The Best Black Flip

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Hollywood stars are no strangers to the power of comfortable shoes on the red carpet. Take it from Jennifer Lawrence, who recently stepped out at the Cannes Film Festival in a dreamy red Christian Dior gown with (drum roll, please) black flip-flops.

The Oscar-winning actress attended the premiere of the French film, Anataomie D’une Chute, and originally arrived in the haute couture silk crepe dress and matching red heels (also by Dior), and changed into more stair-friendly steppers. The Hunger Games star was also there to support Bread and Roses, the Sahra Mani-directed documentary she produced that intimately documents life for the women of Afghanistan after the Taliban seized Kabul in 2021.

Related: The Best Memorial Day Designer Fashion Sales to Shop Right Now

It's not the first time that an A-list star ditched stilettos in favor of comfy feet at Cannes. Dame Helen Mirren sported Cariuma's eco-conscious kicks at the film fest in 2021, and Kristen Stewart kicked off her Christian Louboutin heels and went barefoot there in 2018 (she's also been known to wear pair mini dresses with Converse sneakers). Elsewhere, Chloé Zhao wore a head-to-toe Hermès look (which included white sneakers) to the Oscars for her historic win for best director, and Questlove has worn Crocs to the Grammys and the Academy Awards.

In the spirit of stars who prefer function over toe-blistering fashion, check out some of the best black sandals for summer — designer gown optional. For those who don't like the feel of thongs between their toes, we’ve also rounded up the best women's slides and other open-toed options, including many that are on sale during Memorial Day weekend. Whether you’re pairing them with white tees and wide-leg jeans for errands or with a summer dress for casual weddings, see our top picks ranging from Havaianas’ beach-ready flip-flops to The Row's Ginza thongs and everything in between.

There's a reason why Havaianas is considered one of the best flip-flop brands. The Brazilian sandal label's best-selling Slim style has a cushioned footbed with a textured rice pattern to keep your feet from sliding. (The label has spotted on everyone from Jennifer Lopez and Reese Witherspoon to Ana de Armas and Mary-Kate Olsen.)

Havaianas

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Often dubbed one of the best dupes of The Row's Ginza sandals, Fitflop's F-Mode luxe leather platforms have the same minimalist Japanese-inspired silhouette and comfort for a fraction of the price.

Fitflop

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Label lovers might be tempted to splurge on Teva x Chloé's luxe collab, but one option that won't break the bank is the outdoorsy footwear brand's Original Universal Velcro strap sandals.

Teva

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Vince Camuto's sculptural jelly slide sandals add edge to summer looks.

Nordstrom

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These waterproof molded thong sandals from Kim Kardashian's Skims have a cool chunky sole and comfy thick straps.

Skims

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Hollywood-loved gorp-core brand Birkenstock's classic Arizona slides get a waterproof (and pool-ready) update in these cushioned EVA foam sandals with a contoured footbed.

Nordstrom

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Vince's pillowy patent leather Gemini slingbacks look luxe enough for a red carpet, but feel comfortable for everyday errands.

Nordstrom

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For the ultimate open-toed statement, these chunky Puff hiking sandals from Melissa and Collina Strada's collaboration offer pure joy (and cloud-like comfort). They’re also made of vegan and recyclable materials.

Melissa

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Designed by a physiotherapist, Archies’ Arch Support Flip Flops live up to their name with their supportive orthotic footbed that molds to your feet. The tight strap keeps you from toe-clawing and the plug-free design means a durable, strong fit.

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Angelina Jolie, Meghan Markle and Gigi Hadid have been spotted in Everlane's minimalist pieces. The brand's buttery leather Day Crossover sandals are among the best flip-flops for summer, thanks to their versatile style that goes with practically everything.

Everlane

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Both simple and playful, Staud's Rio sandals are made of 100 percent leather — and they’re on sale for 60 percent off.

24S

If you prefer to splurge on a simple and classic silhouette, The Row's minimalist-chic Ginza thong sandals (inspired by the stylish Tokyo district) are the way to go. Made in Italy of luxe leather, they feature a sturdy rubber sole and also come in brown.

Saks Fifth Avenue

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