If you're trying to pack lighter, swapping bulky slides for a foldable pair is one of the easiest wins. Foldable flip flops and foldable sandals both fold flat and weigh very little, but they aren't interchangeable. One is better on wet tile, one is better for a quick beach day, and the right choice depends on where you'll actually wear them.
What makes footwear foldable?
Most foldable flip flops and sandals use a thin, flexible sole, usually EVA foam or rubber, that bends in half without cracking. The best ones fold flat enough to slide into the side pocket of a backpack or the corner of a carry-on. A pair of Jimmies, for example, folds down to about 2 cm thick.
Foldable flip flops: pros and cons
Why people like them
- Minimal: just a sole and a thong strap, so the thinnest pairs are very compact.
- Familiar: easy to slip on and off at the beach or pool.
- Good as a backup pair: handy to keep in a bag for blisters, a broken heel or sore feet at the end of an event.
Where they fall short
- Less secure on wet floors: with only a toe post holding them on, they can slide around on soapy tile.
- Toe gripping: your toes work to keep them on, which gets tiring on longer walks.
- The toe post: some people find it rubs, especially with a new pair or wet feet.
Foldable sandals: pros and cons
Why people like them
- Straps hold your foot in place, so they feel steadier in showers, on pool decks and on uneven ground.
- No toe post to rub between your toes.
- More comfortable for short walks, like heading from the tent to the washhouse or from the dorm to the showers.
Where they fall short
- A little more material than the very thinnest flip flops, so slightly more weight and bulk.
- Fit matters more: because the straps cross your foot, it's worth checking the size chart instead of guessing.
Which is better for what?
- Gym and locker room showers: sandals. Wet tile is where a secure fit matters most. (More on this in Do You Need Shower Shoes?)
- Hostel and dorm bathrooms: sandals, for the same reason.
- Beach and pool days: either works. Pick whichever you find more comfortable.
- Camp shoes for backpacking: sandals, since you'll be walking around camp on dirt, roots and rocks. See our guide to camp shoes for backpacking.
- An emergency pair in your bag: either. The key is that they fold small enough that you'll actually carry them.
- Long days of walking around a city: neither. Bring real walking shoes and keep the foldable pair for the hotel, the pool and the shower.
What to look for in either style
- Closed-cell EVA or rubber that doesn't soak up water or hold odours.
- A textured, non-slip sole for wet surfaces.
- A sole that folds without creasing permanently, so it springs back flat.
- Low weight: a good travel pair should feel like almost nothing in your bag.
- A breathable carry bag so wet footwear doesn't soak your clothes.
- Sizing by insole length, not just shoe size, so they don't hang off your heel or toes.
Where Jimmies fit in
Jimmies foldable sandals use a strap design rather than a toe post, so they stay put on wet floors. They're made from waterproof, non-slip EVA, fold flat, and come with a breathable mesh bag and a carabiner for clipping them to the outside of your gym bag or backpack. A pair with the bag weighs between 155 g and 230 g depending on size.
Not sure which size to get? Our sandal size guide walks you through measuring your foot in two minutes.
FAQ
Are foldable flip flops durable?
It depends on the material. Very thin rubber pairs can tear where the toe post meets the sole. Look for a thicker EVA sole and well-anchored straps if you plan to use them every day.
Can you wear foldable sandals in the shower?
Yes, as long as they're made from a waterproof material like EVA. Rinse them afterwards and let them air-dry in a mesh bag.
Will foldable sandals fit in a carry-on?
Easily. They fold flat and can slide into a side pocket, which leaves room for everything else. Here's our full ultralight carry-on packing list.
Pack lighter without going barefoot. Shop Jimmies foldable sandals, with free shipping and 90-day returns.