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Specs are compiled from manufacturer listings and verified buyer reviews and can change over time — please confirm the key details on the product page before buying.
If your flip flops slide off mid-stride, the fix is a backstrap — a strap that loops behind your heel so the sandal stays put. This guide covers seven women’s pairs with that rear strap, from sparkly slip-ons to arch-support workhorses. You will see which ones run wide, which run small, and which hold their shape after a full summer of walking.
This guide is built by comparing the manufacturers’ published specifications and the patterns across verified customer reviews, so you get each pick’s real strengths and trade-offs instead of marketing spin.
Knowing how stretchy the upper gets and how the footbed handles heat matters more than any sparkle or color. By the end you will know exactly which pair of flip flops with backstrap suits your feet, your arch, and how far you actually walk each day.
Top Picks
How To Choose The Best Flip Flops With Backstrap
A backstrap does one job: it keeps the sandal attached to your heel instead of letting it flop loose behind you. That single strap changes how a flip flop walks, climbs stairs, and handles a wet pool deck. Here is what to check before you pick a pair.
Look at the heel hold first
A backstrap that sits too low slips off on stairs, and one that sits too high digs into your Achilles tendon. Look for a soft, lined strap and a heel cup — a raised lip at the back of the footbed that cradles your heel. The Skechers pair uses a Heel Pillow to hold the foot; the KEEN pair uses stretchy straps you can adjust for a snugger feel.
Check the footbed and arch
The footbed is the top surface your sole rests on. Some are burnished faux suede like the Flojos Navida, and some are a squishy foam layered over a stiffer base like the KEEN Elle. Arch support is a raised ridge under the middle of your foot. Buyers report it varies widely, so if you need real support, read the arch description line closely rather than trusting the picture.
Get the size right the first time
Flip flops with backstrap often run differently from your sneakers. The Skechers listing suggests buying a size smaller than your Skechers sneakers, and several pairs here run small enough that owners size up. When a listing says the fit is mixed, treat the suggested size-up as the safer bet for a backstrap you plan to walk in.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Model | Best For | Upper Material | Footbed / Support | Heel Hold | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skechers Women’s Reggae Slim – Summer Sparkle★ Best Overall | Sparkle slip-on comfort | Rhinestone-embellished knit | Cushioned footbed with arch support | Heel Pillow | Amazon |
| Teva Women’s Original Universal Slim LeaPremium Pick | Luxe leather strapping | Luxe leather straps | Minimalist footbed | Leather backstrap | Amazon |
| KEEN Women’s Elle Backstrap | Wide feet and long walks | Stretchy straps from recycled PET | 2-layer foam, moisture-wicking lining | Adjustable back strap | Amazon |
| AEROTHOTIC Arch Support Flip Flops for Women | All-day arch support | Synthetic upper | Built-in heel cup, cushioned arch | Backstrap with heel cup | Amazon |
| Plaka Palm Leaf Strappy Sandals for Women | Endless color options | Strappy woven upper | Cushioned footbed | Ankle backstrap | Amazon |
| Flojos Women’s Navida | Everyday warm-weather wear | Hand-woven faux leather | Burnished faux suede footbed | Contoured back | Amazon |
| UBFEN Womens Bohemian Flat Sandals | Budget bohemian styling | Bohemian woven upper | Cushioned sole with arch support | Backstrap | Amazon |
Detailed Reviews
1. Skechers Women’s Reggae Slim – Summer Sparkle
Our pick — 4.5+★ from 900+ verified ratings; the strongest balance of quality and price.
The sparkly knit slip-on that walks two miles on its first wear
If you want a flip flop with a backstrap that looks dressed-up enough for a skirt but still slips on in a second, this Skechers pair is the crowd favorite — 4.5+ stars across 900+ ratings. The upper is a rhinestone-embellished knit, meaning tiny sparkly stones are woven into a soft stretchy fabric. That combination is why appearance wins people over more than anything else about this sandal.
Comfort is the close second, and the numbers back the feel: owners mention walking two miles on the very first wear with no break-in. A cushioned footbed sits underfoot, and Skechers’ Heel Pillow — a padded pocket at the back of the footbed — holds your heel so the backstrap does not dig in. The stretchy straps make it easy to pull the sandal on and off without bending down far.
The catch is sizing and arch support. The fit runs inconsistent here — some buyers find them true to size while others say they run very large, and the arch support draws a split verdict between praise and disappointment. Slim feet do well: the straps sit snug on a narrow foot, and since the knit has some give, wider feet may find them loose over the toes.
What buyers love most
- Rhinestone knit upper that dresses up or down
- Heel Pillow keeps the backstrap comfy against your heel
- Stretchy straps slide on in seconds, no break-in needed
- Wears all day and walks two miles on day one, per owners
Where it can trip you up
- Fit runs inconsistent — some say true to size, others say very large
- Arch support gets a split verdict across reviewers
- The knit gives some slack, so wide feet may feel loose over the toes
Best for slim feet that want bling: Grab these if you like a sparkly look and want a soft, easy slip-on for warm days.
Think twice if: You need firm arch support or you have wide feet that want a tighter upper.
2. Teva Women’s Original Universal Slim Lea
A pared-back leather classic built off a decades-old adventure silhouette
The Skechers pair is a soft sparkly knit; this Teva is the opposite approach. It takes the brand’s long-running adventure sandal and slims it down with leather straps, aiming for a sleeker, dressier look rather than a sporty one. At 4.0+ stars, it is the highest-rated sandal in the lineup.
What stands out is the fit for wide feet. Buyers with wide feet report the straps sit just right, which is uncommon for a slim-strapped sandal. The thin leather straps are the other signature — the look is dressier than a chunky rubber flip flop, and it still has the adjustable backstrap you want for a secure heel. Durability earns praise too: this sandal holds up through heavy walking, including one buyer who put it through 20,000 steps a day.
The real question is whether “minimalist” is what you want. The footbed here is more pared back than the plush cushioned options in this list, so if you prize a thick, pillow-soft sole, it may feel thin underfoot. If a clean, tailored leather look is the goal, it is the sharpest pick in the group.
The wide-foot win: Teva’s adjustability does what slim sandals usually cannot — it fits wide feet without squeezing. The adjustable backstrap keeps the heel locked in place on a long walk.
The honest trade-off: The minimalist footbed is thinner than the cushioned options here. If you want a thick, cushioned sole, this leather beauty is leaner than the rest of the list.
Reach for this if: You want a leather-strapped sandal that fits wide feet and survives serious daily walking.
Look elsewhere if: You want a thick plush footbed and prefer a sporty look over tailored leather.
3. KEEN Women’s Elle Backstrap Wedge Sandals
The wide-fit walker that survives European cobblestones and 2-summer wear
This KEEN is the one to pick if backstrap security plus a wide fit is your priority. It is built off KEEN’s traditionally wider footwear form, which is why women with wide feet report it fits without pinching. The stretchy upper straps are made from 100% recycled PET plastic bottles, and a moisture-wicking lining keeps the footbed from feeling clammy on hot days.
Comfort is what owners talk about most, and the travel record backs it. It holds up to walking around all day, including on European cobblestone streets — customers note wearing it through 2 weeks in Greece and multiple city trips. The cushy footbed is a 2-layer yoga foam: a squishy top layer over a stiffer base, which keeps your stride stable rather than sinking. Durable through 2 summers and running into a third, it holds up without losing shape.
Two cautions worth knowing. The sizing runs about half a size small, and the toe strap rubs some wearers enough to cause blisters on longer walks, so it suits short-to-medium distances for sensitive toes. And the outsole is jute-infused, with a lower rubber content than a standard sole.
Why walkers keep these
- Wide, stretchy fit that suits wide feet without pinching
- 2-layer foam footbed keeps each step stable and cushioned
- Holds up through 2 summers and into a third with daily wear
- Great for travel and long days on hard, uneven ground
What to watch for
- Runs about half a size small, so size up
- Toe strap can rub on longer walks and cause blisters
- Jute-infused outsole uses less rubber than a standard sole
Your pick if: You have wide feet, want arch support for long days out, and walk far enough that durability matters.
Skip this if: Your toes are sensitive to strap rub, or you want a soft foam footbed instead of a structured one.
4. AEROTHOTIC Arch Support Flip Flops for Women
The arch-support workhorse women reach for when their feet need a break
If your main reason for wanting a backstrap is support rather than style, this is the pair to beat. The build centers on a cushioned arch and a built-in heel cup, a raised lip that cradles your heel for a more secure step. The sandal is also water resistant, so a splash at the pool or a damp porch will not ruin the day. It is the most widely owned pick in the lineup by far.
Owners with plantar fasciitis are the loudest fans here. The cushioning and arch support are what they call out, along with comfort that lasts all day. Many treat these as their only pair, and there is real staying power in the design: one long-time owner reports the last pair lasted over 5 years with every-day wear.
Know before you buy: the footbed firmness is split. Some find it squishy, others call it firm, so the feel is genuinely personal. Sizing is the bigger note — the brand’s size labeling has shifted, and women who ordered their usual number found it too big or too small with no exact match in between. Plan on sizing up if you are between sizes.
Built to last and to support: The heel cup and cushioned arch are the reason people keep buying these year after year, and one pair is reported to have survived over 5 years of daily use.
The fit caveat: The footbed feel is divided between squishy and firm, and the size labeling has shifted enough that your usual number may not fit. Sizing up is the safer call.
Pick these if: You want real arch and heel support, wear your sandals indoors and out, and want a water-resistant pair for pool days.
Skip them if: You need an exact true-to-size fit or you prefer a softer, plusher underfoot feel.
5. Plaka Palm Leaf Strappy Sandals
The color-matched strappy sandal that gets compliments wherever it goes
What sets this Plaka apart from every other sandal here is sheer choice — the color range is wide enough that you can match a single sandal to a whole summer wardrobe. Owners say the blue pairs well with many outfits, and they get compliments on the look. With tens of thousands of ratings, it is the most reviewed sandal in the lineup by a wide margin.
The feel is where it earns its keep. No-rub comfort is what people mention most, and the strappy woven upper sits soft against the foot without digging in. Quality and appearance both draw steady praise, so the look holds up as well as it feels on day one.
The trade-offs are fit and long-term wear. Sizing runs small and the fit is split — some say the straps feel too tight, so sizing up is wise. Durability draws a mixed response: some pairs hold up for seasons, while some reviewers point out the sole coming apart over time. Treat the fit as your first decision and the sole as something to keep an eye on.
The color range is the draw: No other sandal in this list comes in as many shades, and the woven straps are soft against the foot for all-day wear.
Watch the fit and the sole: This one runs small and some pairs feel tight on the straps, so size up. Long-term durability is mixed, with some soles separating.
Ideal for: Anyone who wants a strappy sandal that matches their wardrobe and feels soft with no rubbing.
Not ideal if: You want an exact true-to-size fit or you need a sole proven to last year after year.
6. Flojos Women’s Navida
A braided vegan leather sandal that feels broken-in from the first step
The Navida is the sandal for someone who wants a soft, broken-in feel right away and a look that works with a summer dress or shorts. The upper is a hand-woven faux leather strap, and the footbed is a burnished faux suede — a slightly polished, brushed surface that is soft underfoot. The whole sandal is 100% vegan friendly, so no animal leather is used anywhere.
Comfort arrives fast here. Owners say there is no break-in period and the sandal feels better the more it is worn. Versatility earns praise too — it works with jeans, shorts, capris, and dresses, and the braided look makes it a believable dress-up sandal. A lined toe thong adds comfort where the strap meets your toes, and the rubber outsole holds its grip on both wet and dry ground.
Fit is where you need to think. This style runs small, so an owner who is normally a size 8 found the heel sitting right on the edge while the straps felt wide and rubbed. The recommended move is to size up. The arch support is also modest, which suits a casual stride but not a long day of standing.
The case for the Navida
- Hand-woven faux leather upper that dresses up or down
- Burnished faux suede footbed with no break-in needed
- 100% vegan friendly, no animal leather anywhere
- Rubber outsole grips wet and dry surfaces
The catches to know
- Runs small — size up to avoid a snug heel
- Straps can feel wide and rub on some feet
- Arch support is modest, best for casual wear
Reach for these if: You want a vegan, no-break-in sandal that looks braided-and-classy with a dress or jeans.
Skip them if: You need strong arch support or a fit that stays true to your usual size.
7. UBFEN Womens Bohemian Flat Sandals
The budget bohemian that pulls off casual and dressy without the spend
If you want the boho woven look and a cushioned step without paying premium prices, this UBFEN is the entry-level pick of the group. At 4.0+ stars across 700+ ratings, it has more buyer feedback than several pricier pairs here.
Owners describe it as comfortable, well-made, and worth the money, with good arch support and cushioned soles doing the work underfoot. It is versatile enough to wear with both casual and dressy outfits, so it covers a lot of ground for a single sandal.
Sizing is the one place to be careful. The fit is split — some find it true to size while others say it runs slightly bigger than expected. If you are between sizes, that half-size gap points toward going down rather than up. With that sorted, the UBFEN delivers solid value for a bohemian sandal with a backstrap.
Why it earns its spot: Cushioned soles and good arch support make this a capable daily sandal for the price, backed by more ratings than several costlier pairs in this list.
Sizing is the one thing: The fit runs slightly bigger for some buyers and true to size for others, so consider going down a size if you are between sizes.
Choose this if: You want a budget bohemian sandal that covers casual and dressy looks with a cushioned, supportive step.
Look past it if: You need a guaranteed true-to-size fit, since the sizing is split for some buyers.
Know the Specs
Upper Material and Stretch
The upper is the part of the sandal that touches the top of your foot. On a flip flop with backstrap, a woven or knit upper (like the Skechers knit or the Flojos braided strap) has some give, so it hugs without pressing. A leather or faux-leather strap (like the Teva) holds its shape but fits more like a shoe. If the upper stretches, the sandal may get looser over a season, so a firmer material tends to hold its fit longer.
Arch Support and Heel Cup
Arch support is the raised ridge under the middle of your foot, and a heel cup is the raised lip at the back that cradles the heel. Together they decide whether a backstrap sandal is a quick errand pair or an all-day walker. The Flojos and Teva lean minimal, the Skechers sits in the middle, and the AEROTHOTIC and KEEN lean firm with real structure. Match the support to your foot rather than the label.
Common Questions
Do flip flops with a backstrap stay on better than a toe-post only?
Should I size up or down in a backstrap sandal?
Does a backstrap help if I have plantar fasciitis?
Which material lasts longer on a backstrap sandal?
Can I wear these sandals in water?
Are these good for walking around all day?
What is the difference between the Teva Slim and the KEEN Elle backstrap?
Do the straps stretch out over time?
How do I clean a backstrap sandal?
Are flip flops with backstrap good for wide feet?
The Bottom Line
For most people shopping for the best flip flops with backstrap, the Skechers Women’s Reggae Slim – Summer Sparkle is the pick to beat — a sparkly knit upper, a Heel Pillow that holds your heel, and a cushioned footbed that buyers walk miles in from the first day. If a backstrap that fits wide feet and survives serious walking is what you need, the KEEN Women’s Elle Backstrap is the one to reach for, with its 2-layer foam footbed and travel-tested build. And if you want real arch and heel support you can wear all day, the AEROTHOTIC Arch Support Flip Flops is the support champion of the group. The Skechers is the highest-rated sparkly knit pick at 4.5+ stars, making it the safest starting point if you want comfort and looks in one slip-on.
How we choose
We do not accept paid placement. Every pick is matched to a real buyer and a real use-case; we do not hands-on test units.
Sources
Specifications: manufacturer listings and product documentation. Review insights: verified customer reviews, as of October 2026. Pricing: not shown on this page (it changes often); check the current price via the retailer link.
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