When the New York Times Wirecutter set out to find the best beach gear — testing umbrellas, chairs, sunscreen and flip flops across hundreds of hours of research — Indosole ESSNTLS came out on top for best flip flops. That verdict has held up through multiple updates to the article, most recently in 2026.
Here's what they said:
"The Indosole ESSNTLS Flip Flops are the best compromise we've found for quality, discreet looks, easy packability, and responsible manufacturing from recycled materials."
That's the short version. The longer version is what makes it worth paying attention to.
What NYT Wirecutter Actually Tested
The Wirecutter team tested over 15 pairs of flip flops — men's and women's models, new contenders and returning picks — wearing them around town, to the beach, in the water and over rocks and sand. They were looking for the flip flop that could do everything without falling apart or looking like it tried too hard.
Indosole ESSNTLS won on four counts: quality, looks, packability, and the fact that they're made from recycled materials. For a publication that tests everything rigorously and updates its picks when something better comes along, holding the top spot through a 2026 review cycle isn't an accident.
Why It Matters for Singapore
Singapore doesn't have a slow season. Sentosa, East Coast Park, Pulau Ubin, the beach clubs, the pools — the flip flop is as much a part of daily life here as anywhere in the world. Which means the bar for what makes a good one is higher than it sounds.
The ESSNTLS is built for that kind of daily, all-conditions use. The recycled tire sole provides grip on wet surfaces — the kind you find on pool decks, hawker centre floors and boat ramps. The natural rubber layer gives immediate cushioning underfoot. The ENVRO Fiber strap doesn't rub. And they rinse clean and dry fast, which matters when you're moving between water and wherever you're going next.
What Makes the ESSNTLS Different
Every pair of Indosole ESSNTLS is made using SETT (Sole Engineered Tire Technology) — discarded tires are ground into powder and pressed into soles alongside natural rubber ethically sourced in Indonesia. The sole composition is 40% recycled tire, 30% natural rubber and 30% new material. The brand has diverted nearly 150,000 tires from landfill since 2009 and holds B Corp certification.
The Wirecutter picked up on this not as a feel-good footnote, but as a genuine product differentiator. Responsible manufacturing produced a better flip flop — more durable, better grip, longer lasting. That's the point.
Shop the NYT Wirecutter Pick
The styles featured in the Wirecutter review are available now on indosole.com.sg:
Free shipping on orders over SGD $50 within Singapore. 30-day easy exchange and returns.
Read the full New York Times Wirecutter beach gear review here.
(Note: The Wirecutter article is behind the NYT paywall. The review was most recently updated in 2026.)