Minimalists, Rejoice! The Humble Flip-Flop Gets An Upgrade

By Sarah Macken July 8 2026

Shop the best red flip-flops from Massimo Dutti, COS and Zara Home …

If you struggle to get on board with summer sandal trends, allow us to recommend one that is easy-peasy: the flip-flop. No longer just for beaches, flip-flops have graduated from pure function to being an essential part of the minimalist dresser’s wardrobe. Thanks, in part, to the fuss created by The Row when it launched its Dune sandals which were priced at over €700 (a pre-loved pair currently fetches in the region of €350 online). Yes, really.

Thankfully, this season’s approach is a little more democratised. Nodding to The Row’s coveted look – but at a more palatable price point – are a proliferation of red flip-flops from a mix of high street and mid-range brands. Not only is an unexpected pop of red a tried-and-tested way to add zing to an outfit, these styles have an if you know you know aura to them that grant the wearer a particular kind of fashion kudos. Aside from that, they’re easy to throw on.

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Where to buy them? A hidden gem for well-priced holiday buys that nod to Mediterranean dressing, Zara Home’s jelly style are available in a covetable shade of burgundy (we like that they come in a novel tortoiseshell print, too). Meanwhile, Massimo Dutti’s red suede iteration has a demi-heel which is instantly polished. Use them to off-set capri trousers or to give a model-off-duty edge to jeans and a tank top. Lastly, Ancient Greek’s two-tone pair in red and black look sharp, no matter if you team them with Bermuda shorts or a crisp white cotton dress.