurprisingly, they’re all sandals. Check out this variety, though! And all the great reasons people have for kissing their flip flops goodbye, plus how great these shoes are filling the exact same gap.

Gotta lead with the awesome Bedrocks that I love, as modeled in twin mode by Josie and GF.

“We went to the aquarium [and] we wore our BR as you can see. Everything was tired and sore except our feet. But no big surprise there.” – Josie

That is the 3D model which has some arch support. The completely flat Cairns are reviewed here.

“My family loves them!” – Erin

Mini review of Good Earth sandals is here

“They’re a perfect replacement.” – Erin’s Mother in Law

“When you think about why people turn to flip flops, it’s because they’re the ultimate convenience shoe. They require no thought or planning, can be slipped on and off as needed, and are (relatively) comfortable. That’s the role my bedrocks play for me. I have other sandals that I love, but if I had to choose just one pair to get through a whole summer with no idea what I’d be doing or where I’d be going, there’s no pair more versatile than these. I mean, I wouldn’t wear them to a wedding, but I wouldn’t have ever worn flip flops to a wedding either.” – Liana

“It keeps my foot secure…Can work as dress up sandal for more formal occasions.” Maria G

Left is the Soul model and right is Vibe, which is reviewed here.

“It’s a HUGE deal that I’ve given up flip flops.”

(after hiking in Xero Shoes Genesis) “I’d like to see you do that in flip flops!!”

“For decades I loved flip flops. I used to buy myself a new pair of Old Navy flip flops every year. They are quick to put on, don’t constrict your feet, and keep you cool. It didn’t take me long to understand that flip flops are NOT barefoot friendly shoes, so I decided to find something similar. Xero was having a half-off sale on their y-strap Genesis sandals so I thought I’d give them a try.

I was surprised to find that I LOVE them. These look and feel a lot like flip flops, but they are very secure on your foot, so there’s no toe scrunching or gripping. They go on easy, which is a must, and they have a super thin, flexible sole. But these aren’t wimpy sandals – I have taken them from hiking paths to the beach to the store. As a bonus, my busy, run everywhere, climb everything son also has a pair and loves them!” – Maria S

Review of the Z-Trek model is here

“I adore how minimal they are, but really feel like a great amount of protection. A world of difference to ditch the toe grip situation that flops force. They’re like my super power. I put them on and i can do anything!”

“I live in a super hilly, rocky, rivery place and trying to keep up with small kids in this terrain wearing flops was just absurd.” – Jess

Review of all the Earth Runners options is here.

“Fit for purpose. These are perfection for hiking on gravel trail.” – Angela, about Oso Flaco Winged Edition

Review of Roots model is here.

“Switching to barefoot sandals rather than my usual flip flops has meant a summer without foot pain! Using my toes to grip my flip flops was something I had honestly never thought of before and did without thinking, but having the barefoot sandals with an ankle strap and not having to do that make so much difference. I was also wearing flip flops with arch support because I thought it would be better for my feet, but it’s actually worse, this thin and flexible sole has been so much better!” – Heather, wearing Vera Cruz

“Shamma sandals super browns are my flip flop (thongs if your Aussie) replacement. I love that they are secure on my feet, so no touch scrunching required to keep them on! And I don’t get the awful blisters in between my toes from the hard plastic as the toe post is soft and comfortable to wear. They’re also wide enough that my toes don’t fall off the sides!” – Tamara

Review of several Shamma options is here

“Diy barefoot sandals are great too! I’ve done them with leather and with rubber soles and both are great, and super easy to make!” – Erica

Erica’s are complete DIY, but for a bit of guidance you can get something similar from Xero Shoes

What I love, in addition to the variety, is all the different reasons given or thoughts about their particular sandals. We all have reasons, but the central theme always circles back to doing something better for ourselves.

5 Ways to Replace your Flip Flops with Healthier Options

Whether you’ve figured out that flip flops hurt and want a better way or you’ve fully jumped into barefoot shoes, it will eventually hit you that the flip flops have to go, and the slides right along with them. You’re trying to do better for yourself, and without a backstrap or heel on your shoes you’re just keeping down your own progress.

The first thing everyone thinks of is to combine the ideas of Toe Freedom and Easy to Use and go right to sandals, and there are plenty of sandals options from which to choose, and for all ages. Check the detailed kids, custom, and men’s lists for even more options than what you saw in the previous section. At this point, I don’t have the more exhaustive women’s list that would also include sandals that only work for women, such as Tikki, Highfeels, and some Xero Shoes models, but those pages cover the vast majority of sandals.

There are hundreds of sandals options, and some are easier to deal with than others. For casual wear, you’d do best to find something that’s easiest to put on so you’ll make sure to use them instead of reverting to the easy and bad for you flip flops. In showing the categories I may repeat some of the amazing community suggestions, but they’re worth sharing again 🙂

1) Super casual, super easy-to-wear sandals options:

Review here

Review here

Review here

Review here

Review here

Maybe you want to go a little dressier with your replacement sandals. Buckles on these are going to be a little bit of a slow-down, but they’ll still give you the toe freedom you want.

2) Dressy sandals with buckles, that still let your toes be happy:

Review here

Review here

Mini Review here

Look on Instagram, review coming

If you’re willing to give up the toe freedom for maximum ease of use, you can’t beat slip-ons. Some of these are straight-up amazing as a back door shoe that is great for quick trips outside or to the store. For a full list of slip-on barefoot shoes, check out this Barefoot Slip-ons List.

3) Casual slip-ons with maximum ease of use:

Review here

Review of old sole here and one of the new sole coming

Review here

And, like the sandals, you can go a bit dressier with your slip-ons too:

Review here

Review here

Look on Instagram, review coming

Don’t end the train there, though. If you’re looking for something light on the feet and easy to use, think of laceless shoes and boots, as well, or tennis shoes with elastic. All of these are perfect for quick trips because they slide on in a snap. You may already have something that is perfectly suited for your flip-flops replacement, but you just haven’t made the connection yet. Sandals are not the only option. Check out all laceless boots here and more about laceless tennis shoes in this Instagram post.

4) and 5) Non-sandals/non-traditional choices such as Chelsea and Dingo boots (both of which I’ve used personally for quick trips just for their ease of use) or shoes with elastic laces:

Review here

Review here

Review here

Lastly, some people will use semi-barefoot/minimalist/or even slightly heeled sandals options to replace their flip flops. as long as it’s something with a backstrap. (Examples – Havianas Slip-on Flip Flops and Sanuk Yoga Slings.) You do you on this, and it’s obviously an improvement to have a back strap, but it’s still best if you can find something that doesn’t ditch one problem (shoe insecurity) while still maintaining issues such as too-narrow shoes, squished toes, or heels as even small ones change the alignment of your joints with your choice.

Okay, lastly for real, some people also hack their flip flops by adding their own back strap. It’s a good temporary, transitional option, but not likely something that will stick around. Pretty quickly, you’re probably going to wonder why you’re doing that when there are plenty of healthy options available.

Final Thoughts

Ditching flip flops is a daunting thought. They’re with us so integrally for a reason, and even part of our identity. But you’re not likely to regret the change. The constant toe grip is bad for you and can lead to a host of problem. Do your feet a favor, and find something that suits your desires on the looks, practicality, or toe freedom front. We’re spoiled for choice and you can go whichever direction you like.

Want more resources?

Check out this page for guides and tips.

Want reviews?

Check out All the Barefoot Shoe Reviews for in-depth looks.

Want to check out other lists, such as color and type break-downs?

Check out all the BIG lists here.